Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1
Annexes
ANNEX 6 Assessment of Nutrient Emissions
and Loads Discharged into the
Black Sea
Annex 6: Assesment of Nutrient Emmissions and Loads Discharged to the Black Sea
1
Assessment of Nutrient Emissions and Loads
Discharged into the Black Sea
1. Introduction
The Danube River Protection Convention, created in the framework of the ECE-Convention for the
protection of trans-boundary waters (Helsinki Convention 1992), became with its entry into force on 22
October 1998 the overall legal instrument for co-operation and trans-boundary water management in the
Danube River Basin. The overall objective of the DRPC is to achieve and maintain the sustainable
development and use of water resources in the Danube River Basin. The Contracting Parties are
recommended to aim at an intensified regional co-operation, a due balance between ecology and economy,
an integrated implementation as well as goal-oriented policies and strategies, executive structures and tools.
In order to achieve substantial progress in the protection and sustainable use of the water resources, the
following overall strategic goals and targets are defined:
! to maintain and improve the status of water resources as to quality and quantity;
! to prevent, reduce and control water pollution, including accidental pollution, in particular where
hazardous substances and nutrients are involved;
! to improve the aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity;
! to contribute to the protection of the Black Sea from land-based pollution.
National and regional policies are based on common principles related to the protection and use of natural
resources, in particular on the Precautionary and the Polluter Pays Principles, the best available technology
(BAT) and the best environmental practice (BEP). The same applies to the Convention. Most of the
Contracting Parties have developed a water management policy as part of their national policy. Sector
policies for reducing point sources of pollution are mostly in place whereas specific policies for reducing
diffuse sources of pollution are partly under development; policies regarding wetland rehabilitation are
emerging.
The protection of the Black Sea and its ecosystems from land-based pollution constitutes a multifaceted
regional framework objective. Its realisation depends to a considerable degree on the implementation of
relevant objectives and policies in the Danube River Basin, in particular regarding eutrophication caused by
nutrient discharges. Hence, the Commissions responsible for the protection of the Danube River (ICPDR)
and the protection of the Black Sea (ICPBS) jointly declare their policies and willingness to co-operate for
achieving common strategic goals as specified in a "Memorandum of Understanding" which shall be
adopted in the year 2000. These goals particularly address assessment and urgent control measures regarding
nutrients and hazardous substances. A defined ecological status is intended to be maintained and in the long
term recovered through ensuring appropriate practices and measures.
In the frame of the Danube Environmental Programme, the UNDP through the Global Environment Facility
and the EU through its Phare and Tacis programs, have since 1992 provided international assistance to
develop appropriate mechanisms and planning tools for the implementation of the Danube River Protection
Convention. In the particular context of the Pollution Reduction Programme, the causes and the effects of
water pollution have been analysed and policy guidelines, strategies, and projects for pollution reduction
and water management have been developed. The project considers root causes for "Inadequate
Management of Water Resources", referring primarily to the middle and lower Danube countries, taking into
account problems related to socio-political transition, reforms and general economic recession; war and
displacement of population; absence of national strategies for water management and inefficient
environmental management, enforcement and compliance.
Concerning direct causes, important sources of pollution or priority "hot spots" have been identified for the
municipal, industrial and agricultural sectors. 51 "Significant Impact Areas" have been identified in the
Danube River Basin, which are in particular affected by industrial pollution, COD and toxic materials as
well as by excessive nutrient loads. Special consideration was also given to the nutrient transports to the
Black Sea, indicating a total of 552 kilotons of Nitrate and 48,9 kilotons of Phosphorus annually reaching
the Black Sea.
2
Danube Regional Project / Project Brief
In the frame of the "Five Year Nutrient Reduction Programme", elaborated under the PDF-B activities, over
240 projects have been developed, responding generally to "hot spots" or point sources of emission,
representing national priorities and taking equally into account the obligation to mitigate trans-boundary
effects. Particular attention was given to the identification of sites for wetland restoration, which play an
important role not only as natural habitats, but also as nutrient sinks.
The total investment required to respond to the priority projects is estimated to be about 4.4 billion US$,
covering the following sectors:
! Municipal waste water collection and treatment plants
! Industrial waste water treatment
! Agricultural projects and land use
! Rehabilitation of wetlands
The expected results of the implementation of the Five Year Nutrient Reduction Plan show a considerable
decrease of pollution in terms of COD/BOD, respectively in terms of N and P. The implementation of the
proposed priority projects in the municipal, industrial and agricultural sectors will lead to an annual
reduction of about 118,576 tons of N and 16,156 tons of P. The latter has a direct influence on the Black
Sea and will contribute to achieving common Danube and Black Sea goals to restore marine ecosystems in
the north-western shelf.
2. The Danube Water Quality Model
The Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM) was developed in the frame of the Danube Pollution Reduction
Programme to simulate the actual in-stream nutrient load. Simulations have been conducted to support the
Trans-boundary Analysis as well as to support the definition of priority measures of the Pollution Reduction
Programme demonstrating nutrient reduction through the implementation of the projects and policy
measures. Details about the work can be found in the related report (GEF, 1999).
2.1 System description
The Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM) describes the fate of the nutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorus
(P) in the Danube catchment. These nutrients are discharged in the aquatic environment due to human
activities and natural processes. The model contains a schematisation of the Danube River and its main
tributaries, derived from (Vituki, 1996) and the National Reviews (GEF, 1998), called "the network" as
presented in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: The river network of the DWQM.
Annex 6: Assesment of Nutrient Emmissions and Loads Discharged to the Black Sea
3
With the DWQM's objectives in mind, the catchment has been subdivided over the 13 principal Danube
countries. Studies
250 M990604g
water 10003 m3/a
conducted to assess
nutrient loads in
different river
Germany
Austria
Czech_Re
Slovakia
200
8.6
(4.3%)
Hungary
Slovenia
Croatia
Yugoslav
1.5
(0.7%)
basins have show
Bosnia_H
Bulgaria
Romania
Moldova
Ukraine
35.6
(17.6%)
the narrow context
between water
7.5
(3.7%)
150
17.8
(8.8%)
discharges/weather
conditions and
23.0
(11.3%)
nutrient loads. For
100
13.0
(6.4%)
6.3
(3.1%)
that reason it was
8.8
(4.3%)
3.9
(1.9%)
important to assess
2.5
(1.2%)
and to show the
44.8
(22.1%)
50
mean shares of the
Danube countries to
29.5
(14.5%)
the mean water
0
total 202.8 (100%)
U
flow of Danube as
u
r
c
e
/
Y
R
so
b
o
r
d
e
r
b
o
r
d
e
r
C
b
o
r
d
e
r
b
o
r
d
e
r
b
o
r
d
e
r
A
-
H
O
O
D-
K
Ho
-
R
-
B
G
-
R
YU
YU
BG
the largest
Inn
/
A
-
S
v
a
ra
Drava
Delta
Mo
Iron Gate
690 m3/s
2310 m3/s Tisa
5520 m3/s
6550 m3/s
contributor of
2860 m3/s Sava
freshwater to the
3550 m3/s
Black Sea.
Cumulative discharges for the Danube River in m3/s
Fig. 2: Longitudinal profile of the annual water volume in the Danube
in 10003 m3/a, by countries of origin.
2.2 Conceptual model
The conceptual model of the DWQM is shown in Fig. 3. The emissions are split into two parts: the
emissions directly to the river network and the retained emissions, which refer to any process effectively
removing nutrients from the catchment1. Seasonal cycles of uptake and release are not considered retention.
Relevant retention processes of nitrogen
Danube river and
therefore include: (a) denitrification in the
Danube catchment
main tributaries
ground water and the surface water, (b) long-
term accumulation of nitrogen in the ground
Human activities
emissions directly
water.
(+natural processes)
to the river
Retention processes of phosphorus include net
effective emissions
storage in the sediments of lakes, flood plains
remaining emissions
to the river
and wetlands. The part of the remaining
emissions not retained in the catchment reaches
the network as effective emissions to the river.
Retention in
Retention in the river
the catchment
The final result is the in-stream transport of
nutrients which is equal to the trans-boundary
In-stream (trans-bound.)
nutrient loads at the borders between the
transport of pollution
Danube countries.
Fig. 3: Systems diagram
2.3 Implementation
The total emissions have been computed for all the Danube countries based on the "materials accounting
method" (University of Vienna ea., 1997). The emissions estimates were originally made for the years
1 The subject of retention of nutrients in the aquatic cycles of river catchments has been described in detail by many
authors, e.g. Tonderski (1997), de Wit (1999).
4
Danube Regional Project / Project Brief
1988/1989 and 1992, but were later updated (University of Vienna, 1999) to 1994-1997 based on data
collected in the National Reviews (GEF, 1998), see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
Large individual point sources of N and P discharging directly to the river network were identified based on
the EMIS inventory (Mehlhorn, 1998) and the National Reviews (GEF, 1998). The remaining emissions
(Fig. 3) were computed by subtracting these emissions directly to the river from the total emissions
discussed above.
N Emissions
Other
P Emissions
20%
Other
Population
Population
6%
27%
39%
Industry
5%
Agriculture
Agriculture
Industry
48%
47%
8%
Fig. 4: Subdivision of N emissions.
Fig. 5: Subdivision of P emissions.
The retention in the catchment is represented by an empirically derived "immission/emission-ratio". High
(95% probability) and low (5% probability) estimates for these factors for N and P, as a function of the area
specific run-off, were derived from Behrendt ea. (1999). The values for N range from 5-36% (low runoff) to
59-88% (high runoff), while the values for P range from 5-36% (low) to 72-100% (high).
Based on an analysis of the available data, two processes were identified as having the potential to cause a
non-negligible retention in the river: denitrification (N) and net sedimentation in the backwater area of the
Iron Gates dams on the Yugoslavian-Romanian border (P).
3. Results
3.1 The Trans-boundary Analysis
The Danube Water Quality model has been used to support the Trans-Boundary Analysis (TBA). To this
end, a computation was carried out for a situation somewhere between the high and low estimates.
nitrogen (kt/a)
600
The precise
definition of the
28 (5.1%)
computation was
8 (1.5%)
500
GERMANY
AUSTRIA
CZECH_RE
SLOVAKIA
made by matching
HUNGARY
SLOVENIA
CROATIA
YUGOSLAV
121 (22%)
in-stream loads with
BOSNIA_H
BULGARIA
ROMANIA
MOLDOVA
the best available
400
UKRAINE
23 (4.1%)
load data derived
36 (6.5%)
from observed
300
72 (13.1%)
nutrient
23 (4.1%)
concentrations and
20 (3.5%)
water discharges.
200
31 (5.6%)
30 (5.4%)
The overall
15 (2.8%)
computation was
77 (13.9%)
100
split into 13
different segments:
68 (12.3%)
each one of them
0
n
s
c
e
e
r
U
In
e
r
e
r
der
d
v
a
/Y
a
v
a
s
a
d
d
der
with the emissions
R
Ti
Sa
a
te
t
f
l
o
w
s
our
bor
bor
Dr
C
bor
bor
bor
ou
-
A
-
H
O
o
n
G
G
O
D
K
to
H
-
R
Ir
-
B
-
R
-
S
U
U
G
total
551 (100%)
from one individual
Y
Y
B
v
a
/
A
F
o
r
a
country. The results
M
ig. 6: In-stream loads of Nitrogen
of the 13
computations were
Annex 6: Assesment of Nutrient Emmissions and Loads Discharged to the Black Sea
5
superimposed to obtain the overall result. Because all equations in the DWQM were strictly linear, this was
a mathematically valid procedure.
The results are presented in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Both figures present the nutrient loads (vertical axis) as a
function of the distance along the river (horizontal axis).
Fig. 6 shows the gradual increase of the in-stream nitrogen load from the source of the Danube up to the
middle Danube area, where it increases very rapidly due to the inflows of the Drava, Tisza and Sava
tributaries. The gradual increase continues up to the outflow.
The country contributions show a gradual or jump-wise build-up, similar to the build-up of their catchment
and flow contributions (see Fig 2). Downstream, the country nitrogen load contributions decrease gradually.
This is the result of in-stream denitrification.
Fig. 7 shows a
phosphorus (kt/a
50
similar picture for
4.0 (8.1%)
45
phosphorus. In
1.4 (2.9%)
GERMANY AUSTRIA
CZECH_RE SLOVAKIA
this case,
40
HUNGARY SLOVENIA
CROATIA
YUGOSLAV
however, the in-
12.7 (26.0%)
stream removal is
BOSNIA_H
BULGARIA
ROMANIA
MOLDOVA
35
not distributed
UKRAINE
over the whole
30
4.0 (8.1%)
river as with
2.2 (4.6%)
nitrogen.
25
Phosphorus is
7.0 (14.4%)
20
only removed
2.2 (4.5%)
from the river in
15
1.3 (2.7%)
the Iron Gates
3.8 (7.7%)
lakes area,
10
1.7 (3.5%)
1.1 (2.2%)
downstream of the
3.8 (7.7%)
5
inflows of the
Drava, Tisza and
3.7 (7.6%)
0
Sava tributaries.
n
e
r
U
s
r
w
r
ce
In
er
v
a
s
a
v
a
e
e
r
u
r
d
rd
/
Y
a
o
Ti
Sa
r
d
er
a
te
o
rd
rd
o
t
f
l
o
so
bo
b
Dr
CR
bo
n
G
b
b
ou
Therefore, the in-
-
A
-
H
o
O
o
G
O
D
K
Ir
H t
-
R
-B
-R
-
S
U
U
G
Y
Y
B
total
48.9 (100%)
stream load sharp-
v
a
/
A
ra
o
M
ly decreases just
downstream of the
Fig. 7: In-stream loads of Phosphorus.
strong increase at
the locations of
these tributaries.
3.2 The Five Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
Taking into account the implementation of all projects of the Five Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
(5YNRAP) and other pollution reduction measures in the Danube River Basin countries, the expected
pollution reduction in
Expected Nitrogen Reduction per Country and Sector from Point
terms of N is presented
Sources and Diffuse Sources
per country and sector in
25,000
Wetlands
Fig 8 and summarised for
Agriculture
N and P per sector in
20,000
Fig. 9.
Industry
r
Municipalities
a 15,000
e
/y
Fig. 8: Expected
ns 10,000
t
o
pollution reduction of N
from proposed and
5,000
ongoing national projects
and policy measures per
0
country and per sector.
D
A
O
H
CZ
SK
HU
YU
BG
SL
HR
BI
RO
MD
UA
6
Danube Regional Project / Project Brief
The presentation shows the particular importance of N and P reduction through municipal waste water
treatment facilities and through the restoration or rehabilitation of wetlands functioning as nutrient sinks.
Concerning the com-
Expected Nitrogen and Phosphorus Reduction by Sectors from Point
paratively high
Sources and Diffuse Sources
reduction from the
agricultural sector, it
80,000
should be noted, that
70,000
agricultural projects
60,000
P
refer mainly to point
r
a
50,000
N
sources of pollution
e
(animal farms). The
/ y
40,000
ns
30,000
largest share of the
t
o
nutrient pollution in the
20,000
agricultural sector,
10,000
which is caused by
0
Municipalities
Industry
Agriculture
Wetlands
diffuse emissions from
fertiliser application,
will be reduced through
Fig. 9: Expected pollution reduction of N and P from proposed and ongoing
a change of agricultural
national projects, summarised per sector
practices and new
Phosphorus Reduction
policy instruments,
which will be developed
60,000
during the new GEF
W etl
ands
Regional Project.
50,000
A gri
cul
ture
I
ndustry
The positive impacts on
40,000
M uni
ci
pal
i
ti
es
Rem ai
ni
ng Pol
l
uti
on
the Black Sea
concerning the
year
30,000
reduction of nitrogen
t
ons/
and phosphorus load are
20,000
indicated in Fig 10 and
Fig. 11.
10,000
Altogether the reduction
0
of nutrient load
D
A
O
H
CZ
SK
HU
HR
discharged into the
BI
YU
BG
RO
MD
UA
SL
Black Sea is expected to
Fig. 11: Schematic in-stream phosphorus load profile for the Danube
reach the amount of
countries, before and after implementation of the 5YNRAP, with the
119,000 t/y (22%) for
additional effect of the restoration of wetlands.
nitrogen and 16,000 t/y
(33%) for phosphorus
Nitrogen Reduction
after the
600,000
implementation of the
W etl
ands
proposed projects for
500,000
A gri
cul
ture
municipal, industrial,
I
ndustry
agricultural waste water
400,000
M uni
ci
pal
i
ti
es
Rem ai
ni
ng Pol
l
uti
on
treatment plants,
wetland restoration and
year
300,000
reduction from
t
ons/
agricultural non-point
200,000
sources of pollution
through the application
100,000
of EU Nitrate Directive
and consequent change
0
D
A
O
H
of agricultural
CZ
SK
HU
HR
BI
YU
BG
RO
MD
UA
SL
practices.
Fig. 10: Schematic in-stream nitrogen load profile for the Danube countries,
before and after implementation of the 5YNRAP, with the additional effect
of the restoration of wetlands.
Annex 6: Assesment of Nutrient Emmissions and Loads Discharged to the Black Sea
7
Implementation of the program will reduce the nutrient loads to the Black Sea below the 1997 level and will
thus be in compliance with the strategic goals of the Memorandum of Understanding between the ICPDR
and ICPBS.
The highest concentration of hot spots is in the middle but also in the lower part of the Danube River Basin.
As the DWQM results show that P reduction in respect to the Black Sea might be more effective closer to
the Black Sea, whereas N reduction does not appear to be so distance related, emphasis should be given to
projects in the middle and lower Danube to reduce loads to the Black Sea. These considerations should be
balanced with the responsibility of all countries that contribute nutrients to the Danube to take action
(Polluter Pays Principle).
The analysis of the effects of emission reductions per sector (see Fig. 10 and 11) shows clearly the
importance of actions to be undertaken in the central and downstream countries of the Danube River Basin.
Projects developed for the urban sector (population) are leading to a considerable decrease of nutrient
emissions in particular phosphorus, which reflects the result of important investments in this sector. The
industrial sector seems insignificant in terms of nutrient emissions, but could have a devastating effect if in
downstream countries old industries with outdated technologies would be put back into operation. The
agricultural sector accounts for the highest contribution of the nutrient load and proposed measures will in
fact show more important results after 2005, when all policy measures for nutrient reduction have been
implemented.
In the downstream countries, the reduction of nutrients is merely due to the rehabilitation of wetlands then
to the reduction of use of fertilisers and pesticides. The most attention should therefore be paid to policy
reforms and changes of agricultural practices, which is the main focus of the present GEF Regional Project.
Annex 6: Assesment of Nutrient Emmissions and Loads Discharged to the Black Sea
9
Annex: Estimation of Nutrient Load and Expected Reduction
Country
Total Emissions
Five Year Nutrient Reduction Plan
Total Expected Load Reduction
Remaining Pollution
(DWQM)
Municipalities
Industry
Agriculture*
Wetlands**
N (t/y)
P (t/y)
N (t/y)
P (t/y)
N (t/y)
P (t/y)
N (t/y)
P (t/y)
N (t/y)
P (t/y)
N (t/y)
N(%)
P (t/y)
P(%)
N (t/y)
P (t/y)
Germany
68,000
3,700
3,620
13
260
40
6,800
111
211
21
10,891
16
185
5
57,109
3,515
Austria
77,000
3,800
3,950
404
0
0
7,700
114
11,650
15
518
14
65,350
3,282
Czech Republic
15,000
1,100
1,010
58
61
1
1,520
36
0
0
2,591
17
95
9
12,409
1,005
Slovakia
30,000
1,700
2,001
125
348
0
4,500
170
225
23
7,074
24
318
19
22,926
1,382
Hungary
31,000
3,800
3,455
1,153
420
6
7,250
720
233
23
11,358
37
1,902
50
19,642
1,898
Slovenia
20,000
1,300
5,053
786
0
0
3,180
158
0
0
8,233
41
944
73
11,767
356
Croatia
23,000
2,200
1,509
239
0
0
3,450
220
0
0
4,959
22
459
21
18,041
1,741
Bosnia -Herzegovina
36,000
2,200
3,005
450
125
53
5,170
570
0
0
8,300
23
1,073
49
27,700
1,127
Yugoslavia***
72,000
7,000
2,486
700
1,347
3,571
7,840
942
2,320
350
13,993
19
5,563
79
58,007
1,437
Bulgaria
23,000
4,000
2,308
562
0
0
2,300
400
375
37
4,983
22
999
25
18,017
3,001
Romania
121,000
12,700
3,644
823
688
3
13,474
1,420
6,154
615
23,960
20
2,861
23
97,040
9,839
Moldova***
8,000
1,400
784
119
167
36
747
95
5,600
725
7,298
91
975
70
702
425
Ukraine
28,000
4,000
486
65
0
0
2,800
200
0
0
3,286
12
265
7
24,714
3,735
Total
552,000
48,900
33,311
5,497
3,416
3,710
66,731
5,156
15,118
1,794 118,576
21
16,157
33
433,424
32,743
* Agriculture = agricultural industries and diffuse sources
** Wetlands = in-stream reduction
*** Data adjusted: YU - Municipalities; MD - Wetlands
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1
Annexes
ANNEX 7 Thematic Maps
Annex 7.1
Distribution of Hot Spots in the Danube
Sub-river Basins
Annex 7.2
Major Hydraulic Structures and
Descriptions in the Danube Basin
Distribution of Hot Spots in the Danube Sub-river Basins
Based on Natio nal Pla nnin g W ork s hop Rep orts 19 98, Upd ates Ma rch 1999
UA
P L
#
S #
S5
#
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$
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$
T 2
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S1 #S15
#
S
6
1
#
S
#
Y#
S 1 3#
S
$
T
%
U
1 7
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1 6
#
S
#
S7
#
S
D
$
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%
U4 %U1#
S3
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%
U3
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CZ
%
U2#S4
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#
S2
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1 7
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MD
#
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1 $
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#
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21
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Y
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1
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5
18 #
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$
T19
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%
U 3
#
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#
S1
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18
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%
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50
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50
100 Kilomete rs
Produced by ZINKE ENVIRONMENT CONSULTING
for Central and Eastern Europe, Vienna, 1999
Scale: 1: 4 500 000
(Cartography by U.SCHWARZ)
Major Hydraulic Structures and Description of Rivers in the Danube Basin
Based on Information from National Level and Additional Research 1999
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N
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Produced by ZINKE ENVIRONMENT CONSULTING
for Central and Eastern Europe, Vienna, 1999
Scale: 1: 4 500 000
(Cartography by U.SCHWARZ)
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1
Annexes
ANNEX 8 Summary Reports on National
Contributions in Support of the
Project Brief
Annex 8.1
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial
Co-ordination Mechanisms Relating to
Pollution Control and Nutrient
Reduction
Annex 8.2
Existing and Planned Policies and
Legislation Relating to Pollution Control
and Nutrient Reduction
Annex 8.3
Five Year Nutrient Reduction
Action Plan
Annex 8.4
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in
Project Implementation and Awareness
Raising
Annex 8.5
Development of Process, Stress
Reduction and Environmental Status
Indicators to Monitor Nutrients
Reduction and its Effects in the Danube
River Basin and the Black Sea
STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NUTRIENT
REDUCTION MEASURES AND TRANSBOUNDARY
COOPERATION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
EXISTING AND PLANNED INTER-MINISTERIAL
CO-ORDINATION MECHANISMS RELATING TO
POLLUTION CONTROL AND NUTRIENT
REDUCTION
SUMMARY REPORT IN SUPPORT OF THE PROJECT BRIEF
AUGUST 2000
International Commission for
the Protection of the Danube River
UNDP/GEF Assistance
Summary Report
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
1
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................5
2
ASSESSMENT OF RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS ........................................................6
2.1
Analysis of the existing national inter-ministerial mechanisms for
nutrient control and reduction ................................................................................................6
2.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms...........................................................................7
2.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms.............................7
2.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms...................................................................8
2.5
Inter-ministerial Mechanisms for Nutrient Reduction in the Danube
River Basin ................................................................................................................................9
ANNEX
COUNTRY REPORTS
1
GERMANY .............................................................................................................................19
2
AUSTRIA.................................................................................................................................22
3
CZECH REPUBLIC...............................................................................................................23
4
SLOVAKIA .............................................................................................................................26
5
HUNGARY..............................................................................................................................28
6
SLOVENIA..............................................................................................................................30
7
CROATIA................................................................................................................................32
8
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA.................................................................................................34
9
YUGOSLAVIA .......................................................................................................................37
10
BULGARIA .............................................................................................................................39
11
ROMANIA...............................................................................................................................42
12
MOLDOVA .............................................................................................................................44
13
UKRAINE................................................................................................................................46
4
Summary Report
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AHEG
Ad-Hoc Expert Group
BD
Bucharest Declaration
BOD5
Biochemical Oxygen Demand in 5 days
COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand
CPC
Country Program Co-ordinator
DRB
Danube River Basin
DRBPRP
Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme
DWQM
Danube Water-Quality Model
EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment
EMIS/EG
Emission Expert Group
EPA
Environmental Protection Act
EPDRB Environmental Programme for Danube River Basin
EU
European Union
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GNP
Gross National Product
HS
Hot Spot
ICPDR
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
IPPC
Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control
ISPA
Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-Accession
IWWTP
Industrial Waste-Water Treatment Plants
LAWA
Joint Austrian water commission of the states
MAFF
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food
MTCWM
Ministry of Transport, Communication and Water Management
MESP
Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning
MH
Ministry of Health
MIT
Ministry of Industry and Trade
N
Nitrogen (all forms)
N/A
Not Available (i.e. missing data)
NEAP
National Environmental Action Programme
NEPP
National Environmental Protection Program
NFP
National Focal Point
NGO
Non-Governmental Organisation
NRL
National Reference Laboratory
P
Phosphorus (all forms)
PCU
Program Co-ordination Unit (in Vienna)
PE
Population Equivalent = load of one person into waste water
PHARE
European Union Programme for Development
PPP
Polluter Pays Principle
RBM
River Basin Management
SIA
Significant Impact Areas
SWWTP
Small Waste-Water Treatment Plants
TAIEX
European Union programme for technical assistance
TOR
Terms of Reference
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UWWTD
Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
WFD
Water Framework Directive
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
5
1
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this Summary Report is to provide an overview and assessment of the existing and planned
inter-ministerial mechanisms related to pollution abatement with particular attention to nutrient control and
reduction in the Danube River Basin countries.
The Summary Report is an integral component for the preparation of the GEF/UNDP funded project entitled
"Strengthening Implementation of Nutrient Reduction Measures and Transboundary Co-operation in the
Danube River Basin". The basic task of this preparatory work is to prepare a qualified material basis for the
elaboration of a complete Danube Regional Project for submission to the GEF Council.
The GEF/UNDP funded project aims to promote (i) a basin wide approach to the development of national
policies and legal instruments to improve water quality, (ii) integration of nutrient control and reduction
measures into environmental policies, (iii) institutional strengthening and capacity building to assure
compliance and enforcement, and (iv) awareness raising for active involvement in transboundary pollution
control and environmental protection.
The underlying problem causing unsustainable water use practices leading to an increased nutrient content in
the Danube River is that nutrient control and reduction measures are often not determined and implemented
as part of water resources management policies or environmental protection strategies. For some countries,
such as the Czech Republic, nutrient control and reduction measures are part of the water and environmental
protection strategy.
This Summary Reports represents an assessment for all DRB countries, respectively particular categories of
DRB countries and the country presentation on existing and planned inter-ministerial structures relating to
nutrient control and reduction, based on reports from national consultants for each of the DRB countries. The
contributions delivered by the consultants differ in terms of depth, completeness and totality of the
presentations.
The structure of the Country Report follows the structure of the "national reports", and provides both
particular information and data for each of the DRB countries. Country-specific information is structured as
follows:
(1) Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with responsibilities for nutrient control
and reduction
! Organization, duties, responsibilities, rules of procedure and results
! Co-operation between governments and local communities/ non-governmental organizations in
relation to nutrient reduction concerns
! Description of main problems
(2) Guidelines for the improvement/creation of national inter-ministerial nutrient control and reduction
mechanisms
! Recommendations for improvement of the existing national inter-ministerial mechanisms to
respond to nutrient reduction concerns
! Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
(3) Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
! Legal and institutional barriers
! Financial barriers
(4) Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
! Institutional and legal framework
! Schedule for implementation
(5) Main country-specific features and conclusions
6
Summary Report
2
ASSESSMENT OF RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
2.1
Analysis of the existing national inter-ministerial mechanisms for
nutrient control and reduction
Not all Danube countries place sufficient emphasis on cooperation between environmental and agricultural
authorities or industrial enterprises, farmers and local communities as a substitute for the traditional systems
based on fragmented decision making process. For most of the countries, especially for those in transition,
the idea of a national inter-ministerial mechanism for pollution control and nutrient reduction does not
represent a priority. However, the governments are aware of the potential such a mechanism carries in terms
of reducing nutrients in the Danube River Basin and the
Black Sea. The diversity of views and proposals and the
The Danube countries identified
biases built into modern EU Directives concepts create a
agricultural diffuse sources as the
precondition encouraging the countries to create a new
most damaging and widespread
inter-ministerial mechanism or improve the existing
threat to the environment.
structures by charging them with nutrient reduction and
pollution control responsibilities.
There is a substantial need in the Danube River Basin countries for the creation of nutrient reduction and
pollution control mechanisms. Among the accession countries in particular, there is a large potential and
willingness to implement nutrient reduction measures.
Based on the findings of the national
Existence of Inter-ministerial Mechanisms for
contributions, the countries can be divided
Nutrient Reduction
into three groups. The first group includes
EU member countries such as Germany and
Austria, whose existing national inter-
CZ / SK / HR / SLO / BiH / MD / UA
ministerial and ministerial structures allow
an effective performance of nutrient
BG / RO / D
reduction and control tasks. The second
group includes countries where specific
mechanisms for nutrient reduction do not
exist. However, there are several relevant
H / YU / A
national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
Inter-ministerial Mechanisms (IMM)
responsibilities for water pollution abatement
no IMM
IMM / no specific concern for nutrient reduction
and environmental protection. Most of these
IMM / specific concern for nutrient reduction
structures also deal with diffuse pollution,
implementing pollution reduction measures
or approving new investments in the water
sector. This group comprises the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria. Finally, in the rest of the Danube
countries, nutrient reduction and pollution control is not high on the policy makers' agenda.
The existing national inter-ministerial and
ministerial mechanisms include central
Composition of the Existing
environmental authorities, water companies,
Inter-ministerial Mechanisms
agricultural, forestry, industry, finance and
health authorities.
D
A
CZ SK
H SLO HR BiH YU BG RO MD UA
central
environm.
x
x
authorities
environment
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
water
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
agriculture
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
forestry
x
x
x
x
x
industry
x
x
x
x
x
finance
x
x
health
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
7
2.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
Proposals for the improvement or creation of inter-ministerial mechanisms capable to respond to nutrient
reduction concerns have been developed by all countries.
These proposals refer to both legal and
institutional frameworks and include: (i) the
Proposed Improvement of
implementation of nutrient-related
Inter-ministerial Mechanisms
legislation based on EU Directives and
ratified International Conventions, (ii) the
D
A
CZ SK
H SLO HR BiH YU BG RO MD UA
development of instruments for diffuse
legislative
pollution characterization and control, (iii)
improvement of
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
existing IMM
the creation of rules for good farming
institutional
practices and good practices in drinking
improvement of
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
water protection zones, and (iv) the
existing IMM
application of an integrated approach to the
creation of new
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
legislation
management of water resources on the river
basin level.
creation of new
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
institutions
The Danube countries believe that
cooperation between governments and local
communities/ non-governmental
organizations with respect to nutrient reduction issues is very important. Nutrient reduction is directly or
indirectly included in the duties and responsibilities of several ministries, local authorities, farmers, new
owners of industrial plants, environmental NGOs and researchers.
Very good examples for cooperation between the
The majority of DRB countries have
governments, the inter-ministerial mechanisms and the local
proposed the creation of national
communities and NGOs are shown by the majority of the
pollution control and nutrient
countries through the establishment of the river basin
reduction mechanisms.
authorities.
However, there are limitations to the identified mechanisms
of the middle and lower Danube countries, including:
restricted financial resources, inadequate legal and institutional frameworks, and low priority placed on
nutrient reduction compared to other water quality or environment-related problems.
2.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
There are several legal and institutional
barriers to the creation of national inter-
Problems of the Existing
ministerial mechanisms dealing with nutrient
Inter-ministerial Mechanisms
reduction and pollution control.
D
A CZ SK H SLO HR BiH YU BG RO MD UA
fragmented water
These measures are mainly referring to the
management
x
x
x
x
x
(i) lack of adequate environmental
administration tasks
legislation and institutional frame, (ii)
low priority of nutrient
reduction at the
x
x
x
fragmentation of responsibilities among the
governmental level
water, environmental and agricultural
weak institutional
x
x
capabilities
authorities, and (iii) limited integration of
insufficient legal
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
environmental requirements into economic
framework
development policies. In addition, transition
insufficient database
x
countries are faced with financial barriers
limited funds
x
x
x
x
x
x
related to reduced financial resources.
8
Summary Report
2.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
The proposals - formulated mainly by the transition countries - for the improvement or creation of national
inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient reduction and pollution control are related to both legal and
institutional framework and cover:
(i) harmonization of the existing legislation with the EU
requirements, including the implementation of nutrient-
The majority of the Danube River
related legislation based on EU Directives and ratified
Basin countries do have the
international conventions and agreements,
potential and the willingness for the
creation of national pollution
(ii) the creation of rules for good agricultural practices, and
control and nutrient reduction
(iii) the introduction of an integrated water management
mechanisms.
approach on the river basin level, including the creation
of river basin committees.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
9
2.5
Inter- ministerial Mechanisms for Nutrient Reduction in the Danube River Basin
Existing inter-ministerial mechanisms
Proposed inter-ministerial mechanisms
Name
Composition
Tasks
Problems
Improvement of existing
Creation of new structures
structures
Legal
Institutional
Legal
Institutional
framework
framework
framework
framework
1. Germany (incl. Bavaria)
1) Co-ordination of legalisation
1. LAWA* and federal 1. Implementation of
on federal and state level
ministries
EU-directives, federal
regulations and acts; set
minimum requirements
for municipalities and
industries
2. Coordination groups for legal
2. State ministries
2. Bavarian water act,
1. Intensify the
1. Intensify the
regulations and planning
3. State ministries for
State development
use of the
use of the
3. Coordination groups for
environment and
program
existing
existing
environmental affairs
agriculture
3. Program ,,Stickstoff
mechanism
mechanism
4. Regional planning association
4. Relevant social groups
2000";
5. Working groups on
including municipalities
,,Gülleprogramm";
administrative level
5. State office for water
,,Kultur-
Landschaftsprogram"
6. Cooperation between federal
management,
,,Good farming practice"
and state administrations and
Geological survey,
scientific and technical
4. Regional plans (18
state offices for
associations
Regions)
agriculture
5. Regulations for
6. LAWA and ATV-
protected areas for
DVWK
drinking water, program
for water quality in rural
areas, projects for water
quality protection in
catchment areas of lakes
and reservoirs
6. Investigations and
reviews concerning
agricultural impacts on
water quality
10
Summary Report
Existing inter-ministerial mechanisms
Proposed inter-ministerial mechanisms
Name
Composition
Tasks
Problems
Improvement of existing
Creation of new structures
structures
Legal
Institutional
Legal
Institutional
framework
framework
framework
framework
2. Austria
1. The main competencies for
1. Central authority for
1. Policy setting and
1. By combining
1. Improvement
protection of waters are
water protection is the
implementation
the former
of co-operation
allocated to the Ministry of
Ministry of Agriculture,
2. Preparation of water
Ministry of
between central
Agriculture, Forestry,
Forestry, Environment
and environmental
Agriculture and
authorities
Environment and Water
and Water management.
legislation. Provision of
Forestry and the
Management.
2. Soil protection is
financial incentives for
former Ministry
2. Work based on inter-
competence of the
technical measures as
of the
ministerial co-operative
Länder.
well as for introduction
Environment
mechanism was done on a case
(Youth and
3. Implementation of
of environmental
by case basis:
Family) co-
related EU-legislation
friendly agricultural
operation and co-
e.g.: Former Elaboration of
lies within the federal
practices.
ordination has
Austria's National
level and Länderlevel
3. Water Quality and
further improved.
Environmental Plan (in
Quantity monitoring.
cooperation with different
4. Awareness raising
ministries, stakeholders and
NGO's)
e.g.: Former Elaboration of the
National Environmental Health
Action Plan within the frame of
UN-ECE Water and Health.
3. Czech Republic
1. Ad-hoc WG on various
Central and local
1. Water and
1. Division of
1. Finalization
1. Intensified
1. Approval of
1. Improved co-
subjects
authorities dealing with
environmental protection
main tasks in
of the new
research
new Water Act
operation
2. WGs on harmonisation of
environment, water and
2. Drafting new laws
water
Water Act
regarding EU
and of a set of
between
legislature
agriculture
management
Directive on
laws regarding
responsible
3. Harmonization with
between two
Nitrates
state
ministries in the
with EU
EU regulations
ministries
requirements
administration
form of WGs
3. No specific mechanism on
2. Lack of funds
2. EU Directive
on specific
nutrient reduction
on Nitrates
subjects
implementation
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
11
Existing inter-ministerial mechanisms
Proposed inter-ministerial mechanisms
Name
Composition
Tasks
Problems
Improvement of existing
Creation of new structures
structures
Legal
Institutional
Legal
Institutional
framework
framework
framework
framework
4. Slovakia
1. Inter-ministerial co-operation
Central authorities
1. Water quality and
1. Incomplete
1. Design EU
1. Create WG
during permitting process
dealing with
environmental protection
legislation
harmonized
on nutrient
2. No specific mechanism on
environment, soil
2. Designing legislation
2. Limited
legislation
reduction
nutrient reduction set up but
management, economy,
financial support
2. Introduce
2. Improve
with initial elements in place
finance
rules on the use
communication
of P-free
and exchange of
detergents
information
between sectors
5. Hungary
1. No specific mechanism
Central authorities for
1. Water and
1. Slow
1. Incorporate
1. Improve
1. Implement
1. Create bodies
2. Co-operation between
environment, agriculture,
environmental
development
more explicitly
operation of
WFD
requested by
specific bodies: Inter-ministerial
regional development,
protection, according to
process
National
WFD and with
nutrient
2. Implement
Committee on Central
health, transport, water
the National
Environmental
the nutrient
reduction
Nitrate
Environmental Fund, chaired by
In the intersectoral
Environmental
Council
handling body
concerns into
Directive
MoE, Inter-ministerial
bodies, NGOs and the
Protection Programme,
as advised by
the existing
2. Establish
Committee on Water
commercial sector are
including nutrient
3. Implement
EU
legislation
institutional
Management Fund chaired by
represented
reduction
mechanism for
Urban Waste
2. Set up
MTWM, Inter-ministerial
the
Water Directive
National Water
Steering Committee for the
implementation
4. Implement
Framework
Implementation of WFD chaired
of WFD
Sewage Sludge
Committee
by MTWM, WG for the
Directive
3. Create
implementation of NEPP
National River
3. National Environmental
Basin Planning
Council
Committee
4. Bodies of the ongoing
government programmes
12
Summary Report
Existing inter-ministerial mechanisms
Proposed inter-ministerial mechanisms
Name
Composition
Tasks
Problems
Improvement of existing
Creation of new structures
structures
Legal
Institutional
Legal
Institutional
framework
framework
framework
framework
6. Slovenia
1. Inter-ministerial ad-hoc
Central authorities
Water and environmental
1. Absence of
1. Set up
1. Improve local
1. Implement
1. Develop
groups responsible for
dealing with
protection and public
adequate
government
level Agenda 21
Water
regional level
environment and physical
environment and
health
legal framework
body for
body for
Framework
authority for
planning, industry, agriculture,
physical planning,
sustainable
sustainable
Directive
integrated river
2. Lack of
public health, etc.
industry, agriculture
development
development
basin
financial support
management
3. Conflicts of
interest between
bodies
7. Croatia
1. National Water Council co-
State Water Directorate,
Water quality protection
1. Absence of
1. Improvement
1. Improvement
1. Creation of a
operating with other bodies
Croatian Waters, central
including nutrient
legal framework
of National
of National
special Co-
2. No specific mechanism on
authorities dealing with
reduction concerns
2. Low priority
Water Council
Water Council
ordination Body
nutrient reduction
environment, agriculture
for nutrient
3. Lack of time
and forestry, health,
reduction
public works, tourism
4. Lack of funds
and finance
8. Bosnia-Herzegovina
1. Environmental Steering
Central authorities
1. Environmental
1. Lack of
1. Ensure
1. Set up for
1. New legal
1. WG co-
Committee
dealing with
protection
adequate unified
implementa-tion
both countries a
framework
ordinated by the
2. Commission for Water
environment, physical
2. Water management
legal approach
of an integrated
common central
2. Create
Environmental
Management
planning, construction
between the
approach to the
authority
complete
Steering
bodies
management of
responsible for
database
Committee
2. Weak
water resources
environmental
3. Access to
institutional
2. Implement
and water issues
information
capabilities
EU Directive on
4. Develop
3. Insufficient
nitrates
pollution
database
register
4. Low priority
5. Limited funds
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
13
Existing inter-ministerial mechanisms
Proposed inter-ministerial mechanisms
Name
Composition
Tasks
Problems
Improvement of existing
Creation of new structures
structures
Legal
Institutional
Legal
Institutional
framework
framework
framework
framework
9. Yugoslavia
1. WG on various subjects
Federal and republican-
1. Water management
1. Absence of
1. Improve legal
1. Develop new
1. Create new
2. No specific mechanism on
level ministries dealing
and environmental
adequate legal
framework
rules imposing
inter-ministerial
nutrient reduction
with water, environment,
protection
framework for
tasks on nutrient
mechanism at
agriculture, health and
nutrient reduction
reduction
the
economy
governmental
level
for nutrient
reduction
10. Bulgaria
1. Inter-ministerial Expert
1-6. Central authorities
1. Environment and
1. Insufficient
1. Completion
1. Design new
1. New Inter-
Group for Implementation of
dealing with
water management on
staff
of the ongoing
strategy for
ministerial
NEHAP
environment,
national and regional
2. Lack of
process of
nutrient
Commission
2. National Environmental
agriculture, water,
levels
adequate
development of
reduction
2. Creation of a
Protection Fund
forest, health, public
2, 3. Approval of
legislation,
new EU-
2. Set up river
commission
works and regional
harmonised
3. Supreme Environmental
investments
including a
basin
with the
development
legislation for
Experts Council
4-6. Water quality, health nutrient reduction
management
Supreme
strategy
water,
plan
Consultative
4.WG on various subjects
and environmental
environment,
Water Council
5. National Commission for
protection
CAP and BAT.
3. Creation of
Sustainable Development
2. Ensure
River Basin
6. Advisory Council of MOEW
introduction of
Council
River basin
management
and
implementation
of integrated
environment
and water
management
14
Summary Report
Existing inter-ministerial mechanisms
Proposed inter-ministerial mechanisms
Name
Composition
Tasks
Problems
Improvement of existing
Creation of new structures
structures
Legal
Institutional
Legal
Institutional
framework
framework
framework
framework
11. Romania
1. Inter-ministerial committee
Central, basin-level and
1. Multipurpose water
1. Lack of logical
1. Implement
1. Develop
1. Create special
for environmental development
local authorities dealing
management approach,
framework
BEP and BAT
specific sectoral
WG for nutrient
2. Various structures (WG, Task
with water, environment,
integrated land and water
approach matrix
strategy for
reduction
Force) co-operating on
forestry, agriculture,
management plans,
for long/ short
sustainable
environmental and water issues
food, industry, trade,
environmental audit,
terms
agricultural
land planning, consumer
mechanisms for control
2. Unclear
practices
protection, health
of nutrient application
developed
2. Pollution abatement,
objectives
design of economic
instruments
12. Moldova
1. National Committee
Central and local
Water and environmental
1.Division of
1. Intensified
1. Strengthening
2. Inter-ministerial committees
authorities dealing with
protection
responsibilities
collaboration
institutions
environment, industry,
capabilities
3. No specific nutrient reduction
2. Too many
2. integration of
foreign affairs, civil
mechanism
organizations
environmental
defense, health, water
3. Lack of
concerns into
and forest companies,
collaboration at
sectoral policies
institutes for hydro-
the central level
meteo, geography
ecology, zoology
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
15
Existing inter-ministerial mechanisms
Proposed inter-ministerial mechanisms
Name
Composition
Tasks
Problems
Improvement of existing
Creation of new structures
structures
Legal
Institutional
Legal
Institutional
framework
framework
framework
framework
13. Ukraine
1. Inter-sectoral committees
Ministry of the
Water quality protection,
1. Lack of funds
1. Harmonize
1. Improve
1. Create
1. New inter-
with WGs on various subjects
Environment and Natural
environmental concerns
2. Conflict of
legislation with
institutional
regulatory
sectoral
2. Council for Environmental
Resources
interest between
EU
capacity for
framework for
committee with
Problems of Dnipro River Basin
bodies
pollution control decreasing the
WG on nutrient
and prevention
use of P-free
reduction
3. Insufficient co-
during land
detergents
ordination
2. New inter-
privatization
sectoral
between state
process
committee for
programs
2. Improve
the
institutional
implementation
capacities of
of State
river basins
Program for the
authorities
Protection and
Rehabilitation
of Azov and
Black Seas
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
17
ANNEX
COUNTRY REPORTS
1. GERMANY
2. AUSTRIA
3. CZECH REPUBLIC
4. SLOVAKIA
5. HUNGARY
6. SLOVENIA
7. CROATIA
8. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
9. YUGOSLAVIA
10. BULGARIA
11. ROMANIA
12. MOLDOVA
13. UKRAINE
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
19
1 GERMANY
1.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
In Germany, inter-ministerial cooperation takes place on both federal and state levels. First, on the federal
level, there is inter-ministerial coordination in the frame of legislative procedures, e.g. plant protection act,
nutrient-application regulation, implementation of EU-directives, development of minimum requirements for
point sources for municipalities as well as industrial branches. Second, coordination and cooperation
between the federal and the state levels exist for the establishment of legislative procedures through a joint
water commission of the states (LAWA). Third, at the state level (Bavaria), there are inter-ministerial
coordination groups for legal regulations and planning on state level, e.g. Bavarian water act and state
development program. Finally, there is bilateral cooperation in cases of inter-ministerial concern. Examples
of cooperation of the state ministries for environment and agriculture include "Stickstoff 2000", "Gülle
Programm", "Kultur-Landschafts-Programm" programmes involving the development of rules for good
farming practices.
In most of the states, nutrient control and reduction is under the responsibility of the ministries of the
environment and the ministries of agriculture. The implementation of the relevant legal regulations belongs
to the responsibilities of the state administrations. The nitrate directive and the requirements for drinking
water supply from groundwater are controlled by the agricultural as well as by the water administration.
Groundwater protection and in this context the role of agriculture as the main non-point source of pollution
are of major importance for the policy makers.
In Bavaria, on the state level, in all water plans prepared until now, the relevant topics concerning nutrients
and pesticides have been developed in cooperation with the agricultural administration. Further, inter-
ministerial activities on the administrative level include the development of recommendations for good
practices in drinking water protection zones.
There is cooperation between governments and local communities / non-governmental organizations in
relation to nutrient reduction concerns. In the preparation phase of all laws in general, the federal and state
ministries usually arrange hearings with relevant experts and, in particular, with the technical and scientific
associations (ATV-DVWK).
On the federal level, working groups are organized, with participants coming from state institutions as well
as from industries, universities and private consultant enterprises.
In Bavaria, forums for different environmental aspects are established, and one of them relates to
environment and agriculture. The participants come from different governmental, economic, social and
private institutions and organizations.
Agricultural associations are usually represented in the state development and regional planning councils.
Intensive negotiations take place between water supply companies and municipalities on the one side and
farmers in the catchment area of the groundwater abstraction locations on the other side, based on the
recommendations developed by the state administration.
Germany has suggested that cooperation between the water and the agricultural administration should be
intensified in the sense that the measures regarding farming practices and agricultural methodologies should
to a large extent be placed under the responsibility of the agricultural administrations and associations. The
first steps have already been taken and the necessary negotiations on the inter-ministerial level are have been
embarked on.
20
Summary Report
1.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvement of the existing national inter-ministerial mechanisms to
respond to nutrient reduction concerns.
For Germany, the development of nutrient control mechanisms should be based on (i) legal
regulations and mandatory objectives for ground and surface water quality, (ii) instruments of
execution which include emission standards, water quality standards for users and ecological
requirements and regulations or standards for a good and ecologically sustainable practice, and
(iii) enforcement through licensing, command and control measures, economic instruments or
action programs.
Therefore, Germany has proposed improvements of the legal instruments on diffuse sources,
which are less developed. On the emission side, regulations exist for fertilizers and their
application, which were originally not designed with a view to meeting the EU-Nitrate-
Directive. The execution of these regulations is difficult and requires strong cooperation
between water and agricultural administrations. Positive steps have already been taken through
the implementation of several programs initiated by the agricultural and environmental
administrations.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Additional mechanisms of inter-ministerial coordination might be necessary if the
responsibilities are spread over more than one ministry or distributed between the federal and
state administrations. Especially for the control of pollution from non-point sources, new and
efficient mechanisms have to be developed through joint efforts of the agricultural and water
administrations.
1.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
The main barrier to progress in nutrient control is set by the difficult economic situation in
agriculture. A profitable agricultural production implies application of intensive farming
methods with high rates of fertilizers, which contravene the environmental requirements.
(2) Financial barriers
The high cost of preparing arable land for a switch to extensive production methods or for
reduction of cattle density per ha could be considered as financial impediments. Since arable
land is private property, income reductions have to be compensated by incentives, such as
subsidies.
1.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
In Germany, both the existing institutional and legal frameworks allow the creation of new
inter-ministerial structures according to requirements mainly imposed by nutrient reduction
and control from diffuse sources of pollution. There is a specific concern that fully developed
methods, which have proved their efficiency in practical tests, may be implemented on small-
scale applications as well as to larger catchment areas.
(2) Schedule for implementation
Germany considers that a stepwise approach seems to be the only way of ensuring
development and application of regionally differentiated rules for best farming practice,
teaching and education of farmers and implementation of methods for minimization of
fertilizer input based on a regional balance. The whole process is expected to take five years.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
21
1.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
Germany is one of the few countries in the Danube River Basin where cooperation between the
environmental and agricultural authorities through inter-ministerial mechanism on nutrient reduction and
control issues is significant. One specific feature involves the existence of two levels of cooperation, the
federal and state levels. Other features of Germany are related to (1) intensified activities leading to the
development and implementation of rules for good farming practices and good practices in drinking water
protection zones, (2) the importance placed by the policy makers on groundwater protection issues and the
role of agriculture as the main non-point pollution source, and (3) active co-operation between governments
and local communities/non-governmental organizations regarding nutrient reduction concerns.
Like other Danube countries, Germany considers that there is a need to enhance cooperation between the
water and agricultural administrations. Positive steps are already taken through the implementation of several
programs initiated by the agricultural and environmental administrations.
Germany believes that additional mechanisms of inter-ministerial coordination might be necessary,
especially for the control of pollution from non-point sources through joint efforts of both agricultural and
water administrations.
22
Summary Report
2
AUSTRIA
2.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
In Austria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry formulates the agricultural and water protection
policies. Therefore, competencies and responsibilities for implementing nutrient control and reduction
measures belong to the same authority.
There were in the past examples of overall environmental policy formulation which also involved the
Ministry of the Environment.
With the changes the new Austrian government introduced in spring 2000, the former Ministries of
Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of the Environment (previously responsible for overall
environmental policy affairs) were merged and now constitute a single Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry,
Environment and Water Management.
2.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter/ministerial mechanisms to
respond to nutrient reduction concerns
Austria considers that the implementation of agricultural and water policies through the newly
created central authority is a way to assure that responsibilities related to nutrient reduction are
efficiently carried out.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Austria considers that an inter-ministerial mechanism for co-operation on nutrient reduction
measures is not necessary as long as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
efficiently performs the tasks related to pollution control and nutrient reduction concerns.
2.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
There are no institutional or legal barriers that might impede a clear functioning of the new
ministry as a mechanism able to perform pollution control and nutrient reduction tasks.
(2) Current financial barriers
Austria considers that also, there are no significant financial barriers.
2.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
No inter-ministerial mechanism is needed in the future as all environmental competencies,
including those related to nutrient reduction, have recently been assigned to a single ministry.
2.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
The most outstanding feature is related to the fact that Austria is the only one country in the Danube River
Basin that has one competent central authority that can function as an inter-ministerial mechanism on
nutrient reduction and control problems. Therefore, the country considers that an inter-ministerial
mechanism for co-operation on nutrient reduction measures is not necessary as long as the Federal Ministry
of Agriculture, Forestry, the Environment and Water Management efficiently performs, among its other
responsibilities, the tasks related to nutrient reduction and control concerns.
Significant efforts are being made by the policy makers to reduce and control nutrients from both types of
pollution sources, diffuse and point sources.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
23
3
CZECH REPUBLIC
3.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
The Czech Republic is actively preoccupied with the requirements related to the expected accession to the
European Union. Most of its environmental policy and legislation is geared towards preparing the Czech
Republic for membership in the European Union, which is the government's first priority.
In the Czech Republic, nutrient control and reduction concerns are an integral component of comprehensive
water resources management activities.
Two ministries share the main responsibilities for water and environmental protection in the Czech Republic:
Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Agriculture.
Ad-hoc working groups have been created to fulfill the tasks emerging especially from the need to develop
new laws and other regulations.
There is also a Working Committee for the Realization of the European Agreement, which co-ordinates the
activities of all central authorities to meet the targets related to the EU accession.
Based on the decision of the Working Committee, 23 working groups have been established. In some of
these groups, in co-operation with all interested ministries, water quality-related issues are addressed
together with some broader environmental problems.
The Czech Republic considers that a well-informed public is a powerful tool for implementing government
policy in environmental protection, with NGOs playing the main role. This legal tool allows the public to be
actively involved in the decision making process.
Although the Czech Republic, unlike most Danube countries, has reported good results in water protection
actions and in water management planning, nutrient removal in wastewater treatment plants was neglected in
the past. The new economic and political situation since 1990 has brought about new challenges, which are
supposed to be solved in the next few years, especially those related to the (i) completion of the legislative
arrangement and its approximation to EU regulations, (ii) need to change the public administration structure,
and (iii) clarification of duties and responsibilities in relation to water management problems.
3.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter-ministerial structures to
answer to the nutrient reduction concerns
The Czech Republic considers that the main frame-guidelines for water quality improvement
are provided by the 1999 updated version of the State Environmental Policy.
New principles have been incorporated in these guidelines, relating to (i) sustainable
development, (ii) harmonization of the Czech legislation with EU regulations, (iii) shift from
the traditional command and control approach to market-based instruments, and (iv)
introduction of voluntary compliance.
In addition, the regulations establish parameters and their limits for municipal, industrial and
agricultural point sources of pollution. Moreover, immission limits for two categories of
surface waters are also defined.
The Czech Republic has also introduced a flexible and incentive system of charges for
wastewater discharge into surface water. Emissions exceeding the limited amount or
concentration of COD, dissolved matters, suspended solids, nutrients, specific organic
compounds and some heavy metals are chargeable.
One significant initiative of the country is reflected in the Voluntary Agreement the Ministry
of the Environment concluded with the Association of Soap and Detergents Producers on the
reduction of environmental impact of their products. The producers are bound by the
24
Summary Report
agreement to ensure that their products do not exceed a 5% limit on phosphorus content, while
the production of detergents without phosphorus is encouraged.
The Czech Republic proposes recommendations for expanding cooperation between the
involved authorities within the work performed by WGs to incorporate specific nutrient
reduction tasks.
As nutrient control and reduction measures are viewed as an integral part of water protection
in general, the Czech Republic does not make any additional proposals for mechanism for
nutrient reduction and control. The new Water Act will bring positive changes in terms of
incorporating modern principles and strict permitting procedures. The new law on water
supply and sewage systems will also contribute to the improvement of the existing legal
framework, by setting severe limits on discharges to the municipal sewage systems.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
As for the Czech Republic, nutrient reduction and control measures are perceived as an
integral part of water protection measures. The suggestions include the creation of a special
working group to carry out tasks related to nutrient reduction and control while at the same
time avoiding an unnecessary increase in the number of working groups and commissions of
this type.
3.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
The Czech Republic recognizes the need to update the current legal framework to better
respond to the actual needs, especially related to the EU harmonization process. One particular
example is the Water Act of 1973, which has already been revised and is in the stage of
approval.
In the field of water management and protection, preparations for entry in the EU are
complicated and require both a large investment and respective organizational measures.
(2) Financial barriers
There is a need to ensure the necessary funds for the improvement of water-related
infrastructure in small municipalities. In addition, there is little experience with co-financing
on municipal level. Finally, there is not a sufficient level of willingness on the part of small
municipalities to form associations in order to solve wastewater problems.
3.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
The Czech Republic will create inter-ministerial working groups and specify their
responsibilities according to the actual need. The ad-hoc working group set up to design the
new Water Act is an example of such a mechanism.
(2) Schedule for implementation
The schedule for harmonization of the Czech laws with EU regulations is provided in the
Approximation Strategy. Priority is given to EU directives 91/271/EEC, 91/676/EEC, and
75/440/EEC, which relate to water protection against nutrients and their control. The Czech
Republic will create working groups on other specific concerns according to the actual need.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
25
3.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
Like some other Danube countries, the Czech Republic, too, is actively involved with the requirements
related to the expected accession to the European Union.
A specific feature of the country's legal framework is the application of an integrated approach to the
management of water resources, in which nutrient reduction already occupies an important place. The
responsible bodies for water and environmental protection include Ministry of the Environment and Ministry
of Agriculture.
Ad-hoc working groups have been created to fulfil tasks emerging especially from the need to develop new
laws and regulations.
There is also a Working Committee for the Realization of the European Agreement, which co-ordinates the
activities of all central authorities in order to fulfill the targets related to the EU accession.
The Czech Republic believes that a well-informed public is a powerful tool in the government's
environmental policy and that NGOs have a major role to play in this respect.
Unlike most Danube countries, the Czech Republic has reported good results in its efforts to improve water
quality. One significant initiative of the country is reflected in the Voluntary Agreement which the Ministry
of the Environment concluded with the Association of Soap and Detergents Producers regarding the
reduction of environmental impact of their products. The producers are bound by the agreement not to
exceed the 5% limit on the content of phosphorus in their products while the production of detergents
without phosphorus is encouraged.
The Czech Republic has made recommendations for expanding cooperation between the involved authorities
within the work performed by WGs to incorporate specific nutrient reduction tasks.
In addition, the country has pointed to the need to create a new working group, with experts from various
organizations, able to implement nutrient reduction and control tasks in line with the EU Association
Agreement.
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4
SLOVAKIA
4.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
In the Slovak Republic, competencies related to water management are shared between the Ministry of the
Environment (MOE) and Ministry of Soil Management (MSM). In addition, state administration of the
regions is carried out by eight Regional Offices and 79 District Offices with their Environmental
Departments established under the Ministry of the Interior. The operation and maintenance of drinking water
systems, public sewerage and WWTPs, as well as agricultural activities, are under the scope of activities of
MSM.
For the time being, there are no established inter-ministerial environmental committees, which should have a
responsibility for the coordination of activities related to control and reduction of nutrient content in surface
waters. However, coordination of these activities does exist and elements of inter-ministerial mechanisms
designed to protect surface water quality can be considered as existing on different levels.
In the case of control of nutrient input into surface waters from point sources of pollution, there is a
governmental decree that sets maximum permissible pollution levels (including N and P) in both discharged
waste waters and in receiving surface water.
Slovakia is among the few countries that have designed a Law on Fertilizers. The new Law on Fertilizers
establishes conditions for the registration, stocking, and utilization of both artificial fertilizers and manure.
An example of cooperation between the government, local communities and NGOs in the development of
legislative material is the preparation of National Environmental Action Plan II, which defines the priorities,
principles, objectives of the state environmental policy and measures to be realized to fulfill the set
objectives.
4.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter-ministerial structures to
respond to nutrient reduction concerns
First improvements related to the clarification of duties and responsibilities between the
relevant sectors will be reflected in the new Water Law expected to come into force in 2001.
Second, transposition of the EU water legislation in the national legislation is seen as a major
contribution towards water pollution abatement and control mechanisms.
As regards the control of quality of wastewater discharged into surface waters, the content of
N and P is not measured for all relevant polluters. This makes it difficult to calculate the
nutrient input from point sources of pollution, although such information is very important for
the state administration to set quantitative targets, plan measures for the protection of waters,
and monitor improvements. It is suggested that this activity should be coordinated from one
organization/institution of MOE, in order to ensure a unified approach.
The other recommendation refers to the need to involve the Ministry of Finance in solving the
problem of compensation of financial losses to agricultural companies, which would result
from limitation of their activities in the areas of special land regime.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
One suggestion made by Slovakia involves the creation of mechanisms for decreasing the use
of P-free detergents. The process should involve Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Soil
Management, Ministry of Economics and the Finance Ministry.
Another suggestion involves the creation of economic tools for applying ecological soil
management.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
27
4.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
The only legal or institutional barriers to be considered for the operation of a future inter-
ministerial structure on nutrient reduction issues are those related to the completeness of the
existing legislation, with required pieces of laws and rules for pollution abatement, in
particular for nutrient reduction.
(2) Financial barriers
The available financial sources are a limiting factor in the process of reduction of nutrients
input into waters. Funding is necessary for the construction of sewerage, waste water
treatment plants, technological changes in the manufacturing process, building of suitable
storage capacities for manure, etc. This problem is a real concern for Slovakia.
4.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
In the national inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient reduction and control to be created in
the future, the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Soil Management, Ministry of the
Interior, Ministry of Economics and the Finance Ministry should be involved as core sectors.
The general objective should refer to the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus.
In order to ensure an effective reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus content in waters, actions
and measures need to be taken by all involved ministries, which should closely co-operate
from the very start, i.e. in defining the targets and measures. The targets and measures need to
be achievable and realistic in terms of the current economic situation in the country.
(2) Schedule for implementation
The proposed inter-ministerial mechanism may be created during the coming three-year
period.
4.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
Since the Slovak Republic is in the process of accession to the EU, transposition and implementation of EU
Directives, including those related to control and reduction of nutrients in water, are the government's
priorities. Therefore, it is expected that important legislation regarding the reduction and control of nutrients
will come into force in the coming few years.
As a result of the country's economic transformation, the amount of used fertilizers and the amount of
produced manure have rapidly decreased, and the reduction of nutrient input from fertilizers/manure does not
seem to be a priority. As it is expected that the amount of fertilizers/manure will be continuously increasing
in the future, it is necessary to prepare proper legislation regarding good agricultural practice, in order to
minimize the input of nutrients into waters from soil management.
Slovakia proposes the creation of mechanisms for decreasing the use of P-free detergents. Moreover, the
introduction and use of economic instruments to control soil management is also seen as an immediate
priority.
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5
HUNGARY
5.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
In Hungary, the regulation of inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction is part of the
general provisions of the environmental legislation. There are no mechanisms addressing exclusively nutrient
control and reduction.
However, there are some inter-ministerial structures dealing with nutrient control, which include (1) Inter-
ministerial Committee on Central Environmental Fund chaired by MoE, (2) Inter-ministerial Committee on
Water Management Fund chaired by MTWM, and (3) Inter-ministerial Steering Committee for the
Implementation of Water Framework Directive, also chaired by MTWM.
There are, in addition, other inter-sectoral coordinating bodies dealing with nutrient reduction, including the
National Environmental Council and the National Regional Development Council.
Finally, Hungary has several ongoing governmental programmes related to nutrient control, in which the
decision of the government determines the required inter-ministerial mechanism for their implementation.
These programs are related to the water management development program for Lake Balaton, the national
programme for the protection of other lakes, and a programme for the rehabilitation of oxbows and
floodplains of the Tisza river.
5.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter-ministerial structures to
respond to nutrient reduction concerns
Hungary believes that the development of inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient reduction
should be correlated with the provisions of the draft Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Proposals are currently being drafted and the process is controlled by an inter-ministerial
Steering Committee.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Hungary has proposed an inter-ministerial mechanism on nutrient reduction to be developed in
accordance with the provisions of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). This exercise is
already initiated and coordinated by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee. In addition,
Hungary has suggested that the performance of this inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient-
reduction should be synchronized with the administrative arrangements within the river basin
districts.
It is expected that the implementation of WFD will require a global co-ordination mechanism
for all water management issues, both at the river basin and ministerial levels. The nutrient
reduction problems that cannot be handled at the river basin level will be solved through inter-
ministerial mechanisms.
5.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
Hungary believes that, from the legal and institutional point of view, there are no detectable
barriers to the functioning of the existing mechanisms.
(2) Financial barriers
The creation of a national inter-ministerial mechanism for nutrient control is not only a
financial issue; rather, it depends on governmental priorities in environmental protection.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
29
5.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
Hungary has proposed the creation of two major structures at the ministerial level: Water
Framework Committee and River Basin Planning Committee. Clarification of duties and
responsibilities has not yet been achieved. A Nutrient Reduction Working Group could be set
up as a subdivision to the Water Framework Committee.
(2) Schedule for implementation
The schedule for the implementation of the proposed inter-ministerial mechanism is directly
influenced by (i) date of entering into force of the WFD and (ii) the country's preparation
programme for EU membership. According to the Government Programme, Hungary has to
fulfill all the legal approximation by December 31, 2001.
5.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
Like other countries of the Danube River Basin, Hungary has embarked on an ambitious program leading to
EU accession.
One obvious particularity of Hungary is the current reduced interest in nutrient reduction concerns on the
part of policy makers. However, this may be taken into consideration and further developed within the
framework of the future proposed committees.
The proposals refer to the creation of inter-ministerial committees that will deal with the Water Framework
Directive and with the implementation of river basin planning approach through the creation of river basin
councils. The created bodies will also undertake tasks related to nutrient reduction and control measures.
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Summary Report
6
SLOVENIA
6.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
Like other Danube countries, Slovenia is rapidly approaching the EU regarding the adoption of the EU
legislation, restructuring of the economy and government administration, building democracy, etc.
Inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination is still developing, with occasional problems related to intra-
ministerial coordination. Still, a number of bodies and working groups have been established to ease the
cooperation and coordination between different sectors and ministries.
Vertical cooperation is to some extent obstructed by two distinct levels of administration, i.e. the state
government and the local government. In this respect, Slovenia will have to introduce an intermediate level
a regional (basin wide) level.
As regards nutrient control and reduction or removal measures, Slovenia has already adopted some key EU
directives, such as the Nitrates Directive, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, the Quality of Water
for Human Consumption and is preparing to accept Water Framework Directive through the Water Law
(Water Act), which is currently being debated in Parliament.
Environmental considerations are being integrated into the policies of five key sectors - industry, energy
sector, agriculture and forestry, traffic and tourism. The aim of the integration of environmental policy into
individual activities/sectors is primarily linked to the harmonization process with the requirements of Agenda
21, the Environmental Protection Act and EU policy in individual areas.
Coordination between different ministries during the phase of preparation of legal instruments, such as
national programmes, strategies, action plans, laws and implementing regulations is informal. Formally,
these instruments are coordinated at the cabinet level by at least one of the three existing standing
governmental committees.
Cooperation is mainly established through many NGOs, which take an active part in public life and in
ministerial affairs. Ministries are keen to invite public and NGOs to workshops and other public
presentations or working bodies for diverse projects.
Slovenian NGOs have participated in the preparation of initiatives and demands concerning motorway
construction and in the preparation of the document "Agenda 21 for Slovenia". NGOs also play an important
role in the promotion of sustainable agriculture and nature conservation (in the process of the adoption of
agricultural reform, e.g. PHARE pilot project on Dravsko polje) and in the field of energy efficiency
(example: the construction of a new facility - thermal power plant Trbovlje 3).
6.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Develop recommendations for improvement of the existing national inter-ministerial
structures with the revision of their responsibilities to respond to nutrient reduction concerns
By signing the Europe Agreement, Slovenia accepted the foundations of the environmental
protection policy of the EU and committed itself to establishing and using new instruments for
its enforcement. This calls for (1) active monitoring of the adoption of new environmental
protection requirements within the EU, and (2) incorporation of these requirements into the
Slovenian legal system in all sectors. It also requires an upgrading of the institutional system
for putting these requirements into practice.
(2) Suggestions for new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Slovenia is willing to propose a new inter-ministerial mechanism charged with nutrient
reduction tasks. The ongoing pre-accession programs (e.g. twinning, TAIEX, PHARE) will
help develop the needed mechanisms for better inter- as well as intra-ministerial cooperation
and coordination. The task of establishing an intermediate level of government (at the basin
level) will also stipulate cooperation between ministries. More active involvement of the
public and NGOs will also be needed.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
31
6.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
Slovenia recognizes the presence of some barriers which include: (I) conflict of interests
environmental protection hinders the implementation of certain sectoral policies (i.e.
agriculture/nature; energy sector/environment), (ii) political opposition, (iii) lack of legal,
administrative and institutional capabilities, (iv) lack of qualified staff.
(2) Financial barriers
The integration of environmental considerations into sectoral policies demands substantial
financial resources which the economy is reluctant to commit due to a lack of money.
6.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
Slovenia is willing to create a new inter-ministerial structure based on a detailed analysis. The
Ministry of Environmental and Spatial Planning is willing to harmonize all the relevant
environmental legislation within a short period of time of approx. 2-3 years. The involvement
of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, which is already performing tasks related to
nutrient reduction, is essential for the efficiency of nutrient reduction and control measures
implementation phase.
(2) Schedule for implementation
An implementation period of 2-3 years is anticipated. However, a common agreement between
the main players (the two ministries) is needed in order to ensure an effective nutrient
reduction and an efficient nutrient control.
6.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
Slovenia believes that - in spite of a certain lack of administrative and institutional capabilities - one must
recognize the already existing large administration in a relatively small country. Thus, a very special
program of professional education of key ministerial personnel will be of utmost importance.
Slovenia hopes for more flexibility on the policy makers' side to facilitate the implementation of new water
pollution measures, including those related to nutrient reduction.
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Summary Report
7
CROATIA
7.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
Croatia has identified two coordination bodies subordinated to the government: Governmental Coordination
for Environment and Governmental Coordination for the Economy, which usually deal with water issues.
In accordance with the provisions of the Water Act, another officially created mechanism is in existence, i.e.
the National Water Council, established for carrying out water management activities, coordination of
various needs and interests, and proposing measures for the development and improvement of the water
system in the Republic of Croatia.
There are two main organizations with responsibilities in relation to nutrient control and reduction:
! The State Water Directorate is responsible for the protection of water and sea from land-based
sources, for planning and harmonizing the development and construction of water supply and waste
water systems of national importance and for water management inspection. The State Water
Directorate is established as the leading body in all nutrient control and reduction issues
! "Hrvatske vode" Croatian Waters is an institution dealing with water resources management and
operates under the supervision of the State Water Directorate.
Other responsible ministries are: Ministry of the Environment and Physical Planning, Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry, Ministry of Health, Ministry for Public Works, Reconstruction and Construction.
However, in any debate related to nutrient control and reduction, the Ministry of Economics, Ministry of
Tourism and the Finance Ministry can make important contributions to the nutrient issue dialogue.
Cooperation between the government and local communities/ non-governmental organizations in relation to
the nutrient reduction concerns usually takes place at the rule-making stage.
However, there are limitations associated with the identified mechanisms, including: limited time allocated,
reduced financial resources, inadequate legal framework and low priority placed on nutrient reduction
concern against other water quality or environment-related problems.
7.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter-ministerial structures to
respond to nutrient reduction concerns
Croatia's first recommendation is that the National Water Council, as an already existing
body, should become fully operational. This mechanism can play an important role in
promoting environmental protection, integrated water management and nutrient control and
reduction. The second recommendation is related to the need to improve cooperation between
the ministries and state directorates not only during the design but also during the rule
implementation stage.
There is currently ongoing cooperation between the State Water Directorate and the Ministry
of Agriculture and Forestry on problems related to nutrient pollution from diffuse sources.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
One suggestion for the creation of new mechanisms is linked to the proposal of establishing a
coordinating body for the implementation of measures for nutrient control and reduction
within the National Water Pollution Control Plan. This coordinating body would be
responsible for the implementation of the National Water Pollution Control Plan, especially
for nutrient control and reduction measures. The responsible bodies for the implementation
according to the mentioned plan would be the State Water Directorate, Hrvatske vode,
industries, municipalities, and other potential water pollution. Effective harmonization and
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
33
close collaboration between the responsible bodies would be necessary to facilitate the
implementation of this plan under the coordination of the State Water Directorate.
The government of the Republic of Croatia has already been informed about the preparation of
this project and the future need for national inter-ministerial mechanism. Strong emphasis is
placed on full participation of other responsible ministries and institutions and their possible
financial support. Information about the specific implementation schedule cannot yet be
provided at this stage.
7.3
Main barriers to the creation of the national inter-ministerial
mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
Croatia believes that once the design of the National Water Pollution Control Plan has been
finalized and its main implementing bodies have been nominated, the success of the performed
nutrient reduction and control tasks will depend only on the current institutional capabilities of
the main involved stakeholders.
(2) Financial barriers
The creation of a new mechanism (coordinating body, working group, etc) would require
some funding. This can be considered as a serious constraint towards a smooth
implementation of the nutrient reduction measures.
7.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanism
(1) Institutional and legal framework
Croatia's proposal refers to the creation of a new mechanism closely related to the new
structure within the National Water Pollution Control Plan, i.e. the Coordination Body for the
Implementation of Measures for Nutrient Control and Reduction. The State Water Directorate
shall ensure its coordination. The preparation of a National Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
represents the main initial task of this inter-ministerial mechanism.
(2) Schedule for implementation
The National Water Pollution Control Plan has incorporated deadlines for its implementation
schedule based on long periods of time: short-2005, medium-2010 and long terms-2025.
7.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
Croatia is one of the few Danube countries that has the privilege to initially benefit from both institutional
and legal capabilities to perform water pollution control, and nutrient reduction tasks in particular. This is
facilitated by the existing structures that include the State Water Directorate and the Croatian Waters,
institutions dealing mainly with issues related to the management of water resources. Moreover, the
development of the National Water Pollution Control Plan ensures an initial legal background for carrying
out these activities.
The proposed structure, i.e. the Coordination Body for the Implementation of Measures for Nutrient Control
and Reduction within the National Water Pollution Control Plan" under direct supervision of the State Water
Directorate, may perform tasks such as those related to the preparation of National Nutrient Reduction
Action Plan.
However, financial constraints might impede the progress of the proposed structure.
Finally, the country is willing to promote any necessary measure to implement nutrient reduction actions
within its share of the Danube basin.
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Summary Report
8
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
8.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
According to the provisions of the Dayton Peace Accord, environmental issues represent a common concern
for both The Federation of B&H and Republic of Srpska.
F B&H and RS have a separate system of organisation of the environmental sector. The Federal Ministry of
Physical Planning and the Environment is the relevant ministry in the F B&H, while the relevant ministry in
RS is Ministry of Urbanism, Physical Planning, Construction and the Environment. In both F B&H and RS,
the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry (MoAWF of F B&H and MoAWF of RS)
plays the main role in the water sector. The ministries are responsible for water strategy and policy, including
the setting of standards and regulations as well as the enforcement of laws and regulations through licensing
and inspections.
At present, national inter-ministerial mechanisms for water quality and particularly for nutrient control and
reduction do not exist. Control of nutrients is included in water quality control that is organized by Public
Companies for the Watershed Area of the Sava river (in F B&H) and by Hydrometeorological Institute of RS
(in RS). There is no harmonized monitoring and control of surface and ground waters of B&H. In addition,
the Water Law does not contain sufficient provisions on permitting procedures, legal procedures,
international standards or conditions for rational water use.
However, during the last few years, international programs have supported the development of new
legislative and institutional structures dealing with environmental protection and water quality control.
Another very important issue has been the improvement and strengthening of co-operation between the two
entities, F B&H and RS, in dealing with environmental protection issues.
In spite of the currently large number of citizens associations and professional organizations engaged in
environmental protection actions, there is a lack of co-operation between governments and non-
governmental communities. Vertical co-ordination in F B&H is weak (at all levels: local, cantonal, federal),
with responsibilities overlapping between different government levels and departments. Inter-entity
institutional co-ordination is also poor.
Moreover, there is a lack of encouragement to improve environmental practices while in some cases experts
are independently employed in developing projects aimed at improving agricultural practices or raising
public awareness.
The main problems of the current mechanisms are linked to (i) institutional and human resources problems
and, (ii) water quality issues.
First, a lack of adequate co-operation on the national level and inappropriate institutional capacity building to
implement the legislation represent the main constraints which impede a satisfactory performance of
environmental and water quality tasks.
Second, the absence of sufficient and coordinated environmental databases, together with a lack of
monitoring, restrain the enforcement of and compliance with environmental legislation. In extension, there is
ineffective co-ordination between the various sectors at both local and national levels in performing water
management tasks; low priority is awarded to nutrient reduction issues at the government level and limited
funds are consequently earmarked for the purpose.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
35
8.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter/ministerial mechanisms to
respond to nutrient reduction concerns
B&H believes that the implementation of integrated approach to the management of water
resources on the river basin level, with strong horizontal and vertical co-operation, is the most
appropriate recommendation for improving the existing environmental and water quality
mechanisms to perform water pollution reduction tasks. The other recommendation is related
to the urgent need to facilitate the implementation of the EU Directive on nitrates, i.e. the
Framework Water Directive.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
There are proposals directed to the creation of new structures able to carry out tasks related to
nutrient control and reduction measures, including: (i) the establishment of a surface and
ground water quality data base within an adequate water quality control (including nitrates,
phosphorus), (ii) the creation of mechanisms providing access to relevant data on groundwater
quality, monitored by public water supply companies, according to the provisions of the Water
Law, and (iii) the establishment of a register of point sources of pollution.
8.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers include:
! Fragmentation of responsibilities as the principle of integrated water resources
management on river basin level has not yet been implemented
! Environmental legislation and policy has not yet been harmonized with the EU legislation
! Water management issues are not integrated in environmental management concerns.
(2) The current financial barriers are related to the following deficiencies:
! Poor social and economic conditions hampering an adequate development of
environmental policy
! Economic instruments are not yet introduced
! Reduced financial resources as the reconstruction of the country and ongoing process of
privatization consumed most of the government's financial funds.
8.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
A key institutional proposal - also suggested in a previous EU-developed project - refers to the
need of integration of environmental and water administrations in a new structure called the
Ministry of Environment and Water Management (MoEWM) for F B&H and RS.
This body would be responsible for (i) developing water policies and environmental strategies,
(ii) drafting legislation and, (iii) issuing regulations. The Ministry would apply its policy
through a network of seven new River Basin Steering Committees (RBSC) in the respective
River Basin Bodies, in both FB&H and RS.
In addition, working groups need to be established, with members drawn from all involved
ministries, to deal with nutrient control and reduction issues. These working groups should be
co-ordinated by the Environmental Steering Committee (on both levels - river basin and
national) on items related to nutrient control and reduction, particularly on actions that
include: (i) participation in the implementation of water-management plans for catchment
basins, (ii) developing codes of good agricultural practice for the training of farmers, (iii)
establishing and implementing action programs for vulnerable zones, and (iv) periodically
reviewing designations and effectiveness of the action programs.
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Summary Report
(2) Schedule for implementation
1st September 2000 represents the date for the implementation of Terms of Reference for the
preparation of environmental legislation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, within the EU Environmental
Program for B&H as well as the date for the implementation of the Water Sector Institutional
Strengthening in both F B&H and RS.
8.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
One significant particularity of B&H is related to the actual institutional framework dealing with water and
environmental issues, which is fragmented between the two entities F B&H and RS.
Recognizing the need to (i) strengthen the institutional system, (ii) develop and implement EU-harmonized
legislation, (iii) incorporate market-based instruments in water and environmental policies, and (iv) enhance
the understanding of both government and local communities on the necessity to urgently consolidate the
link between them, the country embarked on an ambitious program of legal and institutional reform. This
action will also include tasks related to the improvement of water quality, pollution abatement and the
implementation of nutrient control and reduction measures.
Recommendations for the improvement of the existing inter-ministerial mechanisms to respond to nutrient
reduction concerns include (i) the application of water resources integrated man integrated approach to the
management of water resources on the river basin level, with effective horizontal and vertical co-operation
and (ii) the implementation of the Directive on Nitrates, i.e. the Framework Water Directive.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
37
9
YUGOSLAVIA
9.1
Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
There is no specific inter-ministerial mechanism responsible for nutrient control and reduction. However,
Yugoslavia believes that such a structure could operate through the Federal Government as well as through
the Republican Governments Ministries responsible for environmental and water protection the
implementation of any proposal concerning nutrient control and reduction.
Those responsible for water-related issues directly or indirectly connected with nutrient control and reduction
include (i) at the Federal Level the Federal Ministry for Development, Science and the Environment, the
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and the Federal Ministry of
Economics, and (ii) at the Republican Level the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Resources
Management, the Ministry for the Protection of the Environment, the Ministry of Civil Works, the Ministry
of Health, the Ministry of Economics.
All departments of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Resources Management are directly or
indirectly responsible for nutrient control and reduction.
Cooperation between the governments and local communities/non-governmental organizations in relation to
nutrient reduction concerns can not be judged properly as there has not been any important request by local
communities/NGOs in that direction. Nevertheless, the government(s) are open for cooperation and support
various activities of NGOs. Representatives of NGOs participate in meetings organized by ministries while
the ministries responsible for environmental and water protection disseminate relevant information and
support the organizing of workshops, conferences and other appropriate activities of NGOs, particularly
those dealing with the presentation of research results.
9.2
Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Develop recommendations for improvement of the existing national inter-ministerial
structures with the revision of their responsibilities to answer to the nutrient reduction
concerns
Yugoslavia believes that the existing environmental legal and institutional framework needs to
be revised. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the enforcement of and compliance with
the environmental requirements.
(2) Suggestions for the new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Since it is recognized that there is a certain lack of knowledge concerning nutrient control and
removal, it has been suggested that the country would benefit from a timely and serious
deployment of national scientific and research potentials in order to improve knowledge about
nutrient control and removal, through cooperation with the relevant international research and
consulting centers.
Other suggestions refer to the necessity to construct new wastewater treatment plants for
municipalities and industries in Yugoslavia as measures to reduce and control pollution.
9.3
Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
There are no legal or institutional barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial
mechanisms. The Government(s) allow(s) enough room for inter-ministerial cooperation for
any initiative coming from the ministries responsible for environmental issues.
Lack of adequate legislation related to nutrient reduction is one of the main constraints
recognized by Yugoslavia.
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Summary Report
(2) Financial barriers
Financing is the driving force behind any improvement in the field of water pollution control
and in nutrient control and reduction. The economy of FR of Yugoslavia is weak in this
moment and is, therefore, not able to provide funds for serious investment in water pollution
control. Yugoslavia needs financial support to be able to carry out specific tasks related to
nutrient reduction issues.
9.4
Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
There is no special proposal for national inter-ministerial mechanism. It may be created at any
when and if the need arises.
(2) Schedule for implementation
Yugoslavia will provide this information during project development stage.
9.5
Main country-specific features and conclusions
Yugoslavia is as willing to create an inter-ministerial mechanism dealing with nutrient reduction issues as its
neighboring Danube countries.
Besides, the country already possesses the conditions necessary for the creation and operation of such a
structure. The main constraint is related to the limited financial resources to translate into practice any water
pollution abatement measure.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
39
10
BULGARIA
10.1 Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
Bulgaria has identified several relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with responsibilities for water
pollution abatement and environmental protection. Most of these structures also deal with diffuse-source
pollution, implementing pollution reduction measures or approving new investments in the water sector.
Among them, the Supreme Environmental Experts Council (within the Ministry of the Environment and
Water), the Supreme Technical Experts Council (within the Ministry of Regional Development and Public
Works) or the existing Expert Working Groups within the Ministry of the Environment and Water are
viewed as the existing structures that can easily incorporate tasks related to nutrient control and reduction.
To exemplify, the Supreme Environmental Experts Council is a current inter-ministerial body, established on
a national level, with representatives of different ministries, such as the MRDPW, MoAF, MoH, MoE, MT,
MoF, National Electrical Company and representatives of BAS and other experts. The SEEC is chaired by
the Deputy Minister of Environment and Water. The main duties of the Council are to discuss EIA Reports
and to decide on issuing permits for the construction/rehabilitation of WWTP's. This would also reflect the
reduction of nutrient pollution load from the municipalities and from the industry by the introduction of best
environment- friendly technologies.
Bulgaria believes that the future adoption and enforcement of (i) the Regulation on the Protection of Water
from Pollution with Nitrates of Agricultural Origin, (ii) the Regulation on the Emission Norms for
Admissible Content of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in Wastewater Discharged into Natural
Receivers, (iii) the Regulation on Issuing Permits for Wastewater Discharges in Water Bodies and, (iv) the
setting of individual emission limits on point sources of pollution should have a significant positive impact
on nutrient reduction.
In order to facilitate water management at the national level (according to Article (9) of the Water Law), a
Supreme Consultative Water Council will be established within the MOEW. The SCWC will include
representatives of the MOEW, MRDPW, MoAF, MoE, MoT, MoH, MoF, Civil Defense, the State Agency
for Energy and Energy Resources, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the municipalities, non-governmental
organizations directly related with waters etc. The Minister of the Environment and Waters will issue a
Regulation defining the structure and activities of the Supreme Consultative Water Council.
The management at basin level within one or several watersheds will be implemented by basin water
management bodies, such as the Basin Directorates under MOEW and Basin Councils (according to Art. 153
of the Water Law). The Basin Council will be a state public consultative commission responsible for
supporting the activities of the Basin Directorate. The Basin Council will include representatives of the state
administration, municipal administration, water users and environmental organizations within the range of
the basin as well as representatives of the scientific organizations connected with water-related issues.
An analysis of the relevant, existing national inter-ministerial mechanisms shows that these councils, expert
working groups and commissions have, to a certain level, duties and responsibilities in relation to nutrient
reduction and control or other similar tasks related to fertilizers, nitrates and/or phosphorus use and control.
However, none of these structures has direct duties or responsibilities in relation to nutrient reduction and
control.
Bulgaria believes that cooperation between governments and local communities/ non-governmental
organizations in relation to nutrient reduction is very important. Nutrient reduction is included - directly or
indirectly - in the duties and responsibilities of several ministries, local authorities, farmers, new owners of
industrial plants, environmental NGOs and researchers.
One very good example of cooperation between the governments, inter-ministerial mechanisms and the local
communities and NGOs is the establishment of the pilot Yantra River Basin Council. The main purpose in
establishing the Council was to experiment with the implementation of integrated water resources
management in Bulgaria and was to some extent related to nutrient reduction. Another example of ongoing
cooperation between the governments, inter-ministerial mechanisms and local communities/NGOs in relation
to general pollution reduction concerns is provided by the public discussions of EIA reports. Yet another
40
Summary Report
example is to some extent - the existing Group 22. Finally, the preparation of the project for wetland
rehabilitation in Kalimok and Belene in relation to nutrient reduction and biodiversity preservation is also
worth mentioning in this context.
Even now, some of the inter-ministerial structures could be used for co-ordination of the development of a
National Nutrients Reduction Strategy and the co-ordination of the implementation of the NNRAP.
However, the main problems are due to the limitations of the duties and responsibilities of the already
identified structures.
10.2 Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter-ministerial mechanisms to
respond to the nutrient reduction concerns
The recommendations are not oriented to the improvements of the existing national inter-
ministerial mechanisms to respond to nutrient reduction concerns because of their status duties
and responsibilities. Nevertheless, at this stage a revision of the responsibilities of the SEEC at
the MOEW to answer to the nutrient reduction concerns as a temporary measure could be
considered as the most appropriate recommendation.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Bulgaria has proposed the creation of a new mechanism for nutrient control and reduction.
First, there are two possibilities on the national level: the creation of a separate inter-
ministerial body or the creation of a commission in the future Supreme Consultative Water
Council. Second, on the basin level it will be possible to use the future Basin Council.
10.3 Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
Inter-ministerial co-ordination and co-operation for the implementation of nutrient reduction
and control measures depends to a great extent on the need to enhance the understanding of
policy makers. The main barriers are related to the (i) limited number of staff at the ministries
(ii) lack of a clear division of duties and responsibilities between different ministries, and (iii)
absence of adequate legislation. However, new legislation is in the process of being
developed.
(2) Financial barriers
Effective nutrient control and reduction requires a huge amount of investment. Absence of
financial support could be one of the main barriers.
10.4 Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
Bulgaria has proposed the establishment of a new national, interim inter-ministerial
commission on an expert level, within the MOEW, with full commitment of the other
interested ministries. Based on the rule of procedures proposed by the Minister of the
Environment and Waters, the commission will initially have a limited mandate until an
adequate commission is created under the future Supreme Consultative Water Council. The
main duties of the Commission should be (i) to provide support to the MOEW for the
development of a National Nutrient Pollution Reduction Strategy and the implementation of
the Action Plan and, (ii) to coordinate the activities of the different institutions for better
nutrient control and reduction actions.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
41
(2) Schedule for implementation
Such an inter-ministerial structure is currently being established in order to support the
preparation of the 5-year draft Nutrient Reduction Action Plan for the Black Sea catchment
area. Under the new Water law, Bulgaria will have four Expert Groups (EG) for its four river
basin regions. Therefore, four national commissions can be established where each EG will be
responsible for coordinating the activities in one of the four basin regions. The proposed
schedule for implementation of a new inter-ministerial mechanism able to carry out the tasks
related to nutrient reduction and control starts in May 2000 and will last for the next 5 years.
The new Four River Basin Councils could be created within this period of time.
10.5 Main country-specific features and conclusions
Bulgaria is one of the few countries of the Danube River Basin which benefits from the results of many
identified national inter-ministerial mechanisms with responsibilities for water pollution abatement and
environmental protection. Most of these structures are also dealing with diffuse pollution, implementing
pollution reduction measures or approving new investments in the water sector.
The Supreme Environmental Experts Council is a current inter-ministerial body, established on a national
level, with representatives of different ministries, such as the MRDPW, MoAF, MoH, MoE, MT, MoF,
National Electrical Company and representatives of BAS and other experts. The SEEC is chaired by the
Deputy Minister of Environment and Water. The main duties of the Council are to discuss EIA Reports and
to decide on issuing permits for construction/rehabilitation of WWTP's. This would also reflect on the
reduction of nutrient pollution load from the municipalities and from the industry by the introduction of best
environment-friendly technologies.
Bulgaria believes that the future adoption and enforcement of the (i) Regulation on the Protection of Water
from Pollution with Nitrates of Agricultural Origin, (ii) Regulation on Emission Norms for Admissible
Content of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in Wastewater Discharged into Natural Receivers, (iii)
Regulation on Issuing Permits for Wastewater Discharges in Water Bodies and, (iv) determination of
individual emission limitations of point sources of pollution should have a significant positive impact on
nutrient reduction.
Within the MOEW, a Supreme Consultative Water Council will be created.
Bulgaria believes that cooperation between governments and local communities/ non-governmental
organizations in relation to nutrient reduction concerns is very important. Nutrient reduction issues are
included, directly or indirectly, in the duties and responsibilities of several ministries, local authorities,
farmers, new owners of industrial plants, environmental NGOs and researchers.
A very good example of cooperation between the governments, the inter-ministerial mechanisms and the
local communities and NGOs is the establishment of the pilot Yantra River Basin Council.
Some inter-ministerial structures could be charged with coordinating the development of a National
Nutrients Reduction Strategy and the implementation of the NNRAP. However, the main problems are due
to the too narrowly defined scope of the duties and responsibilities of the already identified structures.
Bulgaria has proposed the creation of a new mechanism for nutrient control and reduction. First, there are
two possibilities on the national level: the creation of a separate inter-ministerial body or the creation of a
commission in the future Supreme Consultative Water Council. Second, on the basin level it will be possible
to use the future Basin Council.
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Summary Report
11
ROMANIA
11.1 Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
Inter-ministerial co-ordination mechanisms for environmental problems, particularly relating to nutrient
control and reduction, are in Romania based on a special Committee which is mainly responsible for (i)
providing a general framework for the development of environmental strategy taking into consideration
sectoral strategies, (ii) creating an operational frame for the implementation of a National Environmental
Action Plan (NAEP), and (iii) improving public participation in the sense of access to information and
involvement.
There is no special committee for nutrient control and reduction but there is an inter-ministerial working
group for environmental development. In the case of water-related problems, including nutrients, the most
relevant institutions involved include: the Ministry of Waters, Forests and Environmental Protection,
Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Works and Land
Planning, National Water Company Apele Romane, Consumer Protection Office, NGOs and some donor
organizations.
The specific tasks related to nutrients include (1) implementation of nutrient-related legislation based on EU
Directives and International Conventions ratified by Romania, (2) carrying out international programmes in
which Romania is involved, (3) periodical assessment of the PSIR cycle (pressure/ stress/ impact/ reaction)
and control of relationships functions between priority pollutants/ target group/ environmental functions/
environmental themes, (4) assessment of national nutrient balance, (5) development of instruments for
diffuse pollution characterization and control (risk assessment and management).
Apart from some general barriers (lack of legislation, management tools, and infrastructure), there are other
specific constrains related to the agricultural sector in particular (lack of logical framework Approach Matrix
(LFA), absence of clear objectives, etc).
11.2 Guidelines for the improvement of national inter-ministerial nutrient
control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvements of the existing national inter-ministerial structures to
answer nutrient reduction concerns
Romania has developed several recommendations aimed at improving cooperation between
various representatives within the existing inter-ministerial mechanism.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
A special Working Group for Nutrient Control and Reduction Action Plan (NCRAP) should
be created in the ICIM. Based on the already started process of approximation to the EU
legislation, the Working Group will focus on nutrient-related topics addressed by: EWFD
(COM 98/76), IPPC Directive (96/161/EEC), Urban Waste Directive (91/271/EEC,
98/15/EEC), Nitrate Directive (91/679/EEC) etc. In addition, one of the Group's main tasks
would be the establishment of mechanism to control nutrient application.
11.3 Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanism
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
There are not any major legal or institutional barriers to be considered in the operation of the
inter-ministerial structure on nutrient reduction issues. The current legal framework facilitates
the creation and functioning of such a mechanism while its host, ICIM, could provide the
institutional arrangements.
(2) Financial barriers
Romania believes the current limited financial resources to represent one of the most relevant
constraints.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
43
11.4 Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
The proposed specific WG dealing with nutrient reduction and control problems needs to be
created within the ICIM. This WG will take measures to facilitate the development and
implementation of the Nutrient Reduction and Control Action Plan.
(2) Schedule for implementation
As Romania is already committed to the implementation of nutrient reduction measures, the
time schedule is very tight and the WG is due to be set up during this year.
11.5 Main country-specific features and conclusions
Romania is one of the Danube countries for which nutrient reduction and control represents a main concern.
This is why the country has already created an inter-ministerial mechanism to address broader environmental
topics, but with environmental and agricultural authorities already involved. Moreover, Romania is willing to
improve this structure with an additional WG, designated only for nutrient reduction and control issues.
Another specific characteristic of Romania is related to the continuos support the government provides to
environmental authorities for their institutional strengthening and capacity building, for reinforcing
environmental research, improving exchange of information and public involvement, and for intensifying
regional cooperation on the implementing nutrient reduction measures.
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Summary Report
12
MOLDOVA
12.1 Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
In Moldova, there is a National Committee established in 1996 and responsible for supervising the
implementation of the provisions of a number of international agreements, including those related to
pollution control and reduction. Several relevant sub-committees and inter-ministerial committees were
established, charged with environment-related responsibilities. However, cooperation between these entities
is weak.
There is no example of nutrient-related cooperation between governmental organizations and local
communities and non-governmental organizations. This is due to two reasons. Firstly, there is a reduced
interest in nutrient reduction issues on the part of policy makers. Secondly, there is a general absence of good
cooperation in relation to environmental issues.
However, Moldova believes that - for the time being - there is no need to establish specific committees
dealing with nutrient control and reduction issues since this problem is not on the country's priority list given
that it is faced with more acute problems affecting its economy.
The division of responsibilities between the Ministry of the Environment and Territorial Development and
the Ministry of Health, set out in a 1992 agreement between the two entities, provides for a clear division of
tasks in relation to water. The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for water quality and
pollution control, rational use, restoration and protection of water, promotion of best available technologies
for water use and treatment, etc. The same agreement clarified the allocation of tasks between the Ministry
of Environment and Territorial Development and the former Ministry of Agriculture and Alimentation on the
promoting the strict regime of water resources in Moldova.
The role of local communities in the decision-making process is very small, mainly due to a lack of public
access to environmental information and in the participation process failure to recognize their
importance.
12.2 Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Recommendations for improvement of the existing national inter-ministerial structures to
answer nutrient reduction concerns
Moldova has made several recommendations aimed at (i) improving the current structure of
the Ministry of the Environment and Territorial Development, (ii) strengthening the inter-
ministerial mechanism in order to incorporate environmental considerations into the economic
development programme, (iii) decentralizing tasks and, (iv) raising public awareness and
public participation in the decision-making process.
(2) Suggestions for the creation of new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Moldova has not yet considered the option of creating a new inter-ministerial mechanism.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
45
12.3 Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
Moldova sees the following barriers:
! Inadequate legal framework dealing with issues related to water quality management,
including pollution control in Moldova
! Lack of qualified staff dealing with water quality issues within the Ministry of the
Environment and Territorial Development
! Insufficient cooperation between organizations, including government and NGOs
! Lack of adequate staff training programs
(2) Financial barriers
! Lack of financial support to facilitate the creation of a possible inter-ministerial
mechanism.
12.4 Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
Moldova has suggested various mechanisms, which are mainly geared towards pollution
control.
This list includes (i) revision of the National Economic Development Program to meet the
integration requirements with a view to incorporating environmental impacts of macro and
sectoral policies into the economic development programmes, (ii) development of interim
emissions limits and a compliance schedule, (iii) creation of an effective permitting systems,
and (iv) implementing charge schemes.
(2) Schedule for implementation
Moldova has not yet proposed any deadlines for the implementation of the suggested
measures.
12.5 Main country-specific features and conclusions
Moldova has several authorities involved in water and environmental protection activities. In addition, the
existing National Committee has the task to supervise the implementation of the provisions of the different
international agreements, including those related to pollution control and reduction. Several relevant sub-
committees and inter-ministerial committees were established with environment-related responsibilities.
However, cooperation between these entities is weak.
There is no example of cooperation between governmental organizations and local communities and non-
governmental organizations in relation to nutrient reduction problems. One particularity of Moldova is
related to the reduced interest in nutrient reduction issues on the part of policy makers. In addition, Moldova
considers that - for the time being - there is no need to establish specific committees dealing with nutrient
control and reduction issues since this problem is not on the country's priority list given that it is faced with
more acute problems affecting its economy.
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Summary Report
13
UKRAINE
13.1 Description of the relevant national inter-ministerial mechanisms with
responsibilities for nutrient control and reduction
The establishment of inter-sectoral committees and working groups for co-operation between different
sectors of the economy and social groups is a common practice in Ukraine.
Legislation on nutrient reduction is part of a broader body of legislation on pollution control and protection
against pollution. Ukraine believes that the future development of legislative measures in this field will
depend on progress made in economic reform.
The legislative acts provide some tools for decision making in the rational use of natural resources and
environmental protection, but do not address nutrient reduction in particular.
The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine performs functions related to the
management and control of water use and protection and renewal of water resources.
Based on these responsibilities, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources co-ordinates
environmentally important issues related to different sectors.
A typical example of an inter-ministerial Committee is the Council on Environmental Problems of the
Dnipro River Basin and Drinking Water Quality, established to facilitate the implementation of the State
Program on Rehabilitation of the Environment and Improvement of Drinking Water Quality in the Dnipro
River Basin. Co-ordination of the environmental policy for the use of nature and environmental protection in
the Dnipro river basin was set forth by a 1999 Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.
13.2 Guidelines for the improvement / creation of national inter-ministerial
nutrient control and reduction mechanisms
(1) Develop recommendations for improvement of the existing national inter-ministerial
structures with the revision of their responsibilities to answer to the nutrient reduction
concerns
Ukraine believes that a reorganization of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural
Resources would contribute towards strengthening inter-sectoral co-ordination.
The improvement of economic conditions and the introduction of economic incentives for
involved institutions and organizations in Ukraine will result in improved inter-sectoral co-
operation and more efficient work of the inter sectoral bodies.
(2) Suggestions for new mechanisms for nutrient control and reduction
Ukraine believes that the Cabinet of Ministers may create inter-ministerial mechanism charged
with nutrient reduction tasks. Currently, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural
Resources is drafting ministerial orders for the establishment of the Black Sea and the Danube
Committees, whose agenda may involve tasks related to nutrient reduction in the Black Sea
basin.
A typical arrangement would be to establish working groups within the inter-ministerial
mechanism to address the more specific issues within the scope of its general objectives.
13.3 Main barriers to the creation of national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Legal and institutional barriers
Although the current legislative framework and the previous experience with inter-sectoral co-
operation seem to be successful, there are some important limitations affecting the work of
inter-sectoral committees.
The decision to develop nutrient reduction program will depend on the legal approval by the
Cabinet of Ministers.
Existing and Planned Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanisms Relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction
47
(2) Financial barriers
The most important barrier concerns the lack of financial resources to cover operational costs
for members of inter-sectoral committees, secretarial work, office equipment and/or office
space for the important programs. Insufficient funding and human resources impair the
efficiency of the Inter-sectoral Committee. Within the ongoing administrative reform
designed among other things to downsize the ministries, many tasks assigned to inter-
ministerial committees will create an additional burden for the ministerial personnel.
Since inter-sectoral committees and working groups operate on a non-paid basis, the
members' motivation is very low and participation becomes very formal. Moreover, due to
very limited financial resources for implementing the programs, projects, proposals, the
agency that initiates the activities tends to dominate and control the financial resources with all
resulting drawbacks such as poor information exchange, lack of ideas sharing, etc.
13.4 Proposed national inter-ministerial mechanisms
(1) Institutional and legal framework
Ukraine has proposed several measures leading to the creation of a national inter-ministerial
mechanism to address nutrient reduction concerns, including (i) strengthening river basin
management, (ii) creating river basin authorities, (iii) developing environmental protection
programmes. Once these programmes have been approved, inter-sectoral bodies will be
created. Part of these bodies will be working groups charged with nutrient reduction and
control tasks.
(2) Schedule for implementation
In the 2001-2015 period, several significant programs will be implemented in Ukraine. Firstly,
the protection and rehabilitation of the Azov Sea and the Black Sea are the objectives of the
main program to be implemented between 2001 and 2010. Secondly, the development and
approval of the state program for environmental protection of the Danube River Basin is also
scheduled for the 2002-2012 period.
13.5 Main country-specific features and conclusions
Like many other countries in the Danube River Basin, Ukraine is committed to performing nutrient reduction
tasks within the existing committee or through a new mechanism.
A particularity of Ukraine is the fact that the country's legislation does not yet contain any specific
provisions on nutrient reduction and control issues. Moreover, even the notion of nutrient as a pollutant is
incorporated into the broad definition of a pollutant.
However, Ukraine has incorporated modern principles in environmental and water management, including
integrated water resources management approach, the use of economic instruments and the polluter pays
principle.
Like other countries, Ukraine is facing severe budgetary constraints that might obstruct a good performance
of the prospective inter-ministerial mechanisms.
STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NUTRIENT
REDUCTION MEASURES AND TRANSBOUNDARY
COOPERATION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
EXISTING AND PLANNED POLICIES AND
LEGISLATION RELATING TO POLLUTION
CONTROL AND NUTRIENT REDUCTION
SUMMARY REPORT IN SUPPORT OF THE PROJECT BRIEF
AUGUST 2000
International Commission for
the Protection of the Danube River
UNDP/GEF Assistance
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction Summary Report
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
1
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................5
2
ASSESSMENT OF RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS.........................................................6
2.1
Policy Objectives, Priorities and General Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction ...................................................................................................................................6
2.2
Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control and Reduction ...................................7
2.3
Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms...........................................................................9
2.4
Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation ...........................................................11
2.5
Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation ...........................14
ANNEX
COUNTRY REPORTS
1
GERMANY .............................................................................................................................19
2
AUSTRIA.................................................................................................................................21
3
CZECH REPUBLIC...............................................................................................................24
4
SLOVAKIA..............................................................................................................................27
5
HUNGARY ..............................................................................................................................31
6
SLOVENIA..............................................................................................................................36
7
CROATIA................................................................................................................................40
8
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA ...................................................................................................43
9
YUGOSLAVIA........................................................................................................................46
10
BULGARIA .............................................................................................................................49
11
ROMANIA...............................................................................................................................52
12
MOLDOVA..............................................................................................................................57
13
UKRAINE................................................................................................................................60
4
Summary Report
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AHEG
Ad-Hoc Expert Group
B&H
Bosnia-Herzegovina
BOD5
Biochemical Oxygen Demand in 5 days
CNC
Czech National Council
COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand
CPC
Country Program Coordinator
DPRP
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
DRB
Danube River Basin
DRBPRP
Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme
DWFD
(Draft) Water Framework Directive
DWQM
Danube Water-Quality Model
EC
European Commission
EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment
EMIS/EG
Emission Expert Group
EPA
Environmental Protection Act
EU
European Union
GFE
Global Environment Facility
ICPDR
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
IPPC
Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control
ISO
International Organization for Standardization
ISPA
Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-Accession
MAFF
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food
ME
Ministry of the Environment
MESP
Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning
MI
Ministry of the Interior
MOE
Ministry of Environment
MOEW
Ministry of Environment and Waters
N
Nitrogen (all forms)
N/A
Not Available (i.e. missing data)
NEAP
National Environmental Action Programme
NEPP
National Environmental Protection Program
NFP
National Focal Point
NGO
Non-Governmental Organisation
NIS
Newly Independent States
OHR
Office of High Representative
P
Phosphorus (all forms)
PCU
Programme Coordination Unit
PE
Population Equivalent = load of one person into waste water
PHARE
European Union Programme for Development
PWCA
Public Company for Watershed Areas
RBM
River Basin Management
SEP
State Environmental Policy
SIA
Significant Impact Areas
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UWWTD
Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
WWTP
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
5
1
INTRODUCTION
This Summary Report is an integral component for the preparation of the GEF/UNDP funded project entitled
"Strengthening Implementation of Nutrient Reduction Measures and Transboundary Cooperation in the
Danube River Basin". The basic task of this preparatory work is to prepare a qualified material basis for the
elaboration of a complete "Danube Regional Project" to be submitted to the GEF Council.
The purpose of this Summary Report is to provide an assessment for all DRB countries, respectively
particular categories of DRB countries and the country presentations on of the existing and planned national
policies and the status and reform requirements of legislation related to pollution reduction with particular
attention to nutrient control and reduction in the Danube River Basin countries.
The structure of the Country Report follows the structure of the "national reports", and provides a "country
profile" for each of the Danube River Basin countries. The "county profiles" are structured as follows:
(1)
Policy objectives, priorities and principles for nutrient control / reduction
! General policy objectives, priorities, principles
! Policy objectives and programmes by sectors
! Policy objectives and programmes by short, medium, long term
! Status of nutrient related international conventions, declarations, etc.
(2)
Status of legislation dealing with nutrient control / reduction
! Relevant laws and regulations currently in force
! Relevant laws and regulations in the pipeline
! Present status regarding out-phasing of phosphate-containing detergents
! Main deficiencies
(3)
Main barriers to policy and legal reforms
(4)
Proposed / envisaged changes of nutrient-related legislation
! Out-phasing of phosphate-containing detergents
(5)
Approximation of national legislation to EU legislation in terms of pollution control, particularly
nutrient control / reduction / removal
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Summary Report
2
ASSESSMENT OF RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
2.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and General Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
All DRB countries currently have a more or less comprehensive system of environmental and water sector-
related policies and strategies, which usually reflects:
! the capability of the country to contribute to the solution of transboundary problems;
! the significance and evidence of country-specific environmental problems;
! the significance and evidence of environment-related health hazards;
! the economic development and potential of the country.
In this context, all countries have developed a hierarchic system of short, medium and long-term objectives
and principles which usually reflect the key environmental problems and sector priorities on national and
regional level.
Long-term objectives are usually very general and often not related to any time frame for implementation or
solution. In addition, there is usually no assessment of the overall long-term funding requirements. In the
DRB countries, long-term objectives of environmental policy mainly focus on:
! Protection of climate and ozone layers;
! Preservation of a sound environment for the future generations;
! Protection of biological diversity;
! Protection of drinking water resources.
Objectives for water pollution and especially nutrient reduction are usually incorporated as sub-components
of higher objectives. However, most countries have established a system of priorities for nutrient reduction,
usually defining the sequence of construction, extension, or improvement of treatment standards for
WWTPs, which are usually
! differentiated by sector (municipal / industrial);
! classified by plant capacity (small / medium / large) and treatment standards;
! differentiated by sensitivity of area (vulnerable areas / significant impact areas).
Despite the diversity of problems, interests and priorities across the DRB, the Danube countries share certain
values and principles relating to the environment and the conservation of natural resources. The most
essential principles, also relevant for water pollution, respectively nutrient reduction, include:
! The precautionary principle: under certain circumstances it is better to be on the safe side, even
if firm evidence is lacking, than to be actually wrong;
! Best available technology (BAT) - best environmental practice (BEP);
! Control of pollution at the source: it is usually less expensive to prevent the creation of harmful
wastes or pollution through cleaner technologies and processes than to cure and repair the
damage to the environment afterwards;
! The polluter pays principle and the related user pays principle.
! The principle of integrated approach;
! The principle of shared responsibilities, respectively the principle of subsidiarity.
In the meantime, all DRB countries have - at least theoretically - recognized that the adoption of these
principles is indispensable for appropriate prioritization and implementation of environment-related
measures.
None of the DRB countries presently disposes of an explicitly formulated nutrient reduction programme.
Measures and activities with relevance to nutrient reduction are usually sub-components of or to a large
extent incorporated in other programmes.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
7
In all DRB countries, the main ongoing programmes regarding nutrient reduction are investment
programmes for new construction, extension, rehabilitation or improvement of effluent standards (biological
treatment, N+P elimination) of municipal WWTPs. Involved are occasionally the provision of guidelines for
selection of priority projects, country-specific effluent standards depending on plant capacity, and technical
and operational standards.
The status of nutrient-related policy and programmes in the particular DRB countries can be assessed in
general terms as follows:
Table 2.1-1: Status of Nutrient-Related Policy and Programmes in the DRB Countries
Country
Explicitly formulated policy objectives
Programmes especially dealing with nutrient control /
for nutrient control / reduction
reduction
GER
Appropriate system of policy objectives
Programme for the implementation of buffer zones to surface
waters
A
Appropriate system of policy objectives
Programme of environment-friendly agriculture;
CZ
Appropriate system of policy objectives
Programme for adequate implementation of municipal
WWTPs
SK
Satisfactory system of policy objectives
Codex of Good Agricultural Practices
HUN
Appropriate system of policy objectives
National waste water collection and treatment programme;
National agro-environmental protection programme;
Other programmes (lake, oxbow lake, low land, etc.);
SLO
Satisfactory system of policy objectives
No explicit programmes
CRO
Satisfactory system of policy objectives
No explicit programmes
B&H
No explicit policy objectives
No explicit programmes
YUG
Satisfactory system of policy objectives
No explicit programmes
BUL
Satisfactory system of policy objectives
Programme for construction of municipal WWTPs
RO
Satisfactory system of policy objectives
A series of nutrient-related programmes to be carried out
during the forthcoming period 2000-2010
MOL
No explicit policy objectives regarding
No explicit programmes
nutrient emissions or loads
UA
Satisfactory system of policy objectives
No explicit programmes
2.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control and Reduction
Except for Germany and Austria, the adequacy of the legal
framework for sound environmental management of water
The environmental efforts in the
resources has to be viewed against the background of
Danube countries will be dominated
political, economic, administrative and social changes
by the need to confirm to European
which have taken place in the particular DRB countries
standards, less by domestic priorities
during the previous years of transition.
and not decisively by agreements
In all DRB countries the legal framework for environmental
within the framework of the DRPC.
management of water resources and ecosystems consists of
The EU member countries are
a hierarchic system of decrees, laws, directives, ordinances,
obliged to adopt the EU directives
regulations and standards on different administrative levels.
and transform them into national
The international agreements and conventions signed or
legislation. The EU candidates are in
ratified by the particular countries constitute a kind of
process of adoption to insure the
orientation framework for the national environmental
obligations of harmonization. Other
policies and legislation of the member countries.
Danube countries follow the same
In a number of countries, numerous laws and regulations
line and transform their national
were adopted a long time ago, have been frequently
regulations according to EU
amended during the previous years of transition and need a
directives
fundamental revision.
8
Summary Report
Indeed, inmost DRB countries, the relevant legislation is currently in the phase of substantial reform and
modernization. Due to the complexity of this task it can be anticipated that the completion of the ongoing
reform process will take several years before the relevant legislation has reached an acceptable level of
compliance with international requirements.
Countries in which the legal framework for environmental management of water resources and ecosystems
has to be considered as fully adequate and in consistence with international requirements are Germany and
Austria.
Countries in which the legal framework for environmental management of water resources and ecosystems
has to be considered as generally appropriate, respectively satisfactory, are Hungary, Czech Republic,
Slovenia and Slovakia.
In the other countries, the current environmental and water-related legislation cannot be considered as
adequate regarding sound and sustainable environmental management of water resources and ecosystems;
there are still essential deficits and problems that can be summarized as follows:
! in some countries the environmental and water-related legislation is still based to a certain
extent on historical structures, with the consequence that the various changes, adjustments and
modifications have led to critical inconsistencies;
! some countries are currently in the process of establishing new environmental and water- related
legislation, whose practical applicability and effectiveness has not yet been proven;
! some countries have developed relatively sophisticated systems of environmental and water-
related legislation, which can at present not really be enforced due to critical social and
economic issues in the country.
Common deficiencies and needs for improvement regarding the water sector-related legislation in the DRB
countries can be summarized as follows:
! restructuring and adjustment of relevant legislation to the requirements of modern environment-
oriented market economy;
! streamlining, simplification and elimination of inconsistent components, basically resulting
from ad-hoc changes during the previous transition period;
! ensuring utmost compatibility of interacting legislation on the various administrative levels;
! specification of efficient implementing regulations and enforcement mechanisms; elimination of
all kinds of unjustified exemptions;
! further harmonization of national legislation with EU regulations and standards.
The status of nutrient-related legislation (and standards of nutrient control and reduction) in the particular
DRB countries can be assessed in general terms as follows:
Table 2.2-1: Status of Nutrient-Related Legislation in the DRB Countries
Country
Explicitly formulated legal provisions for
Explicitly defined standards regarding nutrient
nutrient control / reduction
control / reduction
GER
Fully appropriate legislation
Appropriate system of standards
A
Fully appropriate legislation
Appropriate system of standards
CZ
In general appropriate legislation
In general satisfactory system of standards
SK
In general appropriate legislation
In general satisfactory system of standards
HUN
In general appropriate legislation
In general satisfactory system of standards
SLO
In general appropriate legislation
In general satisfactory system of standards
CRO
Legislation not fully satisfactory
No fully satisfactory system of standards:
(mainly focusing on point sources);
- Water quality standards by water classes;
- Standards on hazardous substances;
- Effluent standards: maximum allowed concentration
of hazardous substances in waste water;
B&H
No explicit legal provisions
No satisfactory system of standards
YUG
Legislation not fully satisfactory
No fully satisfactory system of standards:
- no effluent standards
BUL
Legislation not fully satisfactory
No fully satisfactory system of standards:
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
9
Country
Explicitly formulated legal provisions for
Explicitly defined standards regarding nutrient
nutrient control / reduction
control / reduction
- ambient water quality permissible limits;
- Black Sea water quality permissible limits;
- State standard for drinking water quality;
RO
Legislation not fully satisfactory
No fully satisfactory system of standards
(no specific nutrient-related regulations);
MOL
No explicit legal provisions
No fully satisfactory system of standards: Ambient
water quality standards, emission standards, and
effluent standards are incorporated in overall
pollution control standards
UA
Legislation not fully satisfactory
No fully satisfactory system of standards
In summary, it can be concluded that in none of the DRB countries (except for Germany and Austria)
nutrient-related legislation is presently on a fully adequate level from the international point of view. This
indicates that the improvement of the respective legislation is an essential prerequisite and constitutes a
substantial potential for future nutrient reduction in the majority of the DRB countries.
2.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
Based on the information provided by the national contributions, the main barriers to policy and legal reform
can be categorized as outlined below.
The assessment for the particular DRB countries (*** = "high relevance"; * = "low relevance) has to be
considered as provisional and should in the first place serve for a formalized identification of country-
specific areas for improvement.
(1)
Historical issues
! Outdated legal structures
! Outdated administrative structures
! Outdated business structures / methods
! Inappropriate agricultural structures and practices
! Inappropriate industrial structures / production / production methods
! Unsolved ownership situation - public sector
! Unsolved ownership situation - private sector
! Inappropriate attitude of population (wastage of water, etc)
Provisional assessment of the relevance of historical issues for the particular DRB county:
A
B&H BUL
CRO
CZ
GER HUN MOL
RO
SK
SLO
UA
YUG
**
**
**
*
*
***
**
*
*
***
***
(2)
Economic issues
! Deteriorated economic capacities
! Decreased industrial production
! Decreased agricultural production
! Decreased export opportunities
! Decreased international tourism
! Decreased livestock farming
! Inadequate status of privatization
! Inappropriate public infrastructure (waste water collection systems, WWTP)
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Summary Report
Provisional assessment of the relevance of economic issues in the particular DRB country:
A
B&H BUL
CRO
CZ
GER HUN MOL
RO
SK
SLO
UA
YUG
***
**
**
*
*
***
**
*
*
***
***
(3)
Socio-economic issues
! Low private (per capita) income
! Low living standard
! High portion of low-income population
! High unemployment
Provisional assessment of the relevance of socio-economic issues in the DRB countries:
A
B&H BUL
CRO
CZ
GER HUN MOL
RO
SK
SLO
UA
YUG
***
***
**
*
*
***
***
*
*
***
***
(1)
Financial issues
! Lack of domestic public funds for environmental issues
! Lack of international funds at favorable terms
! Lack of adequate funding mechanisms
! Lack of adequate funding tools (incentives, charges)
! Low purchasing power of the population
Provisional assessment of the relevance of financial issues in the particular DRB county:
A
B&H BUL
CRO
CZ
GER HUN MOL
RO
SK
SLO
UA
YUG
***
***
*
*
*
***
**
*
*
***
***
(2)
Institutional / administrative issues
! Inadequate personnel capability
! Inadequate personnel qualification
! Inadequate technical equipment
! Inadequate structure of administration
! Inadequate allocation of responsibilities (gaps, overlaps, not defined)
! Lack of adequate vertical and horizontal coordination
! Lack of adequate cooperation within public administration
! Lack of adequate cooperation between public administration and private sector
! Lack of adequate tools for enforcement of legislation
! Lack of adequate data basis
! Lack of adequate monitoring systems and methods
! Lack of scientific knowledge
! Lack of private sector participation (investment, management)
Provisional assessment of the relevance of institutional issues in the particular DRB county:
A
B&H BUL
CRO
CZ
GER HUN MOL
RO
SK
SLO
UA
YUG
**
*
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
**
**
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
11
(3)
Participatory issues
! Lack of public awareness (regarding environmental issues)
! Lack of adequate awareness of decision makers (regarding environmental issues)
! Lack of public interest in solving environmental deficiencies / problems
! Lack of organizational capability (inadequate representation of NGOs)
! Lack of information / knowledge
! Lack of private sector participation (investment, management)
Provisional assessment of the relevance of participatory issues in the particular DRB county:
A
B&H BUL
CRO
CZ
GER HUN MOL
RO
SK
SLO
UA
YUG
**
**
**
*
*
**
**
*
*
**
**
(4)
Natural / environmental issues
! Degradation of ecosystem
! Loss of adequate biodiversity
! Inadequately high concentration of nutrients in agricultural areas
! Uncontrolled flood risk
! Inadequate utilization of water resources
! Uncontrolled discharge of waste water (in the past / ongoing)
! Unsanitary disposal of solid wastes and hazardous wastes (in the past / ongoing)
! Inadequate agricultural practices (in the past / ongoing)
! Inadequate utilization of fertilizers, pesticides, etc. (in the past / ongoing)
Provisional assessment of the relevance of natural issues in the particular DRB county:
A
B&H BUL
CRO
CZ
GER HUN MOL
RO
SK
SLO
UA
YUG
**
**
**
*
*
**
**
*
*
**
**
2.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
Most DRB countries do not envisage any substantial changes of nutrient-related legislation besides the
changes they will carry out within the process of harmonization of national legislation with EU legislation.
These changes are dealt with in Section 2.5.
The EU regulations with respect
Only some countries are currently in the process of updating
to nutrient emissions require a
and adjusting particular laws or regulations that are directly
great effort in introducing new
or indirectly related to nutrient-related issues.
measures, new technologies, and
The need for improvement of nutrient-related legislation in
upgrade existing facilities.
the particular DRB countries can be assessed in general terms
as follows:
12
Summary Report
Table 2.4-1: Needs for Improvement of Nutrient Related Legislation in the DRB Countries
Country
Needs for improvement of legislation
Needs for improvement / adjustment of
nutrient related standards
GER
No need for new legislation
No requirements
A
No need for new legislation
No requirements
CZ
Need for adjustment of legislation in line with
Need for adjustment of standards
established schedule for approximation of
national legislation to EU legislation
SK
Need for adjustment of legislation in line with
Need for adjustment of standards
established schedule for approximation of
national legislation to EU legislation
HUN
Need for adjustment of legislation in line with
Need for adjustment of standards
established schedule for approximation of
national legislation to EU legislation
SLO
Need for adjustment of legislation in line with
Need for adjustment of standards
established schedule for approximation of
national legislation to EU legislation
CRO
Need for improvement of legislation
Need for completion and adjustment of standards
B&H
Substantial need for improvement of legislation Substantial need for completion and adjustment of
standards
YUG
Need for improvement of legislation
Need for completion and adjustment of standards
BUL
Need for adjustment of legislation in line with
Need for completion and adjustment of standards
established schedule for approximation of
national legislation to EU legislation
RO
Need for adjustment of legislation in line with
Need for completion and adjustment of standards
established schedule for approximation of
national legislation to EU legislation
MOL
Substantial need for improvement of legislation Need for completion and adjustment of standards
UA
Need for adjustment of legislation in line with
Need for completion and adjustment of standards
established schedule for approximation of
national legislation to EU legislation
Regarding the particular issue of control, respectively out-phasing of Phosphate-containing detergents, the
situation in the particular DRB countries is compiled in Table 2.4-2.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
13
Table 2.4-2: Present Status and Proposed Actions Regarding Phosphate-containing Detergents
Country
Present Situation
Planned / Proposed Actions
GER
Satisfactorily regulated by respective law and
No requirements for changes in national
ordinances
legislation
A
Issues of detergents in washing powders are regulated
No requirements for changes in national
by the Act on Chemicals and the Ordinance on the
legislation
Degradability of Certain Detergents, which are in
compliance with the respective EU Directives
73/404/ECC, 73/405/ECC and 82/243/ECC
CZ
Voluntary agreement between the MOE and the
New arrangement envisaged,
Association of Soup and Detergents Producers on
form currently in discussion
reduction of environmental impact of their products
SK
No explicit legal provision or regulation
There are plans to prepare by the end of 2000 a
proposal on methods of control of biological
degradability of active substance detergents
HUN
State standard: Pulverous synthetic detergents (MSZ
No plan or schedule for changes
14604-86)
SLO
No explicit legal provision or regulation;
No explicit plan or schedule for control or out-
phasing of P-containing detergents
EU-market conditions forced industry to abandon use
of phosphate;
Less than 1/3 of all detergents sold is supposed to still
have phosphate contents;
CRO
No explicit legal provision or regulation
No explicit plan or schedule for control or out-
phasing of P-containing detergents
B&H
No explicit legal provision or regulation,
No explicit plan or schedule for control or out-
phasing of P-containing detergents
Present production on zeolite basis
YUG
No explicit legal provision or regulation;
No explicit plan or schedule for control or out-
phasing of P-containing detergents
It is left to the producers to decide what kind of
detergents they produce
BUL
No explicit legal provision or regulation
Plan regarding P-containing detergents currently
under preparation
RO
No explicit legal provision or regulation
Introduction of P-free detergents in discussion,
estimated cost ~ EUR 50 million
MOL
No explicit legal provision or regulation;
No explicit plan or schedule for control or out-
phasing of P-containing detergents
Problem not relevant;
UA
No explicit legal provision or regulation
No explicit plan or schedule for control or out-
phasing of P-containing detergents
The information provided by the national reports indicates
that there is a substantial potential for Phosphorus reduction
The replacement of phosphates in
in the majority of the DRB countries. Therefore, this issue
detergents is cost-effective strategy
should be followed up.
leading to pollution reduction.
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Summary Report
2.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
With the exception of Germany and Austria, all other DRB countries consider the harmonization of national
environment and water-related legislation with the EU legislation as the most essential prerequisite for long-
term sustainable nutrient control and reduction in their countries.
In the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria this harmonization is incorporated in an ongoing
programme and considered as a short-term task.
Romania, Slovenia (and Ukraine) plan to reach a harmonization of particular national laws with EU
legislation or standards in the short, respectively mid-term (2001 to 2005).
For both categories of countries, the final implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
will require relatively long adjustment periods of at least 10 to 20 years.
For the other countries, Moldova and the war-impacted countries Croatia, B&H and Yugoslavia, the time
frame for the approximation of national legislation to EU legislation is determined by the currently not fully
satisfactory status of water sector legislation and the economic capability and potential of the particular
country. For these countries the approximation process has to be considered as a medium to long-term task.
Table 2.5-1 shows a schedule for the envisaged approximation of the national legislation to the EU
legislation (regarding selected EU Directives which are directly or indirectly related to the issue of pollution
control, in particular to nutrient control / reduction).
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
15
Table 2.5-1: Planned Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Country EC COM 97(49)
EC 91/271/EEC on EC 91/676/EEC on EC 80/68/EEC on EC 98/83/EEC
EC 76/464/EEC
EC 73/404/EEC
EC 78/659/EEC
Draft Water
urban waste water
the protection of
the protection of
on the quality of
on dangerous
on biodegradability on the quality of fresh
Framework
treatment
waters against
ground water
water for human
substances
of detergents
water needing
Directive
pollution caused by
consumption and
protection or
nitrates from
household needs
improvement in order
agricultural sources
to support fish life
GER
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
A
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
Full compliance
CZ
01.01.2003 /
01.01.2003/2010
01.01.2003/2006
01.01.2003 /
01.01.2003 /
01.01.2003/2008
01.01.2003 /
01.01.2003 /
SK
2002 / 2009-2015
2003 / 2008
2001 / 2005
2002 / 2008
2002 / 2006
2000
2002 / 2004
HUN
31.12.2002 /
31.12.2002 /
31.12.2002 /
07.06.2000 /
31.12.2002 /
SLO
2000 / 2001
1996 / 2015
2001 /
1997 /
CRO
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
B&H
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
YUG
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
BUL
31.12.2000 / (*)
31.12.2000 / (*)
31.12.2000 / (*)
31.12.2000 / (*)
31.12.2000 / (*)
31.12.2000 / (*)
RO
2005 / 2010
2001 / 2010
2001 / 2010
2006 / >2010
MOL
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
UA
2003 /
2003 /
2003 /
2003 /
2005 /
2003 /
2002 /
Note:
First date = proposed year of transposition / second date = anticipated year of full implementation
(*)
Full compliance after the envisaged transition periods of 2 to 6 years
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
17
ANNEX
COUNTRY REPORTS
1. GERMANY
2. AUSTRIA
3. CZECH REPUBLIC
4. SLOVAKIA
5. HUNGARY
6. SLOVENIA
7. CROATIA
8. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
9. YUGOSLAVIA
10. BULGARIA
11. ROMANIA
12. MOLDOVA
13. UKRAINE
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
19
1
GERMANY
1.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
During the previous decades, Germany has established a comprehensive hierarchic system of objectives,
principles and priorities for pollution reduction both on the national level and - due to the distinct federal
structure of the country supplementary ones on the state level. Regarding pollution reduction, the policy
objectives and principles are fully in compliance with international standards.
Nutrients in surface waters result from point sources and diffuse sources (mainly nutrient emissions from the
agricultural sector and nitrogenous substances from the transport and industrial sector).
(1)
Control of point sources
Regarding point sources, the basic principle is that nutrient load of waste water discharged from treatment
plants is to be kept as low as possible according to the "best available techniques". The particular minimum
requirements regarding nutrient elimination have been laid down in the waste water emission ordinances and
their annexes.
Through a strict application of the emission principle, a significant nutrient elimination could be achieved in
the surface waters.
For discharge of waste water, a waste water charge is to be paid, also in the case the legal requirements are
fulfilled. This waste water charge can be set off against investment cost for reduction of nutrient load; thus
this regulation fulfills an essential incentive function.
The legal prescriptions regarding content of phosphorus components in washing powders and detergents
have to be considered as satisfactory and have contributed to a significant reduction of phosphorus levels in
surface waters.
(2)
Control of non-point sources
In Germany, the impact of nutrients on both surface and ground waters has been increasingly coming from
diffuse rather than point sources. The essential diffuse sources are agricultural animal keeping and land use
(utilization of fertilizers) as well as nitrogenous substances from the air (e.g. from traffic, industry and
agriculture).
From these diffuse sources, both soil and surface and ground water are still significantly impacted by
nutrients. Attempts have been made to counteract this development by legal regulations (Water Act,
Fertilizer Act, Fertilizer Ordinance, etc). A reduction is, for example, expected to be achieved by a restriction
of nutrient content in fertilizers as well as by provisions regulating the utilization of fertilizers (e.g.
appropriate buffer zones to surface waters, restrictions on the periods when manure may be spread, etc.).
Germany currently spends about one million EUR per annum for measures and actions aimed at nutrient
reduction from diffuse sources in the DRB area of Germany.
1.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control and Reduction
Legislation related to pollution, respectively nutrient reduction, is in full compliance with the requirements
of EU legislation and the relevant international conventions signed by Germany.
The national legislation is composed of a comprehensive set of laws, regulations and ordinances on the
national level and a relatively high number of laws and regulations on state level. The Water Resources
Policy Act provides sets framework conditions for water management and water control on the national
level; the federal states have their own water acts.
20
Summary Report
In fulfilling the requirements of the relevant EU Directives and the requirements of the national legislation, a
multitude of projects, measures and activities related to nutrient reduction have been implemented over a
long period of time and have actually led to exceptionally high standards of the relevant infrastructure and
administrative and institutional framework by international comparison.
Pollution originating from non-point sources, mainly from agriculture remains a matter of concern.
1.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
In Germany, the crucial problem is currently not the status of legislation, but the difficulties with the
appropriate transposition of the legal regulations.
Non-point source emissions result from a variety of emitters that are partly outside the direct influence
sphere of the relevant water sector authorities, which hampers protection measures.
As diffuse emissions can often not be remedied by technical measures, the nutrient emissions have to be
controlled or reduced at the source. The solution to these problems requires strategies which both support
awareness raising of and provide incentives for the main target groups of emitters.
However, another prerequisite is that adequate legal provisions be established and necessary technical means
provided.
1.4 Proposed / Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
The emission into the air of nitrogenous substances from the transport sector and the agricultural sector calls
for particular measures since conventional water protection measures and regulations are in this case not
efficient. Essential measures to be considered include:
! development and introduction of emission reducing technologies and techniques;
! intensification of public awareness raising and consultation;
! reduction of emissions into the air as an integral component of an overall environment protection
strategy (as laid down in respective international conventions);
! environment-friendly utilization of resources (materials, energy);
! environment-friendly forms of land use;
! systematic survey of emission development,
! exchange of pertinent knowledge and experience;
! environmental impact assessment.
Reduction of phosphorous does not need to be additionally regulated in Germany.
1.5 Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Being an EU Member State implies the obligatory compliance with nutrient and waste water- relevant EU
Directives.
As EU legislation provisions have been incorporated in the national laws, regulations and ordinances, the
national legislation is basically in line with the requirements of the relevant EU Directives and will - where
required be gradually adjusted with regard to nutrient control and reduction.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
21
2
AUSTRIA
2.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient
Control / Reduction
In the course of the past decades the Austrian Government has undertaken ambitious efforts to reduce
pressures arising from households, industry and agriculture in order to protect and maintain the water
resources and their sustainable use. The present water quality monitoring results, which are published on a
regular basis, prove that those efforts have been very efficient and successful.
The main principles of the Austrian Water Protection Policy with regard to nutrient control are enshrined in
the Austrian Water Act in order:
! to safeguard sustainable use of water for all different purposes (households, industry,
agriculture, recreation, fish life, etc);
! to protect resources against pollution that can be harmful to human health and animals;
! to safeguard water as drinking water resource;
! to maintain the natural physical, chemical and biological status of all water bodies.
The key elements for nutrient control and reduction in Austria are:
! Control of point sources via a combined approach;
! Reduction of impacts from diffuse sources.
The progressive combined approach is also enshrined in the future EU Water Framework Directive, which
will come into force in the second half of the year 2000. Within this approach both the quality objectives of
the receiving waters and the stringent limit values set for discharges have to be respected. Those limit values
are set for all major sectors and are based on best available techniques.
The legislation in Austria is harmonised with the requirements of EU legislation for discharges and does not
- in general differentiate between short, medium or long-term measures.
2.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(a)
Control of point sources
Under the Austrian Water Act, every impact on water (abstractions as well as discharges) that is above the
level of insignificance has to be licensed by governmental water authorities. The license is granted for a
limited period only. Adaptations due to changing circumstances can be requested by the authorities.
Violations of the licenses are fined and in severe cases lead to loss of the permit. The licenses for waste
water discharges are based on the combined approach.
Based on the Austrian 1990 Water Act, stringent requirements have been set for waste water discharges,
based on best available techniques. 53 sector-specific waste water emission ordinances are currently in force.
They determine the relevant sectors and specific parameters and limit concentrations or set maximum loads
according to the best available techniques. These standards are part of the license issued by the authority. For
waste water producers or for parameters not found in the sector-specific ordinances, the General Ordinance
on Waste Water Emission with basic principles and provisions, last amended in 1996, has to be observed.
(b)
Phosphorous containing detergents
There are a few legal restrictions in Austria specifically addressing the reduction of detergents in washing
powders. The basic act is the Austrian Act on Chemicals BGBl. 53/1997, which requires according to §§ 32
and 33 that the ingredients of washing powder fulfil certain degradability criteria and that harmful substances
be replaced by those less harmful to the environment on the basis of best available technique. Further
requirements dealing with degradability are fixed in the Ordinance on the Degradability of Certain
Detergents BGBl. Nr. 639/1989 as well as in the EU Directives 73/404/EEC, 73/405/EEC and 82/243/EEC.
22
Summary Report
These three EU directives are currently being reworked with a view to stipulating more ambitious levels of
degradability.
Since 1987 phosphorous-containing detergents in washing powders have been reduced to a minimum, in line
with the provisions of the Washing Powder Act BGBl. 300/1984, amendment in Annex 1, 1987.
Input of phosphorous in urban waste water has been reduced by more than 50% resulting in significantly
reduced P-concentrations in surface waters.
(c)
Control of diffuse sources
The main legal instrument to control diffuse sources is based on the EU Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC
(Council Directive covering the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural
sources). A new Austrian Action Programme based on §55b of the Austrian Water Act and in line with the
provisions of this directive was launched in September 1999.
The core parts of this Action Programme include:
! restrictions on the period when manure may be spread;
! restrictions in the amount of manure (210 kg nitrogen per hectare at the moment, 170 kg
nitrogen per hectare and year after 2002) allowed to be spread;
! provisions for minimum capacities for storage of manure;
! further restrictions on spreading manure along rivers, on slopes etc.
Application of nitrogen (sum of mineral fertiliser and manure) exceeding 210 kg nitrogen per hectare on
grassland and 175 kg nitrogen per hectare arable land requires a license according to the provisions of the
Austrian Water Act amended in 1990.
In order to avoid an excessive intensification of agriculture "ÖPUL" (Austrian Programme of Environmental
Friendly Agriculture) was initiated. This national programme, co-financed by the EC on the basis of
regulation agri-environment 2078/91, provides financial incentives for e.g.:
! renunciation of certain fertilisers and pesticides;
! stabilisation of crop rotation;
! bio-farming and integrative production;
! extensification of production;
! maintaining cultivation of extensive grassland (e.g. alpine meadows) and other ecological
important areas;
! protection against erosion.
2.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
In fulfilling the requirements of the relevant EU Directives and the requirements of the national legislation a
multitude of projects, measures and activities related to nutrient reduction have been implemented and have
led to a high standard in the relevant infrastructure and the administrative and institutional framework in
international comparison. Thus, there are currently no relevant barriers to policy and legal reforms.
2.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
In summary, it can be stated that the objective to reduce nutrient input is laid down in various types and
sectors of both national and EU legislation. At present, there seems to be no further need for new legislation
or special nutrient reduction programme to be designed to address that specific issue.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
23
2.5 Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Austria disposes of a broad set of legally binding, stringent regulations for point sources as well as for
diffuse sources and detergents.
Being an EU Member State implies obligatory compliance with the waste water-relevant EU directives such
as the Dangerous Substance Directive (76/464/EEC), the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
(91/271/EEC) and the Integrated Prevention and Pollution Control IPPC Directive (96/91/EEC) which lays
down an integrated pollution prevention and control approach for industrial plants.
Provisions of the EU legislation have been incorporated in the national ordinances, so that Austrian legal
norms are completely in line with the requirements of the relevant EU Directives.
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Summary Report
3
CZECH REPUBLIC
3.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
The State Environmental Policy of the Czech Republic, approved in 1995 and up-dated 1999, is focused on
the strict implementation of sustainable development principles in all sectors and harmonization of the Czech
legislation with EU legislation.
In approving the updated SEP, government accepts a number of principles set out in accepted documents of
the international community, such as the: (i) precautionary principle, (ii) principle of prevention, (iii)
principle of reducing risks at the source, (iv) polluter pays principle, (v) the principle of shared
responsibilities, (vi) principle of subsidiarity, (vii) principle of integration, (viii) principle of best available
technology, and (ix) principle of substitution.
The acceptance of these internationally approved principles is reflected in the general environmental policy
objectives and measures and objectives concerning the hydrosphere as follows:
! Ensure the meeting of international commitments of the Czech Republic in relation to the
protection of the watersheds of the Elbe, Morava-Danube and Odra and to co-operation with
neighboring countries where waters form the border;
! gradually restore natural water cycles, protect ground waters, increase the retentive ability of the
land and ensure the renewable nature of water resources;
! continue with the watercourse rehabilitation programme, renewal of riverbank vegetation and
natural meanders and the creation of protective riverbank zones along watercourses and
reservoirs;
! for municipal pollution sources, achieve the objective of mechanical and biological treatment of
waste water for all settlements with more than 2,000 population equivalents by the year 2010;
! support the application of sludge from wastewater treatment plants in agriculture, especially
through limitation of discharges of hazardous substances from industry into public sewers;
! extend monitoring of the quality and quantity of ground and surface waters, including
monitoring of the ecological state of waters according to EU requirements, and unify monitoring
of rivers and small watercourses;
! prepare and implement action plans for achieving the environmental quality standards set by
individual EU Directives in the area of water protection.
The new strategy aims at gradually shifting from normative tools to economic and voluntary ones. Highest
priority is given to the protection of surface and ground waters for human consumption, protected areas and
wetlands; second priority is given to stretches of watercourses that are classified as heavily polluted.
3.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
The most essential laws and regulations dealing with nutrient pollution control and prevention are as follows:
! Act No 138/1973 Coll. (Water Act) and its Amendment No 14/1998 Coll., according to which
all waters used for human consumption are protected by ,,protection areas,, where agricultural
activities are restricted;
! Act No. 130/1974 Coll. of CNC on State Administration and Water Management, amended by
CNC Act No. 49/1982 Coll., Act No. 425/1990 Coll. and Act No. 23/1992 Coll.; (The full text
of Act of CNC No. 458/1992 Coll., Amended by Act of CNC No. 114/1995 Coll.);
! Government Decree No 82/1999 Coll., establishing parameters and limits of acceptable degree
of water pollution (differentiated for municipal, industrial and agricultural waste water
discharge) and also immission limits for two categories of surface waters: (i) surface waters for
the abstraction of drinking water and (ii) other waters;
! Act No 58/1998 Coll. on charges for waste water discharge to water bodies;
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
25
! Intimation of the Ministry of Environment No 137/1999 Coll. to the Water Act establishing
the list of water reservoirs designated for drinking water production and principles for
specification of protected areas of water resources.
3.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
The new political orientation launched in 1990 has brought significant changes to all domains of public life.
A lot of them have had a favorable impact, especially relating to the environment, and have also influenced
organizational and legislative structure of water management.
The main institutional barriers to policy and legal reform include:
! Due to the privatization and removal of the centralized water management, access to needed
data has partially been restricted; Law No 123/1998 Coll. regulates access to information on
impact on the environment; the prepared law on water supply and sewage will enable access to
information on treated and discharged waste water.
! Under the Act on Municipalities, the responsibility for drinking water supply, sewerage system
and waste water treatment was assigned to municipalities. Their attitude to the solution of water
management problems is weakened by the necessity to solve other problems and low
accessibility of financial sources for the construction of sewer systems.
! The transformation of the legal system of the Czech Republic has not yet been accomplished.
With the new act, a clear declaration of jurisdiction and responsibilities at all levels of water
administration is expected.
! Changes in the structure of the public service and self-government decentralization has not yet
been accomplished. The dossier of new laws specifying the responsibilities and cognizance of
regions, districts and municipalities is under preparation.
! There are conflicts between environmental protection and economic concerns; lack of finances
does not allow sufficient attention to be paid to water-related problems and their solution.
3.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
Only one directive regarding nutrient reduction is missing in the actual legislation of the Czech Republic, the
Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from
agricultural sources.
The most essential laws and regulations currently in the preparation stage include:
! The New Water Act corresponding to EU regulations is on the "legislative schedule" for the
year 2000;
! A set of four laws concerning new organizational structure of state administration;
! The adjustment of all laws and regulations required for reaching full compatibility with EU
legislation.
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Summary Report
3.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
The approximation process is based on the Position Document, the National Programme of the Preparation
of the Czech Republic for the EU Membership, and on new Implementation Plans prepared for the individual
directives.
The preparation period for the envisaged EU accession has been designated by the Czech Government until
January 1, 2003. By this reference date, the EU-condition requiring incorporation of the Acquis
Communautaire into the Czech legislature should be fulfilled and relating requirements of its practical
application fully implemented.
According to the provided data, the Czech republic requests a transition period for the following issues:
! For the implementation of the Directive 91/676/ECC in connection with implementation of
required measures in agriculture (2006);
! For meeting the requirements established by Directive 91/271/EEC for agglomerations between
2000 -10000 PE (construction or up-grading of WWTPs) and for more stringent level of
treatment required for WWTPs in sensitive areas (2010);
! For the implementation of Directive 76/464/EEC and its daughter directives regarding some
heavy metals and organic compounds from industry (2008);
! For attainment limits for the content of some organic compounds and metals in drinking water
(2006)
Taking into account the significant improvements achieved during the previous few years, it is expected that
the Czech Republic - one of the priority candidates for joining the EU before the year 2005 - can successfully
achieve the required harmonization of national environmental legislation with the EU legislation in time;
especially if this ambitious task is further supported by international co-funding.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
27
4
SLOVAKIA
4.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
The most recent document in which objectives, priorities and principles of the national environmental policy
are defined is the National Environmental Action Plan II (December 1999).
The priorities of the national environmental policy of the Slovak Republic related to the water sector are
defined in NEAP II as follows:
! to ensure sufficient amount and quality of drinking water and reduction of pollution of other
waters to acceptable level;
! to ensure biological diversity, protection and rational use of natural resources.
The general principles of the national environmental policy are:
! solving environmental problems within the context of the economic development in the society;
! a preference for preventive measures over corrective ones;
! enforcement of environmental policy on all levels and in all sectors, responsible for taking care
of the environment, including municipalities, etc;
! solving environmental problems in a synergetic way;
! considering healthy environment as a basic requirement for public health;
! implementing the polluter pays principle;
! assessing the impact of interference related to the environment.
Particular objectives for the water sector are formulated in the NEAP II as follows:
! transposition of EU legislation;
! reduction of polluting substances in waste water discharges to acceptable level by construction
of WWTP; use of treatment methods with high efficiency and fulfillment of requirements of EU
Directive 91/271;
! realization of measures to support water retention, especially in areas suffering on water
deficiency, alleviation of negative effects of flood events;
! introduction of measures to decrease drinking water consumption mainly by reducing losses in
waterworks, more reasonable handling by consumers, stricter control of and preventive
measures for potential accidents;
! introduction of measures to reduce pollution of watercourses and creation of suitable conditions
for their revitalization;
! stricter control and reasonable utilization of water sources;
! protection and rational use of water resources;
! reduction of amount of carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic and other harmful substances in
waters below defined acceptable level
! enforcement of a complex monitoring and information system.
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Summary Report
4.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
The water sector, respectively nutrient-related legislation is formed by the following acts:
Table 4.2-1: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(Actually in Force)
(1) Law on Water 138/1973
(2) Governmental Decree 242/1993
(3) Regulation 117/1976 on Slovak Water Management Inspection
(4) Governmental Decree 31/1975 on fines for violation of obligation in the water management area
(5) Governmental Decree 35/1979 on charges in water management area
(6) Law 595/1990 on State Administration for Environment
(7) Ministerial Order 23/1977 on the protection of surface and ground water quality
(8) Ministerial Order 5000/1982 on the protection of water against pollution from agriculture
(9) Ministerial Order 5001/1982 on handling and use of manure
(10) Law 136/2000 on fertilizers
Governmental decree 242/1993 has to be used by water management authorities when issuing permits for
discharge of waste water; Annex 1, respectively Annex 2 to this decree provide indicators for:
! Maximum permissible pollution level of discharged municipal and industrial waste water;
! Permissible pollution levels in receiving surface water.
Ambient water quality is dealt with in the Slovak Technical Standard STN 757221 Classification of surface
water quality, used exclusively for evaluation from the ecological point of view (not for determination of
suitability of water for different water uses).
Water sector-related laws currently in progress are:
(1) Law on Water (including transposition of EU directives 75/440/EEC, 76/464/EEC, 80/68/EEC, 91/271/EEC)
(2) Governmental Decree on maximum permissible pollution of waters
Current environmental legislation, especially regarding effective public participation, has not yet recognized
the principles already incorporated in the legislation of western democracies.
4.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
The main barriers fall into two groups: a) those concerning the process of transposition and implementation
of the European Union legislation and b) those concerning the implementation and enforcement of the new
legislation and regulations.
The first priority is to make a clear definition of the future competencies of the Ministry of the Environment
and the Ministry of Soil Management for the water sector. This is the basic prerequisite for the preparation of
a new Water Law, which will constitute the basic legal document in the water sector to be accompanied by
other laws and regulations.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
29
(1)
In order to overcome the deficiencies in institutional and administrative capabilities, the following
steps are required:
! Personnel strengthening in the Ministry of the Environment; increase of language capabilities
and expertise of personnel to enable adequate transposition of EU Directives into national
legislation;
! Personnel strengthening in state administration on regional and district level to support an
adequate enforcement of the new legislation;
! Harmonization of monitoring, state statistics and preparation of reporting to the EU
Commission;
! Personnel strengthening in the Slovak Environmental Inspection to support adequate
enforcement of the existing and new legislation in the environmental sector;
! Personnel strengthening and strengthening of technical capabilities in the Slovak Hydro-
meteorological Institute and in the Slovak Environmental Agency.
(2)
A very critical issue, it seems, involves the weak enforcement of legislation by the concerned
authorities on the national, regional and district level, where the number of employees decreased by
32 % in comparison to year 1996. It is envisaged to reach at least again the level of year 1995. The
updated Law on State Administration (planned to be in force by the year 2000) will be very
important in this context.
(3)
A further critical issue involves the huge financial means required to adjust the national legislation to
the EU-Legislation and to secure its implementation. It is estimated that approximately EUR 3,3 -
3,4 billion will be needed in the water sector only, mainly for the implementation of the Urban Waste
Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC.
4.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
One of the basic priorities of the Government of the Slovak Republic is accession to the EU. In this context,
the highest priority regarding nutrient-related legislation is the transposition and implementation of the
relevant EU-legislation. Table 10.4-1 contains a list of the planned activities.
Table 4.4-1: List of planned activities in the process of transposition and implementation of EU
legislation related to nutrient control and reduction
Activity
Deadline
Resp.authority
Draft Law on sewage
2002
MSM SR
Draft Law on water and related documents by which transposition of EU directives
2001
MOE SR
75/440/EEC, 76/464/EEC, 80/68/EEC, 91/271/EEC will be ensured
Draft Governmental Decree setting maximum permissible pollution
2001
MOE SR
Assessment and implementation of requirements of Water Framework Directive from
2001
MOE SR
the point of view of legislative and organizational competencies and duties of water
management authorities/institutions
Preparation of a time schedule of UWWT Directive in relation to investments needed
2001-2002
MOE SR
Identification of investment needed to implement UWWT Directive
2001-2002
MOE SR
Identification of technical and investment projects necessary for implementation of
2002
MOE SR
measures ensuring good water quality status and their monitoring in accordance with
Water Framework Directive
Identification and evaluation of areas sensitive to eutrophication processes in
2002
MOE SR
accordance with UWWT Directive
Preparation and implementation of the Code of good agricultural practice with the
2002
MSM SR
purpose to reduce pollution caused by nitrates
Definition of criteria for identification of water pollution by nitrates from agricultural
2002
MOE SR
sources (in relation to Nitrates Directive)
Identification of vulnerable areas regarding the Nitrates Directive
2002
MoE SR
Development of Action Programmes in vulnerable areas to ensure protection of waters 2004
MSM SR
against pollution from agriculture (in relation to Nitrates Directive)
Implementation of IPPC Directive in water sector (study)
2003
MOE SR
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Summary Report
Regarding the issue of detergents, a proposal on methods of control of biological degradability of active
substances detergents is planned to be prepared by the end of 2000. The Ministry of Economics is
responsible for the preparation of this proposal.
4.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
The National Programme for Transposition of Acquis Communautaire constitutes the basis for the definition
of the envisaged time schedule as outlined in the table below and the financial requirements for the
transposition of the EU legislation.
Table 4.5-1: Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Name of National Law,
Related EU Directive /
Proposed Period of Proposed Date of coming In Force
Regulation
Adjustment
Standard
(1) Law on Water
75/440/EEC,
2002
91/271/EEC will fully be implemented
by 2015
76/464/EEC,
80/68/EEC,
91/271/EEC
(2) Nitrates Directive
91/676/EEC
2003
Full implementation by 2008
(Exact name not known)
(3) IPPC Directive
96/61/EEC
Full implementation by 2008
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
31
5
HUNGARY
5.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
According to the National Environmental Programme (1997-2002) it is an issue of high priority to decrease
nitrate and phosphorous load of protected water resources sensitive to nutrients; these areas are priority areas
for WWTP with improved (third degree) treatment standards.
According to the EU guidelines wastewater treatment should adequately be solved in settlements with more
than 15,000 inhabitants by the year 2000 and in settlements of more than 2,000 inhabitants by the year 2005.
The Hungarian national programme of waste water treatment is designed to fulfill these tasks by the year
2010 (due to financing problems).
The long-term objective of the waste water treatment programme is to achieve 67% of sewage collection and
treatment all over the country, with a special emphasis on nutrient reduction at vulnerable water resources.
As approximately half of N and P pollution in the country comes from non-point sources, this is clearly
recognized as the main area of concern, requiring substantial improvement.
Due to a lack of public subsidies, nutrient pollution from agriculture has dropped substantially and is
currently responsible for not more than 15% of total nutrient pollution in the country. Recently, the use of
pesticides and artificial fertilizers has became so low that a further reduction seems very difficult; therefore,
the basic objective is to maintain the current levels and to prevent an increase in the future.
In October 1999 the Hungarian Government approved the National Agro-Environmental Protection
Programme that was elaborated in accordance with Council Regulation 2078/92/EEC on implementation and
support of agricultural practices serving protection of environment and safeguarding of landscape values.
The programme contains measures planned for the 2000-2006 period, such as:
! Rationally reduced utilization of fertilizers and pesticides;
! Bio-production;
! Extensification;
! Reduction of density;
! Reinforcement of environmentally friendly methods;
! Conservation of landscape;
! Educational programmes and projects.
There is currently no programme on the national scale specifically related to nutrient removal or reduction.
The MoE is, however, responsible for programmes that are closely linked to nutrient removal and reduction
either for the whole country or for particular regions. The most important programmes are:
! National waste water collection and treatment programme, aimed at he development of adequate
waste water treatment capacities of large cities and settlements according to the requirements of
EU legislation between 1997 and 2010;
! Programme to improve the water quality and ecological status of Lake Balaton, including the
implementation of Phase II of the Kis-Balaton project;
! Programme on Velence Lake;
! A governmental programme is being designed for the implementation of EU nitrate directive.
! Programme on Great Lowland;
! Programme on water supplement of Mid-Danube-Tisza Region;
! Programme on rehabilitation of oxbow lakes.
Hungary has with all its neighbors bilateral, trans-boundary cooperation agreements that also contain nutrient
reduction related issues.
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Summary Report
5.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
The most essential acts currently dealing with nutrient pollution reduction and prevention are compiled in the
following table.
Table 5.2-1: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(Actually in Force)
Name of Law, Regulation
Main Subjects
Effective since
(1)Act no. LIII on General Rules of
Concept, principles and responsibilities in relation to the 22 06 1995
Environmental Protection
environment. Functions and activities of the state and
the self-governments. Protection of ground and surface
waters.
(2)Act no LVII on water management
Basic rules, functions and principles of water
23 06 1995
management. Obligations to water and water facilities.
Provision on sewer fine. Obligations for the operating of
public utilities.
(3)83/1997 Decision of Parliament on
Major targets of environmental protection by
26 09 1997
National Environmental Programme
environmental elements. Tasks to reach the targets
planned and proposed programmes.
(4) 2126/1999 Decision of Government
Tasks and programmes of year 1999.
on Action Programme to National
Environmental Programme
(5) 2207/1996 (VII.24.) Government
24 07 1996
Decision on Waste water disposal and
treatment programme for Hungarian
settlements
(6) 3/1984 Decree of President of
Method of calculation of waste water fines. Definition
00 00 1984
National Water Authority on waste
of damaging pollution and the procedure of imposing
water fines
and utilization of waste water fines.
(7) 4/1984 Decree of President of
Prohibits emission of harmful waste water. Regulation
National Water Authority on sewerage
of sampling. Method for calculating and paying the
fines
charge.
(8) MSZ12749 Hungarian Standard on
quality of surface water; quality
characteristics and classification
(9)33/2000 Government decree on
Protection of ground waters in full accordance with EC
07.06.2000
ground water protection
80/68/EEC directive
(10) Decree of Minister of Transport,
Regulation of the tasks, contents and field of activity of
00 00 1998.
Communication and Water Management WM Councils
on Water management council
The following eight items, expected to regulate nutrient emissions, are currently in the process of
preparation, under the co-ordination of the MoE.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
33
Table 5.2-2: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(Currently in Progress)
Name of Law, Regulation
Main Subjects
Date of Coming
in Force
(1) Decree of government on surface
EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2001
water pollution control
name of the law.
(2) Ministerial Decree on waste water
EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2001
emission permits
name of the law.
(3)Ministerial Decree on sensitivity of
EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2001
surface waters
name of the law.
(4)Ministerial Decree on water quality
EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2002
classification on ecological basis
name of the law.
(5) Ministerial Decree on surface water
EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2002
quality objectives
name of the law.
(6) Ministerial Decree on good
EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2002
agricultural practice
name of the law.
(7) Ministerial Decree on identification of EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2002
zones, vulnerable to nitrate pollution, for
name of the law.
the protection of ground water
(8)Governmental Decree on protection of
EU-harmonized regulation; subject outlined in the
2002
waters against N-pollution from
name of the law.
agricultural sources
If these decrees should come in force as scheduled, Hungary would dispose of a relatively complete and
satisfying legal framework for water management and water pollution control.
5.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
The main barrier to policy and legal reforms in Hungary is the slow lawmaking process, which is mainly
caused by inappropriate structure of the administrative system. The nutrient issue including detergents is
dealt with in the following ministries:
! Ministry of the Environment,
! Ministry of Transport and Water Management,
! Ministry of Health,
! Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Development,
! Ministry of Economics.
5.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
(1)
Enforcement of the existing and future legislation concerning N and P removal in waste water
treatment in the catchments of sensitive surface and subsurface waters.
(2)
Phosphate-free detergents
In 1996, a PHARE programme was completed on phosphorous subject. The Project no: EU/AR/205/97;
Contract no. 95-0036.00 Title: Removal of Phosphate from detergents in the Danube basin.
34
Summary Report
Experts from 12 DRB countries were involved in this project. According to the findings of this project,
criteria for the selection of environmentally friendly detergent products should focus on:
! reduction of the load and impact of detergents to the necessary extent (e.g. criteria on dosage,
soluble/insoluble inorganic, aerobic/anaerobic biodegradable ingredients);
! preference for those ingredients undergoing quick and ultimate biodegradation and with aquatic
impairments as low as possible, which is considered under the criterion: critical dilution
volume;
! non-use of ingredients which are known to have adverse effects on the aquatic environment;
! restriction on ingredients having high figures on acute toxicity and on combinations with low
biodegradability and/or accumulation potential:
! consumer should be better informed on the environmental impacts of the products."
According to the above listed issues, Hungary has not introduced the simplified approach of "phosphate free
detergents", but a more careful classification of detergents with State Standard: pulverous synthetic
detergents (MSZ 14604-86).
According to this Standard, detergents fall into the following categories:
! pre-wash: loosen the dirt even in cold water, making washing easier
! hand-wash: neutral, or lightly alkaline chemical reaction, suitable for sensitive to heat, alkaline
and easy-to-handle textile materials, gentle hand or machine washing at the temperature of up to
60 C.
! regular: produced in the largest volume, light or medium alkaline products, suitable for washing
at the temperature of 30-40 C as well as over 60 C.
Classification of detergents on the basis of phosphorus content by Standards:
Category
Description
P2O5 - Content (%)
A
Environment friendly
less than 7%
B
Within safe limit
between 7-15%
C
Maximal allowed quantity
maximal 20%
D
Prohibited
over 20%
Zeolite A is most commonly used for replacing the water softening property of phosphates in P- free
detergents The average Zeolite A content is about 20%.
(3)
Introduction of good agricultural practice including reduced use of fertilizers in sensitive areas.
5.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
With decision No. 2280/1999. (XI.30.) and amendment No. 2140/2000 (VI.23) the Hungarian government
has established a binding schedule for approximation of the national legislation to the EU-legislation, with
the end of 2002 set as the deadline for completing the approximation.
Regarding nitrate/phosphorous reduction, the national legislation will be completed with new laws fully in
line with the requirements of the respective EU-Directives:
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
35
Table 5.5-2: Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Name of National
Related EU Directive / Standard
Period of
Date of coming In
Law, Regulation
Adjustment
Force
(1) New regulation
EC 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters
2000-2002
2003
against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural
sources
(2) New regulation
EC 73/404/EEC on biodegradability of detergents
2000-2002
2003
(3) New regulation
EC 73/405/EEC on establishing monitoring methods
2000-2002
2003
for anionic surfacants
(4) New regulation
EC 82/242/EEC on establishing monitoring methods
2000-2002
2003
for non-anionic surfacants
(5) New regulation +
Water Framework Directive
2000-2002
2003
amendments
(6) New regulation +
EC 91/271/EEC on urban waste water treatment
2000-2002
2003
amendments
(7) 33/2000.(III.17.)
EC 80/68/EEC on protection of ground water
1998-2000
07.06. 2000
Gov. Decree on
protection of quality
of ground water
Taking into account the significant improvements achieved during the previous few years, it is expected that
Hungary - one of the priority candidates to join the EU before the year 2005 - can successfully achieve the
required harmonization of the national environmental legislation with the EU legislation in time, especially if
this ambitious task is further supported by international co-funding.
36
Summary Report
6
SLOVENIA
6.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
The most recent document in which objectives, priorities and principles of the state environmental policy are
defined is the National Environmental Action Plan, and a more detailed action plan, i.e. the National ISPA
Strategy of the Republic of Slovenia: Environmental Sector (1999).
From the NEAP, the following main policy principles can be summarized:
! Slovenia has to adapt its environmental protection system to meet the EU requirements;
! The adoption of the EU legal issues regarding the environment is not only an obligation but also
an opportunity to solve the environmental problems faster;
! The alignment with EU environmental policy is an opportunity to introduce changes to the
production and consumption patterns;
! The expected negative effects of Slovenia's approximation to the EU have to be controlled;
! Transitional periods and additional funds have to be ensured for certain sectors or tasks, e.g.
UWWTD, IPPC, etc.
The main objectives as formulated by the National Water Programme are as follows:
! Formulation of principles for sustainable water management;
! Implementation of integrated water management;
! Creation of regional institutions and enterprises to manage water quality and quantity;
! Development of a financial system to support the water management strategy;
! Development of inspection and control systems;
! Development of an information system on water economy.
6.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(1)
Relevant laws and regulations currently in force
In the field of pollution reduction, MESP in 1993 drafted the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) which
played a major role in the modernization of the perception of the environment by all stakeholders.
Nowadays, it needs some amendments that will be passed together with the Water Act (Water Law) which is
expected to come into force in summer/autumn this year. Along with these two umbrella laws, a list of
subordinated regulation has been made since. The most important ones are: (i) the Slovenian Urban Waste
Water Treatment Directive with accompanying sub-directives regarding different types of industries and
wastewater, and (ii) the Slovenian Nitrates Directive.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
37
Table 6.2-1: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(Currently in Force)
Name of Law,
Authority
Main Subjects
Effective since
Main Deficiencies
Regulation
Responsible
(1) Environmental
MESP
umbrella law for the
(OJ RS, 32/93). needs to be reviewed due to
Protection Act, EPA
environment
EU WFD and SI Water Act
(2) National
MESP
concrete measures up to
September
not specific enough
Environmental Action
2003, programme up to 2008
1999
Programme, NEAP
(3) Emission regulations
MESP
limit emissions in terms of
Subsequently
OK, in compliance with
concentration and mass load
from 1996
Annex III of EU UWWTD
for WWTP's and diverse
91/271/EEC
industries
(4) Nitrates Directive
MESP
limit loads of nutrients and
(OJ RS 68/96)
as in EU difficult to follow
dangerous substances into
November
compatible to EU Nitrates
soil
1996
Directive 91/676/EEC
(5) Water taxation
MESP
taxation for pollution,
Start in 1995
money goes to the state
increases tax each year
budget rather than to water
sector
(6) EIA
MESP
Environmental impact
2000
OK
assessment
(2)
Relevant laws and regulations in progress
The most urgent regulation is the Water Act, which was supposed to come into force already two years ago.
It is now finally being debated in the Parliament and is expected tol come into force in summer/autumn 2000.
Similarly, the Slovenian Integrated Pollution Prevention Directive is being prepared; due to the great
economic impact on the industry it will probably need an implementation period until the year 2011.
The Decree On Water Pollution Tax is amended each year raising the unit price for pollution. Its
progressive rise is an incentive for polluters to take care of their pollution either to reduce it by
change of technology or to remove it from waste-water by WWTP.
In agriculture, there is a need to systematically review the agricultural practices in order to reduce
nutrients release/washout into the environment.
Table 6.2-2: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(Currently in Progress)
Name of Law,
Authority
Main Subjects
Date of coming
Main Deficiencies
Regulation
Responsible
In Force
(1) Water Act
MESP
Umbrella law for water,
Summer 2000
not totally compatible with
corresponding to EU WFD
EU WFD
(2) Water Act
MESP
Definition of
Summer 2000
OK
vulnerable zones
(3) Sensitive zones MESP
Definition of eutrophic zones Autumn 2000
weak definition in EU
(4) Urban
MESP
Defines urban agglomerations Autumn 2000
weak definition in EU
agglomerations
for UWWTD
(5) IPPC
MESP
Integrated pollution
2000
prevention
(6) WFD
MESP
Covers issues from EU WFD 2000, or 2001
regional government is not
established yet, no provision
for RBM
38
Summary Report
(3)
Main deficiencies
There are certainly no substantial deficiencies in the newly accepted regulations, although some of them are
not fully compatible with the existing or future EU legislation. However, it is to be expected that given its
restricted financial resources Slovenia will not be able to fulfill all the requirements of the new legislation by
the time of the envisaged accession to the EU.
6.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
Main barriers are listed in the National Environmental Action Programme (NEAP) of 1999.
(1)
Main barriers to policy reform:
! Lack of adequately trained personnel at governmental level;
! Slow planning and decision making processes;
! Insufficient binding;
! Apparent lack of consistency;
! Excessive administrative apparatus.
(2)
Main barriers to legal reform:
! Lack of adequately trained personnel at governmental level;
! Slow response to necessary changes;
! Legal provisions based on threats rather than rewards.
6.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient Related Legislation
(1)
Proposed changes of relevant laws and regulations
The most urgent changes have basically been done. The UWWTD and the Nitrates Directive were
introduced in 1996; the Water Act and amendments to the EPA are now expected to come into force. No
explicit changes to nutrient control or reduction are expected, as the decrees already satisfactorily reflect the
corresponding EU legislation. Only the agricultural sector has still to provide guidelines and regulations for
sustainable agriculture.
(2)
Proposed schedule for out-phasing of P-containing detergents
Slovenia is in the favorable position that the EU market has already forced industry to abandon P-containing
detergents. The detergents Slovenia imports are also P- free.
6.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Due to the enormous costs associated with complying with the UWWTD (approximately 50% of all
environmental costs!), Slovenia is not able to fulfill the requirements in a short time. As part of integrated
water management policy, the Operational Programme for Urban Wastewater Collection and Treatment With
the Water Supply Projects Programme (Ur. l. RS, 94/99) has been adopted. It determines the schedule for the
implementation of measures (programmes and investments) included in the National Environmental Action
Programme. The register of agglomerations - areas where the population and/or economic activities are
sufficiently concentrated for urban wastewater to be collected and conducted to a public wastewater
treatment plant - has been drawn up, and data on industrial waste water have been collected, as laid down in
Annex III to the Directive. The final date for compliance with the EU UWWTD is scheduled for the end of
2015.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
39
Table 6.5-1: Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Name of National Law,
Related EU Directive / Proposed Period of Date of Coming in Final Status of
Regulation
Standard
Adjustment
Force
Compliance
(1) Urban Wastewater
Urban Wastewater
until 2015
1996 stepwise
until 31.12.2015
Treatment Directive,
Treatment Directive,
UWWTD
UWWTD
(2) Nitrates Directive
Nitrates Directive
until 2001
1996 stepwise
until 2001
(3) Agricultural practices
2078/92 and the
Unknown
Unknown
unknown
Nitrates Directive
(4) IPPC
MESP
Integrated pollution 2000
30.09.2011
prevention
40
Summary Report
7
CROATIA
7.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
According to the National Water Pollution Control Plan of January 1999, the overall objective for water
pollution control is to protect the environment and life and health of people by providing adequate water for
different purposes of utilization.
The priorities regarding water pollution control and water management are ranked as follows:
! Preservation of water resources which are still clean (i.e. upstream river stretches of quality
class I and groundwater) as future drinking water resources;
! Avoidance of further degradation of the current water quality;
! Restoration or removal of sources of pollution concerning existing or planned drinking water
resources, as well as other resources where water is used for different human and economic
purposes (usually water resources of class II or III);
! Strengthening the monitoring of sources of water pollution or potential accidental emergencies.
The objective of the National Water Pollution Control Plan is that water shall be managed in accordance with
the principle of integrity of the river system and the principle of sustainable development.
The National Water Pollution Control Plan includes the following principles: (i) precautionary principle, (ii)
the use of BAT, (iii) control of the pollution at source, (iv) the polluter pays principle, and (v) commitment
to regional cooperation and shared information among the neighboring countries.
Regarding municipal WWTPs, the priorities are defined as follows:
! WWTPs > 50000 PE: in this category there are 29 WWTPs to be newly constructed or extended
for improved treatment standards (biological treatment, N+P elimination);
! WWTPs > 10000 PE in sensitive areas (to be implemented by the year 2005);
! WWTPs > 15000 PE (to be implemented by the year 2010);
! WWTPs between 2000 and 15000 PE (to be implemented by the year 2025).
7.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
Due to the fact that Croatia has been an independent state only since 1990, its legal and institutional
structures are still in the process of transformation, which also applies to the fields of water management and
environmental protection. The most essential laws and regulations dealing with nutrient reduction are:
! The Water Act, which provides a framework for new regulations in the fields of water pollution
control and water quality control in compliance with the EU regulations and the relevant
international conventions;
! Water Management Financing Act (No 10795);
! Ordinance on Water Classification (No 77/98);
! Ordinance on Hazardous Substances in Water (No 78/98);
! Regulations on the issuing of water management consents and permits (No 28/96);
! National Water Pollution Control Plan (8/99);
! Regulation on the discharge of hazardous and other substances into water (No 44/99).
Ordinance No 77/98 on water classification defines: (i) water quality related to maximum allowed values of
specific groups of water quality indicators, (ii) methods of sampling and analyzing and methods of defining
and presenting water classification, (iii) ambient quality standards.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
41
Ordinance 78/98 on water-related hazardous substances defines, beside others, two groups of substances:
! Group A - substances that are forbidden to be discharged into waters;
! Group B substances that can be discharged into waters but only at maximum permissible
levels; regarding nutrient reduction in group B are regulated: (i) biological non suspended
detergents and other surface active substances; (ii) inorganic phosphorus compounds and
elementary phosphorus, and (iii) inorganic nitrogen compounds and elementary nitrogen.
Regulation on maximum allowed concentrations of hazardous substances in waste waters defines effluent
standards as follows:
! For total phosphorus, ortho-phosphates, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, total nitrogen for
discharging of waste water in categories II, III. IV, V of planned water classes (discharging of
waste water to category I is forbidden);
! For waste water quality from municipal sources (SS, BOD, COD total P, total N) dependent on
size of WWTP (PE), and water categorization (planned class), respectively sensitivity of the
recipient.
The main deficiency underlying all legislation regarding nutrient control and reduction is that legislation is
primarily oriented to point-sources pollution. The issues of diffuse pollution are regulated very generally
(only basic principles).
Particular deficiencies in comparison to EU-legislation and standards exist in relation to EU Nitrates
Directive. Related to Water Framework Directive and Urban Waste Water Directive, the national legislation
complies with more elements than in the case of the Nitrates Directive.
Regarding the out-phasing of P-containing detergents there is no existing or planned regulation. But
according to the regulations of the Water Act, water management permits have to be issued for chemicals
and their derivatives which get into water after use. That is the only existing mechanism that can be directly
used regarding P-containing detergents. The existing mechanisms which can indirectly be used regarding P-
containing detergents are ambient quality standards and effluent standards which are regulated in the
following ordinances and regulations: (i) Ordinance on water classification, (ii) Ordinance on water related
hazardous substances, (iii) Regulation on maximum allowed concentrations of hazardous substances in waste
water.
Mechanisms for the implementation of the egislation (especial financial mechanisms) are not completely
developed. Regulations for calculation of water pollution charges and definition of charging levels are
currently in the status of preparation and are expected to become effective in 2000.
7.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
The main barriers to policy and legal reforms can be summarized as follows:
! Environmental protection, respectively water protection is not considered as a top priority in
Croatia. As in the past, this issue continues to be neglected and mechanisms for environmental
protection are not developed.
! Due to the bad economical situation and due to the basically improved environmental conditions
(mainly resulting from decreased industrial and agricultural production) it is difficult to
convince the responsible officials about the necessity to spend for environmental protection the
money that is urgently needed for other developmental tasks.
! There is a significant lack of administrative and institutional capabilities; particularly regarding
local community authorities and particularly in the less developed rural areas. In other words, a
task assigned to the authorities of a local community can only be executed with assistance from
the state administration.
42
Summary Report
7.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-related Legislation
Since the Republic of Croatia became an independent country, legislation related to water
management/pollution control has been changed. These changes are in the final phase on the state level; the
coming task for the state administration will be to assist the local authorities by establishing necessary
legislation/regulations on the local level and to improve and develop the mechanisms for the implementation
of the legislation.
The main changes that have to be considered in the near future are supposed to result from the
approximations of the national legislation to the EU legislation.
There are currently no explicit plans for nutrient-related changes in the legislation. The existing legislation
requires particular tasks to be fulfilled which will definitely need changes, respectively the development of
new nutrient-related legislation; these tasks are: (i) Revision of the monitoring system, (ii) Water
Management Master Plan for Croatia and County Master Plans, (iii) County Water Pollution Control Plans,
etc.
There is currently no concrete programme or schedule for control, respectively out-phasing of P-containing
detergents.
7.5 Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Until now the Government of the Republic of Croatia has not yet established a National Programme for EU-
accession. In January 1999, the government officially addressed the responsible ministries and state
directorates asking them to research the possibilities for approximation of the national legislation to the EU
legislation, including water management and control issues. Partial approximation has already been accepted,
but there are no systematic plans for fulfilling this crucial task. The actual status can be outlined as follows:
! Water Framework Directive
The approach of this Directive seems basically accepted for incorporation into national
legislation (river basin approach, river basin districts, river basin management plans, public
information and consultations, programme of measures).
! Nitrate Directive
This Directive is only accepted as "issue" which has to be taken into consideration, but not in
a systematic way.
Regulation on the protection of agricultural land against pollution from hazardous substances
defines (i) substances that have to be considered as hazardous for agricultural land, (ii)
maximum allowed quantities of these substances in the soil, (iii) measures for soil protection
in order to protect agricultural land for the production of healthy food.
! Urban Waste Water Directive
This Directive is basically accepted; what currently still remains to be fully accepted is a
binding time schedule for implementation, strict obligations related to tertiary treatment
(only in sensitive areas), and strict standards regarding waste water control (frequency of
sampling, methods of analyzing, water quality indicators); issues related to sludge treatment
have basically been accepted but not regulated in detail.
The national effluent standards take into account the standards of the Urban Waste Water
Directive.
There are no explicit plans for a full approximation of nutrient-related national legislation to the respective
EU Directives. At the same time, it is obvious that these plans will have to defined within a very short time,
but more detailed information can not be provided at this point.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
43
8
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
8.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
Since the Dayton Peace Agreement of 1995, the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina has consisted of two
entities: the Federation of B&H and the Republic Srpska. Both entities have their own policies and
legislation regarding the management and protection of water resources, but they share some common
principles, i.e.:
! water is a public good;
! water is a limited natural resource which has to be used rationally within the limits of
recoverability, both in quantity and quality;
! water management and protection is a joint task of all institutions, companies and individuals
dealing with water.
Generally, B&H is faced with big economic and social constraints. In such a situation it is very difficult for
policy-makers to develop long-term objectives with priority to environmental protection and management.
Lack of coordination and cooperation between the ministries and authorities responsible for environmental
issues constitutes the main obstacle to efficient and fast legislative preparation and adoption.
Until now, there have been no explicitly formulated policy objectives, priorities or programmes on water
protection in general and on nutrient control / reduction in particular.
8.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
Since the declaration of the new constitution in 1994, environmental legislation is still in the constitutional
phase.
Responsible ministries in both Entities have prepared draft Environmental Laws; as it was recognized that
the draft laws were not in accordance with the principles of the EU legislation. OHR terminated their
adoption.
Laws on Physical Planing that are currently enforced in both Entities of B&H, address the issues of urban
planning, environment protection and land, water and air protection, while the Water Laws, different for both
Entities, deal with water management issues.
The Federal Water Law seems to be mainly focused on the establishment and financing of Public
Companies for Watershed Areas (PWCAs) for the Sava River and the Adriatic Sea catchment areas. The
Water Law does not contain sufficient provisions on permits, legal procedures, international standards and
conditions for water use. In consequence, it fails to provide an effective basis for water regulation. The main
deficiencies include a strong concentration of the PWCAs and insufficient alignment to EU principles,
particularly those relating to an integrated environmental approach to river basin management.
Besides the Regulation on Harmful Substances not to be Discharged into Waters, there are no explicit legal
provisions or standards within the current legislative directly or indirectly dealing with nutrient control and
reduction.
The existing legislation does not contain any binding provisions on out-phasing P-containing detergents. The
only detergent producing factory in B&H is currently using both zeolite and phosphorus components in its
products. It is left to the producers to use the ingredients they prefer, but they are advised to use
environment-friendly ingredients such as zeolite.
44
Summary Report
Table 8.2-1: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
Name of Law, Regulation
Main Subjects
Effective since
(A) Currently in force
(1) Law on Physical Planing
Urban planning, environmental protection
April, 1987
and land, water and air protection
(2) Water Law
Water management
May, 1998
(3) Regulation on Hygienic Accuracy of Drinking
Drinking water standards
May 1987, rev.
Water
1991
(4) Regulation on Harmful Substances not to be
Threshold values for harmful substances not
January, 1966
Discharged into Waters
to be discharged
(5) Regulation on Types, Manner and Scope of
Wastewater quality standards, method for
December 1998
Measurement, Investigation of Used and
analysis and taxation mechanisms
Discharged Polluted Water
(B) Currently in progress
(1) Regulation on Threshold Concentrations of
In progress
Harmful and Dangerous Materials that May be
Found in Process Waters
(2) Regulation on Threshold Concentrations of
In progress
Harmful and Dangerous Materials that may be
Discharged to the Recipient after Treatment
(3) Regulation on Threshold Concentrations of
In progress
Harmful and Dangerous Materials that may be
Discharged onto Agricultural Land
8.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
During the previous decade of dramatic changes, no progress was made in the development of the national
legal system in general or the legal system for environmental protection in particular. Lack of efficient
coordination and cooperation between the two entities' environmental authorities and poor cooperation
between provincial and local authorities responsible for environmental development and planing are
considered to be the major barrier to policy and legal reforms. The issue of establishing better cooperation
among environmental authorities in B&H has for some time been on the political agenda of B&H and the
European Commission representatives in B&H.
The main problems and deficiencies can be summarized as follows:
(1)
Regulatory and institutional deficiencies/problems
! environmental legislation and policy is not harmonized and integrated at the country level;
! framework environmental laws at entity level do not exist;
! bodies/agencies for integrated coastal and river basin management do not exist;
! weak vertical co-ordination in the Federation of B&H;
! weak inter-entities institutional co-operation;
! shortage of qualified expert staff and education;
! shortage of basic data on human activities and human resources;
! inadequate monitoring of water quality and quantity;
! weak public participation in decision making process.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
45
(2)
Environmental deficiencies/problems
! uncontrolled discharging of municipal and industrial waste water into surface waters;
! shortage of waste water treatment plants;
! uncontrolled disposal of solid waste - unsanitary damping sites and illegal landfills;
! uncontrolled flood risks;
! ecosystem degradation;
! loss of biological diversity, endangered species and habitats;
! shortage of modern intensive agricultural production;
! inadequate use of available water resources.
(3)
Social/economical problems
! unemployment and low living standard of the population;
! significant decrease in national and especially international tourism;
! destroyed industrial facilities,
! significantly reduced agricultural production and livestock farming.
(4)
Public participation
! public participation in environmental matters is the key to successful implementation of an
appropriate environmental strategy;
! public awareness of environmental problems and interest in solving these problems do not
currently exist;
! active public participation in environmental policies has to be encouraged; non-governmental
environmental organizations have to be supported; environmental information and its
dissemination trough the mass media have to be improved.
8.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
For the time being, there are no explicit plans for nutrient-related changes in legislation; but the adoption of
the new environmental law is urgently awaited.
Since the envisaged harmonization of the national legislation with EU legislation will automatically lead to
the elaboration and adoption of laws and regulations on nutrient control and reduction, this procedure is
considered as a high priority for the current year.
There are currently no explicit plans for control, respectively out-phasing of P-containing detergents.
8.5 Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
The country as a whole is deeply committed to approaching EU standards, but in order to do so it must first
fulfill at least the minimum preconditions required for an appropriate management and monitoring of the
environment at the national level.
Drawing up and adopting the Framework Environmental Law is a prerequisite for B&H to establish an
efficient environmental management and protection system and to become a member of the EU and other
international organizations. During 1999, the Terms of Reference were prepared and the finalization of this
Law is expected within the current year.
It is clearly recognized that the existing laws are not harmonized with the EU principles and should therefore
be modified. Within the current reforms in the water and environment sector in B&H, the EC will through
the EC Environmental Programme for B&H provide technical and financial assistance for the elaboration of
Laws on Water Protection, Laws on Solid Waste, Laws on Nature Protection, Laws on Air Protection, and
Laws providing a comprehensive framework for environment licensing for both Entities. The drawing up of
sector laws will be based on the Framework Environmental Law guidelines and is planned to start within the
current year.
A concrete time schedule for approximation of national legislation to EU legislation in terms of pollution
control / reduction has not yet been established.
46
Summary Report
9
YUGOSLAVIA
9.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
The general policy objectives, priorities, and principles for nutrient control and reduction are laid down in
the Resolution on the Environment Protection Policy adopted by the Federal Government, and can be
summarized as follows:
! Creation of a basis for the development of a humane society in the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia which will continue to develop on a permanent basis in conformity with nature,
bearing in mind the right of the future generations to satisfy their needs on the same or a higher
level;
! Creation of conditions for the preservation and rational use of natural resources and prevention
of their degradation; prevention of uncontrolled pollution and further degradation of the
environment, and elimination of the consequences of earlier pollution and degradation of the
environment;
! Management of the environment in a manner conducive to the protection and improvement of
human health;
! Development of an integral system of protection and improvement of the environment and
quality of life, improvement of the existing system of protection of the environment and
provision of an institutional frame for effective operation of that system;
! Gradual enforcement of the polluter pays principle on the basis of regulations applicable to the
country as a whole;
! Creation of conditions for the development of pollution control methods suited to the
peculiarities of the country and its attained level of development;
! Preservation of a "satisfactory" ecological balance in the country and participation in the
protection of the biosphere;
! Prevention of the import and transfer of hazardous matters and so-called "dirty" technologies.
Most of these objectives and principles indirectly relate to nutrient control and reduction.
Concerning water pollution control, the above mentioned objectives are to be reached by the following
means:
! further development of integral River Basin Management;
! further development of "polluter pays" principle and strict implementation in the practice;
! further development of market mechanisms in Water Sector;
! implementation of strict regulations;
! construction of new WWTPs;
! renovation of industrial capacities and replacement of old facilities and technologies by
environment-friendly ones;
! strengthening of monitoring system and inspection;
! strengthening of research, education and training.
All these measures will not only improve the water quality of recipients in general but also reduce nutrient
emission. With the construction of the planned municipal WWTPs based on biological treatment and proper
operation, an average removal of Nitrogen and Phosphorous of 15%, respectively 25% can be anticipated.
International cooperation in the field of environmental protection was very intensive and rather successful
before sanctions were imposed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. FR YU has ratified 51 international
treaties relating to the issues of the environment thus showing its readiness to cooperate.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
47
9.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
The legal framework for environmental protection and the protection of water resources and aquatic eco-
systems is created by federal and republican regulations. The Federal and Republican constitutions stipulate
the responsibilities of the Federal level and the Republican level for environmental protection issues.
The general characteristic of the legal system of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which also exerts
influence on environmental protection, is a maladjustment of its elements, i.e. a discrepancy between the
republican constitutions and the federal constitution. The system does provide mechanisms for the removal
of these discrepancies, but they have not been sufficiently used so far. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect
that these discrepancies in the system will be regulated in the near future. This calls for coordinated activities
between the republics, which fully-developed systems of environmental protection, and the federation, which
is authorized to lay down the fundaments of the system of environmental protection. In addition, the federal
state, as a legal entity in international law, has the right to sign and ratify international treaties and
agreements.
It should be pointed out that numerous regulations relating to water management (especially by-laws) were
adopted a long time ago, that they were frequently amended and that it is necessary to revise them.
There are at present no laws or regulations explicitly related to nutrient control and reduction, but there are
some appropriate mechanism in use (issuing of Water Consent, approval of Environmental Impact
Assessment Studies).
Regarding nitrogen and phosphorus emissions, there is a system of use-related criteria, regulations and
standards for recipients. Effluent standards have not yet been established.
Maximum permissible levels for nitrogen (ammonia, nitrates, nitrites) concentration in the recipients are
related to different water classes as in other countries and are relatively strict.
Maximum permissible levels for Phosphorous are not regulated in the federal legislation but are indirectly
defined by oxygen saturation indicators for the different water classes.
Although the maximum permissible levels for Phosphorous in recipients are not prescribed by regulations,
the State Service has been monitoring the concentration of Phosphorous in the rivers for a long period so that
it was possible to compute the P-mass balance and changes of P-mass flow in the rivers within the Danube
Basin in FR Yugoslavia.
9.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
The main barriers to sector policy reform are:
! unstable economic and political situation;
! lack of funds.
The main barriers to legal reform are in addition:
! Lack of sectoral and regional consensus on the environmental issue;
! Lack of finance to support the urgently required revision of the existing legal framework.
9.4 Proposed Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
(1)
Proposed changes of relevant laws and regulations
There is currently no new legal document dealing with the issue of water pollution control in general or with
nutrient control/reduction in particular.
There is a substantial need to revise the legal framework related to environmental protection in general and
to water protection, respectively nutrient control and reduction, in particular, in order to achieve an utmost
approximation to the requirements of the EU-Legislation.
48
Summary Report
A thorough proposal for the required changes of relevant regulations could only be done on the basis of a
serious study of this issue.
(2)
Out-phasing of P-containing detergents
The consumption of detergents in FR of Yugoslavia is about 52 000 t/y. There is no production of P-free
detergents in FR YU. In the past, the main producers have tried to establish a production of detergents based
on zeolites (instead of polyphosphates) but no serious improvement was made.
For the time being, there is neither a plan nor a schedule for the out-phasing of P-containing detergents. It is
left to the producers to decide what kind of detergents they will produce depending on their capabilities and
availability of raw materials under the current circumstances. Therefore, there is also no analyses or estimate
of the cost of introduction of P-free detergents.
9.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Although FR Yugoslavia is not seen as a candidate to access EU in the next decade, there is a general
statement of the Federal Government that each new legal document has to be approximated as much as
possible to the EU regulations.
Under the current political circumstances there is no real motivation for serious and urgent work for
harmonization of the national legislation with EU legislation, which means that this will probably be done
case by case under pressure from the need for new regulations.
For the time being, there is no schedule for approximation of the national legislation to the EU-legislation.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
49
10 BULGARIA
10.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
The MOEW carries out the government policy for integrated water management and sustainable water use
aimed at meeting the demand and preserving the water resources for future users.
The environmental policy currently implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Waters, includes
reduction and prevention of nutrient pollution. It is designated to:
! EC Accession Partnership and Implementation of the National Programme for the Adoption of
the Acquis (NPAA);
! Government Programme 2001;
! Environmental Strategy for ISPA;
! National environmental sector strategies and programmes;
! National sector strategies and programmes; and
! fulfilling obligations under the Conventions for the Protection of the Danube River and the
Black Sea.
There are several policy documents, but no one especially for nutrient reduction.
The recently developed national programme for Priority Construction of Urban WWTPs in Bulgaria was
adopted by the Council of Ministers in 1999.
The objective of this programme is to establish priorities by river basin for the construction of urban WWTPs
for all settlement areas in the country with over 10,000 equivalent inhabitants, as well as national short-term
priorities until 2002. It includes completion, construction, reconstruction, extension and modernization of the
existing urban WWTP, as well as the design and construction of new urban WWTPs. All proposed projects
are within the scope and correspond to the requirements of EC Directive 91/271/EEC.
10.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
The harmonization of the national legislation regarding water and solid waste management, ecology, health
and the procedures for environmental impact assessment with international regulations and standards was
started in 1990 and is an ongoing process. Up to now, the complex system of environment and water-related
legislation has obviously not been made fully compatible and suitable for adequate control and management
of the serious environmental problems faced by the country.
As the existing legislation in the water sector does not sufficiently correspond to the requirements of the EU
legislation, a specific programme for a harmonization of the national legislation with the EU legislation has
been launched.
In July 1999, a new water act was adopted by the parliament and put in force on 28 January, 2000. This
water act introduces the guiding requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and provides the
framework for introducing sub-ordinate directives. It provides the basis for an integrated water resources
management and sustainable use, including the protection of water from pollution. The Law regulates
property rights over waters, water-economic systems, equipment and works. The water management is
realized: (i) on the national level by the Council of Ministers and the MOEW, (ii) on the basin level by the
River Basin Directorate.
It is expected that - with the introduction of particular laws and regulations a complete approximation to
the relevant EU directives will be achieved in the short term.
50
Summary Report
Table 10.2-1: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
Name of Law,
Main Subjects
Effective since
Regulation
(A) Currently in force
(1) Environmental
Environmental management
1991
Protection Law
(2) Regulation No 4
This Regulation sets certain conditions, procedures and requirements for
7 July, 1998
Environmental Impact Assessments as provided for in the Environment
Protection Act
(3) Water Law
This Law provides the activities for integrated water resources
28 January, 2000
management and their sustainable use, including the protection of water
from pollution. The Law regulates property rights over waters, water-
economic systems, equipment and works. The water management is
realized: (i) on the national level by the Council of Ministers and MOEW,
(ii) on the basin level by the River Basin Directorate.
(B) In progress
(1) Draft Law for
It will regulate the establishment and competence of these associations.
Not yet adopted
Water Users
The law will set the rules for the exploitation of water and the use of
Associations
drainage systems by the Water Users Association.
The currently adopted standards with respect to nutrient control / reduction are laid down in the following
regulations:
! Regulation No 7 for the ambient water quality permissible limits;
! Regulation No 8 for the Black Sea water quality permissible limits;
! BDS 2585 - Bulgarian State Standard for drinking water quality.
A particular problem in this context is that the currently adopted ambient water quality permissible limits,
which are even stronger than the EU standards, are not achievable.
10.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
The main barriers to policy and legal reforms can be summarized as follows:
! Continuos transition period from planned to market-oriented economy;
! Low economic capabilities and high investment needs for further economic development;
! Lack of adequate funds;
! Social problems, especially in rural areas;
! Lack of a particular National Nutrient Pollution Reduction Strategy;
! Lack of administrative and institutional capabilities for the enforcement of EU principles and
implementation of the integrated water management approach;
! Weak enforcement due to insufficient resources (staff numbers, motivation, training,
equipment);
! Lack of a concept for tertiary treatment of municipal wastewater as ,,sensitive areas" in the
sense of the Urban Wastewater Directive have not yet been defined; according to the experts of
the MOEW at least the Black Sea WWTPs require tertiary treatment (nutrient removal);
! Good agricultural practices are not pursued due to lack of knowledge, continuos agrarian reform
and lack of investment means;
! Lack of control of the use of livestock waste (manure/slurry);
! Lack of public awareness, and support for necessary nutrient control initiatives.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
51
10.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
Beside the ongoing process of harmonization of the national legislation with the EU legislation, there are
currently no concrete plans for changes in nutrient-related legislation.
There is currently no explicit programme or schedule for the control, respectively out-phasing of P-
containing detergents; plans are currently in the stage of preparation.
10.5 Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
The proposed schedule for the approximation of the national legislation to the EU legislation in terms of
pollution control is in accordance with the state institutions schedule in all sectors. According to the
proposed schedule, national nutrient-related legislation is expected to comply by the end of the year 2000
with the following EU Directives: (i) Draft Water Framework Directive, (ii) Nitrates Directive, (iii) Urban
Waste Water Treatment Directive, (iv) other directives which are not so relevant with respect to N and P
control / reduction. The national laws and regulations are envisaged to be in full compliance with the
requirements of the EU Directives after an envisaged transition period of two to six years.
Table 10.5-1: Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Name of National Law, Regulation
Related EU Directive / Standard
Period and
status of
adjustment
(1) Regulation on survey, use and protection of
Directive EC 80/68/EEC concerning the
31.12.2000
ground water
protection of ground water and
full
Directive EC 76/464/EEC concerning
dangerous substances
(2) Regulation on the quality of water intended
Directive EC 98/83/EEC on the quality of
31.12.2000
for human consumption and household purposes
water for human consumption and household
full
needs
(3) Regulation on the quality requirements for
Directive EC 75/440/EEC
31.12.2000
the surface water intended for human
full
consumption and household purposes
(4) Regulation on protection of water from
Directive EC 91/676/EEC on protection of
31.12.2000
pollution with nitrates from agricultural origin
water from pollution with nitrates from
full
agricultural origin
(5) Regulation on the quality of fish and
31.12.2000
shellfish waters
full
(6) Regulation on the categorization of the
Draft Framework Directive EC COM 97(49),
31.12.2000
waters
Directive EC 76/464/EEC,
full
Directive EC 91/271/EEC concerning urban
waste water
(7) Regulation on the quality of the coastal
Directive EC 79/923/EEC,
31.12.2000
waters
Directive EC 91/271/EEC
full
(8) Regulation on the emission norms for
Draft Framework Directive EC COM 97(49),
31.12.2000
admissible content of harmful and dangerous
Directive EC 76/464/EEC and daughter
full
substances in waste waters discharged into water
directives;
objects
Directive EC 91/271/EEC
(9) Regulation on issuing permissions for waste
31.12.2000
water discharges in water objects and
full
determination of individual emission limitations
in the point sources of pollution
52
Summary Report
11 ROMANIA
11.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
In Romania, the Ministry of Waters, Forests and Environmental Protection (1990) plays the leading role in
water management. A National Company called Romanian Waters, established in 1999, is responsible for the
national strategy of water management implementation. The drinking water supply, waste water treatment,
waste disposal and sewerage network are the responsibility of municipalities.
The most relevant objectives for water pollution reduction can be summarized as follows:
! Reducing nitrates, organic substances and pesticides;
! Decreasing the amounts of heavy metals and highly degradable organic compounds in
sediments;
! Reducing BOD5, N and P emissions from WWTPs;
! Controlling diffuse pollution.
The strategic directions, which are to be followed up by structural and nonstructural projects and measures
proposed for pollution reduction, include:
! Gradual development of municipal waste water treatment capacities;
! Gradual development of waste water treatment in the agricultural sector;
! Gradual development of waste water treatment in the industrial sector;
! Integrated management of water resources;
! Abatement of risks related to accidental pollution and natural calamities;
! Ecological reconstruction.
In the transboundary context, Romania ratified a series of international conventions and declarations, such
as: Bucharest Declaration (1985), Protection of the Transboundary Waters Convention (1995), Black Sea
Convention (1992), Danube River Protection Convention (1995) and others.
11.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
Environmental and water-related legislation is currently undergoing a process of transformation. The
reorganization of the legislation framework reflects the need to manage all the natural resources as part of an
integrated system and strategy, which involves cooperation between all relevant authorities and institutions
on the different administrative levels.
The Frame Water Law (107/1966), which provides a framework of technical regulations for water pollution
reduction and water management, and the Law on Environmental Protection (137/1995), which comprises
special provisions for water protection, are in the process of being upgraded and revised. The same applies to
a series of norms and standards.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
53
Table 11.2-1: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(Currently in Force)
Name/ No.
Responsible
Main subject
Effective since
Type
authority
Government decision
GD 1001/1990
MWFEP
Unitary system for water management services tarifs
1990
GD 101/ 1997
MWFEP/MH
Norms for sanitary protection areas
1997
GD 730/ 1997
MWFEP
Norms for waste water discharges in receivers NTPA 001
1997
GD 172/ 1997
MWFEP/MH
(concentration)
1997
MWSP
National Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals
MWFEP orders
NTPA 002
Conditions for discharging waste water into sewerage
1998
699
Procedure and competences for issuing water management
1999
permit/ authorisation
251
Procedure, competences in the case of special monitoring
1997
regime in the case of non-compliance with water permit
Guidelines and norms for producing technical
documentations for the obtaining of water permit
277
1997
Notification procedure
Acces mechanism for water management information
280
1997
281
Water users and public participation in the consulting
1997
activity
282
Water Register Establishment
1997
166
1999
Table 11.2-2: Main Laws and Regulations Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
(Currently in Progress)
Type
Authority
Main subjects
Date of coming in
responsible
force
Law
MWFEP
Law on the Modification of Environmental Protection Law
2001
(137/95)
Law
MWFEP
Law on the Modification of Water Law (107/96)
2001
MWFEP
Law on the Establishment and Operation of National
2001
Council for Environment and Sustain. Development
Law
Law on the approval of National Plan for land planning
Law
MWFEP
2001
sec.III protected areas
Law on Integrated Management of Coastal Areas
Law
MWFEP
2001
GD
MWFEP
Hydrographic Basin Committee Establishment
2001
GD
MWFEP
Upgrading of NTPA 001/97
2001
GD
MWFEP
Approval of frame schemes for management and planning
2001
of hydrographic basins
GD
MWFEP+
Approval of the Action Plan dor water protection against
2001
nitrate pollution from agricultural sources
MAF
54
Summary Report
The most relevant deficiencies concerning the water legislation, particularly related to nutrient control, are
the following:
! The N,P emissions limits are related to concentration only; there are not any provisions for
discharged load except the water permit;
! there are not (yet) any national water quality objectives/ targets;
! in the case of the actual STAS 4706/88 surface waters quality technical conditions:
the limits cover only the water column compartment without considering sediment
associated pollution;
for some specific pollutants (heavy metals, organic micro-pollutants) the limits are higher in
comparison with EU legislation;
! there are (STAS 4706/88) not any provisions concerning nutrient concentration in the Black
Sea;
! in the case of total nitrogen and total phosphorous, the current STAS 4706/88 refers to total
inorganic N, P concentrations without considering the organic forms;
! there are no laws, regulations or proposals regarding phosphorous-free detergents.
11.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
As regards nutrient-related issues, there are:
! general barriers (lack of adequate legislation, management mechanisms, infrastructure, etc.);
! specific constrains generated by natural resources (surface waters, ground waters, Black Sea,
etc.);
! socio-economic system conflict areas (especially related to the agriculture target group).
In this respect, two interrelated issues in particular should be analyzed and followed up:
! promotion of the new legislation; and
! stipulation of specific implementation processes.
11.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
The proposed new legislation should provide:
! a regulatory framework for dealing efficiently with a variety of environmental problems,
particularly nutrient-related ones; and
! a balance between conflicting interests in using the water, as well as between environmental
issues and other issues (e.g. economic, employment and social issues).
The required actions are:
! Stepped improvement of standards:
integrated approach to immission / emission (point/ diffuse) standards, particularly for
nutrient reduction;
ambient quality standards;
effluent standards;
! Introducing an efficient framework for water management;
! Establishing adequate institutional and regulatory framework;
! Introducing Phosphorus-free detergents:
improvement of detergent legislation/standards; besides biodegradability, the P content
should be decreased and limited in accordance with the EU coming legislation;
P-free detergent plan implementation, starting with the technological issues (MIT);
marketing study;
it is anticipated that the cost of introducing P-free detergent could reach EUR 50 million
(provision with new technology).
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
55
Explicit proposals for changes of respective legislation are:
! The effluent standards (NTPA 001) will be revised in 2001. There are not any river quality
standards (immissions) at the level of the EU, including the ICPDR. In this respect, it is
envisaged by order of MWFEP to promote in October 2000 "Water Quality Targets" based on
the five classes agreed by the ICPDR which is (more or less) in the light of EWFD.
! EWFD is already in force; the promotion in Romania is expected in 2001 (implementation
might take 30-35 years).
! Urban Waste Water Directive, Nitrates Directive and other water-related directives are in the
transposition process (2000-2001).
11.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
In accordance with the National Environmental Action Plan, the following schedule is designed for the
approximation process:
! Short term:
transposition of the Urban Waste Water Directive (91/271/EEC);
transposition of the Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC).
! Medium and long term:
Water Framework Directive (COM 97/49 97/614, 98/76).
Table 11.5-1: Actions for the approximation of national legislation to EU nutrient
legislation
Year
EU Directive
Actions
2000
Urban Waste
1. Identification of communities which need WWTP
Water Directive 2. Project for the Water Law (107/96) revision
91/271/EEC
3. Revision of the GD 730/97 concerning effluent discharging by introducing new
definitions such as equivalent population
4. Water classification: (i) vulnerable, (ii) normal, (iii) less vulnerable
5. Generation of Priority Action Programme for implementation
6. Development of strategies for municipal WWTP sludge use
2000
Nitrates
1. Evaluation of the existing information concerning the identification of vulnerable zones
Directive
2. Identification of specific waters and notification of vulnerable zones
2001
91/675/EEC
3. Action Programme development for the vulnerable zones
2000
Framework
1. Norms for surface and ground water classification; basic conditions for the establishment
Directive
of protected zones
(98/76/EEC)
2. Analysis and implementation of a penalties system in accordance with WFD
3. Ecological status monitoring and chemical status monitoring surface waters and chemical
monitoring for ground waters
2001
4. Water management planning (hydrographic basins)
5. Updating of the EIA of human activities at the HB level
6. Approval of the HB Water Management Plans
2002
7. Plans implementation, recovery of cost for urban waste water treatment.
2004
2010
56
Summary Report
Table 11.5-2: Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Name of National Law,
Related EU
Proposed period of
Proposed date of
Final status of
Regulations
Directive
adjustment
coming in force
compliance
1. Urban Waste GD
91/271/EEC
2000 - 2001
2001
2010
2. Nitrate GD
91/676/EEC
2000 2001
2001
2010
3. Water Framework GD
98/76/EEC
2000 2004
2005
2010
4. Fish waters standard
78/659/EEC
2000 2005
2006
>2010
5. Shellfish waters
79/923/EEC
2000 2005
2006
>2010
standard
6. Bathing water standard
76/160/EEC
2000 - 2005
2006
>2010
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
57
12 MOLDOVA
12.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
The most important documents in which the policy objectives on environmental protection are formulated
include:
! National Strategic Action Plan for Environmental Protection
! National Environmental Action Plan for the Environment
! The Comprehensive Long-Term Programme for Environmental Protection
The new priorities of environmental protection policy under the new economic situation are:
! The former environmental protection policy, focusing on end-of-pipe technologies for pollution
abatement, is becoming unacceptable from the environmental and economic point of view;
! The new economic order calls for the development of market-oriented environmental policy and
instruments that support the adoption of low-waste technologies and rational exploitation and
use of natural resources.
The national objectives regarding reduction of water pollution are:
! to maintain human health and to eliminate health risk in water resources;
! to provide sources of nutrition and to maintain and restore biodiversity.
This would require the performance of the following tasks:
! Comprehensive evaluation of water resources conditions and elaboration of a concept of
protection and rational use of water resources and water balanced systems based on sustainable
development approach;
! Elaboration of a scheme for river basins use;
! Development of ecological criteria for assessment of permissible loads into surface waters;
! Development of integrated parameters and criteria for maintaining ecological balance in water
bodies;
! Preparation of a profound basis for rehabilitation and maintenance of proper ecological
conditions in water bodies for different uses.
There are currenntly no explicitly formulated policy objectives regarding nutrient emissions or loads; these
issues are considered as integral parts of environmental management, waste water treatment programmes,
etc.
The Foreign Policy Concept of the Republic of Moldova, approved by Parliament in February 1995,
confirms the principles of international law that are of special importance both for Moldova's foreign
relations and for its environmental protection.
12.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
According to the constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the President of the Republic is responsible to the
world community for the state of the environment and represents, at the international level, the interests of
Moldova related to environmental protection.
Although there is a complex system of environmental legislation (with a high number of decrees, laws and
regulations elaborated and amended since 1990), there remains the problem of enforcement due to the
problematic economic situation and a lack of professional capability.
The existing legislation, while providing a number of starting points for the implementation of sustainability,
pollution and waste reduction, and cleaner technology, is considered to be insufficient for the future.
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Summary Report
Currently, there are no laws and regulations in force or in progress, directly dealing with nutrient control and
reduction; the existing legal provisions on emission standards, effluent standards and ambient water quality
are usually incorporated in overall pollution control and reduction regulations.
12.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
In spite of the fact that there are clearly-determined policy objectives, legal and policy reforms are hampered
due to:
! a continuous crisis of the national economy (particularly regarding industry and agricultural
production);
! a lack of domestic financial resources;
! improper administrative and institutional cooperation and coordination; and
! lack of professional capability.
12.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
According to the provisions of the 1995 National Environmental Action Plan, changes of legislation should
aim at the introduction of feasible environmental management strategies, and particularly contribute to:
! the revision of the water quality standards (within three years);
! the development and adoption of long-term environmental programme (within one year);
! the provision of a framework to restore and sustain legal reference service (within one year);
! the development of a policy toward harmonization Environmental Standards with those of the
EU (within two years);
! the passage of water pollution quality law with new standards (within two years);
! the preparation of a new draft law on self-monitoring by major pollutants (within two years).
For the time being, however, these issues are not being elaborated.
There is currently no legal provision regarding control or out-phasing of P-containing detergents since this
problem is not a topical issue in Moldova.
12.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
In June 1998, Moldova ratified the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and
Moldova, according to which Moldova is committed to making its legislation gradually compatible with that
of the EU in a number of sectors including the environment.
The Agreement calls for a strengthening of environmental cooperation between Moldova and the EU, and
states that cooperation programmes shall continue to contribute to strengthening environmental institutions
and public awareness. It also states that cooperation shall aim to combat the deterioration of the environment
including in particular local, regional and transboundary water pollution and water quality.
Currently, Moldovan legislation does not contain provisions equal or similar to those required by the two
nutrient related EU Directives on "Urban Waste Water Treatment" and "Dangerous Substances in the
Aquatic Environment".
There is a general understanding of the necessity to approximate national pollution-related legislation
(including nutrient issues) to the respective EU Directives; but at present the statements have mostly
declarative character, partly due to lack of appropriate knowledge of the directives themselves and the
complexity of appropriate application.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
59
Approximation to EU-legislation would also require new conceptual approaches, which currently do not
have any equivalent in the Moldovan legal framework, e.g.:
! Integrated river basin management approach;
! Combined approach for setting standards, which involves setting both discharge limits and
quality standards in an integrated way;
! Licensing on the basis of:
best technical means available;
best available techniques;
all technical precautions.
Taking into account the current discrepancies between the national legislation and the EU-requirements and
the critical economic situation in the country, it cannot be expected that the harmonization of national and
EU-legislation can be achieved in the short or medium term.
60
Summary Report
13 UKRAINE
13.1 Policy Objectives, Priorities and Principles for Nutrient Control /
Reduction
In Ukraine, policy objectives and principles for nutrient reduction are included as sub-components in the
overall environmental protection strategy formulated in the Main Directions of State Policy on the
Environmental Protection, Utilization of Natural Resource and Environmental Safety (1998). This document
clearly defines the key priorities of Environmental Policy and Practical Actions including international
obligations of Ukraine to nutrient pollution reduction as follows:
! Improvement of the environment status in the Dniper Basin and potable water quality;
! Prevention of pollution and improvement of the environmental status of Black Sea;
! Improvement of the environmental status in the Donetsko-Prydniprovsky Industrial Regions;
! Construction and reconstruction of municipal waste water systems.
These defined priorities are directly related to sustainable water management and clearly stipulate the
necessity of consolidation of national (inter-sectoral) and international efforts for practical actions in
pollution reduction.
The main objectives with relevance to nutrient reduction are:
! Reduction of nutrients load (N, P, BOD), oil products, pesticides, heavy metals ions,
radionucleides and other harmful substances in the water bodies;
! Pollution reduction from WWTPs, including pollution from municipal waste water;
! Pollution reduction from diffuse sources, particularly from agriculture;
! Improvement of regulatory, legislative, environmental and economic bases for quality of water
bodies;
! Improvement of registration, monitoring, and control systems of surface and ground water
pollution; development and setting up of a system for identification and analytical control of all
surface water pollution sources;
! Conservation of biological and landscape diversity; expansion of the network of national parks
and reserves and restoration of wetlands.
The integration in the European Union, identified as an objective of international policy of Ukraine, implies
a sustainable use of natural resources, improvement of environmental health and a restoration of the
ecosystems. Heavy environmental problems inherited from the Former Soviet Union due to extensive style
of resource utilization and mismanagement, are on the top of the national priority list for actions.
13.2 Status of Legislation Dealing with Nutrient Control / Reduction
The basic principles for the protection of the environment in the Ukraine are regulated by the Law on the
Protection of the Environment (1996), and the Law on Sanitary and Epidemiological Security of the
Population (1994). The main water related issues are regulated by The Water Code of Ukraine (1995).
In addition, there are a number of regulations, rules norms, etc., regulating particular issues in detail.
Altogether, it is recognized that an improvement of the unsatisfactory environmental situation can only be
achieved by more effective control and enforcement of gradually improved environmental legislation.
Ukraine does not currently have any direct legislative norms or standards regulating the content of nutrient
discharges into surface waters and related eutrophication; instead, there are norms for N and P discharges in
terms of maximum permitted concentrations which can serve as an indirect tool for controlling nutrients
loads.
Existing and Planned Policies and Legislation on Nutrient Control / Reduction
61
13.3 Main Barriers to Policy and Legal Reforms
When Ukraine became an independent country in 1991, it had to revise the former Soviet environmental
legislation and develop a new, market-oriented environmental legislation.
This process was and still is hampered by:
! historical issues (structures of administration and public enterprises, ownership of public
infrastructure, process of privatization, social attitudes, etc);
! critical situation of the national economy (industry, agricultural production);
! critical social situation and the low living standard of a significant portion of the population;
! typical deficiencies in institutional and administrative capabilities;
! lack of modern control tools (e.g. environmental audit);
! enforcement of new economic tools to address environmental issues and prevent environmental
pollution (e.g. payments for use of natural resources and release of pollutants in the
environment.
13.4 Envisaged Changes of Nutrient-Related Legislation
In order to address nutrient reduction, Ukraine plans to:
! Improve regulations on the application of N and P fertilizers;
! Develop regulations for P-free detergents;
! Develop and introduce techniques for the assessment of diffuse pollution loads.
The ultimate goal is the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation on nutrients with the existing EU Directives
and future Framework Water Directive.
13.5 Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation
Water-related legislation in Ukraine and the EC are substantially different in their structures. Therefore, the
harmonization of the Ukrainian legislation with the EU legislation is a long-term objective (for a period until
2015).
The envisaged harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with the relevant EU Directive should take into
account the following sequence of priorities:
! measures with low financial requirements including amendments and additions to the acting
legislation, regulations, standards, etc.
! measures with affordable financial requirements including improvement of control system, and
optimization of monitoring that satisfy the information needs of environmental management; an
enforcement system for improved environmental legislation for water users and polluters of
water resources, etc.
! measures that will require significant financial investments (including international
investments): reconstruction and improvement of the existing manufacturing and waste water
treatment technologies; construction of new urban waste water treatment facilities (in
compliance with the respective EU Directives), etc.
The identification of the financial needs for the harmonization of environmental legislation of Ukraine and
EU Directives requires a separate study.
Unlike other Central European Countries, Ukraine's integration into European Union is not a matter of the
near future. Nevertheless, the harmonization of Ukrainian environmental legislation with the EU Directives,
including the EU Water Framework Directive, is an important component for the development of the
national legislation process.
62
Summary Report
Table 13.5-1: Schedule for Approximation of Ukraine's Legislation to EU Legislation
Name of National Law,
Related EU Directive
Proposed
Proposed Date
Regulations
Period of
of Coming in
Adjustment
Force
(years)
Water Code of Ukraine
Principles of the EC Water Policy (draft,
10
2010
4/12/96)
On Reduction of Waste of Nitrates in On Protection of Waters from Pollution by
3
2003
Agriculture
Nitrates from Agricultural Sources
(91/676/EEC)
On Integrated Pollution Prevention
On Pollution Caused by Certain Dangerous
5
2005
and Control
Substances, Discharged into Water Bodies
(76/464/EEC)
On Municipal Wastewater Treatment On Urban Wastewater Treatment
3
2003
(91/271/EEC)
On Water for Human Consumption
On Water Quality for Human Consumption
3
2003
(80/778/EEC, COM(94), 612 final
95/10(SYN))
On Amendments to the List of
On Surface Water Quality Necessary to
2
2002
Industrial Parts of Fishery Water
Support Fish Life (78/659/EEC)
Bodies (Parts Thereof), approved by
the Resolution of the CMU # 552 of
May 22, 1996;
Regulations on Detergents
Directive on Detergents (73/404/EEC,
3
2003
73/405/EEC)
STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NUTRIENT
REDUCTION MEASURES AND TRANSBOUNDARY
COOPERATION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
FIVE YEAR NUTRIENT REDUCTION
ACTION PLAN
SUMMARY REPORT IN SUPPORT OF THE PROJECT BRIEF
AUGUST 2000
International Commission for
the Protection of the Danube River
UNDP/GEF Assistance
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
1
INTRODUCTION
5
2
SUMMARIZING CONCLUSIONS
6
2.1
Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
6
2.2
Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
7
2.3
Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
8
2.4
Identification and Assessment of Proposed Priority Projects
8
ANNEX I
COUNTRY REPORTS
1
GERMANY
19
2
AUSTRIA
22
3
CZECH REPUBLIC
26
4
SLOVAKIA
30
5
HUNGARY
35
6
SLOVENIA
39
7
CROATIA
43
8
BOSNIA - HERCEGOVINA
46
9
YUGOSLAVIA
50
10 BULGARIA
54
11 ROMANIA
60
12 MOLDOVA
65
13 UKRAINE
70
ANNEX II
COUNTRY LISTS OF PRIORITY PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR
"FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLANS"
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
5
1 INTRODUCTION
The Summary Report is an integral component for the preparation of the GEF/UNDP funded project entitled
"Strengthening Implementation of Nutrient Reduction Measures and Transboundary Co-operation in the
Danube River Basin". The basic task of this preparatory work is to prepare a qualified material basis for the
elaboration of a complete Danube Regional Project for submission to the GEF Council.
The purpose of this summary report is to provide an overview and assessment of the basic materials, data
and information available for the elaboration of comprehensive "Five Years National Nutrient Reduction
Action Plans" on national level for all DRB countries.
The Country Reports, based on contributions from national consultants follows the structure of the "national
reports" and provides country specific data and information for each of the Danube River Basin. The
"country specific information" is structured as follows:
(1)
Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
(2)
Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
(3)
Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
(4)
Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
(5)
Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
(6)
Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
6
Summary Report
2 SUMMARIZING CONCLUSIONS
2.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
Most of the data and information required to be reviewed and verified have been identified in official
reports, updated statistical documents and previously developed projects. However, at this stage of the
project development, data on nutrients loads/emissions are not yet available in some areas. The revision of
data and information on nutrient emissions/ loads performed by the Danube countries has taken into
consideration nutrient mass balance, with main emphasis on diffuse pollution, nutrient transport, wetlands
and losses of nutrients in water systems.
Generally, the countries considered that diffuse pollution sources include direct discharges of private
households (not connected to sewers), storm water overflow, direct discharge of manure, base flow
(percolation of human waste, agriculture land), erosion run-off from forests, air depositions and ground
water flow. However, agricultural production and livestock farming represent the main diffuse sources of
pollution.
The present farming system, known as
The agricultural diffuse pollution contribution is
"conventional farming", has produced
large and can be controlled best by regulatory
progressively negative social and
measures. The range of measures necessary can be
economic results and serious
environmental damages upon its vital
seen in the regulations on the "Prevention of
resources, i.e. water and soil, and,
Pollution from Agriculture adopted by Helsinki
consequently, upon bio-diversity as a
Commission" (1998).
genetic basis as well as on human health.
Moreover, if we consider the potential
synergetic effects, about which little is known at this point (we must note also the fact that in several sectors,
agriculture is both polluted and polluting),
The negative effects of fertilization are a long term
we shall begin to understand the severity
problem. Danube countries cannot afford to delay
of the situation.
implementation of nutrient reduction measures.
The first conclusion is that there have
been no significant changes in the diffuse
pollution loads on the territory of the
Danube River Basin since 1998. In many parts of the region, industry and agriculture are still in recession
while the first signs of improvement have became visible only since 1999.
Second, the data show that fertilizers were used on a small scale. The unbalanced fertilization and the deficit
in the main nutrients have been detrimental to both crop production and soil fertility, which adversely
influenced the basin's environmental situation.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
7
2.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The urgent measures proposed by the countries of the Danube River Basin to be implemented with a view
to nutrient reduction refer to the
improvement of both legal and
Proposed Measures for Nutrient
institutional framework.
Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Moreover, public awareness
D
A
CZ SK
H SLO HR BiH YU BG RO MD UA
raising and strengthening public
creation /
participation in nutrient
harmonization of
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
reduction initiatives are both
legislation
seen as priorities.
delimitation of
"sensitive water
x
x
x
x
x
x
In order to achieve maximum
areas"
nutrient load reduction within
watershed
x
x
x
management
their share of the Danube River
P-free detergents
x
x
x
x
x
Basin, the countries have
identified measures for nutrient
soil conservation
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
control and reduction from
good agricultural
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
practice
diffuse sources that mainly
wetland
address policy and legislation-
x
x
x
x
x
restoration
related actions, institutional
strengthening and capacity
building.
There is a growing consensus among policy makers of the Danube
Animal production and
countries that command and control environmental regulations stifle the
manure application to
efficiency and innovation by heterogeneous plants to adopt a uniform
fields are important for
abatement strategy. Plants are allowed to develop pollution control
strategies that replace or modify specific regulatory requirements on the
the economies of many
condition that these strategies improve their environmental
Danube countries, but
performance. Germany is an example of a Danube country where
they are also the biggest
voluntary, site-specific performance standards exist which can give the
contributors to diffuse
plants regulatory flexibility to meet the standards in unconventional
sources of water pollution.
ways.
Further, it appears that watershed management is an attractive concept
for Danube countries with economies in transition. For some countries, such as Romania and Bulgaria, the
implemented watershed approach, which basically relies on stakeholder involvement, could in principle
improve coordination between agencies and jurisdictions with water quality responsibilities, help set
priorities for action on a systematic basis, promote cost-effective control policies and targeting of funds,
further public participation and public-private partnerships. The latter may be particularly important in the
Danube transition economies, where funds for environmental programs are severely limited and the
involvement of affected stakeholders
essential for identifying critical
Developing a culture of enforcement, compliance, and
problems and building support for
cooperation that supports implementation is considered
program activities.
by the Danube transition countries likely to be critical
Some Danube countries (Germany,
when pollution control is involved.
the Czech Republic, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and
Moldova) have already initiated
Protecting the environment, safeguarding human health
actions leading to nutrient reduction
and promoting effective agricultural practices go hand-
that are based on the need to
in-hand.
implement soil conservation
measures.
The introduction of P-free detergents has been already taken into consideration by most of the countries. In
addition, the need to develop a code of good practice, covering matters such as periods when land
8
Summary Report
application of fertilizers is inappropriate and the conditions for land application of fertilizers near
watercourses have been taken into consideration by the policy makers of the whole basin. Examples of such
countries include: Austria, Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Finally, the identification of vulnerable areas regarding the Nitrates Directive and the new proposal on the
methods of control of biological degradability of active substance detergents will soon bring the countries of
Danube River Basin in line with EU standards.
2.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Most countries have found it difficult to make estimates, but it is assumed that noticeable nutrient reduction
from diffuse sources might be recorded once the required measures and actions have been implemented. As
a consequence of the recent economic development of the countries in the region, mainly through the
extension of cultivated agricultural areas and the intensification of farming, a future increase in nutrient
emission can be expected.
However, if the proposed urgent measures are introduced during the year 2001, visible effects in terms of
nutrient content reduction can be
expected in the year 2005.
Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from
The anticipated nutrient
Diffuse Sources
reduction from diffuse sources is
estimated to reach high values in
N reduction
P reduction
countries such as Yugoslavia
(%)
[kt N]
(%)
[kt P]
D
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
(25% for N and P) or average
A
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
values as 10% of N for countries
CZ
10
n.a.
3
n.a.
such as the Czech Republic, Slo-
SK
10
n.a.
10
n.a.
vakia, Romania and Ukraine.
H
20
n.a.
20
n.a.
SLO
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
A designation of vulnerable
HR
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
0,239
BiH
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
areas and the implementation of
YU
25
n.a.
25
n.a.
the required forms of farming in
BG
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
these areas will bring the
RO
13,3
13,4
15,5
1,7
countries of the basin in line
MD
n.a.
50
n.a.
5
UA
10
n.a.
10
n.a.
with EU requirements. The
nutrient pollution reduction in
n.a. - not available
waters will mostly be of local
character. Programs aimed at
revitalizing landscape, streams, small wetlands constructing etc. will also contribute to improving the
environmental situation in the Danube River Basin.
2.4 Identification and Assessment of Proposed Priority Projects
(1)
Quality of provided data
At this stage, all the thirteen DRB countries have provided "draft national lists of priority projects" which
are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5-year period and can be considered as a
reasonable basis for the elaboration of comprehensive "Five Year National Nutrient Reduction Action
Plans".
The "draft lists of priority projects" have been prepared by the national consultants usually in close co-
ordination and co-operation with the concerned national ministries and authorities.
The "lists of priority projects" are mainly based on and derived from the list of projects compiled in the
"Danube Action Pollution Reduction Programme", developed within the framework of the DRPRP in June
1999 and updated within the framework of this project.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
9
According to the requirements of the TOR, the national consultants had explicitly to take into account the
projects included in the EMIS/EG - Joint Action Programme, which is currently under preparation.
As a first conclusion it can be stated that both (i) the structure and completeness of the "lists of priority
projects", and (ii) the quality, completeness, accuracy and reliability of the particular project data are
significantly different from country to country.
Countries that provided relatively complete project lists, respectively relatively complete project data for the
identified priority projects include Austria, the Czech Republic; Hungary; Germany, Moldova; Romania;
Slovenia and Yugoslavia.
The "national lists of priority projects" of these countries can be considered as a profound basis for further
elaboration of comprehensive "Five Year National Nutrient Reduction Action Plans".
The "project lists" provided by the other countries show significant gaps which can be summarized as
follows:
Incomplete data on expected nutrient reduction - particularly Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia,
Ukraine, (partly Hungary regarding BOD and COD);
Inadequate data on project specific investment requirements - all DRB countries have eventually
provided investment cost figures for more or less all proposed priority projects; in the majority of
the counties it is obvious that the cost estimates need partial, respectively substantial up-date;
Incomplete data regarding differentiation by baseline and incremental cost (as required for GEF
co-financing) - particularly Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Yugoslavia;
Incomplete data regarding adequate project funding schemes - particularly Bosnia- Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Ukraine.
For these countries, the list of identified projects itself or the particular project data need partially
substantial improvement. Especially as long as a clearly defined project sponsor and an appropriate funding
scheme is not available, a project cannot really be considered in the short-term as a candidate project for a
"National Nutrient Reduction Action Plan".
(2)
Summarized Results
The composition of the "national project lists" and the details of the identified priority projects can be seen
from the annexed county tables (Annex II).
An overall summary with full information on the priority projects, as identified by the national consultants
in the framework of this study, is compiled in Table 2.4-1.
A summary of the structure of the priority projects by country is compiled in Table 2.4-2.
A summary of the structure of the priority projects by sector is compiled in Table 2.4-3
(a)
Investment Requirements
According to the available data provided by the national reports, the total investment requirements for the 13
DRB countries amount to about EUR 4402 million.
The structure of the identified investment requirements by sector is as follows:
Municipal Sector
Industrial Sector
Agricultural Sector Wetlands
Total
No of Projects
157
44
21
23
245
Million EUR 3,702 267 113 323 4404
(%)-Structure
84%
6%
3%
7%
100
10
Summary Report
The structure of the identified investment requirements by country is as follows:
GER A
CZ
SK
HU
SLO
CRO B&H
YU
BUL RO
MOL UA
TOT
No of Proj. 11 4 12 20 24 24 11 12 40 21 25 31 10 245
Mill. EUR 231 264 147 118 687 384 433 176 785 125 493 493 67 4,404
(%)
5
6
3
3
16
9
10
4
18
3
11
11
1
100
Countries with the highest identified investment requirements of more than EUR 500 million include
Yugoslavia and Hungary.
Countries with the lowest
identified investment requirements
Investment cost for Proposed Projects of Five Years National
Nutrient Reduction Plan (by Sectors)
of less than EUR 200 million
include Ukraine, Slovakia, the
Czech Republic (small DRB area),
800
Bulgaria and B&H.
700
600
The most of the countries have
R
U
500
basically derived their "national
400
project list" from the list of
i
l
l
i
on E
M
300
projects already identified in the
200
"Action Pollution Reduction
100
Programme" (elaborated within the
0
framework of the DRPRP, 1999).
GER
A
CZ
SK
HUN SLO CRO B&H YUG BUL ROM MOL
UA
Municipal
Industrial
Agricultural
Wetlands
Taking into account the reduced
number of projects compiled in the
"draft national project lists" the
identified investment requirements of about EUR 4.4 billion seem rather reasonable in comparison to the
investment requirements of about EUR 5.6 billion as identified in the framework of the "Danube Action
Pollution Reduction Programme" in 1999.
(b)
Project Funding
According to the data provided by the national reports, the anticipated composition of project funding for all
DRB countries is as follows:
Funding component:
Million EUR
(%) Structure
National funding contribution 1716 39
International loans: 1163 26
International grants: 662 15
Not secured funding components: 861 20
Total 4404 100
The country-specific composition of project funding can be seen from Table 2.4-2.
!
The following seven countries could provide a more or less complete funding scheme for the
proposed priority projects to be completed within the coming 5-year period: Austria,
Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia and Yugoslavia.
!
Countries in which funding is not secured for the majority of the proposed priority projects
include B-H, Croatia, Ukraine.
!
In the other countries (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia) portions between 30% and
70% of the identified investment requirements are at the present stage of knowledge supposed
to be secured; the rest remains to be raised.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
11
(c)
Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point Sources
According to the available data provided by the national reports, the total nutrient reduction anticipated with
the implementation of the proposed priority point source projects should be in the range of:
! N:
58 500 tons/year;
! P:
12 100 tons/year;
! BOD:
276 000 tons/year;
! COD:
525 000 tons/ year
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sector is approximately as follows:
Nutrient
Municipal
Industrial Sector
Agricultural
Wetlands
Total
Reduction
Sector
Sector
No of Projects
157
44
21
23
245
N (t/y)
33 300
3 400
6 700
16 600
58 500
P (t/y)
5 500
3 700
1 100
1 800
12 100
BOD (t/y)
221 000
39 700
9 500
5 900
276 000
COD (t/y)
398 900
78 700
15 000
32 400
525 000
The composition of the anticipated
Anticipated Reduction of Nitrogen from Proposed Projects of
nutrient reduction by countries is
Five Years National Nutrient Reduction Plan (by Sectors)
compiled in Table 2.4-2.
10500
10000
It has to be mentioned at this point
9500
9000
that the BOD and COD data in
8500
8000
particular are still preliminary,
7500
7000
6500
because in some countries they have
r
6000
5500
not yet been determined completely
/
y
ea
5000
4500
t
ons
or correctly for some or even the
4000
3500
majority of the identified projects.
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
5000
GER
A
CZ
SK
HUN
SLO
CRO
B&H YUG
BUL
ROM MOL
UA
Municipal
Industrial
Agricultural
Wetlands
Anticipated Reduction of Phosphorus from Proposed Projects
of Five Years National Nutrient Reduction Plan (by Sectors)
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
GER
A
CZ
SK
HUN SLO CRO B&H YUG BUL ROM MOL
UA
Municipal
Industrial
Agricultural
Wetlands
TABLE 2.4-1
SUMMARY OF PRIORITY PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLANS
Country
Sector
No of
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Funding Scheme
Pro-
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv.Increment Baseline National Int. Loan Int. Grant
jects
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y mil EUR mil EUR mil EUR mil EUR mil EUR mil EUR
Austria
Municipal
3
3,950
404
5,740
12,028
231.0
207.0
24.0
231.0
0.0
0.0
Industrial
1
0
0
5,500
4,500
33.0
7.0
26.0
33.0
0.0
0.0
Agricultural
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
4
3,950
404
11,240
16,528
264.0
214.0
50.0
264.0
0.0
0.0
B&H
Municipal
5
3,005
450
7,689
14,802
147.0
10.0
137.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Industrial
6
125
53
963
2,159
27.1
9.3
17.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agricultural
1
1,570
350
0
0
2.3
0.7
1.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
12
4,700
853
8,652
16,961
176.4
20.0
156.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
Bulgaria
Municipal
17
2,308
562
19,448
34,718
111.9
0.0
0.0
6.5
0.0
23.0
Industrial
1
0
0
299
655
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agricultural
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
3
375
37
0
0
13.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
7.5
Total
21
2,683
599
19,747
35,373
125.4
0.0
0.0
6.5
0.0
30.5
Croatia
Municipal
11
1,509
239
15,310
34,424
433.4
134.3
299.1
2.3
9.9
0.0
Industrial
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agricultural
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
11
1,509
239
15,310
34,424
433.4
134.3
299.1
2.3
9.9
0.0
Czech
Municipal
6
1,010
58
1,228
93
133.7
46.9
86.8
56.2
21.4
13.9
Republic
Industrial
4
61
1
18
26
5.1
0.9
4.2
3.2
0.5
0.5
Agricultural
1
20
3
0
0
5.3
4.2
1.1
3.5
0.9
0.9
Wetlands
1
2.6
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
Total
12
1,091
62
1,246
120
146.7
53.3
93.4
64.2
22.8
16.6
Germany
Municipal
7
3,620
13
75
511
98.3
88.4
9.9
98.3
0.0
0.0
Industrial
2
260
40
0
780
6.3
1.2
5.1
6.3
0.0
0.0
Agricultural
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
2
211
21
0
0
126.7
84.7
42.0
126.7
0.0
0.0
Total
11
4,091
74
75
1,291
231.3
174.3
57.0
231.3
0.0
0.0
Hungary
Municipal
16
3,455
1,153
0
0
658.2
68.2
91.8
260.8
180.1
213.8
Industrial
1
420
6
0
0
5.9
2.9
3.0
2.0
3.9
0.0
Agricultural
5
2,600
340
0
0
7.2
4.8
2.5
2.0
0.0
3.6
Wetlands
2
233
23
0
0
15.4
13.3
2.1
2.1
0.0
13.3
Total
24
6,708
1,522
0
0
686.7
89.2
99.4
266.9
184.0
230.7
Moldova
Municipal
15
784
119
248
458
296.7
17.8
279.3
88.6
102.0
106.0
Industrial
11
167
36
27
74
84.7
4.4
74.9
27.8
34.1
22.8
Agricultural
3
350
25
20
70
26.5
2.5
23.9
8.5
8.8
9.2
Wetlands
2
5,600
725
1,300
230
85.0
4.2
80.8
25.5
31.8
27.8
Total
31
6,901
905
1,595
832
492.9
28.9
458.9
150.4
176.7
165.8
Romania
Municipal
10
3,644
823
53,521
61,154
392.9
119.8
274.5
124.4
175.0
93.5
Industrial
7
688
3
2,947
4,110
22.0
10.1
12.0
17.3
4.7
0.0
Agricultural
3
1,374
150
3,343
2,206
3.7
1.3
2.4
2.9
0.5
0.3
Wetlands
5
6,154
615
0
0
73.9
12.3
61.6
32.0
32.0
9.9
Total
25 11,860
1,591
59,811
67,470
492.5
143.5
350.5
176.6
212.2
103.7
Slovakia
Municipal
13
2,001
125
12,968
25,458
103.4
10.3
21.0
43.0
3.3
1.3
Industrial
4
348
0
641
1,690
14.2
2.3
5.8
2.3
1.4
2.1
Agricultural
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
3
225
23
0
0
0.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
Total
20
2,574
147
13,609
27,148
118.4
12.6
26.8
45.3
4.7
3.6
Slovenia
Municipal
23
5,053
786
27,836
45,440
382.5
4.6
0.0
328.2
44.2
10.0
Industrial
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agricultural
1
180
28
980
1,600
1.7
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
24
5,233
814
28,816
47,040
384.2
6.1
0.0
328.2
44.2
10.0
Ukraine
Municipal
10
486
65
677
621
67.2
16.6
50.6
5.3
0.0
0.0
Industrial
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agricultural
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
10
486
65
677
621
67.2
16.6
50.6
5.3
0.0
0.0
Yugoslavia
Municipal
21
2,486
700
76,280 169,212
646.0
0.0
0.0
137.0
441.0
68.0
Industrial
7
1,347
3,571
29,345
64,710
68.5
0.0
0.0
17.0
34.5
17.0
Agricultural
7
640
242
5,133
11,074
65.8
0.0
0.0
20.1
30.5
15.2
Wetlands
5
2,320
350
4,600
32,200
5.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
2.5
2.0
Total
40
6,793
4,863 115,358 277,196
785.3
0.0
0.0
174.6
508.5
102.2
All Countries Municipal
157 33,311
5,495 221,020 398,919
3702.1
723.9
1274.0
1381.7
976.9
529.5
Industrial
44
3,416
3,710
39,741
78,704
266.7
38.1
148.9
108.9
79.0
42.4
Agricultural
21
6,734
1,138
9,476
14,950
112.6
15.0
31.5
37.0
40.7
29.2
Wetlands
23 15,118
1,794
5,900
32,430
323.0
115.8
187.8
188.1
66.3
62.0
Total
245 58,579 12,136 276,136 525,004
4404.3
892.8
1642.2
1715.7
1162.9
663.1
TABLE 2.4-2
SUMMARY OF PRIORITY PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLANS
(BY COUNTRIES)
Country
No of
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Funding Scheme
Funding Scheme
Pro-
N
P
BOD
COD
National Internat. Internat.
Total National Internat. Internat.
Total
jects
tons/y
(%)
tons/y
(%)
tons/y
(%)
tons/y
(%) Mill EUR
(%) Funding
Loan
Grant
Funding
Loan
Grant
Mill EUR Mill EUR Mill EUR Mill EUR
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
A
4
3,950
7
404
3
11,240
4
16,528
3
264
6
264
0
0
264
100
0
0
100
BIH
12
4,700
8
853
7
8,652
3
16,961
3
176
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
BUL
21
2,683
5
599
5
19,747
7
35,373
7
125
3
7
0
31
37
5
0
24
30
CRO
11
1,509
3
239
2
15,310
6
34,424
7
433
10
2
10
0
12
1
2
0
3
CZ
12
1,091
2
62
1
1,246
0
120
0
147
3
64
23
17
104
44
16
11
71
GER
11
4,091
7
74
1
75
0
1,291
0
231
5
231
0
0
231
100
0
0
100
HUN
24
6,708
11
1,522
13
0
0
0
0
687
16
267
184
231
682
39
27
34
99
MOL
31
6,901
12
905
7
1,595
1
832
0
493
11
150
177
166
493
31
36
34
100
ROM
25 11,860
20
1,591
13
59,811
22
67,470
13
493
11
177
212
104
493
36
43
21
100
SK
20
2,574
4
147
1
13,609
5
27,148
5
118
3
45
5
4
54
38
4
3
45
SLO
24
5,233
9
814
7
28,816
10
47,040
9
384
9
328
44
10
382
85
12
3
100
UA
10
486
1
65
1
677
0
621
0
67
2
5
0
0
5
8
0
0
8
YUG
40
6,793
12
4,863
40 115,358
42 277,196
53
785
18
175
509
102
785
22
65
13
100
TOTAL
245 58,579
100 12,136
100 276,136
100 525,004
100
4,404
100
1,716
1,163
663
3,542
39
26
15
80
TABLE 2.4-3
SUMMARY OF PRIORITY PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLANS
(BY SECTORS FOR ALL DRB COUNTRIES)
Sector
No of
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Funding Scheme
Funding Scheme
Pro-
N
P
BOD
COD
National Internat. Internat.
Total National Internat. Internat.
Total
jects
tons/y
(%)
tons/y
(%)
tons/y
(%)
tons/y
(%) Mill EUR
(%) Funding
Loan
Grant
Funding
Loan
Grant
Mill EUR Mill EUR Mill EUR Mill EUR
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Municipal
157
33,311
57
5,495
45
221,020
80
398,919
76
3,702
84
1,382
977
530
2,888
37
26
14
78
Industrial
44
3,416
6
3,710
31
39,741
14
78,704
15
267
6
109
79
42
230
41
30
16
86
Agricultural
21
6,734
11
1,138
9
9,476
3
14,950
3
113
3
37
41
29
107
33
36
26
95
Wetlands
23
15,118
26
1,794
15
5,900
2
32,430
6
323
7
188
66
62
316
58
21
19
98
Total
245
58,579
100
12,136
100
276,136
100
525,004
100
4,404
100
1,716
1,163
663
3,542
39
26
15
80
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
17
ANNEX I
COUNTRY REPORTS
1.
GERMANY
2.
AUSTRIA
3.
CZECH REPUBLIC
4.
SLOVAKIA
5.
HUNGARY
6.
SLOVENIA
7.
CROATIA
8.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
9.
YUGOSLAVIA
10. BULGARIA
11. ROMANIA
12. MOLDOVA
13. UKRAINE
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
19
1 GERMANY
1.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
The analysis of the existing data shows that immission loads for nutrients in the German part of the river
Danube, calculated from regularly monitored water quality data, reach a level of around 85 000 t N and
4000-6000 t P per year. Especially phosphorus loads have been decreased very dramatically for the last
twenty years but also nitrogen loads show a decreasing trend for the last years. Emission values vary
according to the method applied for their evaluation. An investigation of Behrendt (1999) mention about
130 000 t N and 5300 t P for the years 1993 to 1997. The major part of the nutrient input derives from
diffuse sources. For nitrogen, the diffuse input reaches 80 % with 60 % stemming from groundwater and
around 10 % from drainage. For phosphorus, 70% of the input is provided by diffuse sources with 35%
stemming from erosion, 15% from surface flow and 10 % from groundwater. Concerning point sources, the
major part origins from municipal wastewater, industrial input can be neglected.
For the year 1996, the use of mineral fertilizers amounts about 220 000 tN/a and 70 000 tP/a. Generally, the
application of mineral fertilizers decreased, for the Bavarian part of the Danube River Basin while the use of
nitrogen dropped since 1989 from 119 kg/ha to 80 kg/ha (1997). The organic fertilizer application declined
for the last 5 years, too.
Most of the 9 135 000 inhabitants are connected to sewage system (Bavaria part: 91%, 1998). The
wastewater treatment plants show a high degree of elimination for nutrients (Bavarian part: 75% for P and
45% for N (1998)).
1.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Measures for nutrient reduction are based on legislation given by EU-guidelines and water acts of the
German Republic (framework conditions) and the German Federal States.
In order to reduce nutrient input to the Danube basin, a number of measures have been already taken and
some important targets have been achieved. The input of nutrients has been decreased e.g. by elimination of
these substances on wastewater treatment plants and by imposing legal restrictions for phosphates in
detergents.
Further targets are (i) the consequent applying of legal instruments for nutrient input reduction, (ii) the
maintenance and upgrading of wastewater sewage systems to reduce nutrients from point sources and, (iii)
the stimulation of new approaches for reducing nutrients from diffuse sources.
Some approaches concerning diffuse sources are to reduce nutrient input by (1) applying extensive and
ecological farming, (2) using modern technologies to determine fertilizers needed and to minimize the losses
by fertilizing, (3) identifying and defining protection areas e.g. river banks, sensible regions where
restrictions for agricultural activities have to be required, and (4) protecting landscape from erosion. In
addition, the capability of ecosystems to keep and transform nutrients can be strengthened by river and
wetland renaturation.
Germany is introducing flexibility in implementation of these measures, within the frame of a close
cooperation between water managers, farmers and researches. First, a common consensus on the importance
of nutrient reduction must be funded. Methods have to be developed on how to reduce nutrients in a
efficient and cost-effective way e.g. by pilot studies and through permanent training and consulting on the
state of art.
Instruments to initiate and continue this process include the (1) promotion of methods for nutrient reduction,
and (2) financial support for farmers and for research, education and consulting. In the German part of the
Danube River Basin, different action programs make use of these instruments e.g. the "Bayerische
Kulturlandschaftsprogramm".
Besides these programs aiming mostly at agricultural methods, measures that are oriented at rivers and
wetlands are also undertaken. River management plans lead to a development in a sustainable way e.g. by
20
Summary Report
river renaturation or riverbank protection. These measures have also to be applied in a cooperative way and
to be agreed by all groups of interest.
In general, measures for nutrient reduction of diffuse sources have to be an integrated part of the overall
plans for land use and development.
1.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The measures just undertaken and planned in the future for nutrient reduction of diffuse source will lead to a
decrease of nutrient input. However, the complex nature of processes makes difficult to quantify this
nutrient reduction. It is anticipated that the whole process will last over 10 to 20 years and only long-term
changes are to be expected.
1.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The identified projects which are currently under implementation or supposed to be ready for
implementation in the coming 3 years are compiled and characterized in Annex 6.4.
The total investment requirements of the 11 identified priority projects is EUR 231 million; their
composition by sectors is as follows:
! 8 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 98.3 million,
! 2 industrial projects with investment requirements of EUR 6.3 million;
! no agricultural point-source project;
! 2 wetland projects with investment requirements of EUR 126.7 million;
In addition to these 11 point-source projects Germany is going to spent about EUR 1.0 million per year in
the DRB area of Germany for measures related to reduction of nutrient emissions in the agricultural / land
use sector (buffer zone program, etc).
Regarding project funding it is assumed that the required funds will fully be covered by national sources.
1.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
For the 12 identified projects the anticipated nutrient reduction is stated in detail in Annex II-1 and can be
summarized as follows:
!
N:
4091 tons/year;
!
P:
74 tons/year;
!
BOD:
75 tons/year;
!
COD:
1291 tons/year;
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sectors is compiled in Section 1.6(2).
1.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities and Conclusions
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non point source" issues
The verification of data shows that especially phosphorus loads have been decreased very dramatically for
the last twenty years but also nitrogen loads show a decreasing trend for the last years.
Generally, the application of mineral fertilizers decreased, for the Bavarian part of the Danube River Basin
while the use of nitrogen dropped since 1989 from 119 kg/ha to 80 kg/ha (1997). The organic fertilizer
application declined for the last 5 years, too.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
21
It is obvious that the efforts undertaken by Germany in reducing nutrient emissions from diffuse sources of
pollution are mainly based on a flexible approach which allow the polluters to voluntarily agree with the
suggested measures. It is considered that the major part of the nutrient input derives from diffuse sources.
Germany suggests measures to reduce nutrient input from diffuse sources which include the use of (1)
extensive and ecological farming, (2) modern technologies to determine fertilizers amounts, (3) protection
areas e.g. river banks, sensible regions where restrictions for agricultural activities have to be required, and
(4) protecting measures against soil erosion.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Germany is one of the countries which provided a complete project list and a complete set of project data
regarding investment requirements and funding schemes for the priority projects to be implemented in the
coming five year period.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects can be summarized as follows:
Table 1.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
7
3620
13
75
511
98.3
Industrial point sources
2
635
40
0
780
6.3
Agricultural point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wetlands
2
211
21
0
0
126.7
Total
12
4091
74
75
1291
231.3
It is assumed that the required funds of about EUR 231 million will fully be covered by national sources.
In addition to the 11 point-source projects Germany is going to spent about EUR 1.0 million per year in the
DRB area of Germany for measures related to reduction of nutrient emissions in the agricultural / land use
sector (buffer zone program, etc).
22
Summary Report
2 AUSTRIA
2.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
In Austria requirements for urban wastewater treatment (i.e. all plants > 50 p.e.) are fixed in the First
Emission Ordinance BGBl. In this ordinance quality standards for wastewater treatment plants for e.g.
phosphorous or nitrogen are fixed. The treatment of industrial wastewater is performed by internal industrial
wastewater treatment plants or together with urban wastewater in urban wastewater treatment plants. The
requirements for the indirect discharge are as well laid down in the sector specific emission ordinances and
in the Ordinance for Indirect industrial WasteWater Emissions BGBl.
The following tables provide relevant statistical figures on wastewater treatment in Austria.
Table 2. 1-1: Population
Country
Emission coefficient
Population not
Population connected to sewerage*
total popul.
connected to
sewerage (1)
kg N/
kg P/
Without
Mech. Step
Biolog. Step* Tertiary step
inh/y (2)
inh/y (2)
treatment
8,038,200
3.4
0.37
1,486,059 (1)
11,500
41,500
6,499,141
n.a.
Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture Forestry Environment and Water management: BMLFUW:
,,Gewässerschutzbericht 1999", Table 4.8, p.92
Note: (1) This figure means not connected to public sewers, these inhabitants are connected to smaller waste
water treatment plants, cess pools or other facilities.
(2) values also include N and P discharges of small and medium served enterprises, served by urban waste
water treatment plants, as emission coefficient has been calculated by dividing loads from the waste water
treatment plants through number of inhabitants served by those facilities.
The following table presents the loads (t/a) of urban wastewater treatment plants into receiving
waters in Austria 1998.
Austria 1998
BOD5-Load
COD-Load
N-Load
P-Load
Urban waste water treatment plants
t/a
t/a
t/a
t/a
Plants with biological treatment
17,206
62,848
21,804
2,412
Plants with mechanical treatment
919
1,944
242
43
Total
18,125
64,792
22,046
2,455
Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture Forestry Environment and Water management: BMLFUW: ,,Gewässerschutzbericht 1999"
Finally, the next table presents the comparison for the years 1981, 1991, 1995, 1998 in terms of
wastewater treatment plants in Austria.
Austria
1981
1991
1995
1998
Urban waste water
Pers.
%
Pers.
%
Pers.
%
Pers.
%
Connected to sewer system
4,374,547
57.9
5,544,833
71.0
5,987,105
75.7
6,552,141
81.5
Small sewer systems
1,219,321
16.1
762,732
9.8
659,768
8.3
519,961
6.5
Cess pools
1,530,610
20.3
1,386,894
17.8
1,192,459
15.1
917,730
11.4
Others
428,567
5.7
113,638
1.5
68,564
0.9
48,368
0.6
Without sewer system, sum 3,178,498
42.1
2,263,264
29.0
1,920,791
24.3
1,486,059
18.5
Total
7,533,045
100
7,808,097
100
7,907,896
100
8,038,200
100
Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture Forestry Environment and Water management: BMLFUW: ,,Gewässerschutzbericht 1999"
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
23
In 1998 in Austria 6,552,141 inhabitants were connected to sewers. Among them 6,540,641 were connected
to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), 11,500 were connected to the sewerage system but without
WWTP. The total population in Austria is 8,038,200 from them 1,486,059 Austrian inhabitants were not
connected to a public sewer system which equals to a percentage of 18.5 %. This percentage of 18.5%
comprises 6.5% who are connected to a small waste water treatment plants, 11.4 % to cess pools and 0.6 %
to other facilities.
The following table shows the agricultural area in Austria and types of crops, (chemical fertilisers in kg N or
P/ha/year).
Table 2.1-2: Agricultural land
Surface ha 1997
Culture
Culture
Culture
Runoff coefficient
ha
Type of crop
Kg N/y
Kg P /ha/y
259,800
Wheat
*
++
57,800
Rye
*
++
260,600
Barley
*
++
40,100
Oats
*
++
188,300
Maize
*
++
23,500
Potatoes
*
++
51,600
Sugar beet
*
++
3,422,449
Sum of agricultural land
42
7.3
Total of agricultural land (including grassland): 3,422,449 mio. ha (1997)
Without extensive grassland (e.g. alpine meadows): 2,417,324 mio. ha (1997)
(Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, Report ,,Austria's Agriculture, Forestry and Water
Management 1998")
Note: * N-chemical fertiliser: 143,818 tons (1997)
++ P chemical fertiliser: 24,942 tons (1997)
(Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, Report ,,Grüner Bericht", Table 4.9, 1998")
Recommendations for fertilising of crops exist, statistical figures on actual fertilisation per crop are not
available. The average application of chemical fertiliser per ha of agricultural land in 1997 was in terms of
N 42 kg/ha and in terms of P 7.3 kg/ha of the total agricultural land.
Finally, the emission coefficients and the number of animals in Austria are presented in the next table.
Table 2. 1-3: Livestock units
Inventory of Number (1998)
Number of animal in Emission
Emission coefficient
animals 1997
GVE (1 GVE = livestock coefficient
unit with 500 kg alive
Kg N/head/y
Kg P/head/y
1. pigs
3,810,310
2. cows
882,994
3.cattle total
2,171,681
4.horses
75,347
5.sheep
360,812
6.poultry*
13,539,693
7. others
Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Mangement, Report ,,Güner Bericht 1998", Tables 3.15
* Number of chicken
24
Summary Report
Sum of manure N of all livestock:
169,750,000 kg (1995)
Sum of manure P:
37,755,000 kg (1995)
Sum of agricultural land (1995):
3,470,570 ha
Manure N/year and ha: 48.9 kg/y/ha (1995)
Manure P/year and ha: 10.9 kg/y/ha (1995)
Source: "Bodenschutz in Österreich, Edit: A. Köchl, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 1997, p. 189 and the Report Grüner Bericht 1998.
The manure application is comparatively low in Austria with other EU countries.
2.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Austria is very actively involved in restoring wetland and floodplain areas where feasible and possible.
The (1995) "Austrian Programme for the promotion of a sound environmental friendly and extensive natural
resources protecting agriculture" (ÖPUL) shall be substituted by the further advanced programme "ÖPUL
2000".
2.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Due to the measures already imposed in wastewater purification and by encouraging environmentally
friendly agriculture and due to the comparatively very low figures in nutrient application and livestock
density, in Austria, no really considerable further reductions of nutrient input in Austrian waters will be
achievable.
Significant efforts to quantify the effects of the measures introduced in agriculture and also, most important,
of the natural and non-avoidable existing background-loads shall be undertaken in the near future.
2.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The identified point-source projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years
are compiled and characterized in Annex 2.4.
The total investment requirements of the 4 identified projects are EUR 264 million; the composition by
sectors is as follows:
!
3 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 231 million;
WWTP Vienna (extension and upgrade of N / P removal);
WWTP Linz-Asten (extension and upgrade of N / P removal);
WWTP Graz (extension and upgrade of N / P removal);
!
1 industrial project with investment requirements of EUR 33 million;
!
no agricultural point-source projects;
!
no wetland point-source projects.
Regarding project funding it is assumed that the required funds will fully be covered by national sources.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
25
2.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
For the four identified point-source projects in the municipal and industrial sectors the anticipated annual
nutrient reduction is stated in detail in Annex II-2 and can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
3950 tons/year;
!
P:
404 tons/year;
!
BOD: 11240
tons/year;
! COD: 16528 tons/ year;
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sectors is compiled in Section 2.6(2).
2.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "diffuse" projects
Austria is one of the few Danube countries, which is already taken measures leading to nutrient reduction
and control through various programs on promotion of a sound environmental friendly and extensive natural
resources protecting agriculture". In addition, Austria is very active in restoring and conserving wetlands
and vulnerable areas.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Austria is one of the countries which provided a complete project list and a complete set of project data
regarding investment requirements and funding schemes for the priority projects to be implemented in the
coming five year period.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects can be summarized as follows:
Table 2.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
3
3950
404
5740
12028
231.0
Industrial point sources
1
0
0
5500
4500
33.0
Agricultural point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
4
3950
404
11240
16528
264.0
It is assumed that the required funds of about EUR 264 million will fully be covered by national sources.
26
Summary Report
3 CZECH REPUBLIC
3.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
Analysis of data information on nutrient loads is based on available data in 1999, from official sources of
information as the Statistical yearbooks, WRI databases prepared in National water protection project and
other sources used by WRI.
The data presented in the tables 1-3 are based on estimation of the real nutrient run-off into surface and
ground waters. Total N and P production calculated from specific production and number of inhabitants has
a decreasing tendency, in accordance with the assumed wastewater treatment plants efficiency.
The estimated nutrient discharge from both large municipal point sources and small diffuse municipal
sources is 13,735 t/y of N and 1,587 t/y of P.
Czech Republic considers that farmland nutrient balances are influenced by many factors apart of the basic
inputs and outputs, which can include hydrology, climate and geographic conditions, as well as weather in
particular years.
Within the Morava River basin it is assumed that about 30-50 % of N and 2-5 % P balance surplus,
calculated for the representative year 1996, will represent run-offs into waters.
Table 3.1-1: Population
Total population of Emissions
Population not
Population connected to sewerage
Morava river basin Coefficients
connected to
in CZ
sewerage
kg N/inh/y kg P/inh/y Inh.
mechanical
biological tertiary step
step
step
N
P
2 700 000
6,2
0,73
710 000
1 990 000
1850 000
300 000
50 000
Table 3.1-2: Loads-Agricultural Land
Surface ha
Culture
Consumption of fertilisers
Runoff coefficient
Type of crop
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
909500
Arable land
64,5
14,6
15000
Vineyards
110000
Meadows
78000
Pasture land
Table 3.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals
Number
Specific Emission
kg N/head/y
kg P/head/y
1. pigs
1382500 9,4
2,2
2. cows
165000 41,5
1,1
3. cattle
273000 41,5
1,1
4. horses
6000 48
1,3
5. sheep
19500 8,9
1,8
6. poultry
8627500 0,9
0,3
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
27
3.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
According to the Statistical Yearbook, application of industrial fertilizers is decreased from 98,8 kg N/ha/y
(1988) to 64,5 kg N/ha/y (1998), and from 68,4 kg P/ha/y (1988) to 14,4 kg P/ha/y (1998). In the same
period, the number of breeding farm animals has been significantly reduced and the quantity of applied
farmyard manure diminished as well. An additional decrease of these inputs is not expected. On contrary,
favorable economic situation could have been resulting in a slight increase of applied fertilizers. It is
obvious that the response of fertilization decrease is a long-term process that may have been outlasting for a
few tens of years.
A favorable impact on the nutrient run-off reduction is expected after the designation of vulnerable areas
and implementation of the required forms of farming in these areas. The nutrient pollution reduction in
waters will mostly be of local character. The revitalization programs of landscape, streams, small wetlands
constructing etc. will help to improve mainly the ecological situation in their neighborhood.
One of the problems still pertaining in some areas is water erosion, transporting into streams, together with
soils, high concentrations of nitrates and partly of phosphorus as well.
A schedule of the intended extent of anti-erosion measures for the following 5 years as well as calculation of
nutrient reduction due to these measures is difficult to elaborate, without detailed research and investigation.
Presently, the amount of P in detergents is regulated by the "Voluntary agreement on gradual decrease of
impact of detergents on the environment" (1995) which has been concluded between the Ministry of the
Environment of the Czech Republic and the Czech corporation of producers of soaps, detergents and
cleaning agents. Further decrease of P emissions from detergents depends on negotiations between the
involved partners.
3.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The total reduction of nutrient out flow from agricultural land is assumed as 10% of N and 3% of P. As the
main focus of both Czech State Environmental Policy and the EU directives are on large localities, for the
next five years period, from the category of diffuse sources of pollution from small municipalities and
scattered farms it cannot be expected any nutrient reduction.
3.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The identified priority projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years are
compiled and characterized in Annex 3.4.
The total investment requirements of the 11 identified projects (including not further specified "small scale
municipal projects") are EUR 144 million; their composition by sectors is as follows:
!
6 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 92 million,
(other "small scale municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 42 million);
!
4 industrial projects with investment requirements of EUR 5,1 million,
!
1 agricultural project with investment requirements of EUR 5,3 million,
!
1 Wetlands Program (24 actions concerning wetland restoration) for EUR 2,6 million.
Czech Republic has identified a number of 24 actions concerning wetland restoration or similar activities
together for about EUR 2.6 million as an integral part of the five year Joint Action Programme. Details on
nutrient reduction effects after the implementation of these projects are subject of further studies.
Regarding project funding it is expected that national funds, 16% by international loans and about 11% by
international grants will cover about 44%; the funding of the residual 30% is not yet secured.
28
Summary Report
3.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
For the identified priority projects the anticipated nutrient reduction is stated in detail in Annex II-3 and can
be summarized as follows:
!
N:
1091 tons/year;
!
P:
62 tons/year;
!
BOD: 1246
tons/year;
! COD: 120 tons/year;
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sectors is compiled in Section 3.6(2).
In addition significant nutrient reduction is in the future expected from the application of the EU Directive
91/272/EEC which imposes waste water treatment on all municipalities with more than 2000 PE and
increased treatment requirements on municipal pollution sources in "designated sensitive areas". As the
designation of sensitive areas is only in the stage of preparation, the expected effects will probably not
become evident before 2005.
3.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
Analysis of data information on nutrient loads has been performed based on available data in 1999, using
official sources of information and documents. As other Danube countries, total N and P production
calculated from specific production and number of inhabitants has also recorded a decreasing tendency
during last years.
Czech Republic considers that farmland nutrient balances are influenced by many factors, which can include
hydrology, climate and geographic conditions, as well as weather in particular years.
A specific characteristic of this country is related to the effect of the possible favorable economic situation,
which can be resulting in a slight increase of applied fertilizers. Therefore, the response of fertilization
decrease is a long-term process that may have been outlasting for a few tens of years.
Czech Republic proposes various methods aiming to nutrient reduction. Designation of vulnerable areas and
implementation of the required forms of farming in these areas will bring the country in line with EU
requirements. The nutrient pollution reduction in waters will mostly be of local character. The revitalization
programs of landscape, streams, small wetlands constructing etc. will help to improve mainly the ecological
situation in their neighborhood.
Other particularities is given by the effects of water erosion, transporting into streams, together with soils,
high concentrations of nitrates and partly of phosphorus as well.
A schedule of the intended extent of anti-erosion measures for the following 5 years as well as calculation of
nutrient reduction due to these measures is difficult to elaborate without detailed research and investigation.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Czech Republic is one of the countries which provided a more or less complete project list and set of project
data regarding investment requirements, implementation schedule and funding scheme for the priority
projects to be implemented in the coming five year period.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
29
The primary characteristics of the 12 identified priority projects can be summarized as follows:
Table 3.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
6
1010
58
1228
93
133,7
Industrial point sources
4
61
1
18
26
5,1
Agricultural point sources
1
20
3
0
0
5,3
Wetlands
1
not yet assessed
2,6
Total
12
1091
62
1246
120
146,7
The development of the anticipated nutrient reduction can be summarised as follows:
Table 3.6-2: Development of anticipated Nutrient Reduction
Sector
Nutrient load 1998
Nutrient load 2005
Reduction 1998-2005
N (t/y)
P(t/y)
N (t/y)
P(t/y)
N (%)
P(%)
Municipal point sources
13735
1587
12725
1530
8
4
Industrial point sources
215
35
154
34
28
3
Agricultural point sources
159
16
139
13
14
3
Sub-total
14109
1638
13018
1577
8
4
Agricultural non-point sources
22900
150
20600
145
10
3
Total
37009
1788
33618
1722
10
4
30
Summary Report
4
SLOVAKIA
4.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
Emissions from diffuse sources of pollution in Slovakia can be divided as emissions coming from
population not connected to sewerage system, from agricultural land (by erosion) and from livestock. Table
4.1-1 contains information on population and emissions coefficients for N and P coming out from
inhabitants not connected to sewage system. Different coefficients are given for inhabitants connected to
water works, but not to sewerage system (emission coefficients are supposed to be higher) than those for
inhabitants not connected neither to water works nor to sewerage system).
Table 4.1-1: Population
Country total Emissions
Population not connected to Population connected to sewerage
population
coefficients
sewerage
kg N /inh/y
kg P/inh/y*
without
Mechanical bological
tertiary
treatment
step
step
step
5 398 657
96030
29100
2784870
2,19
0,69
1 550 000 inh. (Inhabitants
connected to water works but
not to sewage system)
0,44
0,13
938 657 inh. (inhabitants
connected neither to water
works or sewage system)
* - Phosphorus from detergents included
Table 4.1-2 presents data on main type of crops cultivated in Slovakia with corresponding areas and amount
of nitrogen and phosphorus applied on particular lands. The values of nutrients from both organic and
artificial fertilizers applied have been considered. Runoff coefficients have been estimated as 20 % of
applied nitrogen and 2 % of applied phosphorus. The average amount of nutrients applied on agricultural
land in Slovak Republic is 48,74 kg of nitrogen and 8,0 kg of phosphorus (for period 1998-99).
Table 4.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface (ha)
Culture
Runoff coefficient
Type of crop
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
870 449
Cereals in total, of which:
415 708
- Wheat
77,61
8,0
15,5
0,16
34 369
- Rye
43,13
3,6
8,6
0,07
252 885
- Barley
53,55
5,8
10,7
0,12
19 641
- Oats
32,79
3,8
6,6
0,08
118 230
- Grain maize
88,06
5,0
17,6
0,10
34 657
Legume in total
13,59
5,6
2,7
0,11
29 332
Potatoes in total
117,22
19,4
23,4
0,39
37 667
Sugar beet
95,79
14,8
19,2
0,30
142 351
OIL - PLANTS IN TOTAL,
OF WHICH:
61 155
- Rape
95,64
9,0
19,1
0,18
67 126
- Sunflower
52,4
4,9
10,5
0,10
3 556
- Soya
52,4
4,9
10,5
0,10
2 450
- Poppy seeds
37,09
7,4
7,4
0,15
1 455
Flax
29,64
3,8
5,9
0,08
1 019
Tobacco
14,45
13,3
2,9
0,27
40 516
Market vegetables
76,19
3
15,2
0,06
6 173
Feeding root - crops
54,00
3,5
10,8
0,07
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
31
Surface (ha)
Culture
Runoff coefficient
Type of crop
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
162 009
FODDER ON ARABLE LAND
ANNUAL, OF WHICH
119 318
Unripe and ensilage maize
74,42
5,1
14,9
0,10
152 011
Lasting more years
15,98
1,7
3,2
0,03
28 377
Vineyards
22,33
4,0
4,5
0,08
19 017
Orchards
21,07
7,7
4,2
0,15
1 031
Hop-gardens
107,3
28,7
21,5
0,57
Runoff coefficients are 20 % of applied N and 2 % of applied P to be in line with methodology used in National
Reviews 1998, Part C: Water Quality
One important information is that in the last years, the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus applied on
agricultural land are lower than their real need for cultivation of crops. The study performed by Central
Control and Testing Institute of Agriculture (CCTIA) shows the need of an additional 23-kg N/ha nitrogen
application and 6-kg P/ha. The difference of required nutrient for crops were provided by the soil.
Table 4.1-3 contains information on number of animals that are breeding in Slovakia with their
corresponding emission coefficients for Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
Table 4.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals*
Number (1998)
Emission Coefficient
kg N/head/y
Kg P/head/y
1. pigs
1 593 000
0,094
0,022
2. cows
284 000
1)
1)
3. cattle
421 000
0,415
0,083
4. horses
10 000
no emission coefficient
no emission coefficient available
available
5. sheep
326 000
0,089
0,018
6. poultry
13 117 000
0,009
0,003
7. others
* no waste water treatment plant provided
1) No emission coefficient especially for cows, only for cattle in general
The estimated total amount of nitrogen and phosphorus coming from diffuse sources of pollution is
presented in the table below.
N
P
Note
1000 t/y 1000 t/y]
Erosion
6,1
0,24
Emission coefficients for released N and P by erosion
given by Bedrna (1985) were used. From the given range
0,5 15 kg N/ha and 0,01 0,20 kg P/ha the following
data were used, taking into account low amount of
fertilisers used in the last decade:
N : 2,5 kg /ha
P : 0,1 kg /ha
Washing-out
24,0
0,39
It was assumed that 20 % of applied N and 2 % of P on
agricultural land is washing out.
In the figures given for N and P, the release from
animals is already included as in the data from CCTIA
total amounts of N and P applied on agricultural land
from both organic and artificial fertilisers are included.
Population connected to water works, 3,4
1,07
but not connected to sewerage system
Population connected neither to 0,4
1,82
water works, or sewerage system
Total
33,8
1,82
32
Summary Report
4.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The most important measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources of pollution are prepared mainly in
accordance with transposition and implementation of European Union legislation. The basic document in the
field of approximation process is the ,,National Programme for transposition of Aquis Communautaire". In
addition, requirements resulting from the governmental priority related to the EU accession process has also
been transformed as ,,National Environmental Action Plan II" (1999), with particular tasks to transpose and
implement EU legislation.
In addition to the recent approved Law on fertilizers, Slovakia proposes the following measures that are
supposed to become effective in the forthcoming period of five years, with the purpose to reduce nutrient
emissions from diffuse sources:
(1)
Preparation of Governmental Decree on protection of water resources against pollution from
agriculture
(2)
Development and implementation of the Code of good agricultural practices with purpose to reduce
pollution caused by nitrates
(3)
Defining criteria for identification of water pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources (in relation
to Nitrates Directive)
(4)
Identification of vulnerable areas regarding the Nitrates Directive
(5)
Development of Action Programme in vulnerable areas to ensure protection of waters against
pollution from agriculture (in relation to Nitrates Directive)
(6)
Establishment of a ,,Soil Service" which should serve as advisory unit in the field of utilization and
protection of soils. It should cooperate with relevant institutions with purpose to protect environment
(7)
Establishment of ,,State Inspection for Soil Protection" as a new institution under MSM SR to control
legislative measures for soil protection enforcement.
Moreover, Slovakia, through the Ministry of Economy is preparing a new proposal on the methods of
control of biological degradability of active substance detergents.
4.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The assessment of the nutrient reduction from non-point sources of pollution is considered difficult to be
carried out during the period of economic transformation as it is recognized the influence of reduced
financial means on the implementation of the necessary measures to decrease nutrient release.
There is a large need of investments to ensure the increase of share of the population connected to sewerage
system (now, only 54 % of total population is connected).
In the last decade, the consumption of artificial fertilizers decreased rapidly (app. 38,3 kg N/ha and 9,6 kg
P/ha of agricultural land), but on long-term is expecting an increase of this amount up to 90 kg N/ha. The
amount of applied artificial fertilizers in the future is also strongly dependent on financial situation of
agricultural enterprises.
Slovakia encourages the beneficial application of the code of good agricultural practices in relation to the
release of nutrients from agricultural land.
With all these measures being implemented in the forthcoming five years, the amount of nutrients from
diffuse sources of pollution can be lowered by 10 %. More significant effects can be observed after longer
periods of time, as most of the planned activities are due to the year 2002 and full implementation needs
some additional time.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
33
4.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The list of priority projects supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming five years is presented in
Annex 4.4. The elaboration of this list is based on:
!
Projects included in the Joint Action Programme, which is under preparation under EMIS/EG
at this time
!
Final draft of Up-dated National Action Plan for Danube River Basin, containing priorities of
both Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Soil Management regarding projects of
construction/reconstruction/expansion of sewer systems and waste water treatment plants
!
The National Environmental Action Plan, approved in December 1999, containing the list of
particular measures to achieve objectives set up for the water management sector in SR
Regarding data on investments and funding status it is expected that the partly existing information gaps can
be filled through information directly provided by the authorities or companies, responsible for project
realisation.
The total investment requirements of the 20 identified projects are EUR 118 million; their composition by
sectors is as follows:
!
13 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 103 million,
!
4 industrial projects with investment requirements of EUR 14 million,
!
no agricultural project;
!
3 wetland projects with investment requirements of EUR 0,9 million,
(of which two projects "Integrated Management in Olsavica River Basin" and "Floodplain
Meadow Restoration in the Lower Morava River" are already implemented and the third
project "Wetland Restoration in Laborec River Basin" is prepared, but financial sources not
yet secured).
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 38% will be covered by national funds, 4% by
international loans and about 3% by international grants; the funding of the residual 55% is not yet secured.
4.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
Regarding municipal sector, the nutrient emissions have either been known from wastewater quality
monitoring data, which are stored in Slovak Hydro-meteorological Institute or have been estimated by a
standardized method, based on per capita emission coefficients.
In discharged wastewater from industrial sources, nitrogen and phosphorus is measured only in case of
significant emissions. This is the reason why the total amount of discharged N and P from industry is not
given in Annex II-4.
The expected reduction of BOD, COD, nitrogen and phosphorus has been estimated on the basis of planned
measures in the particular source of pollution. If estimation of expected reduction is higher than the present
discharge, the reason is primarily that the expansion of the sewer system is usually planned for a higher
number of people connected to the wastewater treatment plant.
he anticipated nutrient reduction from the identified point source projects and the composition by sectors is
compiled in Section 4.6 (2) and can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
2574 tons/year;
!
P:
147 tons/year;
!
BOD: 13609
tons/year;
!
COD:
27148 tons/ year;
34
Summary Report
4.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
Emissions from diffuse sources of pollution are considered in Slovakia as emissions coming from population
not connected to sewerage system, from agricultural land (by erosion and washing up) and from livestock.
Two important particularities of the country are related to the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus applied
on agricultural land that are lower than their real need for cultivation of crops and the initiative to implement
soil conservation measures.
The most important measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources of pollution are prepared mainly in
accordance with transposition and implementation of European Union legislation.
Slovakia is so far the only one country of the Danube river basin that has a recent approved Law on
fertilizers. In addition, development and implementation of the Code of good agricultural practices with
purpose to reduce pollution caused by nitrates is having a high priority.
Finally, the identification of vulnerable areas regarding the Nitrates Directive and the new proposal on the
methods of control of biological degradability of active substance detergents bring Slovakia in line with EU
standards.
With all these measures being implemented in the forthcoming five years, the amount of nutrients from
diffuse sources of pollution can be lowered by 10 %.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Altogether Slovak Republic could provide a relatively complete set of project data regarding investment
requirements, implementation schedules (and partly funding schemes) for the identified priority projects to
be implemented in the coming five year period. It is expected that the existing data gaps can be filled
through information directly provided by the authorities or companies, responsible for project realisation.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects, which are envisaged to be implemented within
the coming period of five years in Slovakia, can be summarized as follows:
Table 4.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
13
2001
125
12968
25458
103.4
Industrial point sources
4
348
0
641
1690
14.2
Ag
ricultural point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
Wetlands
3
226
23
0
0
0.9
Total
20
2574
147
13609
27148
118.4
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
35
5 HUNGARY
5.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
The revision of data and information on nutrient emissions/ loads performed by Hungary has been
accomplished taking into consideration (i) the nutrient mass balance with main accent on diffuse pollution,
nutrient transport, wetlands and losses of nutrients in water systems, along the Danube and, (ii) the
functioning of the Black See ecosystems, with regard to the nutrient discharges.
The updated data and information are presented in table 5.1-1, 5.1-2 and 5.1-3.
Table 5.1-1. Population
Country total Emissions
Population not
Population connected to sewerage *
population
connected to
coefficients
sewerage
1998
Inh
Kg
Kg
inh
without
Mechanical
Biological
Tertiary step
treatment
step
step
N/inh/y
P/inh/y
10,135,000
4,358,000
81,833,000 231,634,000
245,386,000
11,762,000
Source: Housing Statistics and Public Utilities 1998, Central Statistical Office
* Data refer to waste water discharge expressed in m3
Table 5.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface
Culture
Runoff
coefficient
Ha
Type of crop
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ ha/y
1,183,000
Wheat
1,023,000
Maize
370,000
Barley
67,000
Rye
194,000
Others
2,837,000
Total
1,766,000
Of which fertilized area
133
Source: Statistical Yearbook of Agriculture 1998, Central Statistical Office
Table 5.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals*
Number
Emission Coefficient
Type
Heads
Kg N /head/y
kg P/ head /y
1. pigs
5,479,000
2. cows
407,000
3. cattle
873,000
4. horses
70,000
5. sheep
909,000
6. poultry
30,557,000
7. others
Source: Statistical Yearbook of Agriculture 1998, Central Statistical Office
* no wastewater treatment plant provided
36
Summary Report
The evolution of the of total fertilizer usage per hectare of arable land, garden, orchard and vineyard
at the world scale and Hungary is presented in the table below:
Country
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
World total
87
84
85
89
89
Austria
177
175
168
158
152
Germany
239
224
242
234
234
Hungary
38
41
56
49
54
The assessment of amount of fertilizers used in Hungary between 1992-1996 is presented in the next
table:
Fertilizer use
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
Total quantity in 1000 t
189
207
280
247
270
Use on arable land, for 1 38
41
56
49
54
ha kg/ha
Out of which:
N kg/ha
30
32
45
38
40
P kg/ha
4
5
5
6
7
K kg/ha
4
4
6
5
7
5.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The identified measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources by Hungary, which are supposed to
become effective within the forthcoming period of 5 years are based on the following concerns:
!
introduction of P-free detergents;
!
improvement of national policies and legislation regarding utilization of fertilizers and
livestock waste;
!
approximation of national legislation to relevant EU legislation and standards.
The National Environmental Programme of Hungary in relation to the nutrient reduction from diffuse
sources defines two major measures:
(1)
The wastewater treatment in the region of nutrient sensitive waters should be at least 3rd degree.
(2)
The nutrient emission into surface waters should be reduced below 20% in comparison with the recent
level.
Introduction of P-free detergents measure is not yet included in the National Environmental Programme of
1997-2006 neither in environmental, nor in the economic chapters.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
37
5.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The assessment of the anticipated annual potentials of nutrient reduction has been difficult to be carried out
by Hungary due to the lack of data.
However, the implementation of the following projects in the agricultural sector will lead at a reduction of
minimum 2,000-t/year N provided by non point sources of pollution:
!
Introduction of EU-conform and environmentally protective pig fattening technology, in
Mosonmagyarovar region;
!
Agriculture originated pollution minimization in the floodplain of Tisza river;
!
Establishment of agro- and nature-conservation training centers in the Koros-Maros National
Park;
!
Central-Danube Valley organic farming, nutrient control, wetland rehabilitation;
!
Babocsa Organic farming in the Drava floodplain.
5.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The identified priority projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years are
compiled and characterized in Annex II-5.
The total investment requirements of the 24 identified priority projects are EUR 687 million; their
composition by sectors is as follows:
!
16 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 658 million,
!
1 industrial project with investment requirements of EUR 5.9 million,
!
5 agricultural project with investment requirements of EUR 7.2 million,
!
2 wetland projects with investment requirements of EUR 15.4 million.
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 39% will be covered by national funds, 27% by
international loans and about 34% by international grants.
5.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
The anticipated nutrient reduction for the 24 identified priority projects is stated in detail in Annex 5.4 and
can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
6708 tons/year;
!
P:
1522 tons/year;
!
BOD:
- (figures not available);
!
COD:
- (figures not available);
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sectors is compiled in Section 5.6(2).
5.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
The revision of data and information on nutrient emissions/ loads performed by Hungary has taking into
consideration the nutrient mass balance, with main accent on diffuse pollution, nutrient transport, wetlands
and losses of nutrients in water systems.
Specific for Hungary is the increase of the fertiliser usage per hectare of arable land, garden, orchard and
vineyard for the last eight years.
38
Summary Report
The identified measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources by Hungary, which are supposed to
become effective within the forthcoming period of 5 years include the introduction of P-free detergents and
improvements of national policies and legislation regarding utilisation of fertilisers and livestock waste.
An another particularity of Hungary is given by the measure to introduce wastewater treatment in the region
of nutrient sensitive waters.
It is expected that the implementation of the nutrient reduction measures in the agricultural sector will lead
to a reduction of minimum 2,000-t/year N.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Hungary is one of the countries which provided a complete project list and set of project data regarding
investment requirements, implementation schedule and funding scheme for the identified priority projects to
be implemented in the coming five year period.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects which are envisaged to be implemented within
the coming period of five years in Hungary can be summarized as follows:
Table 5.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
16
3455
1153
-
-
658.2
Industrial point sources
1
420
6
-
-
5.9
Agricultural point sources
5
2600
340
-
-
7.2
Wetlands
2
233
23
-
-
13.3
Total
23
6708
1522
-
-
686.7
At the time being there are no figures on anticipated reduction of BOD and COD.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
39
6 SLOVENIA
6.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
The verification of data and information were performed based on the estimates of the ad-hoc expert group
of Slovenia. Although some measurements exist, the current monitoring procedures do not contain rules to
allow measurements of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
To facilitate the interpretation, Slovakia used the same values for one pollution equivalent (PE) as it is
reported elsewhere in the literature, e.g. the Haskoning report of 1999 as indicated below:
1 PE (of municipality origin) is:
!
60 g BOD5/day => 25 kg BOD5/year
!
150 g COD/day => 50 kg COD/year
!
g N/day
=> 5 kg N/year
!
2.5 g P/day
=> 1 kg P/year
It is also considered necessary to implement a new regulation on the responsibilities of large polluters to
measure apart of BOD and COD content, also N and P.
For situations when part of data on BOD and COD were not reliable, the calculations were based on the
population of the localities, adding measured or estimated values of the industrial load. An asterisk denotes
such values (*).
The data are presented in the Tables 6.1-1, 6.1-2, 6.1-3 below.
Table 6.1-1: Population
Country
Emissions
Population
Population connected to sewerage
Total
Coefficients
not connected
population in
to sewerage
the DRB
Kg N/nh/y Kg P/inh/y
without
Mechanical biological
tertiary step
treatment
step
step
87.7% of
5
1
56% =
13 % =
16% =
15% =
0% =
total
1,754 000
982 240
228 020
280 640
263 100
0
Table 6.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface (ha)
Culture
Runoff coefficient
in the DRB
Type of crop
kg N /ha/y
kg P/ ha / y
Total Outflow / Total Precipit.
234 230
Fields
N/A
N/A
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
15 500
Vineyards
N/A
N/A
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
37 220
Orchards
N/A
N/A
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
310 430
Meadows
N/A
N/A
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
154 230
Pastures
N/A
N/A
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
868 980
Forests
N/A
N/A
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
130 210
Other
N/A
N/A
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
1 750 810
Total
estimate 0.55 whole DRB
40
Summary Report
Table 6.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals*
Number in the Republic of Slovenia
Emission Coefficient
(factor 0.90 for DRB)
kg N /head/y
kg P/ head / y
1. pigs
116 658
N/A
N/A
2. cows
381 846
N/A
N/A
3. cattle
N/A
N/A
N/A
4. horses
10 312
N/A
N/A
5. sheep
22 972
N/A
N/A
6. poultry
1 419 884
N/A
N/A
7. others
* no waste water treatment plant provided
6.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
As a consequence of EU accession process, Slovenia is already introducing EU market rules in terms of P-
free detergent use.
Slovenia proposes measures to improve the national policies and legislation regarding utilization of
fertilizers and livestock waste.
The Slovenian transposition of the EU Nitrates Directive states that total Nitrogen application on 1 ha of
land could be less than 210 kg N/year. This maximum allowable value is further limited on water protection
zones according to the type of the crop, e.g. maize 170 down to 80 kg N/year for 1 ha of land for wheat.
These lower limits shall also be taken into consideration on the country level once the forthcoming Water
Act will come into force.
Slovenia already initiated actions to elaborate the code of proper best agricultural practices for achieving a
sustainable agriculture.
It is expected that the national legislation shall be harmonized with the EU legislation within 2-3 years,
while the full compliance time for some directives will be extended up to the year 2011 (IPPC) or even 2015
(UWWTD).
6.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The assessment of the nutrient reduction measures has been performed with the view that EU approximation
will bring positive changes but with long waiting periods to be able to properly valuing them.
As it has been already presented in some earlier studies (e.g. Haskoning, 1992 and 1993) Slovenia
considered that there would be extremely difficult to reduce the present diffuse loads.
One reason is given by the fact that 50% of Slovenia's population live in settlements below 2000 PE, and
almost 70 % below 10 000 PE. As the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive calls for centralized
treatment, the number of PE connected to WWTP's will be much higher, which will, in turn, negligibly
reduce diffuse pollution, but, significantly, increase point-sources pollution. Any attempt in agriculture to
compensate for this increase in point-source pollution will mean great financial, logistic and management
burden for Slovenia.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
41
6.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The list of projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years is presented in
Annex II-6. The elaboration of this list of projects is mainly based on the up-dated Action Pollution
Reduction Programme of the DDPRP and a selection of the most feasible and best-prepared projects (with
complete project files, adequate funding schedules, and ready for implementation) been considered:
The total investment requirements of the 24 identified projects are EUR 384 million; their composition by
sectors is as follows:
!
23 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 383 million,
!
no industrial project;
!
1 agricultural project with investment requirements of EUR 1,7 million;
!
no wetland project.
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 85% will be covered by national funds, 12% by
international loans and about 3% by international grants.
6.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
The overall anticipated nutrient reduction from the identified point source projects and the composition by
sectors is stated in the compilation presented in section 6.6 (2) and can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
5233 tons/year;
!
P:
814 tons/year;
!
BOD: 28816
tons/year;
!
COD:
47040 tons/ year;
6.6 Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
The verification of data and information were performed based on the estimates of the ad-hoc expert group
of Slovenia, with some constraints related to the current monitoring procedures which do not contain rules
to allow measurements of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
As a consequence of EU accession process, Slovenia is already introducing EU market rules in terms of P-
free detergent use.
Slovenia proposes also measures to improve the national policies and legislation regarding utilisation of
fertilisers and livestock waste. Moreover, Slovenia already initiated actions to elaborate the code of proper
best agricultural practices for achieving a sustainable agriculture.
The assessment of the nutrient reduction measures has been performed with the view that EU approximation
will bring positive changes but with long waiting periods to be able to properly valuing them.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Altogether Slovenia provided a complete project list and set of project data regarding investment
requirements, implementation schedules and funding schemes for the identified priority projects to be
implemented in the coming five year period.
42
Summary Report
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects which are envisaged to be implemented within
the coming period of five years in Slovenia can be summarized as follows:
Table 6.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
23
5 053
786
27 836
45 440
382,5
Industrial point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
Agricultural point sources
1
180
28
980
1 600
1,7
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
Total
24
5 233
814
28 816
47 040
384.2
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
43
7
CROATIA
7.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
Croatia was not the part of the Nutrient Mass Balance Project within the Danube Program.
The analysis/verifications of the data and the information on nutrient emissions/loads has been performed
for population and livestock unit, as most of the necessary data for agricultural land do not yet exist.
Moreover, data about emissions of Phosphorus and Nitrogen need to be collected which it will take some
time and supplementary investigations.
However, it was possible that some data that refer to the type of crop production, by specific crop
production, in tons in 1997, to be reviewed. Tables 1 and 3 contain some information that were collected
and reviewed.
Table 7.1-1: Population
Country total Emissions
Population
Population connected to sewerage
population
Coefficients
not connected
to sewerage
Kg
Kg
without
mechanical
biological step tertiary step
N/inh/y
P/inh/y
treatment
step
3 250 000
4,0
0,9
1 583 100
1 475 600
45 700
145 600
-
Table 7.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface ha
Culture
Runoff Coefficient
Type of crop
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
n.a
n.a
n.a.
Table 7.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals*
Number (1998)
Emission Coefficient
kg N/head/y
kg P/head/y
1. pigs
1 333 449
8,0
2. cows
232 694
3. cattle
377 307
4. horses
10 075
5. sheep
157 287
8,0
6. poultry
8 736 791
0.7
7. others
-
· total with and without treatment
7.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
In accordance with the National Pollution Control Plan of Croatia, the proposed measures include:
!
Preservation of the water resources quality
!
Reduction of the pollution sources
!
Strengthening of the monitoring system inclusively for accidental pollution.
44
Summary Report
For the next five years, Croatia proposes the necessary measures for nutrient reduction that include (i)
introduction of P-free detergents, (ii) improvement of national policies and legislation regarding utilization
of fertilizers and livestock waste, and (iii) approximation of national legislation to relevant EU legislation,
respectively EU-standards.
7.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
During the last decade, the use of plant protection agents has decreased, not due to ecological reasons, but
exclusively because of the economic constraints.
It seems that visible nutrient reduction from diffuse sources might take place only once the required
measures and actions will be implemented.
7.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The identified priority projects, which are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years,
are compiled and characterized in Annex II-7.
The total investment requirements of the 11 identified priority projects are EUR 433 million; their
composition by sectors is as follows:
!
11 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 421 million (including EUR 256
million for implementation of biological treatment in Zagreb, 1500000 PE):
Cakovec (extension of WWTP for tertiary treatment;
Varazdin (reconstruction works and sludge treatment);
Koprivnica (secondary and tertiary treatment for 90000 PE);
Zagreb (biological treatment for 1500000 PE);
Sisak, Karlovac (preparatory works);
5 other smaller WWTPs
!
no industrial projects;
!
no agricultural projects;
!
no wetland projects.
Industrial, agricultural and wetland projects could not yet be identified because these projects need
commitment from other authorities which is not to be obtained in the short term.
Regarding project funding the figures presented in Annex 7.4 are just for ongoing projects, respectively
contracted values. For the majority of the projects there are no adequate funding schemes available.
7.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
The anticipated nutrient reduction for the identified priority projects is stated in detail in Annex 7.4 and
summarized in Section 7.6(2).
As nutrient reduction figures are not available for all of the identified priority projects, the provided figures
do not fully represent the actual nutrient reduction.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
45
7.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
Specific for Croatia is the fact that it has not been part of the Nutrient Mass Balance Project within the
Danube Program. Most of data are not available and the analysis/verifications of the data and the
information on nutrient emissions/loads has been performed only for population and livestock units.
In accordance with the National Pollution Control Plan of Croatia, the proposed measures include:
!
Preservation of the water resources quality
!
Reduction of the pollution sources
!
Strengthening of the monitoring system, inclusively for accidental pollution.
For the next five years, Croatia proposes the necessary measures for nutrient reduction that include (i)
introduction of P-free detergents, (ii) improvement of national policies and legislation regarding utilization
of fertilizers and livestock waste, and (iii) approximation of national legislation to relevant EU legislation,
respectively EU-standards.
It has been difficult to make estimates, but it is assumed that noticeable nutrient reduction from diffuse
sources might be recorded once the required measures and actions will be implemented.
(2) Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Up to now, there is no formalized, respectively officially agreed program or plan for nutrient reduction
projects in Croatia.
There is a relatively clear priority schedule and implementation program for WWTP in the municipal sector;
(but not for the industrial and the agricultural sector, and not for wetlands).
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects which are envisaged to be implemented within
the coming period of five years in Croatia can be summarized as follows:
Table 7.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
11
1509
239
15310
34424
433.4
Industrial point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0
Agricultural point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
11
1509
239
15310
34424
433.4
Even these priority projects in the municipal waste water sector cannot be considered as really committed,
as there are no committed funding schemes for the majority of the identified projects.
According to the provided data there are no figures for the anticipated nutrient reduction for the majority of
the identified projects.
46
Summary Report
8
BOSNIA - HERCEGOVINA
8.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
In comparison with similar previous revisions of data on emissions and loads, for this project, Bosnia -
Herzegovina presented a full picture of all rivers belonging to the Danube river basin on its territory.
However, since the system of monitoring and assessment has not been yet re-established and therefore the
up-dated values are not yet available, the data and information on nutrient emissions/loads represent
estimations from the pre-war period.
Moreover, Bosnia - Herzegovina included recorded data on nutrient content at the mouths of main rivers
into Sava river to be considered for transboundary pollution analysis within the framework of this present
project.
The data on total nitrogen and phosphorus content measured in monitoring stations that are not up-dated are
presented in the following table:
No
River
COD (t/y)
BOD5 (t/y)
Total N (t/y)
Ortho P (t/y)
1.
Una
32.777
14,000
-
600
2.
Vrbas
52.305
22,500
2,600
95
3.
Bosna
29.601
14,200
6,540
270
4.
Drina downstream of Visegrad
33.726
9,500
-
135
At present about 88.61 % or 3,348 734 inhabitants of the total B&H population lives in the Danube river
basin. Data for the share of Danube river basin related to pre-war and present population are summarized in
the Table 8.1-1, with emissions coefficient calculated per capita and year.
Table 8.1-1: Population
The population Emissions
Population not Population connected to sewerage system
in the DRB
Coefficients
connected to
sewerage system
Kg
Kg
without
Mechanical biological
Tertiary step
(65 %)
N/inh/y
P/inh/y
treatment
step
step
4,010 467*
0.78
0.23
2,606 804
933,663
-
470,000
0
3,348 734**
N/a
n/a
2,176 677
896,881
-
15,500
0
* population in 1991, within Danube River Basin
** population from post-war period (assessment)
Most of the data required to fill up the Tables 8.1-2 and 8.1-3 were not yet available. Data given
(agricultural areas and number of livestock) refers to the entire territory of B&H.
Table 8.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface (ha)
Culture
RunoffCoefficient
Type of crop
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
1,055,000
Ploughed fields and gardens
n/a
n/a
n/a
100,000
Orchards
n/a
n/a
n/a
4,000
Vineyards
n/a
n/a
n/a
383,000
Meadows
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,542,000
Total arable land
n/a
n/a
n/a
866,000
Pastures
n/a
n/a
n/a
7,000
Fish ponds, pools and reeds
n/a
n/a
n/a
873,000
Total uncultivable land
n/a
n/a
n/a
2,415,000
Total agricultural area
n/a
n/a
n/a
Source: Unpublished data of the two entity statistic institutes
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
47
Table 8.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of
Number
Emission coefficient
Animals*
(B&H , 31.12.1997)
kg N/head/y
Kg P/head/y
1. pigs
372,654
n/a
n/a
2. cows
574,102
n/a
n/a
3. cattle
417,704
n/a
n/a
4. horses
56,807
n/a
n/a
5. sheep
580,493
n/a
n/a
6. poultry
3,362 488
n/a
n/a
7. others
n/a
n/a
n/a
* no waste water treatment plant provided
Only a very small number of inhabitants are served by sewerage system (up to 35 %), mostly located in
larger municipalities. All other settlements do not have any sewerage system or connection to wastewater
treatment plants. The increase of number of settlements having access to sewerage and treatment facilities is
considered as being a priority by the government. As an example, two newly constructed wastewater
treatment plants are already in operation. Also, the rehabilitation of those wastewater treatment plants that
were damaged in the past represents a concern for the policy makers.
8.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The nutrient content of waters of B&H provided by the diffused sources of nutrient emissions is mainly
from the agricultural production and livestock farming.
As a consequence of recent economic development of the country mainly through both the extension of
cultivated agricultural areas and intensification of farming, a future increase of nutrient emission can be
expected.
The current legal framework related to water and environmental concerns, which can be considered as the
most appropriate measure to control and reduce nutrient is mainly out-dated and does not allow the
harmonization to the relevant EU legislation.
Although, at the state level, new pieces of legislation are in the process of preparation, there are still no
instruments available to both control and enforce the necessary measures in reducing nutrient emissions.
One example can be given by the existence of the only one recorded Detergent Production Factory DITA
located in Tuzla which produces P-free detergents, in spite of the fact that there are may other producers
which are not yet part of the evidence in the water and environmental registers.
The urgent measures proposed by Bosnia - Herzegovina to be implemented include:
!
Creation of various relevant legal regulations and rules in accordance to EU legislation
referred to the use of various chemical products in agriculture;
!
Introduction and use of relevant standards for production/use of various chemical products in
agriculture;
!
Introduction and use of relevant standards for production/use of various chemical products in
agriculture;
!
Setting up of relevant institutions to be responsible for enforcement of legal instruments and
standards;
!
Establishment of an inspection system to enforce the legal requirements;
!
Promotion of sanitation measures of all centralized farms and construction of wastewater
treatment plants on farms in parallel;
!
Development and implementation of relevant regulations related to the production of
phosphorus-free detergents.
48
Summary Report
8.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Taking into consideration the necessity of development of the required legal framework, which can allow
the introduction of nutrient control and reduction measures, it is understandable that the first results
concerning the reduction of emissions/loads pollutants will be visible after the implementation period of the
proposed urgent measures.
Under these conditions, if the predicted urgent measures shall be introduced during the year 2001, one can
expect reduction of nutrient emissions in the after-coming period. If it is assumed that the adoption and
implementation of regulations and standards will be within the next two years, then visible effects of
nutrient content reduction can be expected in the year 2005.
However, improvement of the economic situation of the country can already be seen especially in the field
of agriculture and stock farming. As the activities in the field of agriculture and livestock farming are
recently intensified, the nutrient content will record higher levels. This concern is going to be taking into
consideration and included in the proposed urgent measures of B&H.
Generally, it can be assumed that the condition of transboundary rivers, considering pollution impacts in
general, is better than the assessed conditions in the previous period. However, figures showing the expected
nutrient reduction are not available at the moment.
8.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The Long Term Protection Program finalized in 1991 (just before the war started) proposed different
activities that were supposed to be implemented within a period of 18 years. At that time, the expected
investment cost for the defined priority projects to be implemented within the next five years period was as
following:
River basin
Investment cost (Million EUR)
Una-Sana
210
Vrbas
460
Bosna
480
Sava
105
Up to now, there is no formalized, respectively officially agreed investment programme or action plan for
nutrient control/reduction projects in B&H.
The most urgent priority projects which should be implemented within the coming period of five years are
compiled in Annex II-8.
The total investment requirements of the 12 identified priority projects is EUR 176 million; the composition
by sectors is as follows:
!
5 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 147.0 million;
!
6 industrial projects with investment requirements of EUR 27.1 million;
!
1 agricultural project with investment requirements of EUR 2.3 million;
!
no wetland project.
Even these projects with total investment requirements of about EUR 156 million cannot be considered as
really committed, as for most of the projects, adequate implementation and funding schedules are not yet
available.
8.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
Since data on current nutrient emissions are not really known for most of the discharge points, and since
available data are mainly based on pre-war measurements, it is actually not possible to assess the anticipated
nutrient reduction correctly.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
49
The anticipated nutrient reduction from the implementation of the identified priority projects (which can due
to the incomplete data actually not be considered as the total nutrient reduction) is compiled in detail in
Annex 8.4 and summarized in section 8.6(2).
8.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
Bosnia - Herzegovina reviewed recorded data on nutrient content for all main rivers located within the
Danube basin share. However, at this stage of the project development, most of the data required are not yet
available.
Agricultural production and livestock farming represent the main diffuse sources of pollution. However, the
large diffuse pollution provided by the lack of treatment facilities for 65% of the population living in the
country imposed new priorities fr the policy makers, in relation to the constructed of new wastewater
treatment plants or the rehabilitation of those plants that were damaged in the past.
The current legal framework related to water and environmental concerns is mainly out-dated and does not
allow the harmonization to the relevant EU legislation.
The introduction of P-free detergents has been already taken into consideration.
The urgent measures proposed by Bosnia - Herzegovina to be implemented in relation to the nutrient
reduction concern refer to improvements of both legal and institutional framework.
As a consequence of recent economic development of the country mainly through both the extension of
cultivated agricultural areas and intensification of farming a future increase of nutrient emission can be
expected. However, if the predicted urgent measures shall be introduced during the year 2001, visible effects
of nutrient content reduction can be expected in the year 2005.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Up to now, there is no formalized, respectively officially agreed investment programme or action plan for
nutrient control/reduction projects in B&H.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects which are envisaged to be implemented within
the coming period of five years in B&H can be summarized as follows:
Table 8.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
5
3005
450
7689
14802
147.0
Industrial point sources
6
125
63
963
2159
27.1
Agricultural point sources
0
1570
350
0
0
2.3
Wetlands
1
0
0
0
0
0
Total
12
4700
863
8652
16961
176.4
Even these most urgent priority projects, with total investment requirements of about EUR 176 million,
cannot be considered as committed, as even for these projects, adequate implementation schedules and
funding schemes are not yet available.
At the time being, there are no reliable data on the existing situation of nutrient emissions, respectively the
anticipated nutrient reduction from the implementation of proposed "point source" projects. Thus the above
stated figures do due to missing data actually not represent the total nutrient reduction of the proposed
priority projects
50
Summary Report
9
YUGOSLAVIA
9.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
Yugoslavia verified the data and information on nutrient emissions/loads that were collected before the year
1992. This is justified by the fact that the data collected after this period present a particular character of
uncertainty. In addition, it is considered that the data from the period up to 1992 reflect more realistically
the situation for the planning period covered by Phase II of the Strategic Action Plan for the Danube River.
Table 9.1-1: Population
Country total Emissions
Population
Population connected to sewerage
population
coefficients
not connected in the DRB
living in DRB
to sewerage
Kg
Kg
Inh.
without
mechanical
biological tertiary step
N/inh/y
P/inh/y
treatment
step
step
9 016 000
4.0
0.95
6 039 000
2 400 000
80 000
447 000
50 000
Note:
The consumption of detergents in the FR YU DRB is 52 000 t/y or about 6 kg/cap/y.
The production of P-free detergents is not practiced yet. It is estimated that 1 400 t/y of Phosphorous emission comes
from detergents.
This amount is included in the data of municipal wastewater emission.
Table 9.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface
Type of crop
Applied fertilizers (kg/ha/y)
Runoff Coefficient
(see remarks)
Mineral
Manure
mineral
manure
kg/ha/y
kg/ha/y
(ha)
Nitrogen
N
P
P
N
P
850 000
Wheat
25
25
12.0
10.0
1 350 000
Maize
30
25
14.0
10.0
160 000
Sunflower
15
15
7.0
6.5
55 000
Sugar beat
90
15
30.0
6.5
17 000
Rye
20
10
4.0
4.0
200 000
Vegetables
25
15
7.5
6.5
100 000
Grapes, Fruits
20
15
7.5
6.5
Remarks:
(1)
In the YU Part of DRB there are: Arable land 4 680 000 ha (60% cultivated for the crop);
(2)
Natural pastures 1 011 900 ha; Forested land 2 707 000; Water bodies 137 000 ha; Unspecified land 348
900 ha;
(3)
About 2 600 000 ha of arable land lye in the flat area where vertical component of runoff dominates;
(4)
Due to low consumption of fertilizers there is 25-30 % deficit of Nitrogen in the soil. The largest portion of
Phosphorous is adsorbed by unsaturated soil;
(5)
There is no data on the runoff (export) coefficients for specified crop, but the average export coefficients for N
and P estimated on the basis of N and P mass flow for several rivers (exactly defined watersheds) are: 1 - 1.5 (kg
N/ha/y) and 0.15 - 0.25 (kg P/ha/y) respectively;
(6)
The emission of Nitrogen and Phosphorous from diffuse pollution sources in the YU Part of DRB is about 15
000 tons N/y and 2000 tons P/y respectively.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
51
Table 9.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals
Number Emission Coefficient
(no waste water treatment plant provided)
(average)
Kg N/head/y
Kg P/head/y
Pigs (breeding in the larger farms)
1 200 000 7.15
2.68
Pigs (small private livestock, individual households)
3 000 000 5.36
2.05
Cows (breeding in the larger farms)
150 000 26.60
11.6
Cows (small private livestock, individual households)
500 000 20.00
8.62
Cattle (breeding in the larger farms)
150 000 38.40
38.00
Cattle (small private livestock, individual households)
1 120 000 28.10
28.70
Horses
90 000 No data
No data
Sheep (small private livestock, individual households)
2 500 000 No data
No data
Poultry (breeding in the larger farms)
12 000 000 0.42
0.22
Poultry (small private livestock, individual households)
15 000 000 0.32
0.15
Remarks :
(1)
The emission coefficient for animals breeding in small private livestock and individual households is lower due
to the different feeding practice
(2)
Manure is usually discharged into lagoons and after enough period of maturation is used for application on the
land
(3)
A neglecting portion of manure directly reaches watercourses.
9.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The nutrient emissions from diffuse sources do not present significant values to justify the implementation
of severe measures. As estimated, the total emission of nitrogen and phosphorous from diffuse sources are
about 14 -15 000 t/y and 1600 2000 t/y, respectively.
The reduced emissions are due to the effects of using, on most of the arable land (85%), of the good
agricultural practices (soil care, using of manure rather than mineral fertilizers, adjusting of the periods of
soil application manure, etc.). As the consequence, nutrients run off from the largest part of arable land is
minimized to the lowest level.
However, in the plain region, the run-off is low and nutrients are transformed or adsorbed by the soil. The
small part of it reaches the recipients.
The consumption of fertilizers in FR of Yugoslavia in the last then years has severely decreased. In this
period it is just one third of what it was before the year 1990. As estimated, the uptake of nutrients by plants
overcomes the consumption by 25%.
The proposed measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources include:
(1)
Continuation of the use of good agricultural practices
(2)
Controlling of the use of mineral fertilizers, particularly in the slope areas
(3)
Forestation in order to decrease erosion
52
Summary Report
9.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The effects of measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources could be observed on the long-term
basis. Comparing with nutrient emission data, an improvement could be recorded by decreasing erosion i.e.
by afforesting measures implemented in the areas of excessive erosion. It is estimated that the current
emission could be decreased for about 25%.
9.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
Yugoslavia provided a complete project list and set of project data regarding investment requirements,
implementation schedule and funding schemes for the identified priority projects to be implemented in the
coming five year period.
The identified priority projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years are
compiled and characterized in Annex II-9.
The total investment requirements of the 40 identified priority projects are EUR 783 million; the
composition by sectors is a s follows:
!
21 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 646 million,
!
7 industrial projects with investment requirements of EUR 68.5 million,
!
7 agricultural project with investment requirements of EUR 65.8 million,
! 5 wetland projects with investment requirements of EUR 5 million.
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 22% will be covered by national funds, 65% by
international loans and about 13% by international grants.
9.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
The overall anticipated nutrient reduction from the identified point source projects and the composition by
sectors is stated in the compilation presented in Section 9.6 (2) and can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
6793 tons/year;
!
P:
4863 tons/year;
!
BOD: 115358
tons/year;
!
COD:
277196 tons/ year.
9.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
Yugoslavia considered that the data and information on nutrient emissions/loads recorded before the year
1992 reflect more realistically the situation for the planning period subject to the Strategic Action Plan for
the Danube River.
One significant particularity of Yugoslavia is related to the current reduced nutrient emissions from diffuse
sources with values of about 14 -15 000 t N/y and 1600 2000 t P/y, respectively.
The reduced emissions are due to the effects of using, on most of the arable land (85%), of the good
agricultural practices (soil care, using of manure rather than mineral fertilizers, adjusting of the periods of
soil application manure, etc.). As the consequence, nutrients run off from the largest part of arable land is
minimized to the lowest level.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
53
As in other countries, the consumption of fertilizers, in the last ten years, has severely decreased. In this
period it is just one third of what it was before the year 1990.
The proposed measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources include:
(1)
Continuation of the use of good agricultural practices
(2)
Controlling of the use of mineral fertilizers, particularly in the slope areas
(3)
Forestation in order to decrease erosion
The effects of measures for nutrient reduction from diffuse sources could be observed on the long-term
basis. Comparing with nutrient emission data, an improvement could be recorded by decreasing erosion i.e.
by afforesting measures implemented in the areas of excessive erosion. It is estimated that the current
emission could be decreased for about 25%.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Yugoslavia provided a complete project list and set of project data regarding investment requirements,
implementation schedule and funding schemes for the identified priority projects to be implemented in the
coming five year period.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects can be summarized as follows:
Table 9.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources 21 2 486 700 76 280 169 212 646.0
Industrial point sources
7
1 347
3 571
29 345
64 710
68.5
Agricultural point sources
7
640
242
5 133
11 074
65.8
Wetlands 5 2 320 350 4 600 32 200 5.0
Total 40 6 793 4 863 115 358 277 196 785.3
If these extraordinary high anticipated nutrient reduction figures could really be realized the implementation
of the proposed point source projects in Yugoslavia would lead to a significant reduction of nutrient
emissions and nutrient loads in the DRB.
54
Summary Report
10 BULGARIA
10.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
The verification of the data and information on nutrient emissions in Bulgaria implied initially the
organization of data and information provided by various specific institutions on the river basin basis. This
exercise made possible the separation, with some kind of uncertainty, at this time of the development of the
project, of the independent contributions of both diffuse and point sources of pollution. However, the
precise correction of nutrient mass balance with main accent on diffuse pollution, nutrient transport,
wetlands and losses of nutrients in water systems along the Danube on the Bulgarian territory was not
possible at this stage.
Therefore, the data and information relating to agricultural and municipal sectors were updated for the year
1998. The evaluation of nutrient emissions/loads is presented in the tables 10.1-1, 10.1-2 and 10.1-3.
The updated data on the total number of the population in the Danube river basin on the Bulgarian territory,
the emissions coefficients, the number of the population connected and not connected to sewerage are given
in Table 10.1-1.
Table 10.1-1: Population
Country total Emissions
Population not Population connected to sewerage
population-Danube RB Coefficients
connected to
sewerage
Inhabitants
Kg
Kg
inhabitants
Without
Mechanical Biological
Tertiary step
N/inh/y
P/inh/y
treatment
step
step
Zone A 137 744
71 214
66 530
-
-
-
Zone B 408 795
236 868
159 276
-
77 592
-
Zone C 1545 417
426 484
53 427
26 608
1 016 218
22 680*
Zone D 411 029
204 750
86 229
-
120 050
-
Zone E 560 047
272 372
209 020
13 655
65 000
-
Zone F 189 277
132 015
15 338
-
41 924
-
Zone G 645 911
350 371
198 964
-
96 576
-
Total 3 898 220
4,015
0,913
1 694 074
788 784
40 263
1 417 360
22 680*
100%
43,47%
35,11% **
1,79%**
63,09%**
1,0%**
Source: NSI,
MRDPW
*
WWTP- Samokov, not yet under operation
**
35,11% of the population connected to sewerage; the share of the population connected to sewerage is 66,53% of
the total population in the Danube catchment
The percentage of the population, which is not connected to sewerage, is 43,47% within the Danube river
catchment area. The amount of wastewater of 35,11% of the population connected to sewerage is discharged
without treatment while 1,79% is treated using only mechanical step and 63,09% is biologically treated.
There is a small portion of only 1% of the total wastewater that is treated using tertiary stage.
The expressed data for the population, which refer to nitrogen and phosphorus emissions are as
follows:
Average parameters ,,pollution BOD5
Total N
Total P
production" of one person in g/inh/day
kg/inh/year
g/inh/day
kg/inh/year
g/inh/day
kg/inh/year
one day or one year
Adopted in Bulgaria
54
19,71
11
4,015
1,44
0,526
European (often used)
60
21,90
11
4,015
2,50
0,913
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
55
The structure of the agricultural sector by type of activity and production in 1997 and 1998 is considered to
be almost the same. On a national level, the crop production has the biggest share 63,9%. Next to this is the
livestock production with 16,2% and mixed (crop and livestock) with 6,1%.
The updated information, concerning the agricultural land use and the types of crops are presented in Table
10.1-2.
Table 10.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface (ha)
Culture
Runoff coefficient
Type of crop
kg N/ha/y
kg P/ha/y
584 203,6
Wheat
105 547,3
Barley
353 846,0
Maize
325 292,9
Sunflower
104,1
field tomatoes
35 821,9
Grapes
Source: NSI,
MoAF
In Bulgaria there are several regions with well-developed agriculture, such as Dobrich, Pleven, Silistra,
Russe, Veliko Tarnovo, Vratza, Razgrad, Montana.
Therefore, the fertilization of the cultivated land is of great importance for the agricultural output and the
nutrient balance. The imbalance fertilization and deficit of the main nutrients have been detrimental to both
crop production and soil fertility, that adversely influenced the country's environmental situation (see the
table below).
Average Use of Mineral Fertilizers (in tons) Country Bulgaria:
Year
NPK- total
Kg/ha
N
kg/ha
P205
kg/ha
1981
1056369
226,98
511761
109,94
419688
90,16
1995
142127
30,69
129545
27,60
12426
2,68
1996
164894
35,61
151883
32,36
12824
2,76
1997
163922
36,47
145773
32,49
16275
3,58
1998
113146
24,11
97497
20,77
8900
1,89
30.06.1999
111972
107662
3328
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Annual report 1999.
The high cost of chemical treatment of soil impeded improvements or amelioration work during past 6 years.
According to MoAF data, before 1998, only some 7.7% of the areas under crops was treated with
phosphorous fertilizers, 5.9% with nitrogen fertilizers and a bare surface of 0.2% experienced potassium
treatment.
The Nutrients Balance shows the values indicated in the table below:
Years
Balance Elements
N
P205
(in 1000 t)
(in 1000 t)
1986-1990
Exported with crop exports
272
104
Imported with fertilizer imports
441
230
Balance
+ 169
+ 126
1991-1995
Exported with crop exports
205
102
Imported with fertilizer imports
165
23
Balance
- 40
- 79
1996
Exported with crop exports
120
70
Imported with fertilizer imports
152
13
Balance
- 32
- 57
1998
Exported with crop exports
184
92
Imported with fertilizer imports
97
9
Balance
- 77
- 83
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Annual report 1999.
56
Summary Report
Regarding the livestock production in 1998, both animal numbers and production were increased (sheep and
buffalo numbers being an exception to the trend) against 1997, but comparing with 1989/1990 the numbers
show several fold decrease.
The number of animals bred in small family farms has been increasing in recent years. The number of
livestock ranges - 1 to 3 cows, and 5 to 10 sheep.
Based on the research work carried out by the Soil & Science Institute ,,N. Pushkarov" it is shown that the
solid and liquid wastes from cattle (cows, calves, and buffaloes) constitute 8% of the animal weight and they
are at rate of 1,66:1. Presuming that the average weight of a cow is 500 kg, one cow should deliver daily 25
kg solid and 15-kg liquid wastes. The solid and liquid wastes from a pig constitute 7% of its weight i.e. for a
100 kg pig the wastes will be 7 kg/day in relation 0,62:1, etc. The average annual load per an animal (N & P)
is given in the table below.
Type of animal
Quantity of manure
Total Nitrogen (TN)
Total Phosphorous (TP)
(tons/year)
(kg/head/year)
(kg/head/year)
Cow
14,6
66,3
17,83
Pig
2,5
16,0
6,45
Sheep
1,0
5,0
0,87
Hens
0,054
0,6
0,32
Source: Research publication of Soil Science Institute ,,N. Pushkarov"
The updated information, concerning inventory of animals, their number and emission coefficient is
presented as Table 10.1-3.
Table 10.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals*
Number
Emission Coefficient
(*no WWTP provided)
kg N/head/y
kg P/head/y
1. pigs
610 049
16,0
6,45
2. cows
220 960
66,3
17,83
3. sheep
1 045 736
5,0
0,87
4. poultry
7 101 697
0,6
0,32
Source: NSI,
MoAF
10.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
To achieve the largest nutrient loads reduction within the border of its Danube share, Bulgaria identified
measures for nutrient control and reduction from diffuse sources that mainly address (i) the policy and
legislation related actions, (ii) institutional strengthening and capacity building, and (iii) public awareness
raising and strengthening public participation in nutrient reduction initiatives.
The identified preventive measures that are supposed to be implemented during the next 5 years include:
(1)
Improvement of national policies and legislation regarding utilization of fertilizers and livestock
waste and approximation of national legislation to relevant EU legislation and standards through the
following measures:
!
Development and enforcement of the effluent limits/emission standards;
!
Adoption and enforcement of the Regulation on the protection of water from pollution with
nitrates from agricultural origin;
!
Improvement of soil conservation measures;
!
Improvement of water and soil monitoring systems on non point sources of pollution;
!
Establishment of necessary data bases for assessment of nutrients related parameters and
indicators with the MOEW Water Directorate;
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
57
!
Development of a river bank erosion monitoring system and analysis of the causes of erosion
(mainly related to river-bank deforestation);
!
Adaptation of the EU methodology for assessment of non point sources of pollution for the
Bulgarian conditions;
!
Implementation of the National Plan for the development of agriculture and rural areas;
!
Development of the Geographic Information System, aimed to support and to facilitate the
management process;
(2)
Institutional strengthening and capacity building through the following measures:
!
Training of the experts from the different stakeholders groups on topics such as river basin
management and nutrients control and reduction, and establishment of the training center in
Veliko Tarnovo;
!
Development and enforcement of guidance for the application of the agro-environmental
schemes (including: guidelines on fertilizer (organic & inorganic) application rates to
individual crops; guidelines on crop rotation; guide-lines/rules on preventive application of
manure/slurry; guidelines on proper on-farm manure storage/composting, etc.);
!
Development and enforcement of guidelines for river basin management;
!
Development and implementation of guidelines for the measurement and calculation of total
emission of nutrients by source;
(3)
Public awareness raising and strengthening public participation in nutrient reduction through the
following measures:
!
Organization of a targeted public awareness campaigns;
!
Development of a regional agri-environmental scheme for sustainable development and
efficient management of agricultural activities (including organic agriculture, manure storage,
erosion control etc.);
!
Development of a pilot projects for implementation of alternative methods (construction of
artificial wetlands) for households wastewater treatment in the small towns and villages;
!
Development of a pilot project for wetlands restoration;
!
Development of a pilot project for changes of the consumer practices (including introduction
and use of phosphate free detergents).
10.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
At this stage, it is very difficult to evaluate the nutrient loads and their expected reduction. However, the
anticipations for improvement of the arable land fertilization in the coming 5 years are not very optimistic.
Therefore, on the Bulgarian territory of the Danube river basin, only insignificant changes are expected in
the coming 5 years.
The most important beneficial expected changes are related to those obtained as a result of the creation and
implementation of new legislation harmonized with EU legislation. Moreover, the institutional strengthening
will also contribute to positive changes concerning the nutrient reduction measures.
10.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The elaboration of the ,,list of projects, which are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5
years" was made in close co-operation with EMIS/EG and in full compliance with the national program for
priority construction of urban WWTP's with more than 10 000-population equivalent. The identified
projects are compiled in Annex II-10.
58
Summary Report
The national priority ranking for completion, rehabilitation, upgrade, update and construction of new urban
WWTPs, is based on a "point score method" with scores calculated according to the set up criteria, and the
adoption of respective weighing factors.
The investment cost for construction of priority WWTP's is determined by the chief designers of the sites (if
a detailed design exists) and updated bills of quantities. For sites, which do not have detailed designs, the
costs were based on parameters, following the methodology of the Institute on Water Quality and Waste
Management at the Technical University in Vienna, published in the "Guide on strategies for waste water
management" from 1996.
The total investment cost is extracted from the National Programme for Priority Construction of Urban
Wastewater Treatment Plants.
The investment cost of the 21 identified priority projects which are envisaged to be implemented within the
coming period of five years is about EUR 125 million; their composition by sectors is as follows:
!
17 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 112 million;
!
1 industrial projects with not yet identified investment requirements;
!
no agricultural projects;
!
3 wetland projects with investment requirements of EUR 13.5 million;
(the rehabilitation of two priority wetlands will be done under the Danube Partnership
Programme with the financial support of World Bank/GEF).
Data on project funding (regarding national and international composition) have not been provided, because
adequate information is not available at the time being.
The anticipated funding components from international funding sources are mainly addressed to EU/ISPA.
The national contributions will mainly be covered by the National Environmental Protection Fund and by
the State Budget.
10.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
The expected results in terms of pollution/nutrient reduction (BOD, COD, N and P) are based on the
information provided by the EMIS/EG.
If the identified projects will be implemented according to the designs and will be operated and maintained
properly within the next 5 years, the anticipated reduction of the N and P total loads is about 30% and of the
BOD5 load about 50-60%.
The anticipated nutrient reduction for the identified projects is stated in detail in Annex 10.4 and can be
summarized as follows:
!
N:
2683 tons/year;
!
P:
599 tons/year;
!
BOD: 19747
tons/year;
!
COD:
35373 tons/year;
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sectors is compiled in Section 3.6(2).
10.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
The verification of the data and information on nutrient emissions in Bulgaria performed for the year 1998
shows that the structure of the agricultural sector by type of activity and production in 1997 and 1998 is
considered to be almost the same. On a national level, the crop production has the biggest share 63,9%. Next
to this is the livestock production with 16,2% and mixed (crop and livestock) with 6,1%.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
59
The use of fertilizers was very small. The imbalance fertilization and deficit of the main nutrients have been
detrimental to both crop production and soil fertility, which adversely influenced the country's
environmental situation. In addition, the high cost of chemical treatment of soil impeded improvements or
amelioration work during past 6 years.
Regarding the livestock production in 1998, both animal numbers and production were increased against
1997, but comparing with 1989/1990, the numbers show several fold decreases.
To achieve the largest nutrient loads reduction within the border of its Danube share, Bulgaria identified
measures for nutrient control and reduction from diffuse sources that mainly address policy and legislation
related actions, institutional strengthening and capacity building. Moreover, public awareness raising and
strengthening public participation in nutrient reduction initiatives are both seen as priorities. A specific
particularity for Bulgaria, concerning nutrient reduction actions is given by the need to implement soil
conservation measures.
On the Bulgarian territory of the Danube river basin, only insignificant changes are expected in the coming
5 years. The most important beneficial expected changes are related to those obtained as a result of the
creation and implementation of new legislation harmonized with EU legislation.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Up to now, there is no formalized, respectively officially agreed investment program or action plan for
nutrient reduction projects in Bulgaria.
There is, however, a relatively clear priority schedule and implementation program for WWTP in the
municipal sector; (but not for the industrial and the agricultural sector, and not for wetlands).
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects that are envisaged to be implemented within
the coming period of five years can be summarized as follows:
Table 10.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
17 2308
562
19448
34718
111.9
Industrial point sources
1
0
0
299
655
0
Agricultural point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wetlands
3
376
37
0
0
13.5
Total
21
2683
599
19747
35373
125.4
Even these priority projects with total investment requirements of about EUR 125 million cannot be
considered as really committed, as there are no committed funding schemes for the identified projects.
60
Summary Report
11 ROMANIA
11.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
According to the Romanian legislation, the contribution of the diffuse sources to the pollution in the nutrient
balance is provided by (i) direct discharges of private households (not connected to sewers), (ii) storm water
overflow, (iii) direct discharge of manure, (iv) base flow (percolation of human waste, agriculture land), (v)
erosion run-off from forests and others, (vi) air depositions and, (vii) ground water flow.
The diffuse pollution is derived from the population not connected to the sewerage network (60.1%) which
represents 13.7 mill inh. Using the emission factors and taking into consideration that 10% of the diffuse
emissions reach the water receiver, the population related diffuse nutrient pollution is 4.93 thou tons
Nitrogen per year and 0.89 thou. tons Phosphorus per year.
Table 11.1-1: Population
Country total Emissions
Population
Population connected to sewerage
population in coefficients
not connected 9.1 mil.
D.R.B.
kg
kg
to sewerage
Without
Mechanical
Biological Tertiary step
N/inh/yr P/inh/yr
treatment
step
step
22.8 mil.
3.6
0.65
13.7 mil.
2.3713
1.2312
5.4948
-
The weight of diffuse pollution in the total emissions from the population target is represented in the
next table:
Population
Total
Point discharges
Diffuse pollution
1000 tons/yr %
1000 tons/yr.
%
1000 tons/yr.
%
Nitrogen
30.83
100
25.9
83.9
4.93
16.1
Phosphorous
5.3
100
4.41
83.2
0.89
16.8
The diffuse pollution for the industry is considered to be quite small (5%) as the most relevant food
processing industry is connected to the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Source
N 1000 tons/year
P 1000 tons/year
% of total
N
P
Agricultural land diffuse pollution 5.9
2.5
11.7
59.6
(inorganic fertilizers)
Manure application and waste from 44.68
1.68
88.3
40.4
agriculture
Total
50.6
4.2
The total nutrient emissions are about 100 Thou. tons Nitrogen per year and 11 Thou. tons Phosphorus per
year. The weight of the nitrogen diffuse pollution is about 56% while in the case of phosphorous 46%.
Table 11.1-2: Agricultural Land
Surface
Culture nutrient application (1993-1997)
Run-off coefficient
ha (mil.) Type of crop
N
N
P
P
Total
Kg/ha
Total
Kg/ha
Nitrogen 0.02
Phosphorous 0.05
17.9
Maize, wheat, rye, 293 KT
26.9
50.2 KT
5.4
barley etc.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
61
Table 11.1-3: Number of Livestock
Inventory of animals* Number (mil.)
Emission coefficient
(mil.)
Kg N/head/yr
Kg P/head/ yr
1. pigs
7.8
6.57
1.4
2. cows
-
-
-
3. cattle
3.5
44.2
7.65
4. horses
-
-
-
5. sheep
10.0
6
1.5
6. poultry
70.0
0.2
0.1
7. others
-
-
-
* no waste water treatment plant provided
In the total emissions of Nitrogen, agriculture represents 57%, population 30.9% and industry 12.1%. For
Phosphorous, the weight of target groups in the total emission is as follows: agriculture 51%, population
48.3% and industry 0.7%.
The table below presents the overview of the total nutrient emissions in Romania:
Sector
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Point
Diffuse
Total
Point
Diffuse
Total
Population
25.9
4.93
30.83
4.41
0.89
5.3
Industry
11.4
0.60
12.0
0.076
0.004
0.08
Agriculture
6.2
50.6
56.8
1.4
4.2
5.6
Total
43.5
56.13
99.63
5.89
5.09
10.98
Taking into consideration the relevance of the diffuse pollution attention should be paid to the agriculture
that has a weight of 90% in the case of Nitrogen and 82% in the case of Phosphorous.
In spite of the drastic reduction in the use of fertilizers in Romania, the positive effects on the Danube Delta
are not yet evident. It is considered that the reduction on the measured Nitrogen loads on the delta is not yet
very evident. One assumption is related to the potential reservoir role played by the ground water in the
whole basin. In addition, the large number of inhabitants, which are not adequately connected to the
treatment facilities, is considered as the main cause of pollution.
Based on the DWQM, the difference between immission and emission values is considered in the case of
nitrogen to be primarily caused by denitrification, and to a much lesser extend by a similar retention as with
phosphorous. Phosphorous retention is believed to be related to sedimentation and temporal storage in the
sediments of the P absorbed by suspended solids. It is considered, with some risk of uncertainties, that the
floodplains in the Romanian Danube basin are capable of retaining an average of the amount of
Phosphorous that is of the same order of magnitude as the current yearly emissions. This value corresponds
with the difference between the total P load at the border between Yugoslavia and Romania (33 thou. tons
per year) and the entrance of the Danube Delta (22 thou. tons per year).
Romania considers the role of Iron Gate reservoir to be significant in relation to the retention of Phosphorus
content and increase of Nitrogen load. This would mean a retention of 27% or about 6 thou. P per year and
an increase of Nitrogen concentration with about 0.5 mgN/l, which would mean that 80 thou.N per year, is
added. The undecided justification of this phenomenon is currently based on the Nitrogen fixation by blue/
green algae.
Among the processes that influences the nutrient reduction, the role of wetlands play a significant position
during both summer and winter seasons.
In a WWTP study ,,Evaluation of wetlands and flood plains areas in the Danube river basin" (1999) the
capacity for removal is estimated at 100 kg N/ha/yr and 10 kg P/ha/yr. For Romania this would mean a
removal of 80 thou. tons N/year and 8 thou. tons P/year.
62
Summary Report
11.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Romania proposes a substantial programme of associated measured related to (a) the improvement of
national legislation, and (b) insurance of its approximation with the EU legislation and standards.
(a)
First, the improvement of national policies and legislation regarding utilization of fertilizers and
livestock waste takes into consideration three main areas: (i) legislation, (ii) institutional development and,
(iii) investments promotion.
(i)
The legal framework will be improved with regulations related to (1) waste management and
control, (2) norms for maximum allowable number of capita in the livestock's farms, and (3) norms
for manure application.
(ii)
The improvements of the institutional framework will take into consideration the strengthening
of the institutional capabilities to facilitate (1) the implementation of the water management
multipurpose approach in order to ensure an integrated water and land management, in order to
protect the sensitive areas and to ensure the conditions for BAT/BEP implementation, and (2)
establishment of a framework for control and limiting the inorganic fertilizer application.
(iii) On the investment encouragement side, the necessary ingredients include (1) development and
implementation of the agricultural run-off source pollution reduction plan as part of a Programme
concerning the introduction and development of an environmental sound and sustainable agricultural
products and practices, (2) programs for individual environmentally sound wastewater management
for rural areas, (3) environmentally friendly landfills with phosphorous salts, and (4) pilot/ demo
projects of Best Environmental Practice (BEP) implementation in the agriculture.
(b)
Second, the approximation of national legislation to relevant EU legislation and standards will include
(1) on short term, transposition of the Urban Waste Water Directive (91/271/EEC) and of Nitrate Directive
(91/676/EEC), and (2) on medium term, the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive
(COM 97/49-97/614, 98/76).
11.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
As a very rough estimation, a reduction of at least 10% for the nitrogen total diffuse (agriculture) reduction
could be anticipated and for phosphorous which is related more with the erosion a decrease of around 20%.
That means 5 thou tons N/year and 0.84 thou. tons P/year a supplementary reduction by buffer zones.
Beside of the wetland/flood plain restoration measures, one of the most important action aiming to decrease
the run-off from the agricultural lands is to set-up buffer zones for erosion/ run-off limitation (this buffer
zones could include the forestation zones, too).
In total, taking into account the effects of wetlands, flood plains, buffer zones, control of the nutrient
application, etc. the following diffuse pollution reduction from agriculture could be anticipated:
!
N: 13.4 thousand tons /year
!
P: 1.7 thousand tons /year
This reduction represents a decrease by 13.4% N and 15.5% P from the total actual emissions.
Romania considers that it might take several years before the effects of reduced fertilizer use become
effective in the river load, mainly due to the changes of the ground water base flow and the role of the
ground water as a large stock of nitrates. If the yearly flow of Danube divided over the surface area of the
whole basin represents 200 mm, the amount of ground water stocked may represent several meters
(hydraulic residence in ground water reservoirs is estimated between 10-30 years).
In addition, the erosion run-off may have caused dramatically changes because many hectares of arable
land are overgrown by weeds due to the economical crisis in agriculture. The cumulative effect of
elimination of fertilizer use and the weed growth could significantly reduce the erosion run-off almost by
95%.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
63
11.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
For the elaboration of a draft list of projects supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years
the following criteria have been considered:
(i)
financial viability;
(ii)
environmental effectiveness (based on Environmental Impact Assessment);
(iii)
preparedness/readiness (availability of feasibility study, quality of project documents)
The projects identified on this basis are compiled and characterized in Annex II-11.
The total investment requirements of the 25 identified priority projects are EUR 492.5 million; their
composition by sectors is a s follows:
!
10 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 392.2 million,
!
7 industrial projects with investment requirements of EUR 22 million,
!
3 agricultural project with investment requirements of EUR 3.7,
!
5 wetland projects with investment requirements of EUR 74 million.
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 60% will be covered by national funds, 32% by
international loans and about 8% by international grants.
11.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
Excluding the wetland projects, the anticipated nutrient reduction from the identified point source projects
can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
5706 tons/year;
!
P:
975 tons/year;
!
BOD: 59811
tons/year;
!
COD:
67470 tons/ year;
From the implementation of the proposed wetland projects an additional reduction of about 6000 tons/a of N
and about 600 tons/a of P is anticipated.
Excluding wetland projects the dominating improvements are expected from the municipal sector (80%);
followed by the industrial sector (17%) and the agricultural sector (3%).
In terms of cost efficiency, the relatively small investment in the agricultural sector has to be considered as
very rational.
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sectors is compiled in Section 11.6(2).
11.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
The first particularity of Romania is related to the approach of considering the diffuse pollution sources as
being provided by diversified causes which include: direct discharges of private households (not connected
to sewers), storm water overflow, direct discharge of manure, base flow (percolation of human waste,
agriculture land), erosion run-off from forests and others, air depositions and, ground water flow.
In the total emissions of Nitrogen, agriculture represents 57%, population 30.9% and industry 12.1%. For
Phosphorous, the weight of target groups in the total emission is as follows: agriculture 51%, population
48.3% and industry 0.7%.
As other countries, Romania also recorded a drastic reduction in the use of fertilisers.
64
Summary Report
In addition, Romania considers that among the nutrient reduction measures, Iron Gate reservoir and the
existence of wetlands can play a significant role in relation to the retention or increase of Nitrogen and
Phosphorus contents.
Romania proposes a substantial programme of associated measured related to the improvement of national
legislation, and insurance of its approximation with the EU legislation and standards. One important
initiative is considered to be the proposal to develop the code of good agricultural practices.
A reduction of at least 10% for the nitrogen and around 20% for phosphorous is anticipated by Romania,
which in total can lead to 13.4 thousand tons N /year and 1.7 thousand tons P/yr.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Romania is on of the countries which provided a more or less complete set of project data regarding
investment requirements, implementation schedules and funding schemes for the identified priority projects
to be implemented in the coming five year period.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects which are envisaged to be implemented within
the coming period of five years in Romania can be summarized as follows:
Table 11.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
10
3644
323
53 521
61 154
392.9
Industrial point sources
7
688
3
2 947
4 110
22.0
Agricultural point sources
3
1 374
150
3 343
2 208
3.7
Wetlands
5
6 154
615
0
0
73.9
Total
25
11 860
1 591
59 811
67 470
492.5
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 60% will be covered by national funds, 32% by
international loans and about 8% by international grants.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
65
12 MOLDOVA
12.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
In 1998, the total number of population not connected to the sewerage in the Moldovan part of the Danube
River basin was quite large: 938,802 inh. (85.55%).
The total emission of nutrients resulted from population has been estimated based on the population
statistics, N and P emission coefficient (9 kgN/day or 3.3 kgN/year per inhabitant for Nitrogen and 2.4
gP/day or 0.9 kgP/year per inhabitant for Phosphorus) and characteristics of sewerage system and
wastewater treatment.
Therefore, the nutrient load from population on the Moldovan part of the Danube River basin could be
estimated as follows:
!
Nitrogen - as 3.3 kg/N x 1096464 inhabitants =3. 62 thousand tons;
!
Phosphorus - as 0.9 kg/P x 1096464 inhabitants =0.99 tons.
Table 12.1-1: Population
Population
Total
Population not connected to Population connected to
sewerage
sewerage
Urban
306863
159876
146987
Rural
78900601
778152
11449
Total ( urban and rural)
1096464
938028
158436
Share (%)
85.55
14.45
Source: National Review. Moldova. Technical Report. Social and Economic Analysis.
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme. PCU. UNDP/GEF. 1998
The input nutrients from population into surface water is assessed as being for Nitrogen - 0.5 thousand tons
and for Phosphorus - 0.1 thousand tons while into groundwater is assessed as being for Nitrogen - 3.1
thousand tons and for Phosphorus - 0.8 thousand tons.
Most of the industrial and agro-industrial enterprises are still not operated. Therefore, the nutrients load
from industrial wastewater treatment plants at wineries, diaries, sugar refinery plants and some others is
estimated as being not significant- 47.4 tons of Nitrogen and 8.5 tons of Phosphorus.
Moldova is mainly an area with very active erosion processes, due to intensive agricultural practices,
combined with specific natural features that provoke a massive loss of fertile soil (5 mln tons per year
agricultural land on the Danube river basin share) and nutrients. In general, for Moldova, the average losses
of nutrients with eroded soil are estimated at 34 kgN/ha and 18 kgP2O5/ha per year.
According to the results of the Nutrient Balance Study (1996), on average, 7.5 tons of soil are washed away
from one hectare of arable land and perennial plantations, and 1.5 tons/ha from grassland.
In 1998, the nutrient loads due to soil erosion constituted about 7 thousand tons Nitrogen and 3 thousand
tons Phosphorus.
The nutrient load from main crops on arable lands constituted 26,1 thousand tons of Nitrogen and 4,7
thousand tons of Phosphorus in 1998 as it presented in the Table 12.1-2.
66
Summary Report
Table 12.1-2: Agricultural Land (1988)
Type of crop
Harvest,
N Content,
P Content,
N load
P load
tons
%
%
tons
tons
Sugar-beet
710000
0.33
0.07
2 343
497
Cereals
650000
3
0,5
19500
3 250
Vegetables
240000
0,2
0,025
480
60
Grapes
220000
0,25
0,025
550
55
Fruits
150000
0,25
0,025
375
37,5
Potatoes
85000
0,2
0,025
170
21,3
Sunflower
65000
4
1,1
2 600
715
Soybean
2200
3
0,8
66
17,6
Total
2122200
26084
4653
The application of mineral fertilizers decreased drastically within the last years. According to the data
presented in Statistical Guide Agriculture, in 1998 in Moldova 2,76 thousand tons (active component) of
mineral fertilizers have been applied. Out of this amount 2,71 thousand tons were nitric fertilizers and 0,05
tons of phosphate fertilizers.
According to assessment made in Nutrient Balance Study (1996), on average 17,5 % of the nitrogen and 1,5
% of phosphorus from the amounts applied as mineral fertilizers end up in the surface waters. Considering
gaseous losses of N-compounds from mineral fertilizers applied on arable lands is on average 7,5 %, in 1998
the nutrient loads into surface waters originating from mineral fertilizer application was for Nitrogen - 0,4
thousand tons and for Phosphorus - 0,0007 tons.
Considering that (1) nutrient input on agricultural land from manure (in 1998 estimated at 86,2 thousand
tons) constitutes 0.45% N and 0.13% P, (2) 20% of nitrogen is lost in gaseous form and, (3) applying the
runoff coefficients of 30% for N and 20% for P, the nutrient load on surface waters originating from organic
fertilizer could be assessed as for Nitrogen - 0,29 thousand tons and for Phosphorus - 0,09 thousand tons.
Currently, in Moldova exist very few cattle-breeding farms, pig farms and poultry at the public sector. Most
of domestic animals (65%) belong to the private sector.
In 1998 from animal husbandry, Nitrogen load constituted 18.8 thousand tons, including 6.6 thousand tons
from public sector and Phosphorus load - 4.8 thousand tons, including 1.7 thousand tons from public sector
(livestock indexes in the Moldovan part of the Danube River basin are presented in Table 12.1-3).
Table 12.1-3: Number of Livestock
Index
Cattle
Pigs
Horses
Sheep
Domestic
goats
Birds
Total
250000
430000
25600
520000
4320500
Number
Excrement rate
* 9
* 1.6
* 9
* 0.7
* 0.02
t/head/year
Amount of manure, 2250
688
230,4
364
86,41
k/t
C
ontent in manure
N
P
N
P
N
P
N
P
N
P
%
* 0.39 * 0.12 * 0.57 * 0.15 * 0.35 * 0.08 * 0.92
* 0.16 * 2.22 * 0.40
Nutrient Load,k/t
8.78
2.7
3.92
1.03
0.81
0.18
3.35
0.58
1.92
035
Total N (k/tons) 18.78
Total P (k/tons) 4.84
Source: Nutrient Balance for Danube River Countries. Draft Report from Moldova. 1996
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
67
12.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The existing legal framework in Moldova does not impose yet the identification of areas vulnerable to water
pollution from agricultural sources of nitrates. However, nitrate pollution of groundwater is a serious
problem in Moldova while the agricultural run-off is not considered to be a significant factor.
In addition, the need to develop a code of good practice, covering matters such as periods when land
application of fertilizers is inappropriate and the conditions for land application of fertilizers near
watercourses, has not been yet taken into consideration by the policy makers.
The sources of water pollution due to agricultural practice include mainly the following causes:
!
Lack of adequate water treatment and manure storage facilities;
!
Absence of regulation imposing the maximum permissible number of animals per hectare.
Cattle, goats and sheep often graze in forests;
!
Reduced proportion (35%) of scientifically grounded crop rotation to be implemented;
!
Deficit of separation zones between forests and agricultural lands which impede the proper
management of both, i.e. natural afforestation actions;
!
The often use of contaminated water (dry saline residue) for irrigation.
Moldova proposed agricultural pollution reduction measures aiming at the water protection objectives in (i)
the designation of agricultural lands (e.g. riverbanks), (ii) the suitability of water used for irrigation and, (iii)
handling and application of agro-chemicals. In addition, soil conservation represents a special concern.
The proposed measures include:
!
Constructing storage and treatment facilities for manure;
!
Establishing sewerage systems of appropriate type in rural area;
!
Implementing wetland conservation and restoration programmes;
!
Introducing a specific program on lands that serve as buffer strips and buffer zones for
protection of water resources;
!
Introducing land use restriction on highly eroded lands;
!
Completing the afforestation programme and permanent vegetable cover;
!
Sustainable fertilizers application;
!
Developing the organic farming methods;
!
Introducing soil conservation measures to reduce agricultural run-off.
12.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
The anticipated nutrient reduction from diffuse sources is estimated to reach a value of 320 tons for
Nitrogen and 20 tons for Phosphorus taking into consideration the effects of the national pollution reduction
projects review.
Second, as a result of implementation of Afforestation Programme (planting trees that would serve as buffer
strips and buffer zones in the selected areas on the lower Prut) will contribute to a reduction of 195 tons of
Nitrogen and 20 tons of Phosphorus.
Finally, as a consequence of the application of Soil Conservation Programme (land use restrictions on highly
eroded lands and appropriate crop rotation on upper Prut), the anticipated nutrient reduction is assessed to
be 80 tons of Nitrogen and 5 tons of Phosphorus.
68
Summary Report
12.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The identified priority projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years are
compiled and characterised in Annex II-12.
The total investment requirements of the 31 identified projects are EUR 492.9 million; their composition by
sectors is as follows:
!
15 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 247 million,
!
(other small scale municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 50 million);
!
11 industrial projects (plus not further specified small scale projects) with investment
requirements of EUR 84.7 million,
!
3 agricultural projects (plus not further specified small scale projects) with investment
requirements of EUR 26.6 million;
!
2 wetland projects (plus not further specified small scale projects) with investment
requirements of EUR 85.0 million.
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 31% will be covered by national funds, 36% by
international loans and about 34% by international grants.
12.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
The anticipated nutrient reduction for the 31 identified point source projects (and the not further specified
small scale projects) is stated in detail in Annex II and can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
6901 tons/year;
!
P:
891 tons/year;
!
BOD: 1595
tons/year;
!
COD:
832 tons/ year;
The composition of the anticipated nutrient reduction by sectors is compiled in Section 12.6(2).
12.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
Moldova is mainly an area with very active erosion processes due to intensive agricultural practices,
combined with specific natural features that provoke a massive loss of fertile soil (5 million tons per year
agricultural land on the Danube river basin share) and nutrients.
The application of mineral fertilizers decreased drastically within the last years.
The existing legal framework in Moldova does not impose yet the identification of areas vulnerable to water
pollution from agricultural sources of nitrates. However, nitrate pollution of groundwater is a serious
problem in Moldova while the agricultural run-off is not considered to be a significant factor.
In addition, the need to develop a code of good practice, covering matters such as periods when land
application of fertilisers is inappropriate and the conditions for land application of fertilisers near
watercourses, has not been yet taken into consideration by the policy makers.
Moldova proposed agricultural pollution reduction measures aiming at the water protection objectives in the
designation of agricultural lands, constructing storage and treatment facilities for manure, establishing
sewerage systems of appropriate type in rural area and implementing wetland conservation and restoration
programmes.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
69
The anticipated nutrient reduction from diffuse sources is estimated to reach the highest values within the
whole Danube river basin, taking into consideration (i) the effects of the national pollution reduction
projects, (ii) implementation of Afforestation Programme, and (iii) the application of Soil Conservation
Programme.
The anticipated nutrient reduction is assessed to be 50,000 tons of Nitrogen and 5,000 tons of Phosphorus.
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
Moldova provided a more or less complete project list and set of project data regarding investment
requirements, implementation schedule and funding scheme for the identified priority projects to be
implemented in the coming five year period.
The primary characteristics of the 31 identified priority projects can be summarized as follows:
Table 12.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
15
784
119
248
458
296.7
Industrial point sources
11
167
36
27
74
84.7
Agriculture
3
350
25
20
70
26.6
Wetlands 2 5600 725 1300 230 85.0
Total 31 6901 905 1595 832 492.9
Regarding project funding it is expected that about 31% will be covered by national funds, 36% by
international loans and about 34% by international grants.
70
Summary Report
13 UKRAINE
13.1 Verification of Data and Information on Nutrient Emissions / Loads
The most important sources of diffuse pollution in Ukrainian part of the Danube river basin include crop
production, animal farming and households unconnected to sewer systems.
The revision of data and information was facilitated by the assessment carried out in previous studies
(Monitoring and Assessment of Water Quality of Latorytsia/Uzh river basins, Selected Measures in the
Danube river basin).
As a conclusion, updated statistical data shows that there are not significant changes in the diffuse pollution
loads on the territory of Ukraine since 1996. The industry and agriculture in Ukraine are still in recession
while the first signs of improvement became visible only since few months due to the Decree of President on
Land privatization.
The approximations for pollution loads are made with assumption that the share of the Danube river basin is
5.4% of total territory of Ukraine. The Latorytsia and Uzh river basin occupies 0,81 % of territory of
Ukraine.
Diffuse pollution from arable lands was estimated with emission factors considering soil type, area, slopes,
etc. The emissions factors in the Latorytsia/Uzh River Basins are presented below:
River basin
Year
Emission
Emission
N Kg/ha/year
P, Kg/ha/year
Latorytsia, total
1992
0.59
0.19
Latorytsia, total
1996
0.56
0.19
Latorytsia, total
1997
0.58
0.19
Latorytsia, total
1998
0.59
0.19
Uzh,total
1992
0.19
0.07
Uzh,total
1996
0.20
0.07
Uzh,total
1997
0.20
0.07
Uzh,total
1998
0.21
0.07
Ukraine made estimates for 1992 and 1998 for Nitrogen and phosphorus loads from arable land in the
Latorytsia and Uzh river basin as a whole and its tributaries as presented in the next table:
River basin
N, kg per year
P, kg per year
1992
1998
1992
1998
Uzh
31186
33963
10569
10502
Latorytsia
188609
189244
59740
59910
total
219795
223207
70309
70412
Danube basin
1450647
1486558.62
464039.4
468943.92
The updated data on the total number of the population in the Danube river basin on the Ukrainian territory
are given in the next table.
Table No. 13.1-1: Population connected to the sewer system in the Ukrainian Part of the Danube
River Basin
Country
Emissions coefficients
Population
not
Population connected to sewerage
total
connected to
population
sewerage
kg N /inh/y
kg P/inh/y
without
mechanical
biological
tertiary
treatment
step
step
step
3010000
1,8
0,4
55%
45
55%
55%
none
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
71
The updated information concerning the agricultural land use and the types of crops are presented in table
13.1-2.
Table 13.1-2: Agricultural land
Surface ha
Culture
Type of crop
kg N /ha/y
kg P/ ha / y
894850
Arable lands
138734
Perennial plants
262004
Hayfields
446766
Pastures
1742354
Total agricultural lands
0.45
1.21
The updated information, concerning inventory of animals, their number and emission coefficient is
presented as table 13.1-3.
Table 13.1-3.
Number of Livestock
Heads of animals, total * (1999)
Number
Emission Coefficient
kg N /head/y
kg P/ head / y
1. pigs
536.05
10.01
1.94
2. cows
316.49
3.75
2.70
3. cattle
372.02
3.75
2.70
4. sheep
108.86
13.44
14.44
5. poultry
6957.41
0.81
1.02
* no waste water treatment plant provided
13.2 Identification of Measures for Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Ukraine considers that reduction of nutrient pollution from diffuse pollution should be addressed through
various measures including (i) the strengthening of institutional capacity of controlling and regulating
bodies, dealing with environmental issues, (ii) introduction of environmentally sound agricultural practices,
(iii) establishing the buffer zones of streams and tributaries of the Danube rivers, (iv) assessment and
implementation measures for solid waste management and wastewater treatment in rural settlements, and (v)
education of general public.
The following measures are proposed:
!
Inventory of diffuse pollution sources in the Ukrainian part of the Danube river basin
!
Strengthening the institutional capacity of environmental, municipal and agricultural entities
!
Establishing the Farmer Training Centers in Uzhgorod, Chernisvtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and
Izmail to introduce principles of organic farming.
!
Implementation of Buffer Zones along Rivers of the Danube River Basin
!
Public Awareness on Nutrient Reduction and Reduction of Domestic Wastes
!
Wetland Conservation in Lower Danube
72
Summary Report
13.3 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Diffuse Sources
Ukraine assumes that implementation of proposed measures will result in anticipated reduction of diffuse
nutrient load by 10% during five years, and will prevent pollution when economy will start recovering from
recession.
13.4 Identification of Projects Ready for Implementation
The identified priority projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5 years are
compiled and characterized in Annex II-13.
The total investment requirements of the 10 identified projects are EUR 67 million; their composition by
sectors is as follows:
!
10 municipal projects with investment requirements of EUR 67 million;
!
no industrial projects;
!
no agricultural projects;
!
no wetland projects;
Even these priority projects cannot be considered as really committed, as project funding is not yet secured.
13.5 Assessment of the Anticipated Nutrient Reduction from Point-Sources
The anticipated nutrient reduction for the 10 identified municipal point-source projects is stated in detail in
Annex II - 13 and can be summarized as follows:
!
N:
486 tons/year;
!
P:
65 tons/year;
!
BOD:
677 tons/year;
!
COD:
621 tons/ year;
13.6 Summary of Main Country Specific Particularities
(1)
Main particularities regarding "non-point source" issues
The most important sources of diffuse pollution in Ukrainian part of the Danube river basin include crop
production, animal farming and households unconnected to sewer systems.
The revision of data and information was facilitated by the assessment carried out in previous studies and
the updated statistical data shows that there are not significant changes in the diffuse pollution loads on the
territory of Ukraine since 1996. The industry and agriculture in Ukraine are still in recession while the first
signs of improvement became visible only since few months due to the Decree of President on Land
privatization.
Ukraine considers that reduction of nutrient pollution from diffuse pollution should be addressed through
various measures including the strengthening of institutional capacity of controlling and regulating bodies,
introduction of environmentally sound agricultural practices, establishing the buffer zones of streams and
tributaries of the Danube rivers, assessment and implementation measures for solid waste management and
wastewater treatment in rural settlements, and education of general public.
One particularity of Ukraine is related to the emphasis on the wetland conservation measures proposed in
Lower Danube.
Ukraine assumes that implementation of proposed measures will result in anticipated reduction of diffuse
nutrient load by 10% during five years, and will prevent pollution when economy will start recovering from
recession.
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
73
(2)
Main particularities regarding "point source" projects
The 10 municipal point-source projects supposed to be ready for implementation within the coming 5 year
period have investment requirements of about EUR 67 million.
Even these priority projects cannot be considered as really committed, as project funding is not yet secured.
The primary characteristics of the identified priority projects can be summarized as follows:
Table 13.6-1: Primary Characteristics of the Identified Priority Projects
Sector
No of
Expected Nutrient Reduction
Investment Cost
Projects
(tons/year)
(Million EUR)
N
P
BOD
COD
Municipal point sources
10
486
65
677
621
67.2
Industrial point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
Ag
ricultural point sources
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
Total
10
486
65
677
621
67.2
Five Years Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
75
ANNEX II
COUNTRY LISTS OF PRIORITY PROJECTS PROPOSED
FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION
ACTION PLANS
1. GERMANY
2. AUSTRIA
3. CZECH REPUBLIC
4. SLOVAKIA
5. HUNGARY
6. SLOVENIA
7. CROATIA
8. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
9. YUGOSLAVIA
10. BULGARIA
11. ROMANIA
12. MOLDOVA
13. UKRAINE
ANNEX II - 1: GERMANY
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source /
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
Hot spot
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment. Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
1
Mergelstetten - Brenz
110
5
40
140
9.7
8.7
1.0
2000
9.7
2
Leutkirch - Eschach, Iller
64
1
9
4.6
4.1
0.5
2001
4.6
3
Zweckverband Obere Iller, Sonthofen
145
5
33
326
7.4
6.7
0.7
2000
7.4
4
Munchen I - Isar
2,704
3
1
36
28.6
25.7
2.9
2002/03
28.6
5
Munchen II - Isar
500
20.0
18.0
2.0
20.0
6
Zweckverband Starnberger See - Isar
60
22.9
20.6
2.3
2000
22.9
7
Zweckverband Chiemsee - Inn
37
5.1
4.6
0.5
2000
5.1
7
Subtotal
3,620
13
75
511
98.3
88.4
9.9
98.3
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Municipalities
24,420
1,410
7
Total Municipalities
3,620
13
75
511
98.3
88.4
9.9
98.3
0.0
0.0
Ind.
1
ESSO AG Ingolstadt
15
20
0.6
0.1
0.5
2002
0.6
2
WNC - Nitrochemie GmbH Aschau / Inn
245
40
760
5.7
1.1
4.6
5.7
2
Subtotal
260
40
0
780
6.3
1.2
5.1
6.3
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Industry
1,270
100
2
Total Industry
260
40
0
780
6.3
1.2
5.1
6.3
0.0
0.0
Agr.
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Agriculture
100,000
3,300
0
Total Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
1
Floodplains next to Ingolstadt
113
11
101.3
78.8
22.5
101.3
2
Mouth of Isar
98
10
25.4
5.9
19.5
25.4
2
Subtotal
211
21
0
0
126.7
84.7
42.0
126.7
0.0
0.0
Others
2
Total Wetlands
211
21
0
0
126.7
84.7
42.0
126.7
0.0
0.0
Total
125,690
4,810
11 Total
4,091
74
75
1,291
231.3
174.3
57.0
231.3
0.0
0.0
ANNEX II - 2: AUSTRIA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source /
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
Hot spot
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment. Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Mun.
1
Wien - HKA - extension and upgrade of NP
2,000
0
5,500 10,000
146.0
131.0
15.0
146.0
removal
2
Linz - Asten - extension and upgrade of NP
770
64
0
1,278
48.0
43.0
5.0
48.0
removal
3
Graz - extension and upgrade of NP removal
1,180
340
240
750
37.0
33.0
4.0
37.0
3
Subtotal
3,950
404
5,740 12,028
231.0
207.0
24.0
231.0
0.0
0.0
-
Others
Total Municipalities
3
Total Municipalities
3,950
404
5,740 12,028
231.0
207.0
24.0
231.0
0.0
0.0
Ind.
1
PCA Fine Paper Hallein
0
0
5,500
4,500
33.0
7.0
26.0
33.0
1
Subtotal
0
0
5,500
4,500
33.0
7.0
26.0
33.0
0.0
0.0
-
Others
Total Industry
1
Total Industry
0
0
5,500
4,500
33.0
7.0
26.0
33.0
0.0
0.0
Agri.
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Agriculture
Total Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
0
0
4
Total
3,950
404 11,240 16,528
264.0
214.0
50.0
264.0
0.0
0.0
ANNEX II - 3: CZECH REPUBLIC
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
Existing Situation
1998
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment. Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Mun.
WWTP Brno
692
31
1
Extension of WWTP
417
15
40
46.1
18.8
27.3
2005
17.1
19.8
9.1
WWTP Uherske Hradiste
93
9
2
Reconstruction of technology in WWTP
65
1
34
5.8
3.9
1.9
2005
3.6
1.1
1.1
WWTP Hodonin
50
7
3
Intensification and extension of WWTP
10
2
2.7
2.5
0.2
2005
1.7
0.5
0.5
WWTP Prostejov
112
6
4
Reconstruction of WWTP
42
15.2
3.3
11.9
2003
15.2
0.0
0.0
WWTP Prerov
100
9
5
Reconstruction of WWTP
63
3
59
10.1
7.4
2.7
2004
10.1
0.0
0.0
WWTP Breclav
74
9
6
Reconstruction and Intensification of
36
3
25
93
11.7
11.0
0.7
2002
8.5
0.0
3.2
WWTP
Total Hot Spots
1,121
72
6
Sub-total
633
24
158
93
91.6
46.9
44.7
56.2
21.4
13.9
Others
12,614
1,516
Others
377
34
1,070
42.1
42.1
Total Municipalities
13,735
1,587
6
Total Municipalities
1,010
58
1,228
93
133.7
46.9
86.8
56.2
21.4
13.9
Ind.
WWTP TOMA Otrokovice
59
1
1
Intensification of WWTP
39
8
2.8
0.5
2.3
2004
2.1
0.3
0.4
Tanex Vladislav
10
0
2
Reconstruction of WWTP and remedial
6
1
4
0.4
0.1
0.3
2005
0.4
measures
Snaha Brtnice
1
0
3
Reconstruction of WWTP and remedial
0
0
3
0.8
0.2
0.6
2005
0.6
0.1
0.1
measures
Paper Mill Prudka
0
0
4
Reconstruction of WWTP
18
11
0.2
0.1
0.1
2003
0.1
0.1
0.0
Total Hot Spots
70
1
4
Sub-total
45
0
18
26
4.2
0.9
3.3
3.2
0.5
0.5
Others
146
34
Others
16
1
0.9
0.9
Total Industry
215
35
4
Total Industry
61
1
18
26
5.1
0.9
4.2
3.2
0.5
0.5
Agr.
Pig Farm Gigant Dubnany
50
5
1
Remedial measures and slurry reduction
20
3
5.3
4.2
1.1
2005
3.5
0.9
0.9
Total Hot Spots
50
5
1
Sub-total
20
3
0
0
5.3
4.2
1.1
3.5
0.9
0.9
Others
109
11
Others
Total Agriculture point
159
16
1
Total Agriculture point sources
20
3
0
0
5.3
4.2
1.1
3.5
0.9
0.9
sources
Wetl
0
Sub-total
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetlands Program (24 projects/activities)
2.6
1.3
1.3
2005
1.3
1.3
1
Total Wetlands
0
0
0
0
2.6
1.3
1.3
1.3
0.0
1.3
Total
14,109
1,638
12 Total
1,091
62
1,246
120
146.7
53.3
93.4
64.2
22.8
16.6
ANNEX II - 4: SLOVAKIA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment. Baseline mentation National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y mil EUR mil EUR mil EUR
period mil EUR mil EUR mil EUR
Mun.
Kosice
624
90 1
Expansion of WWTP-2nd stage
405
18
1,596
3,110
20.2
4.8
15.4
2002
16.6
3.3
1.3
Banska Bystrica
471
68 2
Reconstruction and expansion of WWTP
424
47
3,720
7,700
13.1
2002
9.7
Nitra
442
64 3
Finalisation of WWTP
287
32
2,041
3,613
13.1
2002
4.0
Liptovsky Mikulas
397
27 4
Reconstruction of sewage works, intensification of
258
3
253
612
6.8
WWTP
Ruzomberok
225
14 5
Intensification of WWTP
22
1
975
1,986
0.1
2002/05
Topolcany
221
32 6
Intensification of WWTP
144
3
299
408
0.9
2000
Michalovce
207
30 7
Intensification of WWTP
135
3
1,142
2,251
2.6
2002
1.3
Humenne
164
24 8
Expansion of WWTP
106
2
867
1,586
11.1
5.5
5.6
2002
5.6
0.0
0.0
Trencin-right side
64
4 9
Sewage works and WWTP
57
3
819
1,692
10.6
2005
-
Roznava
62
7 10 Expansion of WWTP
40
1
359
776
0.5
2005
Svidnik
30
3 11 Sewage works and WWTP
27
1
446
849
10.9
2002
5.8
Banska Stiavnica
23
3 12 Construction of WWTP and sewer collector
53
5
256
526
9.1
2002
Cadca
62
18 13 Reconstruction and expansion of WWTP and sewer
41
6
197
350
4.4
2002
system
Subtotal
2,992
382
13 Subtotal
2,001
125
12,968
25,458
103.4
10.3
21.0
43.0
3.3
1.3
Others
7,439
1,101
Others
Total Municipalities
10,431
1,483
13 Total Municipalities
2,001
125
12,968
25,458
103.4
10.3
21.0
43.0
3.3
1.3
Ind.
Istrochem Bratislava
280
1
Construction of biological WWTP
175
641
1,690
8.2
2.3
5.8
2002
2.3
1.4
2.1
Povaz. Chemical Plants (1)
122
2
Reconstruction of WWTP
92
0.5
Biotika Slovenska Lupca (1)
102
3
Expansion of WWTP by anaerobic stage
81
3.4
2000
Chemko Strazske (2)
51
4
Reconstruction of sewerage system
2.1
2005
Subtotal
555
0
4
Subtotal
348
0
641
1,690
14.2
2.3
5.8
2.3
1.4
2.1
Others
Others
Total Industry
555
0
4
Total Industry
348
0
641
1,690
14.2
2.3
5.8
2.3
1.4
2.1
Agr.
Subtotal
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
0
Total Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
1
Integrated Management in Olsavica River Basin
30
3
0.1
2000 /05
0.1
2
Floodplain Meadow Restoration in the Lower Morava
45
5
0.1
2000 /05
0.1
River
3
Wetland restoration in Laborec River basin
150
15
0.7
3
Subtotal
225
23
0
0
0.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
Others
3
Total Wetlands
225
23
0
0
0.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
1) as N-NH4
2) as N-anorg
Total
10,986
1,483
20 Total
2,574
147
13,609
27,148
118.4
12.6
26.8
45.3
4.7
3.6
ANNEX II - 5: HUNGARY
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment Baseline
mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Mun.
Budapest North
524
103
1
Extention + upgrade to III.
308
183
32.3
16.1
16.1
1997-1999
16.1
16.1
Budapest South
715
50
2
Extention + upgrade to III.
203
122
27.9
25.1
2.8
1998-2000
13.9
14.0
Budapest Central
3,490
200
3
New waste water treatment plant
900
140
407.0
2001-2007
107.0
150.0
150.0
Szeged
900
166
4
Extention + upgrade to III. + sewerage
600
250
68.0
2001-2006
23.0
0.0
45.0
Gyor
423
63
5
Extention + upgrade to III.
273
43
12.7
6.3
6.3
2001-2002
12.7
Szolnok
200
49
6
WWTP with biologiacal treatment
100
30
6.0
3.0
3.0
1995-1999
1.5
0.0
1.4
Debrecen
544
321
7
WWTP I grade
300
150
0.7
0.3
0.4
1995-1998
0.4
Szekesfehervar
257
36
8
Extention + upgrade
160
25
15.0
1999-2000
15.0
Tatabanya
43
53
9
Extention + upgrade to III.+ sludge treatment
30
40
8.0
1999-2001
8.0
Dunaujvaros
160
25
10 Upgrade + nutrient removal
53
23
10.6
3.2
7.4
1999-2001
7.4
3.2
Sopron
67
42
11 Upgrade + nutrient removal
40
30
9.0
3.6
5.4
2000-2002
5.4
3.6
Szekszard
106
36
12 Upgrade + nutrient removal
80
20
3.3
1.3
2.0
2000-2003
2.0
1.3
Salgotarjan
120
41
13 WWTP + regional sewerage
80
20
23.4
4.7
18.7
2000-2001
18.7
4.7
Godollo
n/a
n/a
14 WWTP + regional sewerage
128
37
11.3
2.3
9.0
2004
9.0
2.3
n/a
n/a
n/a
15 Kerka-Mura watershed sewerage + WWTP
100
20
11.1
1.7
9.4
2004
9.4
1.7
Veszprem/Northern Bakony
164
44
16 WWTP + regional sewerage
100
20
11.9
0.6
11.3
1999-2001
11.3
0.6
Subtotal
7,713
1,229
16 Subtotal
3,455
1,153
0
0
658.2
68.2
91.8
260.8
180.1
213.8
Others
0
0
Others
Total Municipalities
7,713
1,229
16 Total Municipalities
3,455
1,153
0
0
658.2
68.2
91.8
260.8
180.1
213.8
Ind.
NITROKEMIA Balatonfuzfo
836
12
1
Reconstruction of the WWT system of the Nitrokemia
420
6
5.9
2.9
3.0
2004
2.0
3.9
Co.
Subtotal
836
12
1
Subtotal
420
6
0
0
5.9
2.9
3.0
2.0
3.9
Others
0
0
Others
Total Industry
836
12
1
Total Industry
420
6
0
0
5.9
2.9
3.0
2.0
3.9
0.0
Agr.
Mosonmagyarovar
300
70
1
Introduction of EU-conform and environmentally
200
50
0.7
0.5
0.2
2004
0.7
protective fattening technology in a pigfarm for 1,300
sows
Tisza
1,000
200
2
Agriculture originated pollution minimization in the
100
20
0.5
0.3
0.2
2004
0.5
floodplain of Tisza River
Koros
500
100
3
Establishment of agro- and nature conservation training
200
50
3.0
2.7
0.3
2004
0.3
2.7
centers in the Koros-Maros National Park
Duna
2,500
500
4
Rational farming for decreasing nutrient inputs in the
2,000
200
1.4
0.9
0.5
2000
0.5
0.9
DRB in Hungary
Babocsa
200
50
5
Organic farming in the Drava floodplain
100
20
1.7
0.4
1.3
2004
Agr.
Subtotal
4,500
920
5
Subtotal
2,600
340
0
0
7.2
4.8
2.5
2.0
0.0
3.6
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
4,500
920
5
Total Agriculture
2,600
340
0
0
7.2
4.8
2.5
2.0
0.0
3.6
Wetl.
Danube-Drava, Gemenc
400
100
1
Danube-Drava region wetland rehabilitation programme
120
12
6.4
5.4
1.0
2004
1.0
5.4
Mouth of Bodrog
400
100
2
Reduction of pollution by rehabilitation of wetlands in
113
11
9.0
7.9
1.1
2005
1.1
7.9
the mouth of Bodrog
Subtotal
800
200
2
Subtotal
233
23
0
0
15.4
13.3
2.1
2.1
0.0
13.3
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
800
200
2
Total Agriculture
233
23
0
0
15.4
13.3
2.1
2.1
0.0
13.3
Total
13,849
2,361
24 Total
6,708
1,522
0
0
686.7
89.2
99.4
266.9
184.0
230.7
ANNEX II - 6: SLOVENIA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR mentation
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
tons/y
tons/y
2nd stage % / 3rd stage %
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
period
Mun.
Maribor (3rd stage)
1000
200
1
WWTP - 300.000 PE (3rd st.)
900
140
4,900
8,000
52.0
2002
35.5
6.5
10.0
+
Ljubljana (3rd stage)
1925
385
2
WWTP - 420.000 PE (3rd st.)
1,733
270
9,433
15,400
109.5
2004
109.5
0.0
0.0
+
Murska Sobota (3rd stage)
225
45
3
WWTP - 45.000 PE (3rd st.)
203
32
1,103
1,800
9.2
2004
9.2
0.0
0.0
+
Celje
350
70
4
WWTP - 70.000 PE (3rd st.)
315
49
1,715
2,800
20.8
4.6
2003
10.7
10.1
0.0
Rogaska Slatina
60
12
5
WWTP - 12.000 PE (3rd st.)
54
8
294
480
16.0
2005
16.0
0.0
0.0
+
Lendava
225
45
6
WWTP - 45.000 PE (3rd st.)
203
32
1,103
1,800
13.0
2001
13.0
0.0
0.0
+
Krsko
100
20
7
WWTP - 20.000 PE (3rd st.)
90
14
490
800
11.0
2006
8.5
2.5
0.0
Bre ice
50
10
8
WWTP - 10.000 PE (3rd st.)
45
7
245
400
5.5
2006
4.3
1.2
0.0
Velenje (upgrading)
250
50
9
WWTP - 50.000 PE (3rd st.)
225
35
1,225
2,000
16.5
2004
11.5
5.0
0.0
+
Sevnica
50
10
10 WWTP - 10.000 PE (3rd st.)
45
7
245
400
5.5
2006
4.3
1.2
0.0
+
Vrhnika
100
20
11 WWTP - 20.000 PE (3rd st.)
90
14
490
800
20.4
2006
20.4
0.0
0.0
+
Trbovlje
90
18
12 WWTP - 18.000 PE (3rd st.)
81
13
441
720
7.1
2006
5.7
1.4
0.0
+
Bohinjska Bistrica
55
11
13 WWTP - 11.000 PE (3rd st.)
50
8
270
440
5.0
2005
3.3
1.7
0.0
+
Radovljica
150
30
14 WWTP - 30.000 PE (3rd st.)
135
21
735
1,200
10.0
2005
6.7
3.3
0.0
+
Kranjska Gora
33
7
15 WWTP - 6.500 PE (3rd st.)
30
5
159
260
9.6
2003
6.9
2.7
0.0
+
Tr i
100
20
16 WWTP - 20.000 PE
30
4
490
800
11.8
2006
11.8
0.0
0.0
+
Litija
95
19
17 WWTP - 19.000 PE (3rd st.)
86
13
466
760
7.5
2006
6.0
1.5
0.0
+
Zagorje
85
17
18 WWTP - 17.000 PE (3rd st.)
77
12
417
680
6.7
2006
5.4
1.3
0.0
+
Hrastnik
55
11
19 WWTP - 11.000 PE (3rd st.)
50
8
270
440
4.3
2006
3.5
0.8
0.0
+
Dravograd
45
9
20 WWTP - 9.000 PE (3rd st.)
41
6
221
360
4.8
2004
3.4
1.4
0.0
+
Mislinja
13
3
21 WWTP - 2.500 PE (3rd st.)
12
2
61
100
1.3
2004
0.9
0.4
0.0
+
Slovenj gradec
100
20
22 WWTP - 20.000 PE (3rd st.)
90
14
490
800
10.7
2004
7.5
3.2
0.0
+
Ptuj (3rd st.)
525
105
23 WWTP - 105.000 PE (3rd st.)
473
74
2,573
4,200
24.3
2006
24.3
0.0
0.0
Subtotal
5,681
1,137
23 Subtotal
5,053
786
27,836
45,440
382.5
4.6
0.0
328.2
44.2
10.0
Others
Others
Total Municipalities
5,681
1,137
23 Total Municipalities
5,053
786
27,836
45,440
382.5
4.6
0.0
328.2
44.2
10.0
Ind.
Subtotal
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Industry
0
Total Industry
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agr.
Podgrad/Gornja Radgona
200
40
1
Pig Farm
180
28
980
1,600
1.7
1.5
2000
Subtotal
200
40
1
Subtotal
180
28
980
1,600
1.7
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
200
40
1
Total Agriculture
180
28
980
1,600
1.7
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
0
Total Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
5,881
1,177
24 Total
5,233
814
28,816
47,040
384.2
6.1
0.0
328.2
44.2
10.0
ANNEX II - 7: CROATIA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment. Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Mun.
Cakovec
22
7
1
WWTP of Cakovec and nearby towns
7.3
2.2
5.1
2005
Varazdin
140
60
2
Reconstruction of WWTP of Varazdin
132
1
1,162
1,779
12.0
6.0
6.0
2002
Koprivnica
29
9
3
WWTP of Koprivnica
604
806
10.8
5.4
5.4
2003
Zagreb
4,400
110
4
Central WWTPof Zagreb
1,320
220
10,438
29,743
256.0
76.8
179.2
2005
Sisak
240
60
5
The sewerage and the WWTP of Sisak
48
2
700
919
60.0
18.0
42.0
Karlovac
320
80
6
Sewerage and WWTPs of Karlovac and
9
16
2,026
1,177
50.0
15.0
35.0
Duga Resa
7
Sewerage and WWTP of Vinkovci
190
12.0
3.6
8.4
2003
9.9
8
WWTP of Velika
1.0
0.3
0.7
2010
1.5
9
Sewerage and WWTP of Garesnica
2.4
0.1
2.2
10 WWTP of Velika Gorica
2.2
1.1
1.1
11 WWTP of Nasice - I phase
1.1
0.3
0.8
2001
0.8
Subtotal
5,151
326
11 Subtotal
1,509
239
15,120
34,424
414.8
128.9
285.9
2.3
9.9
0.0
Others
0
0
Others
190
18.7
5.5
13.2
Total Municipalities
5,151
326
11 Total Municipalities
1,509
239
15,310
34,424
433.4
134.3
299.1
2.3
9.9
0.0
Ind.
Subtotal
0
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Industry
0
0
Total Industry
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agr.
Subtotal
0
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
0
0
Total Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
5,151
326
11 Total
1,509
239
15,310
34,424
433.4
134.3
299.1
2.3
9.9
0.0
ANNEX II - 8: BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Mun.
Tuzla
481
144
1
Construction of regional sewage system Tuzla-
1,080
160
1,539
4,142
58.0
2.9
55.1
2004
Lukavac with central WWTP for municipalities and
industry.
Sarajevo
621
176
2
Rehabilitation and reconstruction of sewage and
1,015
150
6,150
10,660
15.0
3.0
12.0
2005
industrial WWTP for Sarajevo municipality
Banja Luka
712
214
3
Construction of regional sewerage system Banja
910
140
50.0
2.5
47.5
2005
Luka with central WWTP for municipality and
industry
Bijeljina
4
Construction of sewerage system in Bijeljina with
12.0
0.6
11.4
2004
central WWTP for municipality and industry
Brcko
5
Construction sewerage system Brcko with central
12.0
1.0
11.0
WWTP for municipality and industry
Subtotal
1,814
534
5
Subtotal
3,005
450
7,689
14,802
147.0
10.0
137.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
1
Others
Total Municipalities
1,814
535
5
Total Municipalities
3,005
450
7,689
14,802
147.0
10.0
137.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Ind.
Clorine Alkaline Complex -
42
74
1
Reconstruction of pre-treatment WWTP in Chlorine
26
53
632
1,631
2.2
0.4
1.8
Tuzla
Alkaline Complex in Tuzla
Pulp and paper industry-Maglaj
2
Rehabilitation and reconstruction of WWTP in
3.0
1.5
1.5
"Natron" Maglaj
Coke and Chemical Industry
20
-
3
Reconstruction of pre-treatment WWTP for Coke
2
-
284
344
2.8
0.6
2.2
and Chemical Industry Lukavac
Cellulose and Viscose Factory
4
Reconstruction and improvement of WWTP of "Incel"
3.5
1.8
1.8
Banja Luka
Iron work-Zenica
114
-
5
Reconstruction of industrial WWTP for DD
97
-
47
184
1.6
0.8
0.8
"Zeljezara" Zenica
Pulp and Paper Production
6
Construction of waste water treatment plant for
14.0
4.2
9.8
"Celpak" Prijedor
Subtotal
176
74
6
Subtotal
125
53
963
2,159
27.1
9.3
17.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Industry
176
74
6
Total Industry
125
53
963
2,159
27.1
9.3
17.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agr.
1
Construction of WWTP for pigs breeding farm in
1,570
350
2.3
0.7
1.6
Brcko
Subtotal
0
0
1
Subtotal
1,570
350
0
0
2.3
0.7
1.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
0
0
1
Total Agriculture
1,570
350
0
0
2.3
0.7
1.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
0
Total Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
1,990
609
12 Total
4,700
853
8,652
16,961
176.4
20.0
156.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
ANNEX II - 9: YUGOSLAVIA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Mun.
City of Belgrade (Central)
5840
1,314
1
876
260
31,536
70,080
215.0
5
45.0
155.0
15.0
City of Novi Sad (Left Bank)
988
298
2
148
60
5,657
12,571
52.5
5
14.5
34.0
4.0
City of Nis
826
289
3
124
60
5,302
11,782
45.0
3
9.0
33.0
3.0
City of Pristina
570
148
4
86
30
3,563
7,918
39.5
5
8.5
11.0
20.0
Zrenjanin
975
226
5
160
47
3,932
8,322
37.5
4
7.5
28.0
2.0
Vrbas-Kula (REG)
547
151
6
90
32
3,390
7,183
34.0
4
8.0
24.0
2.0
Leskovac
295
132
7
44
26
2,874
6,386
25.2
3
5.0
17.7
2.5
Krusevac
333
79
8
50
16
2,779
6,176
23.6
3
4.7
16.9
2.0
Cacak
410
139
9
62
28
2,466
5,480
23.6
4
4.7
16.9
2.0
Sabac
287
113
10
43
24
1,912
4,249
17.5
3
3.5
12.5
1.5
Vranje
286
92
11
43
18
1,853
4,117
17.5
4
3.5
12.5
1.5
Subotica (*)
696
187
12
550
36
3,600
8,322
32.8
3
6.6
24.7
1.5
Uzice
222
62
13
33
12
1,399
3,285
14.0
3
2.8
10.0
1.2
Zajecar
205
55
14
31
11
1,315
2,922
14.0
4
2.8
10.0
1.2
Senta (CW)
238
55
15
36
11
1,261
2,803
7.5
2
1.5
4.5
1.5
Bor
145
43
16
22
9
1,258
2,796
14.0
4
2.8
10.0
1.2
Pirot
240
56
17
36
11
1,225
2,722
14.0
4
2.8
10.0
1.2
Rozaje
38
12
18
6
3
355
788
5.7
3
1.1
3.4
1.2
Blace
48
15
19
38
3
310
657
7.5
3
1.5
4.5
1.5
Kolasin
35
7
20
5
2
175
390
2.8
3
0.6
1.2
1.0
Mojkovac
19
5
21
3
1
118
263
2.8
3
0.6
1.2
1.0
Subtotal
13,243
3,478
21 Subtotal
2,486
700
76,280
169,212
646.0
0.0
0.0
137.0
441.0
68.0
Others
Others
Total Municipalities
13,243
3,478
21 Total Municipalities
2,486
700
76,280
169,212
646.0
0.0
0.0
137.0
441.0
68.0
Ind.
IHP 'Prahovo'
570
4,760
1
P - Fertilizers
200
3,500
285
2,000
2.5
2
0.5
1.0
1.0
(**)
HI "Zorka"-Sabac
1465
-
2
Chemical Industry
750
8
220
560
2.0
2
0.5
1.0
0.5
FAK "Lepenka"
27
10
3
Card Board
17
8
940
3,450
6.0
4
1.5
3.0
1.5
FOPA
-
-
4
Wood $ Paper
30
14
11,200
28,000
8.0
4
2.5
4.0
1.5
PK "Beograd"
355
47
5
Food Processing Ind.
300
34
12,700
23,700
9.0
4
2.5
5.0
1.5
Thermopower Plant 'Obilic'
-
6
Coal Mining & Processing
30
4
3,500
6,100
11.0
4
2.0
3.0
6.0
RTB 'Bor'
38
-
7
Cu Mining & Flotation
20
3
500
900
30.0
5
7.5
17.5
5.0
Subtotal
2,455
4,817
7
Subtotal
1,347
3,571
29,345
64,710
68.5
0.0
0.0
17.0
34.5
17.0
Others
Others
Total Industry
2,455
4,817
7
Total Industry
1,347
3,571
29,345
64,710
68.5
0.0
0.0
17.0
34.5
17.0
ANNEX II - 9: YUGOSLAVIA
PROJECT LIST FOR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emission
Project / Hot Spot
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Status
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Agr.
DD IM "Neoplanta" (DP
183
68
1
173
65
1,387
2,993
16.0
4
4.5
8.0
3.5
FS "Surcin"- Surcin
128
48
2
121
46
971
2,095
12.0
4
4.0
5.0
3.0
DD "Carnex-Farmakop"-Vrbas
128
48
3
121
46
971
2,095
12.0
4
4.0
5.0
3.0
DP PIK "Varvarinsko Polje"
91
34
4
87
33
694
1,497
9.0
4
2.5
4.5
2.0
DP "1. Decembar"-FS "Nimes"
73
27
5
69
26
555
1,197
8.0
4
2.5
4.0
1.5
FS "D. Markovic"
73
27
6
69
26
555
1,197
8.0
4
2.5
4.0
1.5
Centre for farms and
7
0.8
2
0.1
0.0
0.7
agricultural wastes
Subtotal
676
252
7
Subtotal
640
242
5,133
11,074
65.8
0.0
0.0
26.0
20.1
30.5
15.2
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
676
252
7
Total Agriculture
640
242
5,133
11,074
65.8
0.0
0.0
20.1
30.5
15.2
Wetl.
Danube - Monostorski Rit
1
500
100
1,000
7,000
1.0
2004
0.1
0.5
0.4
Sava - Obedska Bara
2
200
20
400
2,800
0.8
2003
0.1
0.4
0.3
Sava - Zasavica
3
120
10
200
1,400
0.4
2003
0.0
0.2
0.2
Tisa - Ludos Lake
4
500
120
1,000
7,000
1.8
2004
0.2
0.9
0.7
Danube - Koviljski Rit
5
1,000
100
2,000
14,000
1.0
2004
0.1
0.5
0.4
0
0
5
Subtotal
2,320
350
4,600
32,200
5.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
2.5
2.0
Others
0
0
5
Total Wetlands
2,320
350
4,600
32,200
5.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
2.5
2.0
Total
16,374
8,547
40 Total
6,793
4,863
115,358
277,196
785.3
0.0
0.0
174.6
508.5
102.2
(*)
Enlarging of existing WWTP and upgrading it for N & P removal
The investment cost for upgrading of sewerage systems and preatreatment of industrial wastewaters are not accounted
CW - civil works are completed 80%
(**)
1) The data concern on the period before 1992 when Industriy was opperated by 90% of full capacity
2) As the industrial production was severely decreased after the year 1992, the pollution emission in the period 1994-97 was 55-65% lower than presented in the table
3) Not all industries discharge wastewater directly into recipients. A part of it is retained in storages, retention basins or lagoons
ANNEX II - 10: BULGARIA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD
Total Inv. Increment.
Baseline mentation
National
Int. Loan
Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
Mun
Sofia
3,284
1,030
1
Municipal WWTP-Sofia
1,036
135
4,819
5,670
26.5
2,003
3.5
23.0
Veliko Tarnovo
408
82
2
Municipal WWTP-Veliko Tarnovo
131
40
1,696
2,413
9.0
2,006
3.0
Gorna Oriahovitza-Liaskovetz
289
47
3
Municipal WWTP-Gorna Oriahovitza-
63
24
1,584
2,614
Iyaskovetz
Montana
489
98
4
Municipal WWTP-Montana
160
49
2,308
4,950
17.7
2,006
Pleven
487
138
5
Municipal WWTP - Pleven
93
59
1,346
2,984
2.0
2,003
Dobrich
178
21
6
Municipal WWTP-Dobrich
1.0
2,002
Gabrovo
295
52
7
Municipal WWTP-Gabrovo
15
91
209
2.0
2,003
Razgrad
184
33
8
Municipal WWTP-Razgrad
0
34
1.0
2,004
Troyan
309
51
9
Municipal WWTP-Troyan
150
30
1,794
3,796
9.2
2,005
Vratza
435
65
10 Municipal WWTP-Vratza
214
37
412
1,335
2.0
2,004
Samokov
291
73
11 Municipal WWTP-Samokov
130
57
1,300
3,079
2.0
2,002
Lovech
346
72
12 Municipal WWTP-Lovech
119
44
1,382
2,927
9.3
2,004
Sevlievo
248
57
13 Municipal WWTP-Sevlievo
136
42
1,194
1,962
12.5
2,005
Popovo
169
42
14 Municipal WWTP- Popovo
52
24
913
1,891
13.8
2,006
Stragitza
23
5
15 Municipal WWTP- Stragitza
3
1
77
91
0.9
2,002
Dulovo
49
5
16 Municipal WWTP-Dulovo
11
2
241
390
2.0
2,002
Isperih
48
8
17 Municipal WWTP-Isperih
10
3
257
407
1.0
2,002
Subtotal
7,532
1,879
17 Subtotal
2,308
562
19,448
34,718
111.9
0.0
0.0
6.5
0.0
23.0
Otner
2,260
564
Otners
Subtotal
9,792
2,443
17 Total Municipalities
2,308
562
19,448
34,718
111.9
0.0
0.0
6.5
0.0
23.0
Ind
Sugar factory Gorna Orihovitza
37
5
1
Industrial' WWTP-Sugar
299
655
Subtotal
37
5
1
Subtotal
0
0
299
655
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
22
5
Others
Total Industry
59
10
1
Total Industry
0
0
299
655
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agr
Subtotal
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Others
Total Agriculture
0
Total Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
Wetlands Restoration and
1
Wetlands Restoration and Pollution
Pollution Reduction Project
reduction project
Kalimok and Brushlen
2
Kalimok and Brushlen Marshes (2000ha)
375
37
Marshes(2 000ha)
Belene wetland complex
3
Belene wetland complex
Subtotal
3
Subtotal
375
37
0
0
13.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
7.5
Others
Others
Total Wetlands
3
Total Wetlands
375
37
0
0
13.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
7.5
Total
9,850
2,453
21 Total
2,683
599
19,747
35,373
125.4
0.0
0.0
6.5
0.0
30.5
ANNEX II - 11: ROMANIA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y Mill EUR Mill EUR Mill EUR
period Mill EUR Mill EUR Mill EUR
Mun.
Bucharest
5,363.0
944.0
1
WWTP Bucharest
1840
500
40000
48000
288.5
86.5
203.0
55.0
147.0
86.5
(n)
Craiova
1270
158
2
WWTP Craiova
597
63
660
864
32.0
1.6
30.4
2005
20.0
10.0
2.0
(n)
Braila
420
66
3
WWTP Braila
126
26
3220
3750
21.9
6.6
15.3
2006
15.0
5.0
1.9
(n)
Galati
746
92
4
WWTP Galati
224
37
4355
4540
29.5
8.9
20.7
2005
20.0
8.0
1.5
(e)
Zalau
130
28
5
WWTP Zalau
39
11
108
146
7.0
3.5
3.5
2002
4.0
2.0
1.0
(e)
Resita
202
41
6
WWTP Resita
85
22
126
127
3.5
3.2
0.4
1998/00
2.5
1.0
-
(d)
Campulung
83
12
7
WWTP Campulung
38
7
228
238
1.5
1.4
0.2
2005
1.5
-
-
(d)
Deva
209
42
8
WWTP Deva
86
21
150
156
5.6
5.0
0.6
2000
3.0
2.0
0.6
(d)
Timisoara
992
173
9
WWTP Timisoara
444
101
3284
2561
1.5
1.4
0.2
2000
1.5
-
-
(r )
Iasi
368
60
10 WWTP rehabilitation
165
35
1390
772
1.9
1.7
0.2
2000
1.9
-
-
Subtotal
9783
1616
10 Subtotal
3644
823
53521
61154
392.9
119.8
274.5
124.4
175.0
93.5
Others
Others
Total Municipalities
9783
1616
10 Total Municipalities
3644
823
53521
61154
392.9
119.8
274.5
124.4
175.0
93.5
Ind.
(e)
Antibiotice Iasi
12
0
1
WWTP
8
0
12
19
1.8
0.9
0.9
2005
1.8
-
-
(n)
Arpechim Pitesti
92
4
2
WWTP
28
1
368
486
13.9
7.0
7.0
2005
10.0
3.9
-
(e)
Somes Dej
130
-
3
WWTP
91
-
468
1243
0.6
0.3
0.3
2004
0.6
-
-
(e)
Oltchim Rm.Valcea
548
-
4
WWTP
110
-
442
748
0.7
0.2
0.5
2003
0.7
-
-
(e)
Fibrex Savinesti
831
-
5
WWTP
166
-
905
1222
1.2
0.6
0.6
2004
1.2
-
-
(eT)
Romfosfochim
11
3
6
Area reconstruction
5
2
-
-
2.8
0.6
2.2
2005
2.0
0.8
-
(ex)
Integrata Arad
400
-
7
WWTP
280
-
752
392
1.0
0.5
0.5
2004
1.0
-
-
Subtotal
2024
7
7
Subtotal
688
3
2947
4110
22.0
10.1
12.0
17.3
4.7
0.0
Others
Others
Total
2024
7
7
Total Industry
688
3
2947
4110
22.0
10.1
12.0
17.3
4.7
0.0
Agr.
(ex)
Consuin Ulmeni
472
118
1
WWTP
330
35
172
78
1.0
0.5
0.5
2005
1.0
-
-
(n)
Suinprod Independenta
323
81
2
WWTP
226
32
433
330
0.8
0.2
0.6
2004
0.8
-
-
(n)
Comsuin Beregsau
818
204
3
WWTP agricultural turning of
573
82
2738
1798
0.6
0.2
0.4
2005
0.6
zooth. waste at Ronsuin Peris
245
1.3
0.4
0.9
0.5
0.5
0.3
Subtotal
1613
403
3
Subtotal
1374
150
3343
2206
3.7
1.3
2.4
2.9
0.5
0.3
Others
Others
Total
1613
403
3
Total Agriulture
1374
150
3343
2206
3.7
1.3
2.4
2.9
0.5
0.3
Wetl.
1
Balta Potelu
1024
102
12.3
2.0
10.3
2005
5.0
5.0
2.3
2
Area of Bulg. Danube
750
75
9.0
1.5
7.5
2005
4.0
3.0
2.0
3
Island Balta Greaca
2700
270
32.4
5.4
27.0
2010
15.0
15.0
2.4
4
Calarasi
750
75
9.0
1.5
7.5
2005
4.0
3.0
2.0
5
lower Prut
930
93
11.2
1.9
9.3
2005
4.0
6.0
1.2
5
Subtotal
6154
615
0
0
73.9
12.3
61.6
32.0
32.0
9.9
Others
5
Total Wetlands
6154
615
0
0
73.9
12.3
61.6
32.0
32.0
9.9
Total
13,420
2,026
25 Total
11,860
1,591
59,811
67,470
492.5
143.5
350.5
176.6
212.2
103.7
ANNEX II - 12: MOLDOVA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
Existing Situation
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment. Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil Eur
Mun.
Town Cahul
1
11
1
Cahul WWTP
52
11
20
33
53.8
2.9
50.9
2003
19.1
17.0
17.7
Town Ungheni
14
8
2
Ungheni WWTP
55
12
22
29
57.7
2.9
55.1
2001
17.2
15.3
25.0
Town Comrat
n/a
n/a
3
Comrat WWTP
50
9
18
24
11.7
0.6
12.3
2004
3.8
4.4
3.5
Town Ciadir-Lunga
1
n/a
4
Ciadir-Lunga WWTP
57
11
13
17
8.9
0.5
8.5
2003
2.7
3.7
2.5
Town Edineti
4
n/a
5
Edineti WWTP
65
7
12
9
4.5
0.2
4.3
2004
1.4
1.7
1.5
Town Falest
1
n/a
6
Falesti WWTP
46
5
8
18
15.4
0.8
14.6
2003
5.5
6.0
3.9
Town Vulcanesti
0
1
7
Vulcanesti WWTP
35
4
15
20
8.2
0.4
7.8
2002
2.9
2.9
2.4
Town Nisporeni
n/a
n/a
8
Nisporeni WWTP
30
4
12
21
15.2
0.8
14.4
2002
4.6
5.5
5.1
Town Taraclia
1
n/a
9
Taraclia WWTP
35
4
11
18
7.6
0.6
6.3
2004
2.1
3.2
2.3
Town Glodeni
1
n/a
10 Glodeni WWTP
45
5
9
14
8.8
0.4
8.3
2003
2.6
3.5
2.6
Town Leova
1
3
11 Leova WWTP
20
4
15
30
5.8
0.2
5.2
2003
1.8
2.2
1.8
Town Briceni
1
n/a
12 Briceni WWTP
45
6
14
26
8.9
0.5
8.4
2001
2.7
3.5
2.7
Town Cupcini
0
n/a
13 Cupcini WWTP
15
3
12
29
12.2
0.6
11.6
2003
3.7
4.5
4.0
Rascani: village Costesti
5
n/a
14 Rascani: Costesti WWTP
15
2
12
27
7.2
0.4
6.8
2002
2.2
2.6
2.4
Town Cantemir
n/a
n/a
15 Cantemir WWTP
20
3
11
24
20.8
1.0
19.8
2001
6.3
6.0
8.6
Subtotal
30
23
15 Subtotal
584
89
203
338
246.7
12.8
234.3
78.6
82.0
86.0
Others
493
120
Others
200
30
45
120
50.0
5.0
45.0
10.0
20.0
20.0
Total Municipalities
523
143
15 Total Municipalities
784
119
248
458
296.7
17.8
279.3
88.6
102.0
106.0
Ind.
Town Falesti
1
0
1
Falesti WWTP
20
4
4
12
7.5
0.4
7.1
2003
2.3
3.2
2.0
Town Lipcani
1
0
2
Lipcani WWTP
15
3
3
9
8.0
0.4
7.6
2004
2.4
3.5
2.1
Town Ocnita
1
0
3
Ocnita WWTP
12,0
3
2
9
6.5
0.3
6.2
2003
2.0
2.5
2.0
Village Cucoara
1
0
4
Cucoara WWTP
5
1
1
4
4.5
0.2
4.3
2005
1.4
1.6
1.5
VillageCongaz
1
0
5
Congaz WWTP
4
1
0
1
5.5
0.2
5.3
2004
1.7
2.4
1.4
VillageCociulea
1
0
6
Cociulea WWTP
4
1
0
1
7.0
0.4
6.7
2003
2.1
2.9
2.0
Village Cioc-Maidan
1
0
7
Cioc-Maidan WWTP
3
0,7
0
1
7.5
0.4
7.1
2002
2.3
3.4
1.8
Village Mereseni
1
0
8
Mereseni WWTP
3
1
0
1
6.0
0.3
5,7
2002
1.8
2.2
2.0
Town Glodeni
0
n/a
9
Glodeni WWTP
14
3
2
5
3.5
0.2
3.3
2003
1.1
1.3
1.1
Town Briceni
0
n/a
10 Briceni WWTP
20
5
3
8
4.2
0.2
4.2
2001
1.3
1.5
1.4
Town Cupcini
0
n/a
11 Cupcini WWTP
30
6
5
9
4.5
0.2
4.3
2004
1.4
1.6
1.5
Subtotal
7
2
11 Subtotal
117
26
20
59
64.7
3.2
56.1
19.8
26.1
18.8
Others
40
7
Others
50
10
7
15
20.0
1.2
18.8
8.0
8.0
4.0
Total Industry
47
9 # 11 Total Industry
167
36
27
74
84.7
4.4
74.9
27.8
34.1
22.8
ANNEX II - 12: MOLDOVA
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
Existing Situation
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
Project / Hot Spot
Expected Reduction
Investment /Cost
Imple- Funding Status
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD Total Inv. Increment. Baseline mentation
National Int. Loan Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil EUR
period
mil EUR
mil EUR
mil Eur
Agri. Soil erosion
6,999
3,000
1
Afforestation Programme
195
2
5
20
3.5
0.3
3.2
2001/02
1.1
1.3
1.1
Ferilizers use
1
0
2
Soil Conservation Programme
80
5
5
20
8.0
0.9
7.1
2003/04
2.3
3.0
2.7
Land use
26,084
4,653
3
Construction of manure treatment facilities
45
13
5
20
7.0
0.8
6.1
2002/03
2.1
2.5
2.4
(Carpineni, Lipcani, Cazaclia, Larga)
Animal husbandry
18,780
4,840
(incl. public sector)
6,573
1,694
Subtotal
51,864
12,493
3
Subtotal
320
20
15
60
18.5
2.0
16.4
0
5.5
6.8
6.2
Others
24,300
7,500
Others
30
5
5
10
8.0
0.5
7.5
3.0
2.0
3.0
Total Agriculture
76,164
19,993
3
Total Agriculture
350
25
20
70
26.5
2.5
23.9
8.5
8.8
9.2
Wetl.
1
Lower Prut
800
75
250
35
5.0
0.4
4.6
2002
1.5
1.8
1.8
2
Lower Yalpugh River valley
4,800
530
800
150
55.0
2.8
52.2
2005
16.5
20.0
18.5
2
Subtotal
5,600
605
1,050
185
60.0
3.2
56.8
18.0
21.8
20.3
Others 120 250 45 25.0 1.0 24.0 7.5 10.0 7.5
2
Total Wetlands
5,600
725
1,300
230
85.0
4.2
80.8
25.5
31.8
27.8
Total
76,734
20,145
31 Total
6,901
905
1,595
832
492.9
28.9
458.9
150.4
176.7
165.8
ANNEX II - 13: UKRAINE
LIST OF PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FIVE YEAR NATIONAL NUTRIENT REDUCTION ACTION PLAN
EXISTING SITUATION
PROJECTS READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE COMING 5 YEARS
Sector
Emission Source / Hot Spot
Nutrient Emissions
No
Proposed Projects
Expected Reduction
Investment Cost
Imple-
Funding Scheme
N
P
N
P
BOD
COD
Total Inv.
Increment.
Baseline
mentation
National
Int. Loan
Int. Grant
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
tons/y
mil EURO Million EUR Million EUR
period Million EUR Million EUR Million EUR
Mun.
Uzhgorod WWTP
585
57
1
Uzhgorod WWTP
293
29
218
392
25.0
7.5
17.5
2000/05
1.0
Chernivtsi WWT faciliteis
130
44
2
Chernivtsi WWT faciliteis
65
22
318
0
4.7
0.9
3.8
2000/05
1.9
Izmail
4
29
3
Izmail WWTP
0
9
31
58
12.4
6.2
6.2
2000/05
1.5
Mukachevo WWTP
256
11
4
Mukachevo WWTP
128
6
111
171
3.0
1.0
2.0
2000/05
0.5
Vilkovo
5
Vilkovo flood protection
8.5
0.4
8.1
2000/05
Vilkovo
6
Vilkovo sewerage system
2.4
0.1
2.3
2000/05
Vilkovo
7
Vilkovo WWT facilities
6.5
0.3
6.2
2000/05
0.4
Kilia
8
Kilia flood protection
1.9
0.1
1.8
2000/05
Reni Sea Port
9
Reni Sea Port WWT facilities
2.8
0.1
2.7
2000/05
Kolomyia
14
0
10
Kolomia WWTP- mud processing
Subtotal
989
142
10
Subtotal
486
65
677
621
67.2
16.6
50.6
5.3
Others
Others
Total Municipalities
989
142
10
Total Municipalities
486
65
677
621
67.2
16.6
50.6
5.3
Ind.
Subtotal
0
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
12
7
Others
Total Industry
12
7
Total Industry
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Agri.
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Agriculture
Total Agriculture
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Wetl.
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Others
Total Wetlands
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
1,001
148
10
Total
486
65
677
621
67.2
16.6
50.6
5.3
STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NUTRIENT
REDUCTION MEASURES AND TRANSBOUNDARY
COOPERATION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
REINFORCEMENT OF NGO ACTIVITIES
IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND
AWARENESS RAISING
SUMMARY REPORT IN SUPPORT OF THE PROJECT BRIEF
AUGUST 2000
International Commission for
the Protection of the Danube River
UNDP/GEF Assistance
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................5
2
EVALUATION OF THE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME ............................................6
2.1
General Results .........................................................................................................................6
2.2
Results from Slovenia ...............................................................................................................7
2.3
Results from Romania ..............................................................................................................8
2.4
Results from Moldova...............................................................................................................8
2.5
Evaluation..................................................................................................................................9
3
EVALUATION OF NGO STRUCTURES UNDER THE DANUBE
ENVIRONMENT FORUM (DEF)........................................................................................10
3.1
Background .............................................................................................................................10
3.2
Reinforcement of NGO Cooperation in the DRB ................................................................10
3.3
Situation of the DEF today.....................................................................................................11
3.4
Other NGO Involvement........................................................................................................12
3.5
Conclusion ...............................................................................................................................12
4
EVALUATION OF PUBLIC AWARENESS RAISING ....................................................14
4.1
Background .............................................................................................................................14
4.2
Evaluation of previous Public Awareness Raising Activities..............................................14
4.2.1 Danube Watch ..................................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 Homepage............................................................................................................................................. 16
4.2.3 Other Public Awareness Activities..................................................................................................... 17
5
CONCEPT PAPER FOR NGO ACTIVITIES, SMALL GRANTS
PROGRAMME AND PUBLIC AWARENESS...................................................................18
5.1
Concept for Small Grants Programme .................................................................................18
5.2
Concept for DEF Activities ....................................................................................................20
5.3
Concept for Public Awareness...............................................................................................21
6
PROGRAMME COMPONENTS FOR THE GEF DANUBE REGIONAL
PROJECT................................................................................................................................23
6.1
Component Small Grants Programme (SGP)......................................................................23
6.2
Component DEF Structure Development.............................................................................24
6.3
Component Public Awareness ...............................................................................................24
6.3.1 Danube Watch magazine .................................................................................................................... 24
6.3.2 ICPDR homepage with DEF/NGO page............................................................................................ 25
6.3.3 New ICPDR information Folder ........................................................................................................ 25
6.3.4 DEF public awareness campaign ....................................................................................................... 25
6.4
Overview of Programme Components..................................................................................25
4
ABBREVIATIONS
DEF
Danube Environmental Forum
DRB
Danube River Basin
DRPC
Convention for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River
DW
Danube Watch - Magazine
GEF
Global Environment Facility
ICPDR
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
NGO
(environmental) non-governmental organisation
NIS
New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (here: Moldova, Ukraine)
PMTF
Programme Management Task Force (part of the ICPDR)
PRP
(Danube) Pollution Reduction Programme of UNDP/GEF
REC
Regional Environmental Centre, Szentendre (H)
SGP
Small Grants Programme
TF
(Danube) Task Force of the Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
WWF
World Wide Fund for Nature
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
5
1
INTRODUCTION
Since 1992, the European Community has - through its Phare and Tacis programmes (Strategic Action Plan
Implementation Programme), and the UNDP/GEF, in particular through its Danube Pollution Reduction
Programme (1997-1999) - supported and facilitated the development and implementation of pollution
abatement and environment rehabilitation projects in the Danube River Basin as well as of the Danube River
Protection Convention.
A change came with the entering into force of the Convention in October 1998 and the installation of its
Permanent Secretariat on the one hand, and the end of the UNDP/GEF PRP Programme and the EU-Phare
and Tacis supports (October 2000) on the other. In order to ensure an efficient implementation of the Danube
Strategic Action Plan and the Pollution Reduction Programme, a new GEF assistance is under preparation
for the 2001-2005 period; a second part of this assistance will support similar activities in the Black Sea
region.
This document is part of the preparation of a Danube Regional Project, which in turn forms part of the
Black Sea Basin Programmatic Strategy aimed at sustainable human development in the Danube River Basin
by reinforcing the capacities of the participating countries for effective regional co-operation, protection of
international waters and sustainable management of natural resources and bio-diversity. This Danube
Regional Project serves to strengthen the capacities of the ICPDR Secretariat in providing a regional
approach for nutrient pollution reduction.
One of the immediate objectives of the Danube Regional Project has been defined as "awareness raising
and reinforcement of NGO participation" in water management, trans-boundary pollution control and
environmental protection.
In close communication with the ICPDR Secretariat and the Focal Points, as well as with the Country
Programme Co-ordinators, public participation has been assessed in three of its aspects:
· The existing NGO structures (especially the Danube Environment Forum)
· Small Grants Programme
· Public awareness activities, including the magazine "Danube Watch" and the homepages of Danube
PCU and ICPDR
For all three aspects, the objective of this project was to:
! evaluate previous GEF-funded activities
! prepare a concept for future public participation with the specification of the three themes'
components.
During the assessment, available documents (reports, concepts) on past and present projects and programmes
were evaluated. Further, various meetings were held with the ICPDR Permanent Secretariat and the Danube
PCU in Vienna, with the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe in Szentendre (H)
and its local offices in Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Bucharest (Romania), as well as with the Speakers of the
Danube Environmental Forum (DEF) and WWF International - Danube Carpathian Programme. During field
visits in Slovenia and Romania, NGO projects financed under the UNDP/GEF Danube PRP-Small Grants
Programme were visited. The present report was prepared by Zinke Environment Consulting for Central and
Eastern Europe, Vienna. Overall project guidance and support was provided by the ICPDR Permanent
Secretariat.
6
2
EVALUATION OF THE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME
2.1 General Results
Within the UNDP/GEF Danube Pollution Reduction Programme, a Small Grants Programme (SGP) was
implemented by the "Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe" in Szentendre (H).
Increasing public awareness and public participation was one of the main objectives of the PRP, and the
provision of small grants to the NGO/Private sector was considered an efficient way to reach this goal.
The REC is a special institution initiated by the US government and established in 1991 to facilitate the
institutional development of the NGO community in Central and Eastern Europe. The REC receives various
(mostly governmental) grants and distributes them through competitive calls to NGOs, usually via its
national offices located in all CEE countries. Over the years, the REC has built up comprehensive expertise
in managing NGO support projects, both as a well-known and appreciated NGO partner and a reliable
partner for donors. Through its national offices, the REC is able to have close and direct contact with NGOs
during the entire project cycle. The REC often translates special donor requests into NGO language and vice-
versa - NGO reports into donor language (e.g. from Hungarian into English).
The main goal of the UNDP/GEF PRP 1998-99 Small Grants Programme was to reinforce NGO
participation on community-based pollution reduction measures and awareness-raising projects. The SGP
should also strengthen small local NGOs and community initiatives.
Out of the 11 eligible countries, eight were chosen by the Danube PRP for this SGP (i.e. no SGP projects
were awarded to CZ, SK and H, apart from D and A). UNDP/GEF provided a total of $ 200,000, i.e. up to $
25,000 per country: For the NIS countries Moldova and Ukraine, UNDP/GEF funds were directly given to
the UNDP offices. For the six CEE countries, namely Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia-
Herzegovina and FR Yugoslavia, the REC ran the programme. Maximum available grant per NGO project
was $ 5,000.
The REC provided comprehensive reports about the results of its UNDP/GEF SGP. The consultant visited
both the REC headquarter as well as the country offices in Slovenia and Romania where a detailed look and
personal visit to various project sites could be accomplished. Both countries were chosen as examples (one
small and rich country from the upper Danube basin; one large, poor country from the lower basin), and
within both countries, detailed project information was gained and two field projects were visited in each.
Grant proposals were invited by the REC and guidelines were issued with May 15, 1998 set as the deadline
for submission. Local Advisory Boards in each of the 6 countries received and evaluated 98 project
proposals, out of which - due to limited funds - only 55 projects (approx. nine per country, varying form $
800 to $ 5,000) were selected on the basis of general NGO criteria and specific PRP criteria, as prepared by
the REC. The funded activities can be connected to the following environmental fields:
! Environmental education and awareness raising to develop sensitive and active local people
! Integration of biological and landscape diversity objectives into water management
! Integration of biodiversity objectives into agriculture
! Monitoring of environmental quality
! Restoration, maintenance and conservation of key ecosystems (mainly wetlands) and species
! Promotion of sustainable rural development (eco-farming and -tourism)
Out of the 55 funded projects, the REC lists:
! 24 projects on awareness raising and education (mostly in BG and SLO)
! 17 projects on nature protection in the Danube watershed (mostly in HR)
! 8 projects on water quality research (mostly in B-H)
! 3 projects on water quality monitoring
! 3 projects on policy making (in SLO and YU).
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
7
Number of awarded projects by sector and country:
Sector
Slovenia
Croatia
Bosnia-
Yugoslavia
Bulgaria
Romania
Herz.
Awareness Raising
7
3
2
3
4
5
Nature protection
2
4
4
1
2
4
Research
5
2
1
Policy Making
1
1
1
Monitoring
2
1
Total
10
7
11
9
9
9
The projects started in summer/fall 1998 and ended by fall 1999.
2.2 Results from Slovenia
This was the first country visited by the public participation consultant. Ten projects proposed by Slovenia
received from the REC grants from UNDP/GEF funds, with seven focusing on public awareness, two on
nature protection and one on policy making.
The NGO community in Slovenia is well developed but suffers from major financial constraints (key donor
organisations have suspended their support), which has forced the vast majority of NGOs to be rather
passive. In addition, transboundary issues and co-operation are not yet a major concern. Therefore,
institutional development of the NGO community on transboundary environment issues is critically needed.
During the trip, four projects were reviewed off site and another two were visited on site.
Project D08029 Revitalisation of the Krupa River Area: This is located in a karst mountain area
in south-eastern Slovenia where a big river source had for decades been polluted by PCBs stemming
from a condensator plant. This news was shocking for the local people relying on good water quality.
However, no direct health impact could apparently be verified. After the site had been cleaned some
years ago, the SGP project ($ 2,000 for the NGO "Tourist Society Semic") aimed at improving local
public awareness about the uniqueness of the nature area and the sensitive karst water system (multi-
lingual info brochure with 3,000 copies; 18 tables built to illustrate a new learning pathway along the
river), but also included the cleaning of the Krupa river banks. This helped to change the image of
the area from a contaminated site to an attraction for tourists and a nice area to live in. The project
helped to establish a new NGO "Ecological Society Semic" and to further improve cooperation of
local people on water protection (e.g. accelerated construction of a sewage collector system).
Project D08035 What kind of tourism do we want on Kolpa river: Kolpa river forms the border
between Slovenia and Croatia and is largely still intact (national park project on Slovenian side), but
subject to illegal sewage disposal and intensive recreational activities. The NGO "Fishing Society
Crnomelj" used the $ 2,500 from SGP to increase the local awareness: From June to September
1998, seven littered areas along rivers banks were cleaned and a public awareness campaign was
started to prevent further degradation (via national TV, local radio and newspaper). 200 posters and
2,000 info brochures were spread. A list of illegal sewage spots was given to the environment
inspectorate, which resulted both in stopping a few of them and in contacts with the local industry.
Yet, no complete improvement can be reported.
Four other projects reviewed during individual meetings at the REC office: The "Water
Detective" project is a most remarkable initiative which invites primary school kids (6-14 years) to
make simple research and art on water and to report about it in papers, drawings and poems
(published in local media). About 10,000 pupils from 140 schools (= 1/3 of Slovenia!!) have already
participated. SGP helped with $ 3,000 to publish a booklet for teachers (100 pages, colour print,
2,000 copies), which was delivered to all primary schools in Slovenia.
The "Building Wetlands for Waste Water Treatment" project promotes constructed wetlands in rural
areas. For $ 1,000 SGP support, two workshops informed over 100 people about this technology and
8
construction projects were initiated in four villages. However, only one village is currently ready to
build a constructed wetland because there is yet no governmental incentive for this kind of waste
water treatment.
The "Four Seasons" project was supported with $ 3,000 to organise training workshops for 100
teachers and agricultural students on water management, which were held at a perma-culture farm.
Topics included river revitalisation, water on a perma-culture farm, water quality monitoring etc.
The project "Internal Inspection and Certification of Organic Farms" financed with $ 5,000 the
introduction of an independent organic farms certification (IFOAM control system) in Slovenia. In
1998, 12 inspectors were trained and 25 farms applied, out of which 13 received the status of organic
farms and 8 became farms in conversion. Today, the control system is fully operating. By the
summer of 2000, 600 farms had already been certified and the first markets opened in Ljubljana and
Maribor with products from those farms certified in 1998. In this case, the benefit for nutrient
reduction is most evident and sustainable.
2.3 Results from Romania
Romania was the second country visited. It has much more wide-spread and prominent environment
pollution problems. Nine SGP projects were financed, five of them dealing with public awareness and four
with nature protection. Due to the big travel distances, only two projects could be visited:
Project D05039 "Children and the Danube": The "Al. Borza Naturalist Foundation" in Braila in
eastern Romania works for the protection and revitalisation of the Lower Danube floodplains (little
Braila island). For the SGP support of $ 4,000, this group organised various ecological camps
(including training of students to do environment education with children), a seminar "Hope for
Danube" (where 300 kids hold a trial for the Danube) and water quality monitoring of the Danube
and Braila city. Further, funds were used to produce small info bulletins (1,000 copies distributed to
kids) and a book entitled "Only one Danube" (220 pages; 1,000 copies distributed to schools). As
project effects, seven "Eco Clubs" were founded involving up to 500 children and teachers from
various schools, and the NGO became the city's resource center for environmental education.
Project D05022 "Involvement of Civil Society in Developing a Wetland Protection Plan for
north-west Dobrogea": With $ 3,060 received, the ECOS Youth Organisation from Tulcea
(entrance of the Danube delta) could launch new co-operation between the local authorities and
people, aimed at reducing local pollution and at better protecting several large Danube wetlands
upstream of the delta (part of the Green Danube Ecological Corridor). Altogether 40 actions were
organised, including education programmes with young students from local villages, the printing and
distribution of a wetland booklet (1,000 copies - 800 distributed), various local meetings, field trips,
press releases etc. The SGP support also helped to raise other matching funds.
2.4 Results from Moldova
The short evaluation report indicates that the SGP started in September 1998 and that 28 project proposals
were submitted to UNDP Moldova, where a Local Advisory Board of knowledgeable experts made
recommendations to the UNDP Resident Representative. Five projects were eventually accepted (awards
were 4 x $ 4,600 and one $ 4,050) which started in December 1998 and ended in July 1999.
The five projects were focusing on awareness raising among the local people (e.g. via map, video film, photo
exhibition, brochures, pupil competition; educational CD-ROM for schools on the local fauna,
TV/Radio/newspaper reporting; opinion polls, round-table discussions, an Environmental Guide promoting
eco-tourism) but also on some concrete work (cleaning of the Prut river springs, tree planting, water quality
monitoring). Local environment and health authorities as well as the Ministry for Environment were closely
involved but the projects also helped to establish new links to business and research institutions. The existing
NGOs were strengthened, and even new NGOs were established. In spring 1999, each granted NGO planted
400 trees in its project area, and in a NGO meeting on 8 November 1999, the NGO community was informed
about the achievements, problems and experiences of this SGP.
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
9
2.5 Evaluation
The brief survey and intensive visits helped to identify the various strengths and weaknesses of the SGP
programme. It is possible although not very correct - to extrapolate the experiences of these example SGP
projects to the entire list of projects supported by the UNDP/GEF SGP:
Strengths
· It seems that UNDP/GEF funds were used most efficiently: The amount of activities and outputs is
very impressive for the very small amount of money received. This can be explained by the
voluntary work that most NGO do and by their efforts to make the most out of the available support.
· Environmental education programmes, especially the training of teachers, have multiplying and
lasting effects.
· Co-operation with the local media also increased public information/awareness and supported the
credibility/strength/standing of the NGO in the eyes of the local public.
· All projects have some kind of environmental awareness objective, which secures a dissemination of
environmental information and more sustainable impacts (e.g. change of behaviour).
· A number of projects were in fact co-funded, which made a bigger and/or more complex project
feasible.
Weaknesses
· Too little funds per project were directed to concrete "pollution reduction" activities.
· Criteria to produce concrete pollution reduction were not strongly advocated in the call phase.
· There are limits on NGOs' capacity and competence in implementing concrete action (e.g. activities
which require legal permits, large funds, long negotiation processes, complex technical problems).
· The available time for this SPG was sometimes too short to achieve more comprehensive results.
· The PR for the actual donor (UNDP/GEF) was very weak.
· It was diplomatically unfortunate that three Danube basin countries were not eligible for this SGP.
Conclusion
· This SGP can be considered very successful; the available funds were in most cases spent in a very
efficient way, with sustainable benefits.
· In terms of direct nutrient reduction, only a few projects could be listed (e.g. conversion of farms,
cleaning of river banks) but all projects have indirect effects built in in terms of awareness raising,
education and initiation of nutrient reduction projects. Regrettably, none of the projects produced a
quantitative figure of such success.
· There is a need and opportunity in various projects to build up on the work done before in order to
materialise and extend the beneficial outputs.
· Investing in NGO activities is in most cases very cost-efficient, since NGOs work close to the
problem and to the target audience, their office costs and fees are very small; they have all possibility
for flexible contacts. The failure rate is small and so are the potential financial losses.
· NGOs need to be better informed in advance about the background and objectives of the SGP.
· Selection criteria should be further developed (specified) and communicated when issuing the call
for submission and should then become part of the contract and reporting.
· While many projects were already designed and executed with good PR work, future projects need
to have special media components to better spread information about the environmental action.
· All Danube Basin countries are in need of such NGO projects; a future SGP should involve both the
countries in transition as well as Germany and Austria where a complementing SGP should be
established via domestic or "western" sources (GEF is not eligible).
10
3
EVALUATION OF NGO STRUCTURES UNDER THE
DANUBE ENVIRONMENT FORUM (DEF)
3.1 Background
The involvement of NGOs in environmental policies in the Danube Basin dates back to the governmental
conference in Sofia in September 1991 when Danube governments, donor organisations and NGOs met to
discuss and launch the "Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin". While NGOs were later
excluded from the preparatory process of the Danube Protection Convention, a few of them were invited to
participate in the Danube Task Force (WWF, IUCN, Equipe Cousteau and the Regional Environmental
Center which later stopped being considered as NGO).
The need to establish something like a basin-wide NGO network or platform was soon realised and then
followed up both by the NGO community, the REC and the Danube PCU (UNDP). There were problems
assopciated with the fact that the NGO community was a very young, dynamic and largely inexperienced
group, while the top-down efforts of installing one partner body for the Task Force (rather than having e.g.
one NGO representative per country, resulting in 13 TF members) failed. Also, the TF was considered by
some NGOs as a governmental forum, which they did not want to support in general (e.g. NGO critique of a
lack of governmental policy towards sustainable development or true public participation; also: controversy
over the Gabcikovo hydrodam).
UNDP/GEF then funded several NGO consultation workshops which were organised via the REC in June
1992 in Bratislava (where a support for a so-called NGO Danube Forum was not granted by the NGO
community), via WWF Austria & Global 2000 in September 1993 in Vienna (calling the TF to grant two
seats for eastern NGOs) and via the NGO Danube Forum/Ecologist Youth of Romania on 17-20 February
1994 in Sinaia (RO) where eventually three interim NGO representatives were elected. At the 5th Task Force
meeting in Regensburg (D) in July 1994, CEE NGO representatives together with western NGO
representatives used the first opportunity since Sofia 1991 to raise their critical voice against a narrow-
scoped draft of the Danube Strategic Action Plan that according to them lacked broad ecological goals (this
was appreciated by several delegations and helped to improve the draft SAP).
A major step forward was achieved in October 1994 at the Danube NGO International Meeting (supported
by UNDP and the Danube Task Force) in Mikulov (CZ) when 31 NGO representatives agreed to the
establishment of the "Danube Environment Forum (DEF)". Following this, the elected three DEF speakers
were invited to Task Force meetings but over time failed to secure sustainable, competent participation and
communication (this was partly due to the absence of follow-up baseline support to the DEF by UNDP/GEF
after 1996). In 1995, NGO focal points in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Romania, Moldova and
Ukraine organised meetings to promote NGO collaboration. On 1 December 1995, the DEF board met in
Budapest to prepare the 1st General Assembly, which was held on 15-17 February 1996 in Kosice
(Slovakia) with 75 participants from 51 Danube basin NGOs. After that, however, the activities of the DEF
speakers receded and by 1997, there was no more activity within the DEF.
3.2 Reinforcement of NGO Cooperation in the DRB
Within the Danube PRP, a new effort was undertaken to reinforce and develop the NGO community in the
region. This firstly focused on the national NGO communities and started with the training of NGO
facilitators (10-19 March 1998 in Baden/A), who conducted from April to June 1998 national NGO
consultation workshops (each 2 days long). They were organised by the REC in 11 Danube Basin countries
and involved altogether 212 NGO representatives out of which five to eight NGO representatives per country
were nominated to take part in the PRP National Planning Workshops, and three to four NGO representatives
were nationally nominated and invited to the DEF Regional Consultation Meeting held in Szentendre (H) on
November 12-14, 1998.
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
11
On this occasion, the 39 participants agreed to re-establish the NGO platform named "Danube
Environment Forum". Again, three speakers were elected (for the upper, middle and lower Danube Basin
parts) and an Interim DEF Secretariat became established in Bratislava at the office of the NGO Daphne.
The speakers, together with the Secretariat, prepared the crucial institutional development steps (secretary; e-
mail conference; new logo; project proposals for baseline funding submitted to PCU/UNDP). On March 18-
19, 1999, the first DEF Board meeting was held in Bratislava, which prepared the DEF statute, the DEF
registration, the national DEF structure and fund raising; this meeting was again funded by UNDP/GEF.
In April 1999, the official legal registration of DEF as an international organisation under the Slovak law
was initiated (founding members were Daphne/SK. Union for the Morava River/CZ and Distelverein/A)
which was accomplished in October 1999 (Memorandum of Foundation of DEF).
At the ICPDR-PMTF meeting on 12 June 1999, three project proposals on DEF institutional strengthening,
public awareness raising and wetland restoration were presented (they later became part of the Project Brief
for the Preparation of the GEF Danube Regional Project!). In November 1999, the DEF submitted its formal
application to the ICPDR for being granted "observer" status, which was accepted at the ICPDR meeting on
22-23 November 1999 in Sinaia/RO.
3.3 Situation of the DEF today
In 1999, another fifteen NGOs from ten Danube countries applied for DEF membership and ten were granted
it by the DEF Board at the DEF Strategy Meeting in Bratislava on March 6-7, 2000(meeting funded by the
Austrian Federal Chancellery).
Today, the DEF has 13 members representing 11 Danube Basin countries (i.e. in all except Hungary and
Moldova). Another five NGOs have requested membership (status April 2000). In six countries, DEF also
disposes of approved DEF National Focal Points (Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, FR Yugoslavia,
Romania, Ukraine), for another five (B-H, BG, HR, D, SLO) this is under preparation during 2000. In
Slovakia, Yugoslavia and Romania, there exist already active DEF networks with each more than ten local
NGOs that benefit from the DEF information service provided by the Secretariat in Bratislava.
Except for the mentioned meetings and the invitation of DEF speakers to UNDP/GEF PRP or ICPDR
meetings (e.g. at the Hernstein workshops, PMTF and Steering Group meetings, to the Ad-hoc Expert Group
on River Basin Management), DEF has yet no institutional financial support; and all expenses such as
registration, secretariat and communication are covered by the Secretariat, Speakers and DEF members. Still,
efforts are under way to make possible the first general Assembly in 2000 (planned in Galati/RO).
Apart from WWF, DEF is the only relevant NGO in the Danube Basin that works on regional level on
environment (water). It is recognised within the NGO community but yet not well known especially among
NGOs working in other fields than water and nature. It is a fact that until today only very few NGOs in the
region work on international level and that the importance of e.g. transboundary pollution problems posing a
task for local NGOs became only evident with the Tisza accidental spills in early 2000.
Until this day, the DEF has not been able to establish national links in Hungary and Moldova. Hungary is a
special case because a few NGO leaders with their negative experience of the early 1990s top-down NGO
involvement process still today dominate the opinion about the DEF, the EPDRB and ICPDR. However,
recent communication indicates that the DEF could enlisist Hungarian and Moldovian members by the end
of 2000.
The participation of NGO representatives at the 11 PRP National Planning Workshops in 1998 strengthened
the participatory and communication process with governmental bodies. Representatives from local
communities and science also contributed to an open assessment of environmental problems, policy
objectives and measures to be undertaken. Participating NGOs also expressed their satisfaction with these
workshops and their outcome. The only country where these workshops and NGO involvement were not
successful is Hungary: For many years already, a few prominent Hungarian NGO leaders have not favoured
the Danube regional process.
Further, it should be mentioned that a few NGO representatives (DEF, WWF) attended the two successful
Danube Transboundary Analysis workshops in January and May 1999 in Hernstein (A).
12
3.4 Other NGO Involvement
To assess if and how NGO participation and awareness raising were reinforced by the UNDP/GEF Pollution
Reduction Project, a Questionnaire was distributed to the national consultants asking them to respond to the
following questions :
1. During the DPRP there were several activities related to public participation. In what respect did
each government in the DRB notice an (beneficial ?) impact from this? (was it through NGO
participation in national workshops, through the Small Grants Programme or through the
involvement of the DEF?)
Replies from most countries state that NGO participation in the National Workshops was viewed as a
very positive experience (e.g. as a second, independent opinion, provision of new facts). Moreover,
the SGP proved to be a successful contribution towards to increasing NGOs' level of expertise and
local public awareness/environmental education activities.
2. What possibilities and needs do the governments suggest in order to improve public participation
in the future? In particular, what should new NGO programmes focus on more (e.g. local field
activities, public awareness raising via the media, direct cooperation of specific NGOs with
government authorities on specific projects).
Based on the answers to this question, it seems that funds are the only limiting factor rather than
knowledge or lack of cooperation with NGOs. It was felt as a pity that very rewarding NGO ideas
and initiatives are not better supported. Future NGO SGP should focus on concrete local field
activities and public awareness raising (e.g. introduction of phosphorus-free detergents), also to
demonstrate the importance of local communities in solving global problems. Interest was also
expressed in improving the involvement of NGOs and the public in governmental decision-making
processes.
3.5 Conclusion
· It can be stated that the UNDP/GEF PRP in 1998/99 helped to raise awareness among a large
number of national NGOs regarding the Danube Basin environmental problems and the role and
tasks of the Danube Convention and its ICPDR.
· UNDP/GEF funds were decisive in re-institutionalising the DEF but were insufficient to sustain it.
The DEF (through its elected speakers and Secretariat) was able to then establish itself as a legal
body with elected speakers, board, secretariat, national representation in most Danube countries and
various policy work. However, when viewed against the large NGO community and NGO
competence available in the region, the DEF still seems to be weak in its structure, membership,
communication and policy work (not forgetting that it has officially existed for less than a year
only!).
· The future development of DEF still depends on outside funding (e.g. UNDP/GEF) which should
focus on the following priorities:
! Institutional development of DEF (more members, more internal and external communication,
better information service by the secretariat, better communication and co-ordination of
speakers, board & national focal points, more concrete outputs);
! Strengthening the local NGO community interest in the Danube Basin policy issues, aiming at
bilateral co-operation with the DEF international structure via national DEF Focal Points and
their projects (awareness raising, education, wetlands, hot spots etc.) including annual national
NGO meetings;
! Promotion of the development and submission of NGO projects to the UNDP/GEF Small Grants
Programme, i.e. the DEF should invite both its National Focal Points and the national NGO
community to prepare respective proposals for nutrient reduction (e.g. via wetland restoration);
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
13
! Strengthening the DEF policy work through regular DEF board meetings and General
Assemblies, the enlisting of DEF experts for Danube issues as well as active DEF participation
at ICPDR meetings, workshops and training;
! Public awareness raising within in the general public (local people) about the needs for local and
transboundary water management, pollution prevention and mitigation, wetland conservation
and restoration;
! Competent DEF engagement in important regional issues, e.g. Tisza spills (BMTF), Lower
Danube Green Corridor, GEF Strategic Partnership etc.
14
4
EVALUATION OF PUBLIC AWARENESS RAISING
4.1 Background
The distribution of information and the raising of public awareness has not yet been a prominent activity of
the Danube programmes since 1991. There have been a few press releases for the media (e.g. on the occasion
of the signing of the Danube SAP in December 1994) but no real PR campaign. The most relevant activities
were
· the release of the quarterly bulletin "Danube Watch" since December 1994
· the establishment of web-pages by the Danube PCU (www.rec.org/DanubePCU) and by the ICPDR
(www.icpdr.org/DANUBIS)
· the request expressed to NGOs to engage in public awareness raising which has lately been
indirectly successful through the NGO Small Grants Programme (1998-1999)
4.2 Evaluation of previous Public Awareness Raising Activities
4.2.1 Danube Watch
"Danube Watch - The Magazine of the Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin" was
launched in December 1994 by the Danube PCU. It is an independent quarterly magazine of 16 A4 pages
bringing stories of mostly 1-3 pages on a whole range of environmental issues within the region with a focus
on activities under the EPDRB and the ICPDR as well as on local issues related to environmental policy,
protection, pollution and restoration (mostly written by journalists). Information is also brought to the reader
in the form of interviews, statements by national government officials, local special authorities and NGOs. In
other words, a big portion of the DW is written by involved officials and experts.
In 1995, a special brochure called "Action for a Blue Danube" presented the Environmental Programme for
the DRB and its first results (24 pages).
After being published first in black and blue until June 1997, a re-launched DW in March 1998 appeared in a
full colour version with shorter stories (still 16 pages).
In 1999, a new tender resulted in a change of publisher and a change of the design but a continuation of the
content concept (June 1999).
With the 2/2000 issue (expected in September), the funding of Danube Watch by EU-Phare Programme and
the UNDP/GEF will cease. How the magazine will be sustained beyond that point remains to be decided.
The support for single issues by national donors, as in the case of no. 1/1999, funded by the Austrian Federal
Chancellery, could be a bridging solution but cannot secure a regular publication of the magazine.
Danube Watch can be ordered free of charge from the Danube PCU and the ICPDR Secretariat. It is
presently (July 2000) mailed to 6,400 addresses reaching an estimate of 10,000 readers:
! 7% government authorities and administration,
! 27% international organisations and IFIs,
! 25% R & D, professional training and universities
! 11% private individuals and NGOs,
! 17% civil engineers, scientists etc.).
It is obvious that Danube Watch reaches quite efficiently the specific target audience of the DRPC and
ICPDR as well as a broader range of persons and institutions.
Since 1999, DW has also been published on the homepage of the Danube PCU (www.rec.org/DanubePCU)
which will be incorporated into the ICPDR homepage (http://www.icpdr.org/Danubis) in fall 2000.
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
15
Danube Watch is the only available environmental magazine in and for this European region. This indicates
its importance as a - largely independent - information source especially for regional issues and for the
ICPDR (especially since 1998).
Danube Watch has a very positive image in the region as an interesting, attractive and instructive source of
information. Readers to whom it is mailed respond unusually positive to the publisher.
Self-financing of Danube Watch
Several efforts have been undertaken over the past years and in particular since 1999 to sell advertising space
to make the magazine financially independent and sustainable. For independent financing, ten full-page
advertisements would need to be sold. However, potential advertisers have expressed very little interest,
much below the minimum funds required for self-financing..
Reasons:
· The overall number of copies distributed and read is too small for companies doing advertisement.
Potential donors such as banks, airlines, insurance and business companies have shown no interest.
· DW is still a special magazine through which the general public cannot be reached. Even though it is
non-scientific, its content is relevant only for a restricted audience and not attractive for most local
people (even if national editions would be produced);
· The region and sectors addressed cannot be well reached by business groups through such
advertisements; experience gained over the past years has shown that direct lobbying and personal
communication is more effective for these companies than public advertisements.
As a second alternative for the raising of funds, those interested in the magazine were contacted and asked if
they could secure the publication of the magazine. An informal survey condicted by the publisher and
Danube PCU/ICPDR has indicated that
· single readers would not be ready to pay as much (e.g. via paid order) as needed to simply cover the
administration of these payments
· the governments in the region do not have respective budgets to share the cost of a regular
publication (more than one issue is not feasible).
Therefore, for the coming years, the benefit of having and spreading Danube Watch in the region cannot be
secured from sources within the region.
Recommendations to improve Danube Watch
The fact of another re-launch of Danube Watch in 2001 should be used to undertake further activities
towards0 improving the magazine, namely
! Development of a general magazine concept including the magazine structure (e.g. pre-fixed cover
stories, special pages for the ICPDR Secretariat, governments, NGOs, a news page, ICPDR
President's comment, updated calendar of events, contact addresses etc.).
! The parallel publication on the ICPDR homepage should be continued as a complementing
publication form to expand its outreach. However, the electronic version cannot replace the print
version because the latter is received by a broader and more interested readership (the internet will
for many years to come remain a very uncommon tool in downstream countries).
! A DW "Readers Online Forum" should be established via an inter-active chat-page: given that the
issues appear at rather long time intervals, the internet should be used to establish more short-term
communication among the readers.
! The sub-title of the magazine should be changed/updated from "Magazine of the EPDRB" to e.g.
"Magazine of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River".
! The distribution of the magazine should be improved: mailing lists should be reviewed and
updated and new readers should be included (e.g. from Romania, Moldova, Ukraine), the overall
distribution concept should be re-assessed (e.g. via the central government, the DEF Focal Point, or
one contracted student).
16
! While it seems reasonable to have the editorial team located in Austria near the ICPDR, it should be
financially advantageous to re-locate the printing from Vienna to a less expensive transition
country, e.g. to printing companies in Bratislava, Brno or Györ.
! Special DW editions could be produced to address certain reader groups or refer to certain
events/occasions, e.g. national editions with many or all texts translated; an issue targeting children
or high school or college students to complement a public awareness campaign; an issue presenting
very obvious results of projects funded from the Small Grants Programme, etc.
4.2.2 Homepage
There are currently two internet addresses under which Danube region information can be found:
· The homepage of the Danube PCU (www.rec.org/DanubePCU)
This is a comprehensive source of information covering all subjects and activities undertaken within the
EPDRB over the last years. It brings broad or in-depth information about
" The Danube Protection Convention including the ICPDR
" The organisation, structure and institutions under the EPDRB
" The Geography and Nature of the DRB
" Publications and Projects under the EPDRB (list and summary of implemented projects)
" News and events
" Useful links
As the EU-Phare programme is ending its support, the Danube PCU office will be closed in October
2000 and this homepage will consequently be closed by the end of 2000 and incorporated into the
ICPDR homepage.
· ICPDR homepage: http://www.icpdr.org/DANUBIS
This is presently mainly serving as an intranet system for ICPDR members, containing many
"confidential" data (e.g. various national data, reports, meeting minutes etc.). The information provided
to external users is presently almost non-existing, even though there are important chapters listed:
" Legislation
" News and events
" Administration
" Agriculture
" Disasters, accidents, risks: provides a lot of information from the Elbe and Rhine rivers!
" Information
" Pollution
" Water
The sensitivity of no-public-accessibility presumably stems from "pre-Aarhus Convention" times when
many governments and authorities were (still are!) not used to or reluctant to open their files to inform
the general public. With the Aarhus Convention ("on Access to Information, Public Participation in
Decision-Making, and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters") and the EU Guidelines for Public
Information in force, a substantial change of the ICPDR's access-to-information policy is overdue. The
IC has on its agenda the revision of the homepage with a larger part of information to be publicly
available ("Access Rights Concept" from July 2000) and is expected to improve the situation in the
coming months. From October 2000 on, the ICPDR will incorporate the homepage of the Danube PCU
(www.rec.org/DanubePCU) and integrate it into the Danubis homepage.
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
17
4.2.3 Other Public Awareness Activities
Apart from the already mentioned activities, two project components from the Pollution Reduction
programme contributed essentially to awareness raising :
· The organization of National Planning Workshops using target-oriented methodology and a
participatory approach,
· The implementation of community-based projects with the financial support of the GEF Small
Grants Programme.
National Planning Workshops conducted in 1998 in the frame of the Pollution Reduction Programme in
each of the central and downstream Danube countries, contributed in an essential manner to public
awareness raising. In each national workshop, 30 to 40 experts from ministries, local governments, scientific
institutions and national NGOs participated, carrying the message of pollution reduction and environmental
protection to their respective departments, institutions and to the general public. At the decision making
level, ministers, vice-ministers and directors were involved in the organization of National Workshops.
Statements, interviews and speeches were brought by the mass media to a large audience.
The preparation, publication and implementation of community-based projects under the GEF Small
Grants Programme has contributed equally to public awareness raising. Calls for submission of project
proposals were publicly launched to all NGOs in the participating countries. The implementation of projects
was reported by the local press, informing a large public about the initiatives taken by local NGOs to assure
environmental protection and pollution control. Some projects were conceived for raising public awareness
on specific environmental problems.
Conclusion
National Workshops and the implementation of the Small Grants Programme were essential elements to
reinforcing public awareness at the grass-root level as well as the decision making level.
Training programmes, workshops and the implementation process for the future Small Grants Programme
should contain special components for "applied public awareness raising" through frequent and regular
information of the public on "success stories" related to environmental protection, pollution control and
especially on nutrient reduction projects.
18
5
CONCEPT PAPER FOR NGO ACTIVITIES, SMALL
GRANTS PROGRAMME AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
The overall idea is to increase public involvement in basin-wide nutrient reduction measures, including
practical (replicable!) and community-based projects, education and training, monitoring and control or
policy programmes. Awareness raising can effectively contribute to expanding the local perception of
transboundary and regional issues and even boost the global understanding of environmental problems and
solutions.
5.1 Concept for Small Grants Programme
Based on the discussions with the REC headquarter, the REC local offices in Slovenia and Romania as well
as with the DEF speakers, WWF and local NGOs, it seems that benefits from SGP can be increased if the
programme incorporates the following ideas:
· More substantial SGP projects by increasing the maximum grants and time to each 15-20,000 $: This
will improve the relevance/capacity of each project and importance of possible outputs/ benefits/ impact
e.g. for nutrient pollution aspects.
· Two project phases within the new SGP, with each lasting about 18 months, with experience from the
first SGP phase used for the second phase: A small-grants project should not run beyond a maximum of
two years. However, thanks to the long period of the new UNDP/GEF programme, two SGP phases can
be implemented.
· The project calls should rather be issued on regional level, giving preference to the best ideas having the
potential of producing basin-wide model results: As the issues tackled are not of essentially local or
national character, there is no need to restrict the SGP to an even allocation of funds to all countries. The
tender and the proposals should also reflect the character of the programme - both are regional.
· Each project proposal should be submitted in English and should indicate an English-speaking contact
person: This will help to overcome the language constraints that many NGOs have while in fact English
is not essential for the actual progress of most projects but only for its international communication.
· Preference should be given to SGP projects dealing with important model hot spots of nutrient pollution
and transboundary aspects: While this should not be an exclusive condition (there may be excellent
project proposals e.g. on diffuse nutrient pollution), the SGP should focus on the most prominent
regional pollution problems. Many NGOs are already working on hot spot problems, others are open and
interested in re-orienting their activities in this direction. In each project, the transboundary character of
the pollution problem should be addressed, either by involving partners from neighbouring countries or
by raising the awareness on the transboundary aspect from a national perspective.
· The projects selected and awarded should have demonstration and model character for the DRB. As the
Danube PRP has shown (especially in its Transboundary Analysis), there are many similarities among
local pollution problems and the constraints and barriers to overcome. The SGP offers an opportunity to
implement small-scale, low-tech measures having significant pollution reduction effects, such as the
introduction and expansion of organic farming, manure handling methods, constructed wetlands for rural
sewage treatment, wetland restoration, more efficient pollution control and monitoring etc. For the end of
the SGP, it is therefore important to summarise and widely spread the results gained and to share the
practical experience with other parts of the DRB faced with similar problems (see below). This SGP may
even become a policy guideline for governments looking for inexpensive ways to reduce their local and
transboundary pollution problems.
· Identification of SGP project indicators able to measure the benefits/success in terms of nutrient
reduction: It is important to give preference to those project proposals having developed and built-n
indicators not only for direct pollution reduction measures (e.g. treatment of sewage; improvement or
change of production processes) but also indirect indicators through education, training and awareness-
raising projects (e.g. monitor the educated/trained persons' daily behaviour prior and after; count the
media reports and the reached audience over time; count new contacts to the polluting industry).
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
19
· Multi-stakeholder co-operation projects (one NGO together with e.g. industry, community, government
agency): While the previous SGP already had many such projects, the role of cross-sectoral
communication and co-operation should be further strengthened in this part of Europe. In this respect,
NGOs are still considered as low-importance stakeholders, whose innovative spirit/motivation and pro-
active role is not sufficiently recognised. On the other hand, such "promoted" co-operation can also
improve the competence of NGOs on the technical level.
· Thorough pre-information of the SGP through national NGO meetings: This will deal both with the new
SGP and its conditions and with more general, basic information about the relevance of the DRPC, the
ICPDR, the DEF, the causes and effects of water pollution and the national and international efforts to
mitigate them. The series of these meetings in all Danube countries would secure a higher general
awareness about why this Danube SGP exists and what the NGO community can do and is invited to do.
The meeting should end with a "project idea stock exchange" to foster new NGO contacts and better
NGO project proposals.
· Project administration should secure:
-
Information about the SGP (pre-information meeting, call with submission procedures)
-
Contacting to the national NGO communities
-
Selection and awarding procedure (this should include one representative from ICPDR and WWF as
independent bodies; DEF member organisation may want to also submit projects and should
therefore not be involved at this level)
-
Contracting and reporting
-
Advise to NGOs on administrative aspects
-
SGP administration and reporting to ICPDR
· Project quality assurance service should be provided by a SGP co-ordinator who communicates with the
NGO contact person and visits each selected project during the implementation phase. This is to support
NGOs in solving various problems (technical, administrative, co-operation) and to secure a good
orientation and progress of each SGP project with respect to the regional objectives. As the SGP
experience has shown, such a service is needed and could happen both during the submission phase, at
half way through the implementation and possibly also in the final reporting stage. This person would
link between the ICPDR, the SGP implementing agency and the NGO community on non-administrative
aspects.
· Final international presentation event where e.g. the five best projects would be presented to the public,
the media and governments: It is assumed that many national and local governments would benefit from
the results and experiences made in some of the practical projects. Due to the constraints of most
government budgets in the Danube Basin, such small-scale but efficient pollution reduction and
stakeholder co-operation projects would serve as models for other parts of the country and the Danube
Basin. The time and location of the event could be linked to a regular ICPDR meeting.
· A complementing SGP should be initiated in Germany and Austria to also raise the local awareness
about transboundary pollution problems in the upper part of the Danube Basin, which still substantially
contributes to the nutrient loads of the Danube. The fact that GEF cannot support projects in these EU
countries should not prevent similar nutrient reduction projects from being implemented there. The
possible financial sources, size and character of the SGP and the number of projects supported should be
assessed in winter 2000/2001 by the two country delegations. The ICPDR Secretariat, WWF and DEF
may be involved in the SGP preparation and project selection.
20
5.2 Concept for DEF Activities
The institutional strengthening and capacity building of the NGO community in the Danube River Basin
should focus on the structure of the Danube Environmental Forum.
Justification:
1. The DEF is one of the very few NGO networks in this region of Europe and it is the only one directly
linked to the Danube Convention/ICPDR. Article II (DEF Objectives) of its "Memorandum of Foundation"
provides the following definition of its objectives:
a) "to promote international support to the future sustainable development of the Danube River region
on issues such as biodiversity, land use, environmental education, etc.;
b) as the NGOs representative body to ensure future NGOs participation in the International
Commission for the Protection of the Danube River structures and other Danube institutions;
c) to promote sustainable financial mechanisms ensuring permanent NGOs representation in the Danube
Rive-related governmental programs."
2. NGOs, and in particular the DEF with its combined regional and local member structure, secure through
their involvement in the ICPDR activities a high level of public information and public participation between
the DRPC/ICPDR and the general public. Public awareness raising on specific environmental issues is one of
the key objectives of all environmental NGOs, and consequently of the DEF. Therefore, the strengthening of
the DEF will increase the capacities of the ICPDR in awareness raising and public information.
The support of the UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project should therefore focus on capacity building to
secure better NGO co-operation, communication and representation:
! Institutional development of DEF: It should support the main institutions and actors of the DEF to
secure baseline funding and improve their efficiency and outputs, and specifically:
-
DEF Secretariat: improved service capacity for DEF members, other NGOs, ICPDR and the
general public (information center for all persons and institutions interested in gaining
information about the DEF work and access to NGO resources)
-
DEF Speakers: improved capacities to co-operate internally and with ICPDR
-
DEF National Focal Points: improved capacities to communicate with other local NGOs
-
DEF meeting bodies: regular meetings of DEF board and General Assembly.
! Public awareness raising (education, information and monitoring) is needed within the NGO
community in the Danube basin and within the general public (local people) about the needs for
local and transboundary water management, pollution abatement, wetland conservation and
restoration. This should become a key activity especially of the DEF National Focal Points, as they
can - from an independent side - complement governmental activities to tackle pollution and water
protection problems. Unlike the Small Grants Programme, which will necessarily focus on local
point issues (hot spots) and will, therefore, not address nation-wide issues, the DEF with its National
Focal Points should run more general, nation-wide public awareness raising campaigns.
One simple activity of the DEF should be a regular publication of information via the "Danube
Watch" magazine (via a special DEF page). The same applies to a DEF homepage which is already
under preparation.
! Policy work: stronger involvement in the ICPDR and its working groups; more competent
engagement in important regional issues (water-related environment sector); capacity building in
local NGO communities; provision of experts, expert statements, studies and data (e.g. monitoring).
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
21
5.3 Concept for Public Awareness
The new UNDP/GEF Programme offers for the first time the possibility to link and complement various
awareness raising activities under a joint umbrella. It is therefore proposed that public awareness raising
activities should be conducted on various levels which can be partly interconnected. A special role is
assigned to the NGO community, whose public awareness activities should be strengthened and more
oriented to the nutrient pollution problem:
· Via the Danube Watch magazine: The "DW" magazine could increase its attractiveness since it is a
unique and important source of information for the region. For the future, further development steps
should include:
! Development and implementation of a new Danube Watch concept (magazine contents,
production/printing/distribution) that would be prepared by the new publisher (new contract) in
co-operation with the ICPDR Secretariat; the objective is a closer link to the GEF nutrient
reduction programme and in particular to other awareness-raising activities (e.g. Small Grants
Program, folder, homepage, DEF awareness campaign)
! Production of new, partly Specialised Issues of Danube Watch
! Introduction of a specialized "DEF/NGO Forum" in Danube Watch
! Installation of a DW "Readers Online Forum" on the ICPDR homepage (possibly as a link to
the publishers homepage where the DW web-page will be established)
· Via the ICPDR homepage : Open access to information and decisions helps to create accountability and
to support sound environmental policies. The recent improvement of the Danube PCU homepage and the
upcoming inclusion into the ICPDR homepage will increase the number of its "visits" and potential
users. Therefore, the homepage has a good potential to meet information and awareness-raising needs.
The installation of a homepage makes sense only if it provides substantial information. So far, the
ICPDR homepage is not accessible to the broad public and restricts simple and useful information from
the Danube region contained in various new studies and data. This refers, for instance, to the
UNDP/GEF PRP whose outputs are in fact attractive documents which will satisfy many needs of public
interest and which have no reason to be kept internal (regardless of the fact that there is also a more
complicated possibility to get a copy from the ICPDR Secretariat). As long as such information is not
shown to the public, its support for such international donor programmes will remain very low (see e.g.
the ongoing critique of Hungarian NGOs).
For the future, i.e. with the start of the new UNDP/GEF programme at the latest, this has to be radically
changed. It is hoped that the incorporation of the Danube PCU homepage will result in the immediate
availability of most of the information not yet available on that homepage. Second, all new ICPDR
documents which have already been approved for publication by the ICPDR body should then be
published:
! General information about the geography and nature of the Danube Basin
! Information about the Danube Protection Convention, the ICPDR and its bodies
! Information about other legal frameworks including the EU Water Framework Directive
! Results from the projects conducted under the EPDRB including the Phare-SIP and the
UNDP/GEF PRP (there is a tremendous amount of important and useful information from this
programme in particular)
! Regularly updated calendar of events
! Regularly updated information about important issues such as the Tisza pollution spills, the
Steering Group and Expert Working Group meetings (contact, mandate, tasks, annual reports,
meeting minutes), the new UNDP/GEF Small Grants Program
! "Danube Watch" including its newly suggested "Readers Online Forum"
! Links to ICPDR members and observers (e.g. WWF, DEF)
22
· Via a new ICPDR information folder: This could be a concise coloured leaflet (e.g. A 1 or A2 folded to
A4 size; 40% photos and maps) which would briefly inform about the mandate, tasks and activities of
the ICPDR and its various bodies, on the Danube Protection Convention and the overall environmental
situation in the Danube River Basin.
This would be produced for the following target groups:
! For guests and correspondence between the ICPDR and national government focal points;
! At conferences, meetings, workshops where the ICPDR gives presentations;
! At public events organized or co-organized by the ICPDR.
The production of national versions may be appropriate but should rather become a (self-funded) task
of the national government. Also, it could become part of the national public awareness raising
campaigns run by DEF, in which case a degree of customazation would be needed (some local issues to
be included).
· Via the Small Grants Programme: This would include
! a series of information workshops at the beginning of the SGP in each of the 11 eligible
countries which would use half a day on raising the awareness of the national NGO community
about the environmental pollution problems, Danube Convention, the ICPDR, DEF, the
UNDP/GEF programme. It is assumed that over 300 NGOs would be addressed and directly
informed through expert speeches, papers and other illustrative material that they would be able
to use for their various activities.
! through the implementation of the SGP's local projects aimed at nutrient reduction activities. It is
expected that these very concrete local activities would be communicated to the media and the
local public, and at the end of the SGP to the international media to be invited to the SGP final
event.
· Via an NGO campaign conducted by the Danube Environment Forum National Focal Points: As the
DEF is the only region-wide network (apart from the ICPDR) which is committed to raising public
awareness on the Danube environmental problems, it is the appropriate institution to run such a
campaign. However, the DEF is still weak in its professional experience in the actual campaigning
sector, i.e. how to develop and implement an international campaign. It is therefore suggested that a
professional public awareness/communication expert should consult, train and support the DEF national
focal points.
The campaign topics would focus on nutrient pollution and its monitoring/mitigation/reduction/
prevention, with a mix of basin-wide aspects (e.g. transboundary river and pollution management, EU
accession process and its implications) and national issues (e.g. on changing intensive agriculture,
promoting constructed wetlands in rural areas, cleaning an important river stretch). Unlike the SGP, this
campaign would have a more national character addressing the governmental efforts (water protection,
bilateral and multilateral agreements, environmental education programmes etc.), the daily behaviour of
consumers and model activities of the industry.
The campaigns are expected to run for two years, plus a six-month preparatory period and two months
for wrapping up and evaluation. The public awareness/communication expert will cooperate with 3 local
campaigners (e.g. two pollution experts, one PR/education person) working at the DEF national focal
point. There should be a regional campaign meeting prior to the start of the campaign, involving two
representatives from all DEF national focal points, to jointly prepare, harmonise and co-ordinate the
overall campaign.
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
23
6
PROGRAMME COMPONENTS FOR THE GEF DANUBE
REGIONAL PROJECT
6.1 Component Small Grants Programme (SGP)
· Small Grants Programme for implementation in two phases, $ 1,000,000 each:
-
Eligible: all environmental NGOs from 11 Danube Basin countries
(CZ, SK, H, SLO, HR, B-H, YU, BG, RO, MD and UA)
-
Maximum grant per project: $ 20,000
-
Expected results: about 50 projects per call (theoretically appx. 4 per DRB country)
-
Administration by sub-contractor/implementing agency: 10 to 15% of the budget
Sub-Total SGP
$ 2,000,000
Suggested Timing for the SGP:
2001
July: SGP
preparation
September:
Pre-information meetings in 11 countries and call for submission
November:
Phase 1 submission, selection, awarding
December: Contracting
2002
January:
Phase 1 projects start
February:
First quality assurance visits
October: 2nd quality assurance meetings
2003
June:
Finalisation of Phase 1
August:
Evaluation of project results
October:
First regional SGP presentation event
November:
Phase 2 call for submission
2004: January:
Submission,
selection,
awarding
February: Contracting
March:
Phase 2 projects start
April:
First quality assurance visits
December: 2nd quality assurance meetings
2005: September:
Finalisation of Phase 1
October:
Evaluation of project results
November:
Finalisation of SGP
December: 2nd regional presentation event
· Recruitment of International/National Experts for project evaluation
and programme coordination preparation ($ 106,000):
Travel: 4 visits to 4 projects in 11 countries ($ 40,000):
Sub-Total :
$ 146,000
24
· National Pre-Information meeting
Invitation (REC lists!) sent out to all NGOs known to work on water and environment issues, brief
introduction into the meeting and request to think about potential projects .
Day 1:
noon
Arrival of participants
14:00 Introduction to Pollution problems of the DRB
Information about the Danube Protection Convention, ICPDR, GEF program
Response by the government (national activities)
Response by the DEF (national focal point)
Report about previous SGP (including presentation of 2 model projects)
Day 2:
9:00
The new SGP - objectives, structure/timing, criteria Discussion
"SGP Stock-exchange": possibility to discuss project ideas and aspects
both with other NGOs and with representatives from the ICPDR and
SGP implementing agency
13:00 end and departure
Sub-Total (50 NGO representatives, 1 night, 2 meals and meeting facility):
$ 55,000
· "End of SGP" evaluation meeting
Invitation to all NGOs who participated in the SRP and to cooperating Government agencies to evaluate
the results of the SGP and to develop follow-up initiatives (programmes and financial support) :
Sub-Total : 50 participants, 1 night, 2 meals and meeting facility:
$ 44,000
TOTAL Cost for 5 years :
$ 2,245,000
6.2 Component DEF Structure Development
DEF institutional support
Secretariat
secretary, office costs, web page
$ 18,000
Speakers (3)
part-time office work (10 h/week), travel
$ 27,000
Board
room; accommodation, meals & travel for 12 persons
$ 10,000
General Assembly
accommodation, meals and travel for 40 persons
$ 15,000
National Focal Points 11 countries (not in D, A): fees and office; organi-
zation of annual national NGO meetings
$ 40,000
Per year
$ 100,000
TOTAL Cost for 5 years :
$ 500,000
6.3 Component Public Awareness
6.3.1 Danube Watch magazine
Cost of one edition, including preparation, editorial work, printing and mailing :
$ 15,000
Sub-Total for 5 years :
$ 300,000
Reinforcement of NGO Activities in Project Implementation and Awareness Raising
25
6.3.2 ICPDR homepage with DEF/NGO page
To be developed and maintained by ICPDR
6.3.3 New ICPDR information Folder
Production of information folder (organisation, editorial work, folder design,
selection of photos, adoption of maps, preparation for print etc.) :
$ 15,000
Printing of 3x10,000 copies (2001, 2003, 2005) :
$ 20,000
Sub-Total for 5 years: $ 35,000
6.3.4 DEF public awareness campaign
National and intern. public awareness/communication experts :
$ 146.000
Travel:
$ 40,000
1 regional co-ordination meeting: 2 DEF persons/country, 2 days
$ 14,000
11 national campaigns:
$ 280,000
Development and production of awareness raising materials
$ 420,000
Sub-Total cost for 5 years:
$ 900,000
TOTAL Cost for 5 years :
$ 1,235,000
6.4 Overview of Programme Components
6.1. Component Small Grants Programme:
$ 2,245,000
6.2. Component DEF Structure Development:
$ 500,000
6.3. Component Public Awareness:
$ 1,235,000
STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NUTRIENT
REDUCTION MEASURES AND TRANSBOUNDARY
COOPERATION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
DEVELOPMENT OF PROCESS, STRESS REDUCTION
AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS INDICATORS TO
MONITOR NUTRIENT REDUCTION AND ITS EFFECTS
IN THE DANUBE RIVER AND THE BLACK SEA
REPORT IN SUPPORT OF THE PROJECT BRIEF
AUGUST 2000
International Commission for
the Protection of the Danube River
UNDP/GEF Assistance
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................4
2
PROCESS INDICATORS........................................................................................................5
2.1
Implementation of international conventions ........................................................................5
2.2
Implementation of bilateral or multilateral agreements.......................................................5
2.3
Development and implementation of new policies and legislation and mechanism
for compliance ...........................................................................................................................6
2.4
Use of compliance schedule as a policy tool in the new water legislation ............................6
2.5
Introduction of legal and institutional reforms in transition countries ...............................6
2.6
Improvement of institutional capabilities river basin committees .......................................7
2.7
Establishment of inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient reduction ..............................7
2.8
Improve achievements of the ICPDR/ Expert Groups and Working Groups ....................7
2.9
Adoption and implementation of EU legislation....................................................................7
2.10 Adoption and implementation of National Environmental Action Plan .............................8
2.11 Introduction of new principles and approaches.....................................................................8
3
STRESS REDUCTION INDICATORS................................................................................10
3.1
Rehabilitation, upgrading and new construction of municipal WWTPS..........................10
3.2
Rehabilitation, upgrading and new construction of industrial WWTPS ..........................10
3.3
Rehabilitation, upgrading and new construction of point-source related
agricultural WWTPS..............................................................................................................11
3.4
Restoration or new creation of wetlands ..............................................................................11
3.5
Implementation of surface water related protected areas and adequate buffer
zones between agricultural areas and surface water bodies ...............................................12
3.6
Implementation of agricultural management reforms aiming at appropriate,
respectively reduced utilisation of agro-chemicals and manure.........................................12
3.7
Shut down of polluting production sites, respectively modernisation of outdated
production technologies..........................................................................................................12
3.8
Phase-out of phosphorus containing detergents...................................................................12
3.9
Better enforcement of wastewater discharge permits in compliance with specified
discharge parameters..............................................................................................................12
4
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS INDICATORS...................................................................13
4.1
Indicators measuring ecosystem goods .................................................................................13
4.2
Indicators measuring ecosystem services..............................................................................14
4.3
Standard Operational Procedure for Monitoring of Benthic Macroinvertebrates
in the frame of Transnational Monitoring Network............................................................14
4.4
Preliminary set of indicators for the Danube River Basin..................................................15
4
1
INTRODUCTION
This Summary Report is an integral component for the preparation of the GEF/UNDP funded project entitled
"Strengthening Implementation of Nutrient Reduction Measures and Transboundary Cooperation in the
Danube River Basin". The basic task of this preparatory work is to prepare a qualified material basis for the
elaboration of a complete "Danube Regional Project" to be submitted to the GEF Council.
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the international water indicators, in line with
emerging GEF policies - process, stress reduction and environmental status indicators, which will
be used to track the short and long-term impacts of this project, prior and after the implementation
of nutrient reduction action plan, within the Danube river basin.
The log frame of the project has been specifically designed in a way that lends itself to the
straightforward identification of relevant process, stress reduction, and environmental status
indicators.
The attributes identified as important in assessing the key indicators are:
(i) relevance
(ii)
precisely defined and scientifically credible
(iii)
easy to detect, record and interpret
(iv)
sensitive to stress on the water pollution management, ecological or social systems
or responsive to changes in time and/or space.
The evaluation of effectiveness of the project activities and outputs will depend on whether indicators
have successfully been limited to the key areas of sustainability, how they have been defined, the
amount of information they hold potentially, and only lastly, what survey and data collection
methods are used.
Using indicators give a means of:
(i)
measuring progress and identifying policy needs, as baselines to measure change
from a certain date or state, or as targets to reflect tangible performance objectives
(ii)
assessment of the gap between the current state and a reference state, and of
effectiveness of measures which have been taken
The proposed indicators are divided in primary and actual indicators, given an estimation of
whether they could be applied in the process of implementing of project activities.
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
5
2
PROCESS INDICATORS
In the context of the forthcoming Danube regional project (DRP) process indicators are quantitative
measures against which aspects of policy reforms can be measured. The use of process indicators allows
assessment of the significance of the procedures, activities or measures leading to the development of the
legal and institutional frame for transboundary co-operation within the Danube river basin in implementing
pollution control and nutrient reduction measures.
The main process indicators, which can be used to monitor the effects of legal and institutional reforms that
are going to take place on the national and regional levels as a result of performing the proposed activities,
include:
2.1 Implementation of international conventions
A range of national, bilateral, regional, and international agreements and conventions attempts to protect the
Danube's aquatic ecosystem by establishing obligations for individual or joint effort compliance. The
Danube River Protection Convention is the most significant legal frame for cooperation of the contracting
parties to assure environmental protection of ground and surface waters in the Danube river basin. Out of 13
countries in the Danube river basin, eleven states and the European Commission have singed, and most of
them have ratified the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) which came into force in October 1998.
The effective participation of actors involved in defining national priorities, in implementing regional and
basin wide measures, and in ensuring adequate transboundary co-operation is considered as process
indicators. In addition, this indicator can monitor the underlying processes leading to the DRPC
implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken during the implementation process.
The proposed indicators can monitor the effectiveness of the efforts taken by the Danube countries to
implement and to develop the necessary mechanisms for effective implementation of the Convention. The
indicators can identify:
(i)
what is changing (transboundary co-operation improved, institutional and legal reform in
place, etc)
(ii)
why is it changing (improve environmental quality status, etc)
(iii)
why is it important (increase quality of life, etc)
(iv)
what can be done about it (introduce good agricultural practices, create nutrient reduction
mechanism, etc).
There are many ways of organising this type of indicators: according to the DRPC objectives, (sustainable
water use, biodiversity conservation, benefit sharing, etc), by article of the DRPC (issue) or simply as a
comparison over time (biological indicators are far more effective if they are measured against a baseline).
The baseline can be set up having in mind the time of the DRPC's final ratification, before major interference
by industrial or agricultural sector or as agreed by the countries, through a set of characteristics for the basin.
2.2 Implementation of bilateral or multilateral agreements
This indicator measures capacity of the Danube countries to implement the bilateral or multilateral
agreements and assesses future requirements. Examination of the set of national reports, recommendations
and actions, which will focus on measures taken for the implementation of those agreements, will indicate
response indicators employed by countries in the preparation of these reports and suggest areas where
capacity-building is required or strengthened.
6
2.3 Development and implementation of new policies, legislation and
mechanism for compliance
There is a great body of laws, regulations and protocols on the national level. Environmental and water
pollution control, fishing, shipping, and the protection of critical habitat are well regulated by most of the
Danube countries. However, the complexity of these regulations, insufficient financing, fragmentation of
institutional responsibilities, low national commitments, institutional weakness, conflict among parties,
ambiguities in jurisdiction, and lack of enforcement capacity impede the implementation of their legal
provisions. In addition, regionally, there are only very few structures which have the mandate, political
authority, financial resources, or implementation capacity to enforce or carry out multiparty agreements.
The development of adequate national and regional legislation and the existence of compliance mechanism
will facilitate measuring of project progress.
2.4 Use of compliance schedule as a policy tool in the new water legislation
At least until recently, governments across Danube transition countries had an implicit "take-it-easy"
approach on enterprises, many of which were prohibited from borrowing and subject to other uneconomic
restrictions. This has led to the authorities' inability to impose penalties or set prices for environmental goods
and services at economic levels to achieve acceptable emissions, and to enterprises' indifference to operating
with a valid permits. Instead, two approaches have been taken, investment co-financing and compliance
schedules. There are several advantages linked to the use of compliance schedule which refer to the
increased flexibility for polluters, provide opportunities for least cost solutions to compliance, reduced
regulatory agency burden to implement and defining options for addressing past pollution damages.
As the transition countries are still favourable to the regulatory tradition, the indicators will measure:
(i)
Creation of the institutional capacity to design programs of compliance
(ii)
Introduction of a credible enforcement system
(iii)
Existence of adequate tools for monitoring
(iv)
Use of non-compliance fines
(v)
Inspection resources available to detect violations
2.5 Introduction of legal and institutional reforms in transition countries
How far Danube countries have advanced in the preparation of legal and institutional environmental reforms
closely parallels their economic and political development. However, in most transition countries in the
Danube basin, the legislative and institutional reform process is not complete.
Since 1989, many changes have occurred in environmental legislation as a result of political and economic
reforms and changes in ownership structures. Some countries changed nearly the whole set of environmental
legislation immediately after 1989 as a result of the need to substantially change the approach towards
environmental protection. The intention was to create a comprehensive, co-ordinated legal system that could
allow application of cross-media regulations and new environmental protection instruments, such as EIA,
compliance schedules and market-based economic incentives. The new policy instruments, both legal and
financial, required developing and enacting a comprehensive environmental law. Broader implementation of
financial instruments (realistic resource prices, pollution charges and fines, product charges, taxes on natural
resources and tradable permits) require still more progress.
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
7
2.6 Improvement of institutional capabilities river basin committees
For the transition countries in the Danube River Basin, efficient and equitable allocation of waters, supply
oriented physical actions which refer to water resources infrastructures and corresponding operating rules
and sustainable financing options represent a challenging task for the policy makers and planners to foresee
in time and adopt the social structures of water resources development, in the complex of rapidly transition
context.
One of these structures are River Basin Committees which can co-ordinate the efforts of all those involved
and represent all interests within a sub-basin which use the water resource and contribute to water pollution.
This will lead to the improvement of the water quality and use, through increased decentralisation,
democratisation and sustainable financing in the water sector. The purpose of River Basin Committees is to
serve as a forum for co-ordinating the policies of integrated management of the basin water resources,
avoiding the water users' conflict of interests, establishing priorities in the achievement of the water
pollution abatement investments, ensuring public participation in decision making, and encouraging new
developments aimed at increasing the water use sustainability. The number of river basin committees, which
will be created in the Danube countries and which are effectively working is a proposed measurable process
indicator.
2.7 Establishment of inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient reduction
The inter-ministerial mechanism for pollution control and nutrient reduction shall be created at the national
level by most of the Danube countries. Based on the existence of such national structures, the effects of
implementing project activities can be quantitatively monitored.
2.8 Improve achievements of the ICPDR/ Expert Groups and Working
Groups
With the view to strengthen regional cooperation, in response to the DRPC provisions, the Danube countries
have established the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR). The ICPDR
establishes the institutional frame for pollution control and the protection of water bodies and it sets also a
common platform for sustainable use of ecological resources and integrated river basin management.
The Expert Groups established within ICPDR can take actions to identify and agree measures and propose
strategies and approaches for implementation of pollution control and nutrient reduction, which will reduce
emissions to the Danube River and Black Sea.
2.9 Adoption and implementation of EU legislation
Environment community policies are grounded on the concept of sustainable development, by integrating
environment policies in the sector development policies of Member States.
To join the European Union (EU), the transition countries need to harmonise their legislative and
institutional framework with EU requirements. Harmonisation is an effective way to improve the state of the
environment in the Danube river basin. Further, the transition countries have not yet addressed
harmonisation among themselves, limiting co-operation to bilateral agreements and conventions.
8
The Danube accession countries have committed into a process aiming the adoption of the environment
Acquis Communautaire, as well as the creation of institutions required for its implementation and
enforcement. The Program for the Adoption of the Environment Acquis Communautaire refers to the
achievement of measures leading on short and medium term to the harmonization of national legislation with
that existing in European Union, as well as the institutional development required to implement the
environment legislation at the national level. The results of programs for harmonization of the environment
legislation can be evaluated at the national level as one of the major impact of the project.
2.10 Adoption and implementation of National Environmental Action Plan
Danube countries have applied either strategic oriented (top-down) or action oriented (bottom-up)
approaches when developing their environmental policy documents. The majority of countries started with
the preparation of the strategic, long-term environmental policy papers and followed with action-oriented
plans (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia). Other countries (Slovenia) prepared an
action-oriented environmental program.
The Danube countries are engaged in a number of national or donors financed activities that are directly related
to the developing of national environmental action plans that address the Danube issues. Each country will
elaborate, update and implement a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) or a Strategic Action Plan
(SAP), which will specifically address domestic problems and propose pollution control and nutrient reduction
measures.
The relevant national policy documents (i.e. environmental strategy studies, action plans and programs),
concentrate on the following issues: environmental policy development, implementation mechanisms,
institutional strengthening, and improvement of legislative and regulatory framework, investment priorities
and international co-operation.
NEAP/SAP represents a planning instrument which approaches the main environment concerns in line with
those international conventions whereupon each individual country is part, as well as with the environment
European Directives.
Currently NEAP is up-graded in line with the Program for the Adoption of the Acquis, turning this way into
a basic element to meet the conditions required by the European Union integration.
2.11 Introduction of new principles and approaches
Integrated water resources management
A consensus has emerged that a more comprehensive approach to water resources management is needed --
one that is cross-sectoral, integrates ecological and development needs, and is based on holistic analyses of
the carrying capacity of the water environment. In this approach, the river basin, groundwater system, coastal
area, or large marine ecosystem typically serves as a management unit on which to base changes in the way
that sectoral development activities are conducted and how priority environmental interventions are made.
Such a comprehensive approach that integrates actions across sectors is new to most transition countries,
difficult to implement, and even harder to achieve when actions must be co-ordinated among countries.
Integration of environmental requirements into economic policies
Current Danube countries policy promotes both environmental improvement and economic development.
With the view that economic growth leads inevitably to increased environmental pollution, development of
feasible methods for national economic policies that would more fully measure the environmental aspects of
changes in productivity, assets, and welfare resulting from economic growth is one of the priority of the
governments in Danube river basin.
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
9
This proposed indicator can measure the effects of:
(i)
the linkages between voluntary international environmental standards (e.g. ISO 14000) and
expansion of (or barriers to) international trade and effects on environmental quality
(ii)
the effects of pollution control expenditures on national income and economic growth in
each of the Danube countries
(iii)
the relationship between environmental performance and profitability at the plant level
including the impact of alternative approaches to achieving environmental compliance
involving technology innovation and pollution prevention methods.
Polluter and beneficiary pays principle
In addition to drafting new and comprehensive environmental legal acts, the Danube countries are
modernising their environmental regulations by eliminating gaps and improving the consistency of existing
regulations. Framework environmental acts and their amendments include such principles as polluter pays,
prevention and precautionary, beneficiary pays, etc. However, many of them remain just a declaration of
intent and are not properly enforced.
In addition, EU environmental policy is an essential component of the Internal Market and takes into account
the keeping of high environment standards by enforcing the broad accepted principles in the field and
namely the material polluter liability, the prevention pollution at source and the assignment of liabilities of
economic and social players involved at local, regional and national level. The beneficiary of
water/environmental service must pay for the service.
The transition countries government's interest in this policy tool is motivated by the need:
(i)
to encourage polluters to find low-cost or no-cost control measures to improve their
environmental performance
(ii)
to generate revenues for environmental fund
(iii)
to send a clear signal that the country is following the international trend to place
environmental policy on a polluter/beneficiary pay principle.
Innovative economic instruments (system of incentives and fines)
Direct environmental protection instruments include environmental standards, restrictions, compliance
schedules, and permits. The countries mainly use monetary penalties to enforce environmental legislation.
However, the concept of economic instruments (charges and fees) has not yet been fully implemented in the
Danube transition countries. Environmental charges, fees and fines are generally more widely used than
taxes. A few countries have adopted incentive financial instruments on a limited basis.
The proposed indicator is referring to the number of economic instruments introduced at the national level by
the Danube countries.
Improvement of local communities/NGO participation, dissemination, communication and
involvement in the decision making process
To ensure full participation and ownership of the programme by the Danube countries, in particular River
Basin Management Plans and implementation of EU Water Framework Directive, ongoing consultations
through open forum meetings with government representatives, district and local officials, and the public are
strongly encouraged. In addition, direct dialogues and negotiations between private sector, non-
governmental interests, and governmental representatives in the region will be an important aspect of the
programme, to generate undertakings with tangible results. The number of NGO and the number of public
hearings organised at the country level during permitting process may reflect a positive effect of the
proposed project.
10
3
STRESS REDUCTION INDICATORS
In the context of the forthcoming Danube Regional Project, stress reduction means events, measures and
actions which lead to actual reduction in pressure on the aquatic systems of the Danube river basin and on
the Black Sea.
Bearing in mind what a regional Danube project can achieve, the most essential stress reduction issues and
related stress reduction indicators can be outlined as follows:
3.1 Rehabilitation, upgrading and new construction of municipal WWTPS
Primary and actual stress reduction indicators:
! Aggregated "population equivalent" (pe) and anticipated annual reduction of N, P, BOD5 AND
COD (t/year) of existing municipal WWTP, brought into appropriate operation by rehabilitation
measures;
! Aggregated "population equivalent" (pe), and anticipated annual reduction of N, P, BOD5 AND
COD (t/year) of existing WWTP, upgraded in terms of nutrient elimination technology;
! Aggregated "population equivalent" (pe), and anticipated annual reduction of N, P, BOD5 AND
COD (t/year) of newly constructed WWTPS (split by mechanical, biological and advanced
treatment technology).
In the case of adequate design and capacity the rehabilitation of existing WWTPS are usually the most cost
effective measures with regard to nutrient reduction.
The implementation of advanced N+P elimination technology is in the majority of the middle and down
stream DRB countries very critical, as the significantly higher operation cost lead usually to cost covering
tariffs which are currently hardy to afford by the poorer segments of the population.
As the construction of new WWTPS has to take into account the criterion of affordability, a phased
implementation with stepwise increasing treatment/effluent standards is usually the most appropriate strategy
in the majority of the middle and down stream DRB countries.
The potential EU accession countries have (with certain transition periods) in any case to fulfill the
requirements of the EU urban wastewater treatment directive.
According to the data provided by the draft "Five Year National Nutrient Reduction Action Plans" for the 13
DRB countries, the 156 proposed municipal WWTP projects have investment requirements of about EUR
3.4 billion and the following anticipated annual nutrient reduction:
" N: 31 500 (t/year)
" P: 7 400 (t/year)
" BOD5:
181 000 (t/year)
" COD:
351 000 (t/year).
3.2 Rehabilitation, upgrading and new construction of industrial WWTPS
Actual stress reduction indicators:
! Anticipated annual reduction of n, p, BOD5, cod (t/year) from rehabilitation and upgrading of
existing WWTPS, and construction of new WWTPS.
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
11
According to the data provided by the draft "five year national nutrient reduction action plans" the 44
proposed industrial WWTP projects have investment requirements of about EUR 267 million and the
following anticipated annual nutrient reduction:
" N: 3 400 (t/year)
" P: 3 700 (t/year)
" BOD5:
39 700 (t/year)
" COD:
78 700 (t/year).
The rehabilitation and construction of industrial WWTP are usually very cost-effective measures with regard
to phosphorus and cod reduction; in addition they usually achieve significant reduction of particular toxic
substances.
3.3 Rehabilitation, upgrading and new construction of point-source related
agricultural WWTPS
Primary and actual stress reduction indicators:
! Number of different categories of animals (cattle, pigs, etc) connected to appropriate
agricultural WWTPS;
! Anticipated annual reduction of N, P, BOD5, COD (t/year) from rehabilitation / upgrading of
existing WWTP and new construction of WWTP.
According to the data provided by the draft "five year national nutrient reduction action plans" the 21
proposed point-source related agricultural projects have investment requirements of about eur 113 million
and the following anticipated annual nutrient reduction:
" N:
6 700 (t/year)
" P:
1 100 (t/year)
" BOD5:
9 500 (t/year)
" COD:
14 900 (t/year).
The rehabilitation and construction of point-source related agricultural WWTP are usually very cost effective
point-source measures with regard to reduction of nitrogen.
3.4 Restoration or new creation of wetlands
Primary and actual stress reduction indicators:
! Area (ha) of restored or newly created wetlands;
! Anticipated annual reduction of N, P, BOD5, COD (t/year) from restoration of existing wetlands
and creation of new wetlands;
According to the data provided by the draft "Five Year National Nutrient Reduction Action Plans"
the 22 proposed wetland projects have investment requirements of about EUR 113 million and the
following anticipated annual nutrient reduction:
" N: 6 700 (t/year)
" P: 1 100 (t/year)
" BOD5:
9 500 (t/year)
" COD:
15 000 (t/year).
The restoration and creation of wetlands are usually the most cost effective point-source measures
with regard to reduction of nitrogen.
12
3.5 Implementation of surface water related protected areas and adequate
buffer zones between agricultural areas and surface water bodies
Primary stress reduction indicators:
! Creation of surface water related protected areas (ha), (split by degree of protection);
! Creation of agricultural buffer zones along surface waters (length in km).
Actual stress reduction (measured in actual nutrient load reduction in surface waters) cannot be assessed in
general terms.
3.6 Implementation of agricultural management reforms aiming at
appropriate, respectively reduced utilisation of agro-chemicals and
manure
Primary stress reduction indicators:
! Reduction of utilised chemical fertilisers (t/ha/year), (split by main crop categories);
! Reduction of utilised manure (t/ha/year), (split by main crop categories);
! Reduction of utilised pesticides (t/ha/year), (split by main crop categories).
Actual stress reduction (measured in actual nutrient load reduction in surface waters) cannot be assessed in
general terms.
3.7 Shut down of polluting production sites, respectively modernisation of
outdated production technologies
Primary and actual stress reduction indicators:
! Cases of shut down of polluting production sites (factories, mines, etc)
! Anticipated annual reduction of N, P, BOD5 and COD (t/year).
Actual stress reduction (measured in actual nutrient load reduction in surface waters) cannot be assessed in
general terms, but can be done on a case to case basis.
3.8 Phase-out of phosphorus containing detergents
Primary stress reduction indicators:
! Reduction of phosphorus components from utilisation of detergents / washing powders (kg
/capita/year).
Actual stress reduction (measured in actual nutrient load reduction in surface waters) cannot be assessed in
general terms. A rough assessment can be done on the basis of the number of population connected to
centralised sewerage systems and municipal WWTPS with different effluent standards.
3.9 Better enforcement of wastewater discharge permits in compliance with
specified discharge parameters
Primary stress reduction indicators:
! Number of discharge permits in compliance with appropriately specified discharge parameters.
Actual stress reduction (measured in actual nutrient load reduction in surface waters) cannot be assessed in
general terms.
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
13
4
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS INDICATORS
Environmental status indicators are information tools. They summarise data on complex and sometimes
conflicting environmental issues to indicate the overall status and trends of Danube ecosystem. In the context
of implementation of the proposed project activities, they can be used to assess national performance and to
signal key issues to be addressed through policy interventions and other actions.
These indicators gauge the usefulness of nutrient reduction measures to human populations and aquatic
ecosystem and assess the sustainability of use. Much of the utility value of water pollution control and
nutrient reduction measures will be country-specific. However, indicators might track those elements of
Danube ecosystem that - because they are traded on international markets or provide transboundary life-
support services - are of regional or global importance. Two categories of environmental status indicators are
proposed to measure the impacts of implementing nutrient reduction measures within the Danube river basin:
(i)
indicators measuring ecosystem goods
(ii)
indicators measuring ecosystem services.
4.1 Indicators measuring ecosystem goods
Human-caused changes in ecosystems generally result in a decrease of population sizes of many species, and
an increase in populations of a few others. Both increases and decreases in comparison to the postulated
baseline are significant and are sensitive measures for changes in the state of the biodiversity in a country,
region or for a global comparison.
Ecosystem structure variables are most promising because they can offer a lot of information on the state of
ecosystems over large areas. Identifying key-ecosystem structure variables that can indicate if the ecosystem
is functioning correctly or not can capture many aspects of quality. For example, a measure of quality might
be the total number of well-specified habitat types observed within a sample area.
Each country can chose its own, appropriate, bio-geographic or ecosystem-specific and standardised core set
of quality variables. The core set can be gradually established by starting with a basic set of easily affordable
measurable quality variables, providing a picture of the overall national or regional biodiversity state.
The indicators can measure the:
" Water quality (water as an ecosystem good having economic value, to be used for water supply
for various purposes)
" Species risk
" Percent of wild species with known medicinal uses
" Biological diversity
" Ecosystem communities
14
4.2 Indicators measuring ecosystem services
These include ecological processes that provide "life support" services to humans and environment, such as
soil conservation and watershed protection. Also, this indicator provides an impression of the biodiversity
losses or gains at the Danube ecosystem level as a result of industrial and agricultural activities and increased
nutrient load.
" Percent of transboundary waters with increased water quality river class
" Percent of transboundary watershed area assessed as "low risk of environmental pollution"
" Self-regenerating and man-made area as percentage of total area with reference to wetlands
restoration
" Annual land use change from self-regenerating area into agriculture
" Share of rivers dammed or channelled in order to reduce erosion and agricultural run-off as the
percent of the whole river per country
" Amount of agricultural area lost in 10 years due to pollution and erosion as percentage of
agricultural area brought into agriculture in the same period, per country
4.3 Standard Operational Procedure for Monitoring of Benthic
Macroinvertebrates in the frame of Transnational Monitoring Network
The main purpose of the SOP for monitoring of the benthic macro invertebrates in the frame of the Trans
National Monitoring Network was to find common methods for sampling, analysis, numerical evaluation and
presentation for bio monitoring that can be applied over the entire Danube river basin. The SOP covers
macro invertebrates only and is focused on the numerical evaluation for the system of saprobity by means of
the Saprobic Index. This system is adopted for the internationally agreed sampling stations and does not
apply necessarily to national monitoring networks. Other biological groups of aquatic ecosystem are exclude
like algae, water plants, fish, birds and mammals as well as river related (semi) terrestrial systems of riparian
vegetation and flood plains. However, it is recognised that these elements are an integral part of the river
ecosystem. So the macro invertebrates sampling and biological assessment is a first step in the development
of a more comprehensive ecological assessment of river quality.
The SOP covers sampling (choice of sampling site, period of sampling, frequency, sampling device),
collections, preservation, transport, taxa identification, quality assurance and quality control, numerical
evaluation and classification/presentation of results.
The most of Danubian countries are interesting in the revising of the set of bioindicators.
· In Germany, the activities on the Danube are co-ordinated by Bayerisches Landesamt fur
Wasserwirtschaft (Water Research Institute for Bavaria). The List of the Water Organisms Taxa
published in 1990 contains general information of the water organisms, the way of evaluation of
abundance, calculation of saprobic index and other needed information. The list has 4246
records organisms from many selected aquatic organisms.
· In Austria, the revised list of benthic fauna has been recently published. Austria has a long
experience with biological assessment of water quality that is compiled in the Fauna Aquatica
Austriaca, a comprehensive species inventory of Austrian aquatic organisms with ecological
notes. On a routine basis macro invertebrates, phyto-benthos and ciliates are sampled in rivers
and the Saprobic Index is calculated. Results are classified and presented in yearbooks in
geographical from with a colour coding or river reaches. Furthermore a far more detailed en
complex evaluation is applied for specific purposes in which the aquatic ecosystem is
thoroughly described for abiotic and biotic components.
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
15
· In Bulgaria, saprobity is determined by Pantle & Buck index for the Transnational Monitoring
Network (TNMN) sites only. The German DIN norm is used to calculate the Saprobic Index.
Also quality classes are defined for macro zoobenthos species diversity (Shannon), matching
degree and dominating degree. In the national network a biotic index is in use which is adapted
from the Irish Q-value. Every 5 kilometres of a river is assessed. The biological quality is
divided into 10 classes. This method has been chosen for its cost-effectiveness and relative ease
in required determination skills.
· In Czech Republic, there is a long tradition in using the saprobity system for routine monitoring
of rivers, just like in Austria. Regular measurements are made from the sixties in the national
monitoring network. Since 1975 a more detailed assessment is made. Besides routine
monitoring some projects are executed. At the moment a biological monitoring prediction
model for macro invertebrates (called `Perla' (a stonefly species) is being developed following
the RIVPACS approach. This model can make a prediction on the natural reference community
at a certain site when some abiotic features are known. The prediction is based on a database
with target communities, which is nearly completed. The actual sampled community at that site
can then be compared to the predicted one. The difference is a measure for the extent of
ecological stress. For the river Morava, a Danube tributary, a survey of population species
diversity of fish and benthos is included.
· In Hungary a biotic index has been developed in the past, adjusted from the western European
biotic indices. However this assessment is not supported by the government and hence not
implemented into a routine monitoring practice for rivers. For TNMN the Saprobic Index is
based on indicators outline by Gulyas (1998).
· Slovenian water authorities use the Saprobic Index method (Pantle & Buck, modified by
Zelinka & Marvan) for bio monitoring. The index and classification is based on the examination
of periphyton and macro invertebrates at the sampling site. (Sampling according to ISO
7828(E), 1985, ISO 8265(E), 1988). A basis for Slovenian biological evaluation of the water
quality of running waters are the as complete as possible species identification of organisms
composing the communities, their semi-quantitative determination (abundance scale 1-3-5) as
well as the knowledge of their ecology. In some cases it may become appropriate to
complement the Saprobic Index with a personal evaluation of specific conditions of the water
and the riverbed.
4.4 Preliminary set of indicators for the Danube River Basin
4.4.1 Existing sets of indicators in the Danube River Basin
Within the framework of the International Commission for the Protection of Danube River (ICPDR) and the
Monitoring, Laboratory and Information Management Expert Group (MLIM/EG), some years ago, an
inventory was made amongst Danube countries on water quality classification methods. These methods were
compared with the current practices in some EU-countries. Basic conclusion of that comparative analyses
was that the applied surface water quality standards forming the basis of classification of water bodies in the
different riparian countries are not compatible and as a consequence of the differences in principles and
values, the regular classifications of the countries can not be compared directly and can not be used for
basin-wide considerations.
Biological monitoring and assessment of water quality in Danube river basin has a fairly long tradition,
especially with respect to system of saprobity. However, the monitoring and assessment by the system of
saprobity can be done in several ways and allows some variation between countries, like the biological group
that is considered, different saprobic index values and valences for one species, the method of sampling,
counting of individuals and calculation of the Saprobic index.
16
Besides the saprobity system some other developments on bio monitoring are going on in Danube river
basin. Biological assessment can consist of many aspects because of the complexity of the aquatic ecosystem
and presence of several biotic components or groups that indicate different aspects. Therefore, from the point
of view or living parts of the river ecosystem the following aspect can be distinguished:
! bacteriological assessment (Faecal coliformes or Escherichia coli, Salmonella, saprophytes);
! assessment of trophic status (i.e. chlorophyll-a concentration, phytoplankton species composition);
! ecotoxicological assessment by means of bioassays in the laboratory (acute and chronic test with
crustaceans (Daphnia magna), algae (Scenedesmus quadricauda,) and fish, Microtox, Toxkits like
Rototox, Thamnotox). But also accumulation laboratory experiments and field measurements and i.e.
measurement of PCB in fish in river Morava;
! saprobiological assessment using phytobenthos (periphyton), macroinvertebrates
(macrozoobenthon), phytoplankton.
4.4.2 Preliminary set of indicators for the Danube River Basin
Most Danube countries apply the Saprobic index for evaluation and presentation of water quality based on
macroinvertebrates (macrozoobenthon) for the running watercourses. Various indices and class limit values
are in use. The species indicator list varied also, due to country specific additions or modifications. The
saprobity is often classified in 5 classes (x,o,b,a,p), but the water quality classification by means of the
Saprobic index in 4 main classes, in some cases completed with 3 in-between classes giving a total of 7
classes.
Based on the available nformation and recommendations of projects for the Danube River Basin and in line
with new proposed European Water Framewok Directive, some communities of organisms have been
compiled.
Running water courses are covered by the communities of benthic fauna - macrozoobenthos
(macroinvertebrates, zoobenthos, zoobenthon), benthic flora periphyton (phytobenthos) and
macrovegetation (water macrophytes). This groups of water organisms are a good indicators of a long term
changes in the river, as well as the indicators of pollution point sources. Their use for the assessment of
biotic conditions is spreaded in most of Danube countries. Stagnant waters (e.g. large reservoirs, riparian
lakes) should be monitor from the plankton (phytoplankton and zooplankton) and macrophytes point of
view. This biological assessment system reveals a measure for the ecosystem stress due to organic
substances and related oxygen consumption. The saprobity system uses species-specific indicator values,
which indicates the tolerance for organic load. Measurements of water fauna and flora should be based on
the qualitative (species diversity) and quantitative (abundancy or relative (estimated) abundancy)
investigation.
The applied taxonomic level of identification is governed by the objectives of the biomonitoring. It is
recommended to perform identification of taxa at species level whenever possible. However, for distinct
groups determination literature and keys may not cover species level for all orders, families or genera.
For calculation of the Saprobic Index often an estimate of the abundance is sufficient. When this method is
applied the exact number of individuals per species in the sample is not known and cannot be used for other
purposes. It is advised to count in principle real numbers. Afterwards it is still possible to make a
classification in abundance. Obtained data can be processed by the calculation of Saprobic Index and
assessed by the agreed classification scheme.
The presentation of the ecological status as a result of monitoring biological quality elements is to be
presented into 5 classes. The next table present a proposal for classification of Saprobic Index of natural
rivers in Danube basin.
Class
I
II
III
IV
V
ecological status
high
good
moderate
poor
bad
Saprobic Index
< 1.8
1.81-2.3
2.31-2.7
2.71-3.2
>3.2
Development of Process, Stress Reduction and Environmental Status Indicators
17
The preliminary set of indicators contains about 6 000 aquatic organisms corrected and modified according
to the published sources of references. The organisms have been devided to five groups: zoobenthos
(macroinvertebrates, macrozoobenthon), periphyton (phytobenthos), phytoplankton, zooplankton and water
macrovegetation (water macrophytes).
Bioindicator study performed in Yugoslavia in the frame of UNEP/Habitat BTF and ICPDR on 23-28
August 1999 is a good contribution to the knowledge of benthic macroinvertebrates of the Yugoslavian
stretch of the river Danube as well as the accumulation capacity of the benthic species, mainly mussels.
Primarily the results on bioaccumulation should be considered as excellent. Based on the outcome of
concentration of the mercury, PAHs and PCBs in the mussels' samples it can be said that the results are in a
good correlation with the concentration of the mentioned pollutants in sediment. Two mussel species have
been analyzed from the accumulation of pollutant point of view. Anodonta anatina was more frequent
organisms than Sinanodonta woodiana.
The analyses of the pollutants in the benthic organisms will be included into the program of the Joint Danube
Survey. In addition, the next phase of the Trans National Monitoring Network of the Danube River Basin
will include analyses of the organic and inorganic pollutants in the biota.
As for the species diversity the number of identified taxa at the individual sites ranged from 6 to 21
depending on the pollution and substrate condition as well. Mainly the snails and mussels have been found in
the investigated stretch of the Danube.
Beside the species diversity, additional data are needed for presentation or/and classification of the biological
status. For calculation of Saprobic Index an estimate of abundance is sufficient. When field estimates of
certain species of groups have been made, they should be proportionally added to the species that are
positively identified and counted.
Because of the differences in the biogeochemical characteristics of the Danube river itself and in the related
sub-catchments of the tributaries along the Danube, it is important to monitor and characterise the specific
biotic and abiotic compartments in the particular areas. Differences in the biodiversity of the aquatic life and
in the chemical composition of the abiotic compartment sediment call for reliable information on the specific
characteristics.
Effective water quality management requires appropriate monitoring programme to identify significant
pollutants affecting the health of the aquatic life and limiting the intended water uses, particularly public
water supplies. The appropriate monitoring programme should provide reliable, quality assured (checked and
verified), validated data: (a) on the abundance of different aquatic organisms, biological population, on the
biodiversity in the aquatic ecosystem; (b) on the type of the pollutants affecting, harming the aquatic life and
intended water uses; and (c) on the concentrations of these pollutants in the different compartments, matrices
in the aquatic environment. Implementation of the monitoring programme should provide these data in the
selected matrix at all representative sampling sites/positions with appropriate sampling frequency allowing
quality/pollution assessment, pollutant load calculation in space and time.
It is very important to distinguish the natural background and the anthropogenic input in the case of
pollutants also occurring naturally, to establish baseline levels for man-made (synthetic) pollutants and to
evaluate pollution trends in space and time. Establishment of historical trends, comparison of pollutant
concentrations in samples collected at present and in the past, requires availability of appropriate samples
(reference materials) on long-term basis.
There is a need to establish the biological sample bank for the Danube river basin, where the biological
reference samples will be collected at representative sites of the selected areas of the river basin. The
samples will be preserved and kept in the sample bank for the following purposes: (a) for later scientific (i.e.,
taxonomic) revision and comparative purposes, according to newly arising questions; (b) organs of selected
organisms, (e.g., mussels, fishes) will be freeze-dried, grounded, homogenised for chemical analysis, to be
used as biological reference materials; (c) education and training; and (d) quality assurance.
18
The collected samples will be appropriate for estimating long term environmental changes and will include
types of samples representing:
! communities (the sample contains species assemblages) such as phytoplankton, zooplankton and
periphyton,
! species (species are sorted, taxa are separated) such as benthon and fish.
The selection of referential sites will include:
! undisturbed (unpolluted) sites indicating high biodiversity and characterised by clear water indicator
taxa, representing high quality, reference conditions for ecological status assessment, and
! sites representing special pollution situation.
The characteristics of the processed samples will be documented, archived in a computerised data bank, the
processed, preserved sample and/or the selected individuals of different species will be put in the sample
bank and stored there in such a way that the sample bank can serve the request of the participating
laboratories for five years at least.
After sample collection and preparation, the biological specimen sample bank will be used for education,
training purposes for biologists in the Danube river basin as capacity building.
It will be also particularly important to prepare specific organisms (species) unique in the Danube river basin
in addition to the common species, with contribution from the biologists of individual Danube countries.
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1 Annexes
ANNEX 9 Danube / Black Sea Basin
Strategic Partnership
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
1
Addressing Transboundary Priorities in the Danube/Black Sea Basin:
A Strategic Partnership
Introduction:
The GEF, its Implementing Agencies, the European Community and others are working together to assist the
17 countries in the Danube/Black Sea basin in addressing their top priority transboundary waters issues. The
GEF Secretariat, UNDP, the World Bank and UNEP, in consultation with other key donors, the International
Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, the Black Sea Commission and the Danube and Black
Sea Secretariats/PIU, have prepared this strategy paper in order to:
· Describe the collaboration among the Implementing Agencies, funding partners and Danube/Black
Sea basin countries in the first "GEF Strategic Partnership" to a geographic area in the International
Waters focal area;
· Inform the GEF Council on the approach being taken by the GEF Implementing Agencies in the
Danube/Black Sea basin;
· Provide a framework for interagency and inter-governmental cooperation and coordination in
addressing transboundary issues in the Danube/Black Sea basin;
· Help to leverage and coordinate additional inputs to the region from other donors;
· Provide guidance and orientation for the development of the Danube and Black Sea GEF Regional
Projects;
· Serve as a tool to assure coherence between donor activities and the policies and strategies of the
respective Conventions;
· Provide guidance to assure coherence between donor activities and the objectives and work
programs of the respective Secretariats;
· Establish a common agreement among the countries and Agencies for objectives and programmatic
indicators that will be utilized to measure progress over the five year program.
· Support the efforts of EU accession countries in the Danube/Black Sea basin to comply with EU
Water Directives (nitrate, phosphate) and the forthcoming Water Framework Directives.
This basin-wide, multi-stakeholder collaboration is needed to accelerate on-the-ground implementation of
measures and to consolidate gains made in jointly reversing nutrient over-enrichment and toxics
contamination of the Danube/Black Sea basin (see Annex 2) under the Global Programme of Action (GPA)
for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities. The participating countries have
the opportunity to shorten by one-half the time frame for significant environmental improvements that have
taken 2-3 decades to accomplish for other transboundary waterbodies in Europe and North America. This
draft was shared and discussed with the countries at the recent Black Sea basin-wide Stocktaking meeting as
part of preparing their collaborative projects for consideration by the GEF Council in May, 2001.
Objectives and Programmatic Indicators:
Objective 1:
In support of the implementation of the Black Sea Strategic Action Plan and the "Common Platform for
Development of National Policies and Actions for Pollution Reduction under the Danube River Protection
Convention", and taking into account the mandate of the Sofia and Bucharest Conventions, Danube/Black
Sea basin countries adopt and implement policy, institutional and regulatory changes to reduce point and
non-point source nutrient discharges, restore nutrient `sinks', and prevent and remediate toxics "hot spots".
Indicators: By 2005, 100% of participating countries introduce one or more policy or regulatory measures
(including phosphorus-free detergents) to reduce nutrient discharges in the agricultural, municipal, or
industrial sectors, to restore nutrient sinks (wetlands, flood plains), and to prevent and remediate toxics "hot
spots", and 50% adopt multiple measures, towards goals of maintaining 1997 levels of nutrient inputs to the
Black Sea, and substantially reducing toxics contamination in the basin.
2
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Objective 2:
Countries gain experience in making investments in nutrient reduction and prevention and remediation of
toxics "hot spots".
Indicators: 100% of participating countries implement one or more investments in agricultural, municipal,
land use or industrial sectors for nutrient discharge reduction, nutrient sink restoration, and prevention and
remediation of hot spots of toxic substances, some with GEF assistance, by 2005 to accompany expected
baseline investments.
Objective 3:
Capacity of the Danube and Black Sea Convention Secretariats is increased through permanent status,
sustainable funding, and development of international waters process, stress reduction and environmental
status indicators adopted through Convention processes.
Indicators: PCU/PIU functions evolve into Convention Secretariats (Danube already in place; Black Sea
effective September 2000); payments of contributions by all contracting parties made for 2000 and pledged
for the period beyond project duration; nutrient control, toxics reduction and ecosystem indicators assessing
processes in place, stress reduction, and environmental status, are developed, harmonized and adopted for
reporting to Secretariat databases by 2005.
Objective 4:
Country commitments to a cap on nutrient releases to the Black Sea at 1997 levels and agreed targets for
toxics reduction for the interim, and possible future reductions or revisions using an adaptive management
approach after 2004 are formalized into specific nutrients control and toxics discharge protocol(s) or
Annex(es) to the respective Conventions or via other legally binding mechanisms.
Indicators: Countries adopt protocols or annexes to their two conventions and/or develop legally binding
"Action Plans" regarding nutrients and toxics reduction commitments as part of their obligations under the
Global Programme of Action for Protection of the Marine Environment for Land-Based Activities by 2005
towards agreed goal to restore the Sea to 1960's environmental status. For the Danube, such a commitment
will be contained in the revised Nutrient Reduction Plans (coherent with the ICPDR Joint Action
Programme) and developed in accord with the application of the relevant EU Water Directives.
Objective 5:
Implementing Agencies, the European Union, other funding partners and countries formalize nutrient and
toxics reduction commitments into IA, EU and partner regular programs with countries.
Indicators: Regular programs of IA's and EC support country nutrient and toxics reduction commitments
during 2000-2005 as part of expected baseline activities and incorporate them into CCF (UNDP), GPA
Office Support (UNEP), CAS (WB), and EU (Accession support) by 2005.
Objective 6:
Pilot techniques for restoration of Danube/Black Sea basin nutrient sinks and reduction of non-point source
nutrient discharges through integrated management of land and water resources and their ecosystems in river
sub-basins by involving private sector, government, NGO's and communities in restoration and prevention
activities, and utilizing GEF Biodiversity and MSP projects to accelerate implementation of results.
Indicators: All countries in basin begin nutrient sink restoration and non-point source discharge reduction by
2005 through integrated river sub-basin management of land, water and ecosystems with support from IA's,
partners and GEF through small grants to communities, biodiversity projects for wetlands and flood plain
conservation, enforcement by legal authorities and holistic approaches to water quality, quantity and
biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
3
The Danube/Black Sea Basin: A Strategic Partnership
To accomplish the objectives summarized above aimed at addressing Danube/Black Sea basin pollution
reduction, with particular attention to nutrients and toxic substances, in the most efficient and coordinated
manner possible, the GEF and its Implementing Agencies are proposing a strategic programme of capital
investments, economic instruments, development and enforcement of environmental law and policy,
strengthening of public participation, and monitoring of trends and compliance. The programme would
include both GEF and non-GEF (EC, EBRD, IA regular programs, etc.) elements.
Operationally, within the GEF International Waters and Biodiversity focal areas, the interagency Strategic
Partnership proposed for the Danube/Black Sea basin includes eight principal elements:
Elements of the Strategic Partnership:
1. A GEF Black Sea Regional Project implemented in cooperation with the Black Sea Commission;
2. A GEF Danube River Basin Regional Project implemented in cooperation with the International
Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR);
UNDP and UNEP propose to develop and jointly implement these two regional capacity building projects
aimed at addressing transboundary environmental degradation in the Danube/Black Sea basin through policy
and legal reform, public awareness raising, and institutional strengthening. Each project will be operated
through or closely linked to the respective Black Sea and Danube Secretariats in Istanbul and Vienna. The
two projects will each focus on the following areas within the Danube and Black Sea convention countries,
with the GEF lead agency shown for each:
a) Actions to revise and/or create legally binding nutrients and toxics reduction protocols/action plans
to the Black Sea Convention in accordance with the Global Programme of Action to Protect the
Marine Environment from Land Based Activities (UNEP). For the Danube, strategies and measures
for nutrient reduction will be reflected in the ICPDR Action Plan, which will be endorsed and thus
become legally binding to the contracting Danube countries under the Danube River Protection
Convention (UNDP).
b) Activities to develop and implement policies and legislation aimed at addressing sectoral causes of
nutrient and toxics releases, such as phosphate detergent phase-out, agricultural reform, cleaner
production in industry, etc. (UNDP);
c) Policy and legislative reforms aimed at promoting the protection and restoration of critical nutrient
sinks, particularly wetlands and floodplains (UNDP);
d) Strengthening of the institutional capacities of the Black Sea and Danube Secretariats to build in
long-term capacity to understand, address and monitor levels and impacts of transboundary nutrients
and toxics (UNDP);
e) Public awareness raising in support of basin-wide nutrient and toxics reduction efforts (UNDP);
f) Harmonization of water regulatory standards (in line with EU regulations and new Convention
protocols, where applicable) among the Danube/Black Sea basin countries to include similar nutrient
and toxics reduction provisions (UNDP);
g) Development of Black Sea and Danube River basin Monitoring and Evaluation indicators
harmonized among countries for process, stress reduction and environmental status indicators
(UNDP);
h) Strengthening of the Information System to allow interactive information exchange and update and
development of public area for specific topics of nutrient reduction (UNDP);
i) Support to further development of NGO activities at national and regional level (UNDP);
4
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
j) Establishment of Small Grants Fund to reinforce community based actions for nutrient reduction
with particular attention to agricultural reform projects, wetland restoration and use of lagoons for
nutrient reduction (UNDP);
k) Feasibility studies for a nutrients emission trading system at the national and regional levels. The
Black Sea project will coordinate an overall study for the Black Sea basin as a whole while the
ICPDR/KfW will carry out a study specific to the Danube River Basin towards the possibility of
developing economic instruments for nutrient management in the Danube River Basin (UNDP).
3. The World Bank-GEF Partnership Investment Facility for Nutrient Reduction
The Partnership will finance incremental costs associated with the reduction of nutrient loads and discharges
into the Danube River, its tributaries, the Black Sea and other rivers which feed it. Three types of projects
(or combination thereof) would be eligible for financing under the Partnership:
a) Wetland restoration or creation, that reduce nutrients discharge or loads;
b) Reform and improvement of agriculture and land management practices with impact on nutrient use
and/or diffuse discharges through run-off;
c) Wastewater treatment in small communities (normally with a population less than 100,000) and
small industries or large ones if opportunity exists.
The Partnership would finance specific components of World Bank or bilateral financed projects. Baseline
costs would be covered by a combination of national financing, a World Bank --- or other IFI ---loan and
grant funds from other sources. The GEF financed component would leverage additional funds (including
national funds) in at least a 1:2 ratio against the amount of the GEF grant. Self-standing GEF-financed
projects without a corresponding World Bank loan or bilateral financing could be also considered, in
exceptional cases, if important policy reforms would be accomplished by the GEF grant or where national
funding, in cash and in-kind, is at least as large as GEF funding (i.e. 1:1 ratio).
Eligible projects must have: (i) the endorsement of the country's GEF focal point; (ii) be included in the
country's Black Sea or Danube National Environmental Program and selected as a priority investment; (iii)
form part of the Regional Environmental Program, as approved by the respective Commission; and (iv) the
proposing country be up to date on contributions to the Black Sea and/or Danube Secretariat(s). This would
include an explicit recognition from the countries that the transboundary control of nutrients is a priority
issue in their NEAP/NAPs.
As in the case of all GEF financed projects, eligible projects will be prepared, appraised and implemented
under the same terms as a regular World Bank project and subject to the standard World Bank review
process before being submitted to the GEF Secretariat. Therefore, institutional requirements, sustainability,
financial, economic, social and environmental conditionality normally required in World Bank projects
would also apply to Partnership projects.
Whenever a project has additional global benefits, such as biodiversity preservation (i.e. through the
recovery of a Ramsar site), the existence of such additional benefits would be a positive factor, but not
constitute an eligibility criteria, even though it could lead to additional incremental GEF resources. In any
case, nutrient removal is the essential eligibility condition for all projects.
The World Bank is preparing the Partnership Investment Facility for Nutrient Reduction proposal for
consideration at the May, 2001 meeting of the GEF Council. A figure of approximately $60 million would be
reserved for nutrient reduction investments under the Strategic Partnership as described above. Additional
contributions will be solicited from bilateral donors. If approved, the World Bank could then vet projects
directly through the GEF Secretariat without having to bring each separate project to Council. Two concepts,
Bulgaria Wetland Restoration and Romanian Agricultural Reform, have already been approved as likely
components of the investment programme. The GEF Secretariat would review and approve projects based on
the criteria summarized above.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
5
The World Bank will also promote the Investment Partnership, the investments it supports and the Strategic
Partnership in its country dialogues, include the Black Sea and Danube perspectives in relevant World Bank
Country Assistance Strategies (CASs) as they are updated, and promote policies that address nutrient
reduction as part of country dialogues. These activities will be closely coordinated with related and
supporting activities planned under the Black Sea and Danube Regional Projects.
4. The GEF Dnieper Basin Environment Programme (DBEP):
The Dnieper River transports some 20,000 tons of nitrogen annually to the Black Sea, further exacerbating
the Black Sea's eutrophication problem. A GEF project to assist the riparian countries of the Dnieper River
(Russia, Belarus and Ukraine) in the development and implementation of a Transboundary Diagnostic
Analysis and a Strategic Action Programme for the Dnieper River basin was approved by GEF in March,
1998 and commenced full implementation in September, 2000. Inter alia, the project will assist the Dnieper
basin countries in identifying, prioritizing and addressing both point and non-point sources of nutrient and
toxics pollution to the Dnieper and the downstream Black Sea, through legal, policy and institutional reforms
and priority investments. The GEF Dnieper project is designed to enable full coordination of project
activities with the Danube/Black Sea basin Strategic Partnership.
5. Georgia: World Bank GEF Agricultural Development Project II
The overall development objective of the project is to increase agricultural production sustainably, while
reducing pollution of natural resources. The project includes reforms targeting prevention of nutrient
releases. It represents the first phase of a ten-year Program, to be implemented in three phases, for the reform
of on-farm agricultural and environmental practices. Under phase one, GEF would support the costs of
implementing measures aimed at improving on-farm environmental practices, such as storage and
management of manure water quality monitoring, which over the long term would reduce nutrients from
entering the Black Sea.
6. GEF Biodiversity and Medium-Sized Projects in the Danube/Black Sea basin
GEF Biodiversity and Medium Sized Projects in the Danube/Black Sea basin to address nutrients and toxics
hot spots and nutrient sinks, test different approaches and catalytically accelerate on-the-ground results.
These include:
Biodiversity Projects:
Integrated Coastal Management Project, Georgia (World Bank; WP entry 7/98)
Danube Delta Biodiversity, Romania (World Bank; WP entry 4/92)
Biodiversity Conservation in the Azov-Black Sea Ecological Corridor, Ukraine (World Bank; WP entry
1/98)
Danube Delta Biodiversity, Ukraine (World Bank; WP entry 4/92)
Integrated Biodiversity Conservation and Wetland Management for the Mid-Pripyat River and Floodplains
(UNDP, PDF-A)
Integrated Management of the Carpathian River Basins (GEF project concept, OP12)
6
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Medium-Sized Projects:
Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology (TEST) to Reduce Transboundary Pollution in the Danube
River Basin (UNDP; MSP concept approved by GEF December, 1999; brief approved by GEF August,
2000; implementation commenced February, 2001; UNIDO as Executing Agency)
Building Environmental Citizenship to Support Transboundary Pollution Reduction in the Danube: A Pilot
Project in Hungary and Slovenia (UNDP; MSP approved November, 1998; implementation commenced
April, 2000; Regional Environment Centre as Executing Agency)
7. Nutrient control and reduction Projects executed by European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) under the new GEF `Expanded Opportunities for Executing Agencies':
EBRD's main focus is to identify bankable investment projects together with supporting activities to
facilitate these investments. EBRD contributes to pollution reduction in the Danube and Black Sea Basin by
financing projects particularly in the municipal and industrial sectors, and by applying environmental
appraisal procedures and international environmental standards to all of the Bank's operations in the region.
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme: Financing of Pollution Reduction Projects by Local Financial
Intermediaries (IA: UNDP):
The main objective of the project is to facilitate principally small and medium sized private sector
investment projects in the industrial and agricultural sector. The project would identify mechanisms,
using the Bank's local financial intermediaries within the relevant countries to provide to the private
sector financial resources, including loans and GEF grants for eligible components for the reduction of
pollutants that are responsible for the degradation of the aquatic environment in the Danube River Basin
and the Black Sea. Considering the pilot character of the investments, the proposed project will initially
concentrate on Slovenia.
8. Accelerated implementation of environmental management programs for mining related "hot spots"
identified by the Danube SAP and TDA.
This activity would support accelerated actions to address "hot spots" in the Danube River Basin and other
basins associated with mining operations and tailing ponds. This would allow for targeted investments,
consistent with ICPDR proposed actions for prevention and control of accidental pollution, to improve
emergency warning systems, develop preventive management programs and undertake selected priority
investment actions. The activity would complement ongoing UNEP and EU activities to support the
development and implementation of medium and long-term preventive measures for management of
operating, decommissioned and abandoned tailing dams at priority "hot spots" in the Danube River Basin.
This would provide a mechanism to enhance joint efforts in the Tisza River basin and other areas where
similar "hot spots" exist and there is a significant need for improved preventive management programs.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
7
Non-GEF Activities which support the Strategic Partnership:
European Union
The European Union is a major political and financial actor in the Central and Eastern European and NIS
area mainly through its enlargement and NIS relations' policies.
The enlargement of the EU to the ten candidate countries of Central and Eastern Europe will involve:
· The adoption and implementation by these countries of the EU environmental legislation and standards
as a prerequisite for their entry into the Union
· The financial assistance by the EU to these countries toward the development of the infrastructures
necessary for the implementation of the EU legislation
The financial assistance will involve primarily the pre-accession financial instruments PHARE and ISPA.
In March 1998 the Commission, the World Bank and the EBRD signed a Memorandum of Understanding on
pre-accession financing. This was updated in March 2000 to take account of the new pre-accession financial
instruments (ISPA and SAPARD) and to extend co-operation to cover the NIS countries.
The Memorandum includes commitments to:
· Co-ordinate project implementation;
· Implement co-financing projects jointly which foster the adoption of the EU legislation;
· Identify future co-financing opportunities which could foster accession;
· Be as flexible as possible with the delivery of the grants.
The PHARE-funded Large Scale Infrastructure Facility ( 250 million for 1998-99) was developed to co-
finance accession-related projects in transport and environment with the international financing institutions
(IFIs). Realising that environmental projects would take much longer to put together than transport ones, DG
Environment of the European Commission co-operated with the World Bank to develop a pipeline of viable
projects to enable environment to take a reasonable share of the new Facility, screening all projects for
accession relevance. The result was a substantial list of environmental co-financing projects for 1998 and
1999 (50% of the total Facility).
The ISPA instrument has some 500 million a year to spend on environmental infrastructure investment over
the period 2000-06. The minimum size of projects is normally 5 million, and there is money for project
preparation. Although the ISPA Regulation does not formally require co-financing with the IFIs, this is
greatly encouraged. ISPA needs a project pipeline, while the grants could make it easier for the IFIs to lend
to the accession countries.
DG ENV is developing a Priority Environmental Investment Programme for Accession (PEPA), which aims
to develop investment strategies, priorities and a project pipeline for all Community sources of finance and
potentially non-Community such as the World Bank. World Bank officials have participated actively at a
number of meetings to promote this project.
The EU has concluded Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with each one of the Newly Independent
States. In this context it is providing financial assistance through the use of the TACIS programme. The new
TACIS Regulation foresees greater assistance on environmental pre-investment activities.
To date Phare and Tacis have contributed about 18 million to the Black Sea Environment Programme and
about 8 million to the Danube Environment Programme. The latest 4.6 million Tacis programme to the
BSEP is ending in 2000. It gave support to the Black Sea Implementation Unit and to BSEP Activity Centers
in Georgia, Russia and Ukraine.
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Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Under the new Tacis Regional Programme 2000 currently under preparation the European Commission is
planning on a 12 million Black Sea Investment Support Programme for 2001-2003. The overall objectives
of this programme will be :
Investment support
Co-financing with IFIs of pilot investments yielding significant environmental benefits. These might include
the following in particular:
· Waste water treatment (including nutrient removal)
· End of pipe industrial discharge treatment (including upstream industrial facilities and oil terminals)
· Grants to new industrial facilities designed to minimise polluting discharges
· Landfills to replace marine waste dumping
· Prevention/remediation of oil spills from shipping
· Construction of harbour facilities
The investments should be available for all riverine countries and would include up-stream as well as coastal
sites. Tacis should provide both technical assistance, including project preparation, and investment grants in
the form of interest subsidies or otherwise.
Institutional support
Continuation of the work of the Black Sea Commission is of crucial importance for concerted action of the
riparian countries to tackle the problems of the Black Sea.
Support may also be included to the three Activity Centres in order to fulfill the regional coordinating role
for which they have also been designated . These are:
· Batumi, Georgia: biodiversity monitoring and development of strategy;
· Odessa, Ukraine: water quality monitoring and development of strategy;
· Krasnodar, Russia: coastal zone management.
EU is also anticipating a project on Nutrient Management in the Danube River Basin and its impact on the
Black Sea (total cost 3,5 million ) as part of its 5th Framework Programme.
It will be important to seek the close cooperation of the EU programmes in the Danube and Black Sea areas
with those of the GEF, the World Bank, the EBRD etc. so that synergies can be found in the execution of
these programmes.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
EBRD has carried out pre-investment regional and sector studies in the Danube River Basin and technical
co-operation projects in Hungary and Romania. The Bank's main focus is to identify and to promote
investment projects together with supporting activities to facilitate these investments. The Bank attaches
particular importance to promoting environmentally orientated operations in line with its mandate, both
through "stand-alone" operations with primarily environmental objectives, such as upgrading of waste water
management and solid and hazardous waste management, and also by financing environmental
improvements in the industrial often as part of a larger-scale restructuring and modernization investment.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
9
EBRD municipal environmental infrastructure projects under implementation:
Municipal Utilities Development Programme (MUDP) I and II, Romania:
Water and wastewater sector loans to two programmes covering 6 and 10 cities, respectively. As well as
improving the water quality of the Danube River and the Black Sea, the municipal infrastructure
investments will also bring the water companies in line with EU environmental standards.
Maribor water and waste-water BOT project, Slovenia:
Loan to finance construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Maribor, Slovenia's second largest city.
The project will have a major positive impact on the water quality of the Drava River.
Budapest Waste Water Services, Hungary:
The Bank has invested in the partly privatised Budapest Municipal Sewerage Company (BMSC). BMSC
has subsequently developed an environmental action plan which will bring the facilities into compliance
over time with both Hungarian and EU environmental standards.
Zaporozhia-Water Utility Development & Investment Programme, Ukraine:
The project is financing investments in the water supply and waste-water sector and enhancing the
financial and operational performance of Vodokanal, the municipally owned water and waste-water
company of Zaporizhia . The project will reduce discharges of untreated waste water into the Dnieper
river and, ultimately, the Black Sea.
Brno-Modrice Waste-Water Treatment Plant, Czech Republic:
Loan to the water utility of the city of Brno to finance the extension and upgrading of the Brno-Modice
waste-water treatment plant and part of the city's sewerage network, contributing to the further reduction
of the pollution of the River Svratka.
Zagreb landfill rehabilitation, Croatia:
EBRD has funded the rehabilitation of one of the largest uncontrolled landfills in Europe to bring the
landfill in line with EU environmental standards. The project includes a leachate collection and treatment
facility to prevent discharge into the Sava River, a tributary to the Danube.
EBRD municipal environmental infrastructure projects under preparation:
- Sofia Water, Bulgaria
- Zagreb Waste-water treatment plant, Croatia
- Municipal Environment Loan Facility, Romania
- Sevastopol Water, Ukraine
- Municipal Utilities Development Programme, Ukraine
EBRD industrial projects under implementation:
Slovalco Aluminium Smelter, Slovak Republic:
EBRD made a loan and took equity to enable the company to complete the construction and operation of
a new smelter and to shut down inefficient and polluting aluminium smelters and plants. Slovalco is now
in full compliance with EBRD's environmental covenants and is a "zero emission plant", with all
process waters being recycled and no wastewater discharges being discharged from the site.
Ambro/Sical, Romania:
An EBRD loan to Ambro to modernise its pulp and paper production facilities is also resulting in
improvements in environmental conditions at the plant, including improvements in the treatment of black
liquor, waste-water and sludge.
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Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Further examples of EBRD-supported industrial projects under implementation in the water and wastewater
management sector in the Danube catchment area are:
- Egis (pharmaceutical industry), Hungary
- Borchodchem (chemical industry), Hungary
- TVK (chemical industry), Hungary
- Petrom (petro-chemical industry), Romania
- Somatra zink smelter, Copca Mica, Romania
- ALRO aluminium smelter, Slotina, Romania
- Phoenix copper smelter, Baia Mare, Romania
- Policolor (print and ink factory), Bukarest, Romania, and Ruse, Bulgaria
- PIRDOP copper smelter, Bulgaria
- Sodi
(Solvay-processing),
Bulgaria
- Celhart (pulp and paper), Bulgaria.
The Bank has also undertaken environmental investments in the agribusiness sector focusing, typically, on
the control of waste-water discharges, the improvement of waste-water treatment and the protection of
groundwater.
UNDP Country Cooperation Frameworks/Regional Cooperation Frameworks
UNDP is supporting the Strategic Partnership through interventions under both its Environment and
Governance focus areas. Under Environment, during the pilot phase Danube and Black Sea projects UNDP
provided over $2 million in support to Danube/Black Sea basin issues through projects such as:
· Ukraine: Improving Environmental Monitoring Capacity ($1.099 million; 1995-1999)
· Ukraine: Environmental Impact Assessment Demonstration ($138,000; 1997-2000)
· Russia: Water Quality Evaluation and Prediction in Areas Affected by the Chernobyl Accident
($278,000; 1997-2000).
· Georgia: Capacity Building for the Ministry of Environment ($620,000; 1998-2000)
The Danube/Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership has a strong focus on facilitating legal, policy and
institutional reform in support of transboundary pollution reduction. These new laws, policies and
institutions can only be effective if they have the appropriate level of trust, legitimacy and credibility in civil
society. In addition, as has been the case in the West, environmental protection is being propelled more and
more by public demand. UNDP is supporting the empowerment of individuals and NGOs with skills and
information to increase their involvement in the environmental policymaking and enforcement processes.
During the Danube and Black Sea pilot phase programs, UNDP provided assistance totaling nearly $6
million to the Black Sea basin countries in support of governance, democracy and public participation.
Sample projects included:
· Regional Umbrella Program to Support Democracy, Governance and Participation in Europe and the
CIS ($2.153 million, 1997-1999)
· Moldova: Governance and Democracy: Strengthening the Judicial and Legislative Systems ($1.739
million, 1996-1999).
· Georgia: Capacity Building for the Ministry of the Environment ($0.620 million, 1998-2000).
· Regional Programme on the Environment and Development ($1.8 million, 1997-1999). National
Agenda 21's, policy reforms, institutional strengthening, public participation and networking,
strengthening of inter-sectoral cooperation.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
11
In addition, through the GEF Small Grants Programme in Turkey, UNDP supported a survey of monk seals
and their habitats along the Black Sea coast, a coastal management programme in the Black Sea province of
Trabzon, and a small scale Waste Water and Sanitation Project in the town of Hacimahmutlu.
Through its ongoing support to Environment and Governance in the Central European and CIS countries,
UNDP will continue to provide the framework for successful implementation of the key reforms envisioned
under the Strategic Partnership. During the five year period of the programme, UNDP will support, inter
alia, the following projects which support the goals of the Strategic Partnership:
· Implementing Local Agenda 21's in Turkey: Phase II (includes 3 Black Sea provinces of Trabzon,
Samsun and Zonguldak); ~$100,000.
· Turkey: National Programme for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
(includes efforts to combat desertification); $100,000.
· Management Planning for Conservation of Fen Mire Biodiversity in Belarus (Dnieper River Basin),
$143,000.
· Ukraine: Promoting and Strengthening Horizontal Cooperation (supports Ukraine's process of triple
transition to statehood, democracy and a market-oriented economy by acquainting Ukrainian
government officials and policymakers with relevant reform experiences in other countries of the
region, Asia and Latin America); $65,000.
· Support to Economic, Social and Administrative Reforms in Ukraine (aimed at facilitating the
implementation of the government's economic, social and administrative reform programme by
providing timely and effective expertise to develop and implement policy reform initiatives);
$704,000.
· Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia: National Capacity Building for Sustainable Development
(institutional strengthening, integration of SD principles into selected sectoral policies and
programmes, enhancing SD awareness); $300,000.
In addition, the GEF SGP will increase its links with the Black Sea Environment Programme through
projects in the Biodiversity and International Waters focal areas. 7 of 33 recently submitted project concepts
have direct relevance to Black Sea environmental issues, including protection of the Mersin Fish (Huso), a
threatened species; raising public awareness to prevent Black Sea pollution; and a small size waste water
treatment project in Samsun.
Other Programs:
· World Wildlife Fund: Lower Danube Green Corridor
· Preparation of an Annex to the Danube River Protection Convention for the protection of ecosystems
and nature conservation
Future Considerations Under the Strategic Partnership.
Two activities not addressed in this Strategic Partnership will be considered in more detail at a later date and
initiated under the Black Sea Regional Project. The first is the Black Sea-Bosphorus Straits-Mediterranean
Sea Marine Electronic Highway (MEH) Feasibility Study, and the second an International Waters Fisheries
Component. Regarding the MEH, the Black Sea GEF project identified shipping as a transboundary issue
and mechanisms needed to support environmental management, and the Secretariat is in a position to set
environmental management shipping guidelines, but this effort lends itself to a private sector initiative. A
Black Sea transboundary fisheries component will also be considered and integrated into the Strategic
Partnership, once selected preparatory activities have been completed by the Black Sea Regional Project.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
13
Annex 1
Transboundary Issues in the Danube/Black Sea Basin
It is widely agreed that regional scale eutrophication driven by excess nutrient inputs, primarily from riverine
sources, is the major transboundary issue impacting the Danube/Black Sea basin. As a result of the pollution
source inventory conducted during the preparatory work for the Black Sea Strategic Action Plan, it has been
possible to gather data on the inputs of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus compounds to the Black Sea (as of
1995). To the best of our knowledge1, some 14% of total nitrogen are from Bulgaria, 27% from Romania,
12% from Ukraine, 10% from the Russian Federation, less than 1% from Georgia, 6% from Turkey and
about 30% from the non-coastal countries (Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech
Republic, Former Yugoslavia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Slovenia). In the case of phosphorus,
the figures are Bulgaria, 5%; Romania, 23%; Ukraine, 20%; Russia, 13%; Georgia 1%; Turkey 12% and
26%, for the remaining countries, a similar story to that of nitrogen.
According to the GEF Operational Strategy (p.48-49), the GEF strategy is to meet the agreed incremental
costs of:
Implementing measures that address the priority transboundary environmental concerns.
Control of land-based sources of surface and groundwater pollution that degrade the quality of international
waters....High priority is also placed on abatement of common contaminants such as nutrients,...
The Black Sea Strategic Action Plan states (p.10):
29. A Black Sea Basin Wide Strategy, negotiated with all states located in the Black Sea basin, should be
developed to address the eutrophication problem in the Black Sea. The objective of the Strategy should be to
negotiate a progressive series of stepwise reductions of nutrient loads, until agreed Black Sea water quality
objectives are met. Such a Basin Wide Strategy may also be required to ensure the reduction of inputs of
other pollutants into the Black Sea, in particular oil.
30. Given that the Danube is the largest single source of nutrient inputs into the Black Sea, it is imperative
that strategies for the reduction of nutrients be adopted for this river.
The Common Platform for the Development of National Policies and Actions under the Danube River
Protection Convention (DRPC) (chapter 3.2.4) states:
The eutrophication by nutrients from land-based sources of pollution is one of the most serious
environmental problems of the Black Sea, one of the key explanations for its environmental decline and the
principal cause for the degradation of the Black Sea environment. The main causes of negative regional
effects on the Black Sea ecosystems include:
· Pollution by untreated municipal and industrial wastes,
· Pollution from agricultural activities,
· Reduction of wetlands and forested areas.
In the framework of the DRPC implementation the following goals and objectives have to be achieved:
Strategic Goals:
· to improve aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity
· to maintain and improve water resources quality and quantity (sustainable use)
· to prevent, reduce and control water pollution from point and diffuse sources, in particular where
hazardous substances and nutrients are involved;
· to prevent and control transboundary impact and contribute to the Protection of the Black Sea from
land-based pollution sources
1 Topping, G., H. Sarikaya and L.D. Mee (1998) Sources of pollution to the Black Sea. In: Mee, L.D. and G. Topping
(Eds) (1999 in press) Black Sea Pollution Assessment. UN Publications, New York, 380, 280pp
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Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Specific objectives for the main sectors:
· to ensure biological and advanced waste water treatment in the municipal and industrial sector
· to promote the use of BAT and the adoption of BEP in all industries, particularly those involving
hazardous substances
· to promote the adoption of BEP and sustainable land use in agriculture
As a result of the severe economic downturn in the region following the political upheavals of the early
1990's, the near collapse of the industrial and agricultural sectors in the Danube/Black Sea basin countries
has resulted in some modest short-term reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the Black Sea from
the Danube and probably other rivers. In recognition of this "window of opportunity" to catalyze
improvements in the status of the Black Sea ecosystem, the Joint Danube-Black Sea Technical Working
Group identified the following goal for the next seven years:
The long-term goal is for all Black Sea basin countries to take measures to reduce nutrient levels and other
hazardous substances to such levels necessary to permit Black Sea ecosystems to recover to similar
conditions as those observed in the 1960s.
As an intermediate goal, urgent control measures should be taken by all countries in the Black Sea basin, in
order to avoid that discharges of nitrogen and phosphorus to the Black Sea exceed those levels observed in
1997. This will require countries to adopt and declare strategies that permit economic development whilst
ensuring appropriate practices and measures to limit nutrient discharge, and to rehabilitate ecosystems
which assimilate nitrogen and phosphorus. This target, monitored and reported annually, shall be reviewed
in 2007 with a view to considering further measures that may be required for meeting the long-term
objective.
The strategy put forth below integrates the technical, policy, legal, institutional and investment frameworks
summarized in the preceding sections.
Addressing Danube/Black Sea Basin-wide Eutrophication through Reduction and Sequestering of
Nutrient Releases:
The Joint Danube-Black Sea Technical Working Group identified four key measures which could be taken to
reduce nutrient discharges to the Danube/Black Sea basin. These include:
1. Reform of agricultural policies to reduce non-point source run-off of fertilizers and manure (buffer
zones, manure storage clamps, erosion control, organic agriculture, etc.);
2. Improved municipal and industrial wastewater treatment to capture nutrients, particularly using
alternative technologies with low capital and O&M costs (e.g. constructed wetlands, advanced
integrated ponding systems, etc.);
3. Rehabilitation of key basin ecosystems (e.g. wetland restoration) to enhance their capacities as
nutrient `sinks';
4. Changes in consumer practices (including use of phosphate free detergents), including legislation
(where needed), enforcement and public awareness.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
15
Annex 2
Preserving the Danube/Black Sea basin Environment: A brief history
The Black Sea was formed only seven or eight thousand years ago when changing sea level sent
Mediterranean water through the Bosphorus valley into what was until then a large freshwater lake. Human
populations emerged and flourished in the basin, with little apparent negative impacts on the Sea or the rivers
that feed it. Though not very biologically diverse compared with open seas at similar latitudes, the Black
Sea developed remarkable and unique ecosystems, particularly in its expansive northwestern shelf where the
sea is relatively shallow. Today, the Danube/Black Sea basin encompasses 17 countries and supports a
population of over 160 million people over an area of about ...square kilometers. Over the last 30-40 years,
as a result of rapid and largely unsustainable development, industrialization and the `green revolution', the
Black Sea and many of the rivers that feed it have become severely degraded, with effects including:
· Loss of species diversity;
· Severe eutrophication over large areas (particularly in the NW shelf) due to excess inputs of
nutrients;
· Declining water quality due to persistent inputs and levels of hydrocarbons and other chemicals from
both marine and land-based sources;
· Landscape degradation due to unplanned coastal and watershed development;
· Introduction of exotic species (at least 26 in the Black Sea) with major impacts on the ecosystem
and on commercial fisheries;
· Overfishing which together with the environmental factors led to a decrease in the diversity of Black
Sea commercial species from 26 species to 6 in less than two decades;
· Increased frequency of outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and frequent beach closures
due to poor coastal water quality.
Donor and National Activity:
Recognizing the declining status of the Danube/Black Sea basin environment, in recent years both the
governments of the region and the international community have taken steps to remediate the degradation of
the Danube/Black Sea basin and to prevent future impacts through a variety of reforms. Beginning in 1993,
the Black Sea Environment Programme (BSEP) was created with both donor and national funding, including
major inputs from the GEF and the European Union's TACIS and Phare programs. The BSEP focused on
enabling activities, capacity building, and the preparation and approval of regional and national `Strategic
Action Plans' (SAP's). The BSEP focal areas included Emergency Response, Pollution Monitoring,
Biodiversity, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Fisheries, Database Management and Geographic
Information System, Environmental Economics and Investments, NGO's, Information and Communication
and Policy and Legislation.
Similarly, in 1991, GEF, the European Union and the countries of the Danube River basin created the
Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin (EPDRB), designed to support the Danube countries
in their long term objective of improving the environmental management of the Danube river basin. EPDRB
supported SAP and NAP preparation, monitoring, collection and assessment of data, emergency response
systems, pre-investment studies, institutional strengthening, capacity building and reinforcement of NGO
activities.
Concurrently, GEF and other donor-supported environmental protection activities have been underway in
other Danube/Black Sea Basin rivers, including the Dnipro (GEF), Dniester (various), Don (World Bank)
and Prut (Tacis) Rivers, and the Sea of Azov (Dutch).
16
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Legal Framework:
Both the Black Sea and the Danube, the largest river in the basin, have developed and ratified international
conventions (Black Sea Convention, Danube River Protection Convention) whose objectives pertain to the
prevention of pollution of the Danube/Black Sea basin. The Danube River Protection Convention came into
force in October, 1998, the Black Sea Convention in February, 1994. A number of the basin countries are
also parties to the UN Economic Commission for Europe's Convention on the Protection and Use of
Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. Most countries are also party to several other relevant
conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance (Ramsar Convention). At the national level, numerous policies, laws and regulations exist
relating to protection of Danube/Black Sea basin resources, but exhibit a wide range of implementation,
compliance and enforcement. In most countries, legislation to address some of the priority problems,
especially transboundary ones, identified by the programs noted above is still in its infancy. In the Danube
River Basin, most countries, especially those in the accession process to the European Union are actually
revising their policy and legal frame for environmental and water protection to be coherent with EU water
directives.
Policy Framework:
The BSEP was the first programme to develop a systematic approach to policy development through the
application of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and a Strategic Action Plan (SAP). The Black Sea SAP,
contains 59 specific commitments on policy regarding measures to reduce pollution, improve living
resources management, encourage human development in a manner which does not prejudice the
environment, and take steps towards improving financing for environmental projects. In adopting this plan,
the Black Sea governments have committed themselves to a process of profound reform in the manner in
which environmental issues are addressed in the Black Sea and its basin. Preparation of National Action
Plans to operationalize the SAP at the national level is also underway.
Concurrently, the Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin adopted a Danube River SAP in
1994 (revised in 1999 as a Common Platform for National Policies and Actions under the DRPC) which
provides direction and a framework for achieving the goals of regional integrated water management and
riverine environmental management expressed in the Danube River Protection Convention. The most recent
GEF intervention in the Danube sought to operationalize elements of the SAP and Convention through the
preparation of a Pollution Reduction Programme (PRP) which was completed in July, 1999. Over $5 billion
in investments, primarily at the national level and targeting `hot spots', were identified and project files
prepared.
Preparation of a Strategic Action Programme and support to its implementation is also planned in the Dnipro
River Basin through UNDP-GEF and IDRC assistance.
Institutional Framework
Several emerging or operational institutions have key roles to play in the identification and implementation
of activities aimed at the remediation and protection of the Danube/Black Sea basin waters and ecosystems.
Key among these are the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution and the
Secretariat of the Black Sea Commission, and the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube
River and its Permanent Secretariat, each with responsibility for coordinating implementation of the
respective Conventions. The Danube Secretariat and the ICPDR Expert Groups (Monitoring, Laboratory,
Information Management Expert Group, Emission Expert Group, Accidental Emergency Warning and
Prevention Expert Group and Ad-hoc Expert Group for Implementation of EU Water Framework Directives
and River Basin Management) are fully operational and financially sustainable whereas the Black Sea
Secretariat has experienced repeated delays in overcoming political and bureaucratic challenges to its
establishment. It is hoped that these will be overcome shortly (April, 2000) and the Black Sea Secretariat
will come into existence in late 2000 or early 2001. In addition, donor-supported activities have resulted in
the creation of non-permanent institutions such as the Black Sea PIU and Danube PCU responsible for
coordination of the respective environment programmes.
Annex 9: Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
17
Investment Framework:
Both the Black Sea and Danube Environment programmes have supported the identification and
preparation of investments aimed at remediating and preventing environmental degradation in the
Danube/Black Sea basin. Collectively, the 13 countries of the Danube River Basin invested
approximately $560 million in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, agricultural water
pollution reduction, wetlands protection and water resources management in 1997-98. An additional
$4.29 billion in water sector investments is planned for the next 2-5 years. For the Black Sea riparians, a
total of nearly $100 million in water sector investments are underway or near completion.
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1
Annexes
ANNEX 10 Relevance of the GPA for Land-
Based Sources of Pollution in the
frame of the DRPC
STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NUTRIENT
REDUCTION MEASURES AND TRANSBOUNDARY
COOPERATION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND
LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR REDUCTION OF
NUTRIENT INPUT IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
REPORT IN SUPPORT OF THE PROJECT BRIEF
AUGUST 2000
United Nations Development Programme
Global Environment Facility
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
3
Introduction
This study was prepared by a legal consultant to the United Nations Environment
Programme / Regional Office for Europe (UNEP/ROE) in the framework of the PDF-B project
"Strengthening the Implementation of Nutrient Reduction Measures and Transboundary
Cooperation in the Danube River Basin" of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The main purpose of the study is to provide recommendations to UNEP on which legal steps
are required in order to enhance the implementation of the Global Programme of Action
(GPA)1 in the Danube River basin, with particular focus on the issue of pollution by nutrients.
The paper includes:
· An introduction to the problem of eutrophication in the Danube River and in the Black
Sea;
· Description of legal/policy response required or actually undertaken;
· Assessment of implementation of the GPA in the Danube River basin;
· Recommendation of proposed actions to be considered by Danube Basin Countries and
stakeholders.
The paper was drawn up in consultation with key stakeholders, such as the Secretariat of the
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (Secretariat of ICPDR),
UNEP/ROE, and the UNEP/GPA Coordination Office. Scientific advice was provided by
Professor Helmut Kroiss of the Technical University in Vienna in Austria.
Pollution by Nutrients in the Danube River Basin and in the Black
Sea
The Danube and Black Sea Basins
On its way from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube crosses 11 countries, more
than any other river in the world, representing a high diversity of cultural, economic and
social characteristics. The Danube is the second largest river of Europe, its catchment area
comprises areas in17 countries and over 800.000km2, which are part of the Black Sea
catchment area of an estimated 2.300.000 km2. Therefore, the Danube provides for a large
part of the input of water - and of pollution - from rivers to the Black Sea.
Eutrophication in the Black Sea
The last decades have seen a considerable increase in the input of nutrients (nitrogen and
phosphorus) and into the Black Sea. As a result of eutrophication, excessive alga growth has
been observed in areas of the Danube delta and of the Black Sea. The lack of oxygen in the
water led to decrease in fish stocks and marine living resources. The peak of eutrophication
was reached in the early 1990's. This situation led to the awareness that there is an urgent
need for action in order to improve the ecological situation by controlling the release of
nutrients into the aquatic environment.
1 Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based
Activities, adopted in Washington DC on 3 November 1995
4
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Recent improvements
Since 1992, an improvement of the ecological situation has been observed in the Black Sea.
Alga growth has decreased and stocks of certain fish species are slowly recovering. This
improvement was mainly due to two factors. In the more upstream countries, efforts that
started in the past decades in wastewater treatment and in implementing new agricultural
policies are showing effect, resulting in stabilization and reduction of nutrient input.
Nevertheless, further efforts will be necessary in agricultural policies as well as wastewater
treatment in order to reduce the input of nutrients.
The other, more important factor was the economic transition of the Central and Eastern
European Countries. Economic decline resulted in a significant reduction (e.g. estimates of
about 15% reduction in total input of N and P to the Danube between 1988/89 and1992) of
pollution from nutrients, mainly due to decrease of agricultural and industrial activity. As
economic recovery takes place, it will be a challenge to stabilize and further reduce input of
nutrients to a sustainable level.
Main Sources of Nutrients
The main sources of nutrients entering the Black Sea from the Danube come from agriculture
(>1/2), from communal discharges (>1/4), from industry and from background sources.
Discharges can be from "point sources" (e.g. from communal wastewater discharge,
agricultural point source) or from "diffuse sources", such as from agriculture/groundwater
infiltration or erosion.
The scientific knowledge about the interrelations of hydrology, pollution and water quality of
the Black Sea and Danube basins is constantly improving. The Transnational Monitoring
Network (TNMN) and the resulting Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM) produced results,
which can provide a sound basis for policy decisions. Nevertheless, many important factors
still remain to be solved, e.g. with regard to an exact assessment of national shares of
nutrient input into the Danube River.
Towards a Common Policy Response to Pollution by Nutrients and
other Pollutants in the Danube River Basin
Background
The Danube basin comprises some of the most performing economies of the European
Union, as well as countries with economies in transition, some of them just recovering from a
conflict situation. Nevertheless, as demonstrated by the report 2 prepared in the framework of
this GEF PDF-B project, many DRPC countries are either implementing / approximizing to
EU legislation, others are planning to harmonize their legislation with the EU acquis. Two
countries are already members of the European Union (Germany, Austria), some are
harmonizing their legislation with a view of joining the EU in the near future (Czech Republic,
Hungary, Slovenia) or later (Slovakia, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria).
FR Yugoslavia and Bosnia Herzegovina find themselves in a special situation, but
nevertheless, have expressed their interest of harmonizing their legislation to the EU law and
2 "Existing and Planned policies and Legislation relating to Nutrient Control and Reduction", Draft
Summary Report for Danube Regional Project, ICPDR-UNDP/GEF, June 2000 e.g., Table 14.5
"Planned Schedule for Approximation of National Legislation to EU Legislation"
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
5
policies. Moldova and Ukraine have also expressed the interest of taking into account the
aspect of harmonization with EU policies in the development of national policies in the
framework of cooperation with the EU in the field of environment protection.
Policy approach of relevant EU legislation
The current state of EU legislation is marked by one major event: the recent adoption of the
"European Water Framework Directive"3 (WFD) of 18 July 2000. The Water Framework
Directive will reform the EU water policy, setting out a new common approach to water
management, as well as common objectives and principles, common definitions and basic
measures. It is designed to prevent further deterioration and to protect and enhance the
quality and quantity of aquatic ecosystems.
Key elements of the Directive relevant to the reduction of pollution by nutrients or other
substances include:
· Protection of all surface waters, including maritime coastal waters, and groundwaters in
their quality and quantity with a proper ecological dimension;
· Emissions and discharges to be controlled by y a combined approach (see below);
· Integrated river basin management across administrative and political borders with
coordinated programmes of measures, including the establishment of River Basin
Districts and River Basin Management Plans.
The EU Water Framework Directive in its Article 10 stipulates a combined approach to be
taken for the control of discharges from point and diffuse sources into surface waters. This
combined approach includes:
· Emission controls based on Best Available Techniques (BAT);
· Relevant emission limit values;
· In the case of diffuse impacts the controls including Best Environmental Practices (BEP).
Control measures are set out more specifically in several EU Directives, to which the Water
Framework Directive makes reference. These directives include, amongst others, the
Directive concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC-Directive), the
directive concerning urban waste water-treatment and the directive concerning the protection
of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources ("nitrate directive").
The following table gives an overview of the most relevant EU legal acts:
3 Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community
action in the field of water policy
6
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Table 1:
Examples of relevant EU-legislation and underlying principles:
European Parliament and Council
· Combined approach of water quality
Directive establishing a framework for
objective approach and emission limits
Community action in the field of water
value approach used to mutually reinforce
policy
each other.
("European Water Framework Directive",
· Water
quality
standards
WFD)
· "Good surface water status" to be
achieved within 15 years
· Use of notions of "Best Available
Techniques" and Best Environmental
Practices for point and diffuse sources
· River Basin Districts and River Basin
Management Plans to be established.
Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May
· Emission limitation for treatment and
1991 concerning urban waste-water
discharge of urban waste water and
treatment.
waste water from certain industrial
sectors
· Identification of "sensitive areas", where
there is a requirement of appropriate
treatment of waste-water for the removal
of nutrients
Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12
· Reduction and prevention of emission
December 1991 concerning the protection
from nitrates from agricultural sources
of waters against pollution caused by
· Designation of "vulnerable zones".
nitrates from agricultural sources
· Establishment of codes of "good
agricultural practice" and "action
programmes".
Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24
· Integrated prevention and control of
September 1996 concerning integrated
pollution from industrial activities
pollution prevention and control
· Installation permit shall include emission
limit value for relevant pollutants
· Emission limit value shall be based on
best available techniques (BAT).
Additional measures to be taken if
required by environmental quality
standards
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
7
Targets and timeframes of WFD:
· Prevent deterioration of surface and ground waters;
· Achieve good surface and groundwater status within 15 years of entry into force of WFD;
· Review of the environmental impact of human activity and Economic Analysis of water use
within 4 years of entry into force of WFD;
· River Basin Management Plan completed by end of 2004, reviewed every six years.
Integrated River Basin Management
One of the main innovations of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is to create a
single system of water management: the river basin management on the European level,
following and complementing positive examples of initiatives taken forward by the States
concerned for e.g. the Rhine or Danube basin. This policy is based on the recognition that
the best model for a single system of water management is management by river basin
the natural geographical and hydrological unit instead of according to administrative or
political boundaries.
This development is also of particular relevance for the Danube basin. Therefor, several
provisions of the WFD merit special consideration.
Establishment of River Basin Districts
The "River Basin District" is the main unit for management of river basins under the WFD. It
is composed of the "area of land and sea, made up of one or more neighboring river basins
together with their associated groundwaters and coastal waters" (Article 2 para. 15). The EU
Member States shall identify river basins and assign them to river basin districts.
A river basin covering the territory of more than on EU Member State shall be assigned to
an international River Basin District (Article 3 para. 3 of the WFD).
Conclusion: The Danube Basin will be assigned to an "International River Basin District" by EU and
accession countries.
Paragraph 5 of Article 3 stipulates a principle of cooperation for River Basins Districts, which
extend beyond the territory of the EU. In this case, the Member States concerned "shall
endeavour to establish appropriate coordination with the relevant non-Member States, with
the aim of achieving the objectives of this Directive throughout the River Basin District. For
international River Basin Districts the Member States concerned shall together ensure this
coordination and may, for this purpose, use existing structures stemming from international
agreements.
According to Article 18 of the DRPC, the International Commission for the Protection of the
Danube River (ICPDR) can, in addition to affairs explicitly entrusted to the International
Commission, "deal with all other affairs the Commission is entrusted with by mandate from
the Contracting Parties".
Conclusion: ICPDR could perform coordination of International River Basin District with EU member and
non-member countries, when entrusted by mandate from the DRPC Contracting Parties.
8
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
River Basin Management Plans
Article 16 of the WFD requires that for each River Basin District a River Basin Management
Plan should be elaborated. In the case of an international River Basin District extending
beyond the boundaries of the Community, Member States shall endeavour to produce a
single River Basin Management Plan.
Where this is not possible, the plan shall at least cover the portion of the international River
Basin District lying within the territory of the Member State concerned. The River Basin
Management Plan shall cover various elements, which are listed in Annex VII of the WFD.
Conclusion: Danube Countries could consider establishing a joint International River Basin Management
Plan for the Danube River basin.
Scope of application
As already stated in the preamble of the WFD, "an effective water policy must take account
of the vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems located near the coast and estuaries or in gulfs or
relatively closed seas, as their equilibrium is strongly influenced by the quality of inland
waters flowing into them". Consequently, according to Article 1 of the WFD, the "purpose of
this Directive is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters,
transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwaters", thereby including "coastal waters"
into the territorial scope of application of the WFD.
Furthermore, the definition of "surface water" in Article 2 paragraph 1 of the WFD also
includes coastal waters. Paragraph 15 of Article 2 stipulates that "associated [...] coastal
waters shall be included into the River Basin District. "Coastal waters" are defined by Article
2 paragraph 7 of the WFD as "surface water on the landward side of a line every point of
which is at a distance of one nautical mile on the seaward side from the nearest point of the
baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is measured, extending where
appropriate up to the outer limit of transitional waters".
Conclusion: The quality of coastal waters of participating countries should be taken into account in the
International River Basin Management Plan.
Environmental Objectives and Water Quality Status
According to Article 4 paragraph 1 subparagraph (a) (i) of the WFD, "Member States shall
implement the necessary measures to prevent deterioration of the status of all bodies of
surface water". Subparagraph (a) (ii) stipulates that "Member States shall protect, enhance
and restore all bodies of surface water [...] with the aim of achieving good surface water
status at the latest 15 years after the date of entry into force of this Directive".
Conclusion: The International River Basin Management Plan should contain targets and timeframes,
including transitional provisions, for the reduction of the pollution by nutrients (and other pollutants).
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
9
Protected Areas
According to Article 6 of the WFD, "protected areas" shall be established in each River Basin
District. Such protected areas shall include, in particular, "nutrient sensitive areas, including
areas designated as Vulnerable Zones under the nitrate Directive and areas designated as
Sensitive Areas under the urban waste-water Directive (Paragraph 1 - iv of Annex IV of the
WFD).
According to Article 3 paragraph 2 of the nitrates Directive, all known areas of land in their
territories which drain into nitrate polluted waters and which contribute to pollution shall be
designated as "vulnerable zone", requiring special action programmes.
The urban waste-water Directive requires that freshwater body, estuary or coastal water
which are found to be eutrophic or which in the near future may become eutrophic shall be
identified as "sensitive areas" (Annex II-A). Discharges from urban waste water treatment
plants (of agglomerations of more than 10.000 persons) situated in the catchment area of a
sensitive area, and which contribute to the pollution of such area, are subject to emission
limits regarding concentration or for percentage of reduction of nutrients (Article 5,
paragraph 5 of urban waste-water Directive).
Conclusion: Danube countries could consider establishing Vulnerable Zones and Sensitive Areas within
the basin as Protected Areas under the International River Basin Management Plan.
Table: Some of main innovations of WFD vs. Danube River Protection Convention
WFD
DRPC
Scope of application
· Inland surface waters,
Hydrological river basin
including transitional
waters and coastal waters
· Groundwater
Quality standards and
"Good surface waters status" To be developed under
objectives
within 15 years (Article 4
Article 7 paragraph 4 DRPC
paragraph 1 WFD)
River Basin Management
Yes
No
Plan
Protected Areas
Yes
No
10
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Implementation of the Global Programme of Action
Requirements of the Global Programme of Action (GPA)
The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-
based Activities (GPA) was adopted by 108 Governments and the European Commission in
1995. It is the response of the international community to the fact that a large part of the
pollution of the world's oceans (estimated 80%) is caused by human activities on land.
Therefore, marine protection is an issue of everybody, living in a coastal or landlocked
country.
By adopting the GPA, States declared that the protection and management of the global
water resources has to be based on a basin wide approach. This means that all countries
lying within the catchment area of a hydrological basin of a water resource should cooperate
to protect the water resource in question.
The GPA is aimed to be "a source of conceptual and practical guidance to be drawn upon by
national and/or regional authorities in devising and implementing sustained action to prevent,
reduce, control and/or eliminate marine degradation from land based activities".
The GPA gives recommendations for action at the national level, and at the level of regional
and international cooperation. Furthermore, the GPA provides guidance for "recommended
approaches by source category", including a chapter on nutrients, which are of particular
relevance for this study.
The objectives of the GPA with regard to nutrients are to:
· identify marine areas where nutrient inputs are causing or are likely to cause pollution;
· reduce nutrient inputs into the areas identified;
· reduce the number of marine areas where eutrophication is evident,
· protect and restore areas of natural denitrification.
Action at the national level
Recommendations for Reduction of Pollution from Land Based Sources
On the national level, the GPA lists activities in the following fields, which are valid for
reduction of all pollution from land-based activities, some of them being of particular
relevance also for nutrient reduction:
· Identification and assessment of problems, such as identification of contaminants and of
sources of degradation (e.g., point sources and diffuse sources of pollution), as well as
identification of "areas of concern" (ecologically sensitive areas);
· Establishment of priorities for source categories and areas affected;
· Setting management objectives for priority problems, including goals, targets and
timetables;
· Identification, evaluation and selection of strategies and measures, including e.g.
implementation of best available techniques and best environmental practices, product
substitution, waste treatment etc.
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
11
GPA Recommendations for Nutrient Reduction
With particular regard to the source category of nutrients, the GPA recommends different
national action, policies and measures to be taken at the national levels. The GPA requires:
· the identification of areas where nutrient inputs are likely to cause pollution;
· the identification of point sources and diffuse sources of nutrient input;
· the adoption of appropriate cost-effective policy instruments, including regulatory
measures, economic instruments and voluntary agreements, such as activities relates to
sewage treatment, integration of best environmental practice (BEP), best available
techniques (BAT), integrated pollution prevention and information campaigns;
· to strengthen capacity on the local level (urban development and agriculture);
· scientific
research;
· to protect and restore potential natural sinks such as wetlands.
Implementation enhanced by DRPC
A thorough assessment of the nutrients problem and of the action required or undertaken at
the national level is included in the report "Five Year National Nutrient Reduction Action
Plan"4, which has been prepared in the context of the PDF-B phase of the present project.
The following table gives an overview of the implementation of some of the key elements of
the GPA at the national level regarding nutrients:
Identification of
Nutrient
Completion of
Product
Need of
point / diffuse
Reduction Plan
Appropriate Policy
substitution of P-
legislative
sources of
adopted
instruments
free detergents
changes
nutrient input
identified
Germany
Yes
No
Partly
Yes
No
Austria
Yes
No
Partly
Yes
No
Czech Republic Yes
No
Short term
Yes
Slovakia
Yes
No
Mid-term
Control planned Yes
Hungary
Yes
No
Short term
No plan
Yes
Slovenia
Yes
No
Short term
No plan
Yes
Croatia
Yes
No
Mid-term
No plan
Yes
FR Yugoslavia
Yes
No
Long-term
Yes
Bosnia-
Yes
No
Long-term
No plan
Yes
Herzegovina
Romania
Yes
No
Mid-term
In discussion
Yes
Bulgaria
Yes
No
Mid-term
No plan
Yes
Moldova
Yes
No
Long-term
No plan
Yes
Ukraine
Yes
No
Mid-term
No plan
Yes
It can be concluded that the implementation of the GPA is on the way, mainly driven by
activities under the DRPC as well as the process of approximation of legislation to EU
policies. For example, under the current GEF PDF-B project an exhaustive assessment of
sources of nutrient pollution has been prepared, in order to provide the basis for the
development of "national nutrient reduction plans".
All of the Danube countries with two exceptions identified a need for legislative changes on
the national level, in order to implement the planned policy reforms for nutrient reduction. The
implementation of appropriate policy tools is just at the beginning.
4 " Five Year National Nutrient Reduction Action Plan", draft summary report for the Danube Regional
Project, ICPDR UNDP/GEF, June 2000
12
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
A number of measures at the national level remain to be implemented. An effective
implementation of a strategy, including identification of problem, establishment of objectives
and implementation of activities in line with the guidance contained in the GPA, will be
enhanced by the elaboration of national nutrient reduction plans.
Conclusion: Work on elaboration of National Nutrient Reduction Plans has been started under the
umbrella of the ICPDR.
Action at the Regional Level
GPA Recommendations for Reduction of Pollution from Land Based Sources
The GPA recognizes that "regional and subregional cooperation and arrangements are
crucial for successful action to protect the marine environment from land-based activities".
The objective should be to "strengthen and, where necessary, create new regional
arrangements and joint actions to support effective action, strategies and programmes.
The GPA recommends the following activities:
· Participation in international regional and subregional marine and freshwater agreements
or arrangements. Where necessary, existing agreements should be strengthened or new
ones being negotiated ;
· Effective functioning of regional and subregional arrangements, including securing of
funding and cooperation with multilateral financing agencies, adoption of programmes of
action, information clearing house, inter-institutional cooperation, cooperation between
secretariats and conventions ;
· Adequate secretarial support for regional and subregional agreements.
GPA Recommendations for Reduction of Pollution by Nutrients
Specifically for the issue of eutrophication, the GPA recommends:
· the establishment of common criteria for the identification of eutrophication problems;
· the identification of marine areas where nutrients are causing pollution;
· the identification of areas for priority actions;
· the estimation of uniform approaches to the calculation of anthropogenic nutrient input
with the aim of improving estimation of these inputs;
· the development and implementation of programmes for reducing nutrient input, paying
particular attention to the agricultural sector;
· to establish mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of the measures taken; and
· to develop strategies for reducing eutrophication.
Assessment of Implementation
There are two regional conventions in force, which have direct relevance for the protection of
the Black Sea:
The Convention on the protection of the Black Sea against pollution was adopted in April
1992 in Bucharest and came into force in 1994. It is not a basin-wide convention, but covers
the six Black Sea riparian States.
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
13
It is supplemented by a Protocol on the Protection of the Black Sea Marine Environment
against Pollution from Land Based Sources, which is an integral part of the Convention.
The assessment of the implementation of the GPA through the Black Sea Convention and
the identification of legislative needs is subject of a detailed report prepared by Mr. I.
Zrazhevski, consultant to UNEP under the framework of this PDF-B phase. One of the
questions arising is whether an assessment of the Black Sea Protocol on land based sources
would indicate that it requires amendment in order to enhance implementation of the
recommendations of the GPA.
The Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) was adopted in 1994 and entered into
force in October 1998. Its scope covers 13 Danube River countries, most of which have
already ratified the Convention. The DRPC is based on the basin-wide approach. As a river
basin convention it is "land based" by nature; therefore, its provisions can be directly
compared to the LBS Protocols of Regional Seas agreements, including the Black Sea
Convention and the Barcelona Convention.
Several subsidiary bodies have been established under the DRPC, which address many of
the recommendations of the GPA.
· Accident Emergency Prevention and Warning System Expert Group;
· Emission
Expert
Group;
· Monitoring Laboratory and Information Management Group;
· Strategic Expert Group; and
· Ad Hoc Expert Group for implementation of EU Water Framework Directive and River
Basin Management.
In order to provide an overview of the legal and institutional framework and measures of
implementation, a comparative analysis can be done of the above-mentioned regional
instruments. The table below lists some of the recommendations of the GPA and the relevant
provisions/implementation measures in the two LBS Protocols felt more relevant and the
DRPC, as well as the new European system of the WFD.
14
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
GPA Recommendations
LBS Protocol 1996
LBS Protocol
WFD
DRPC
Mediterranean Sea
Black Sea
Not yet in force
In force
Entry into force expected 2000
In force
Basin Management
Other States within
·
"Coastal" convention. Black Sea
River Basin Districts, including
·
Implemented by Articles 1,2 and 3 of the
Approach
hydrological basin invited to
Convention is open for accession by other
associated coastal waters, to be
Convention.
cooperate in implementation
States.
established
·
Joint Ad Hoc Technical Working Group
·
Joint Ad Hoc Technical Working Group
ICPDR-ICPBS
ICPDR- ICPBS5
BAT/BEP
Annex IV Protocol
No
· Article10
WFD
Annex I DRPC
·
Related EU Directives
Secretarial Support
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cooperation in Monitoring
Article 8 of Mediterranean
Article 15 of Black Sea Protocol
Article 8 WFD
· Article
9
Protocol
·
Monitoring, laboratory and information
management expert group.
·
Transnational Monitoring Network (TNMN)
and Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM)
Harmonization of emission Article 7: Common guidelines, Article 6: Common guidelines, standards and
·
Article 10 WFD "Combined
·
Article 7 DRPC: Emission limits and water
limitation
standards and criteria to be
criteria to be developed
approach"
quality objectives to be developed
developed
·
Article 11 controls for priority
· Emission
expert
group
substances and priority hazardous
substances
·
Limitations of related EU
Directives
Regional Strategic Action
Not yet
To be developed under present project
·
River Basin Management Plan to
Joint Action Plan to be developed under
Plan adopted for nutrient
be produced (Article 13 WFD)
proposed project
reduction
·
Programmes of measures (Article
11 WFD)
Information clearing house Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Implementation of
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
programmes with other
international agencies
5 ICPBS: International Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea, "Istanbul Commission"
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
15
The Danube River basin - which forms an important hydrological "sub-basin" to the Black
Sea basin is almost entirely covered by the DRPC. The assessment of the implementation
of the GPA in the Black Sea basin shows that the DRPC presently offers an appropriate legal
framework for the implementation of the GPA on a regional level. The DRPC contains
similar provisions, which are contained in the LBS Protocols examined, and which are
sometimes more far-reaching than the LBS provisions, e.g., by implementing a basin wide
approach for its sub-basin. Therefor, as far as the Danube River basin is concerned, it can
be noted that presently the DRPC is supplementing the Black Sea Convention.
Furthermore, the adoption of a common policy approach in line with the EU legislation is
providing a considerable impetus to harmonization of policies and to implementation of
pollution reduction in the Danube River Basin.
On the side of practical implementation, considerable work remains to be done. The
proposed Danube Regional Project proposes implementation measures to be undertaken,
which will provide for a reduction in nutrient transport to the Black Sea of estimated 27% for
Phosphorus and 14% of Nitrates.
The GPA requires the development of a regional strategy for reduction of pollutants including
nutrients. Such action plan should contain the identification and assessment of the problem,
the fixing of objectives (such as clear targets and timeframes), measures to achieve these
objectives and a mechanism in order to review the effectiveness of the measures taken. Until
presently, many activities have been undertaken, but no such regional action plan which
could serve as a common platform for implementation of nutrient reduction measures on the
national level - was adopted.
Close co-operation with stakeholders, such as the International Commission for the
Protection of the Black Sea (ICPBS), will be required in order to ensure full compatibility of
this process with related work currently undertaken, such as the (possible) development of
an amended Protocol on land-based sources to the Black Sea Convention. UNEP will
continue to play a catalytic role in order to enhance this process.
Conclusions:
· Most of the action recommended by the GPA is taken by DRB countries in the framework of
participation in the DRPC, including its Commission and subsidiary bodies, and by implementing a
common policy approach;
· The necessary secretarial support is provided by the Secretariat of the ICPDR;
· Common platform of action for implementation, such as a Joint Action Programme for the Danube
River basin, should be developed and adopted in order to implement pollution reduction measures
following the recommendations of GPA.
Action at the international level
GPA Recommendations for LBS Pollution
Activities at the international level, which are recommended by the GPA, fall into the
following categories:
· capacity building, including the mobilization of experience in support of national and
regional action, as well as a clearing house mechanism;
· mobilization of financial resources, including the GEF;
· international institutional framework, with UNEP playing a catalytic role between the
institutions concerned;
· additional areas of international cooperation, such as waste water treatment and
management as well as Persistent Organic Pollutants
16
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
GPA Recommendations for Reduction of Pollution by Nutrients
Specifically for the issue of reduction of pollution by nutrients, the following activities are
recommended at the international level:
· Participation in a clearing-house for providing information about BEP / BAT to reduce or
eliminate causes of eutrophication;
· Strengthening of international programmes for capacity building for identification of areas
where eutrphication is causing or is likely to cause pollution, Nutrient control and removal
technique, application of BEP in aquaculture and agriculture;
· Technical cooperation for reduction of release of nutrients, including environmentally
sound land-use techniques, planning and practices,
· Provision of forums for establishing criteria for determining the circumstances in which
nutrients are likely to cause pollution,
· Maintaining existing international quality assurance and quality control procedures
relevant to eutrophication.
GPA Strategic Action Plan on Sewage
In the period 2000 2001 a major mandated task of the UNEP/GPA Co-ordination Office is
to forward and coordinate the implementation of the GPA Strategic Action Plan on Municipal
Wastewater. A Global Conference Process is part of this action plan.
The main aim of the Strategic Action Plan is to initiate and facilitate a process, which leads to
the development and implementation of national strategies on sewage. An innovative
element of this strategy is the exploration of possibilities for public-private partnerships.
There are a number of economic sectors, such as tourism, mariculture, and urban
development, which can benefit from a healthier environment.
At present, pre-investment studies to identify suitable socio-economic opportunities are being
carried out, with the support of the UNEP/GPA Coordination Office, in four regions: the East
Asian Seas, the South Asian Seas, Eastern Africa, and the South-East Pacific. In addition, a
number of case studies on the environmental, social, and economic benefits of addressing
sewage are under preparation.
At a later stage, the UNEP/GPA Coordination Office, in partnership with governments and
organizations such as the World Health Organisation, United Nations Centre for Human
Settlements (Habitat), and the United Nations Development Programme, will be promoting
development and implementation of national strategies on sewage.
Public Participation and Compliance
22 invited Experts of the ECE/UNEP network of Experts on Public Participation and
Compliance drew up a "Guidance on Public Participation in Water Management and
Framework for Compliance with Agreements on Transboundary Waters"6. These guidelines
aim at promoting the full and effective implementation of the Convention on the Protection
and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Helsinki 1992, "Water
Convention).
The Guidance on public participation in water management gives recommendations in the
field of public participation in decision-making and recommends the development of a
6 Published by United Nations, New York and Geneva, 2000
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
17
communication strategy for each catchment area. Many of these recommendations are taken
into account within the respective regional systems of the Danube and the Black Sea
Conventions. UNEP could contribute to this aim by developing a Black Sea basin-wide
communication strategy for public awareness, promoting the issue of the reduction of
pollution of the Black Sea in the Danube basin and vice versa.
The Framework for Compliance recommends the establishment of a compliance review
procedure in agreements on transboundary waters in order to facilitate compliance more
effectively, as well as to introduce non-confrontational, non-judicial and consultative
procedures to review compliance and resolve disputes. So far, no agreement on
transboundary waters in the ECE region is currently following developments in global
environmental agreements and providing a compliance review procedure.
Assessment of Implementation
A great part of this action is taken into account by the work under the DRPC as well as the
Black Sea Convention. The proposed regional project will be a good example for
international cooperation undertaken.
A crucial element is the cooperation between the two Commissions, which has led to the
setting up with the assistance of UNDP/GEF and UNEP - of a Joint Ad Hoc Technical
Working Group in 1997. One outcome of this cooperation is the preparation of a draft
Memorandum of Understanding between the two Commissions, which has not yet been
signed.
Taking into account the number of activities, which are planned in relation to Danube and
Black Sea Conventions and their close interrelation, further strengthening of this successful
co-operation is crucial. UNEP is called upon to play a "catalytic role" in this process.
Furthermore, the synergies between the work of the UNEP GPA Co-ordination Office and the
Danube / Black Sea Commissions should be further strengthened and exploited. Part of this
cooperation could be the consideration of the future GPA Strategic Action Plan on Sewage,
which could be appropriately undertaken in a Joint meeting. Furthermore, it is important that
the GPA recommendations will be taken into account when implementing activities in the
framework of the Danube and Black Sea Regional projects, e.g. by implementing joint pilot
projects. Of particular interest will be to draw upon the experience of the GPA Coordination
Office in enhancing public-private partnerships.
UNEP could contribute to the promotion of public awareness on the protection of the Black
Sea and Danube by developing and implementing one basin-wide communication strategy,
promoting the issue of protection of the Black Sea in the Danube basin and vice versa. The
Framework for Compliance should be brought to the attention of the Danube and the Black
Sea Countries.
Conclusions:
· Cooperation between Danube and Black Sea Commissions should be continued and strengthened
through the work of the Joint Ad Hoc Working Group and the signature and implementation of a MoU
between the Black Sea / Danube Commissions;
· UNEP shall continue to play a catalytic role between the institutions concerned;
· GPA Strategic action plan on Sewage shall be considered by Danube and Black Sea countries in a
joint meeting and integrated into implementation activities under ICPDR and ICPBS, e.g. by the joint
implementation of pilot projects.
· UNEP should develop a common communication strategy for Danube and Black Sea basins;
· The Framework of Compliance with Agreements on Transboundary Waters should be brought to the
attention of and considered by the Joint Ad Hoc Technical Working Group or a joint meeting.
18
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project
Summary of Conclusions:
· The Danube Basin will be assigned to an "International River Basin District" by EU and
accession countries;
· ICPDR could perform coordination of International River Basin District with EU member
and non-member countries;
· Parties of DRPC could consider establishing a joint International River Basin
Management Plan;
· The coastal waters of the participating Danube River Basin countries would have to be
taken into account in the International River Basin Management Plan;
· The International River Basin Management Plan should contain targets and timeframes,
including transitional provisions, for the reduction of the pollution by nutrients (and other
pollutants);
· Danube countries could consider establishing Vulnerable Zones and Sensitive Areas
within the basin as Protected Areas under the International River Basin Management
Plan;
· Work on elaboration of National Nutrient Reduction Plans has been started under the
umbrella of the ICPDR;
· Most of the action recommended by the GPA is undertaken by DRB countries in the
framework of participation in the DRPC, including its Commission and subsidiary bodies,
and by implementing a common policy approach;
· The necessary secretarial support is provided by the Secretariat of the ICPDR
· There is a need of establishing a common platform of action for implementation, such as
a Joint Action Programme for the Danube River basin;
· Cooperation between Danube and Black Sea Commissions should be continued and
strengthened via the work of the Joint Ad Hoc Working Group;
· UNEP shall continue to play a catalytic role between the institutions concerned;
· The MoU between ICPDR and ICPDS should be signed and implemented;
· GPA Strategic action plan on Sewage shall be considered by Danube and Black Sea
countries in a joint meeting and integrated into implementation activities under ICPDR
and ICPBS, e.g. by the joint implementation of pilot projects;
· UNEP should develop a common communication strategy for Danube and Black Sea
basins;
· The Framework of Compliance with Agreements on Transboundary Waters should be
brought to the attention of and considered by the Joint Ad Hoc Technical Working Group
or a joint meeting.
Annex 10: Enhancing International Cooperation and Legal Provisions for Reduction of Nutrient Input in the DRB
19
Recommendations
Parties to the DRPC may consider:
· to develop and implement a Joint Action Programme for the Danube River basin, which
should serve as a common regional platform for implementation. The Joint Action
Programme shall be elaborated with the participation of the ICPBS (or in consultation
with the Joint Danube-Black Sea Technical Working Group), in order to achieve
complementarity between the Joint Action Programme and the amended Protocol on LBS
possibly to be developed under the Black Sea Convention. The Joint Action Programme
should include clear objectives and timeframes for reduction of nutrient pollution.
· The Joint Action Programme should aim at establishing a joint International River Basin
Management Plan, including the coastal waters of the participating Danube River Basin
countries and establishing Vulnerable Zones and Sensitive Areas within the basin as
Protected Areas under the International River Basin Management Plan. ICPDR should
perform the coordination of the International River Basin District with EU member and
non-member countries.
· The Cooperation between Danube and Black Sea Commissions should be continued and
the MoU between ICPDR and ICPDS should be signed and implemented. UNEP shall
continue to play a catalytic role between the institutions concerned.
· GPA Strategic Action Plan on Sewage shall be considered by Danube and Black Sea
countries in a joint meeting and integrated into implementation activities under ICPDR
and ICPBS, e.g. by the joint implementation of pilot projects. The Framework for
Compliance with Agreements on Transboundary Waters of the ECE/UNEP Network of
Experts on Public Participation and Compliance shall be considered by the ICPDR-
ICPBS Joint Ad Hoc Technical Working Group or a joint meeting.
· UNEP/ROE should develop a common communication strategy for the Black Sea and the
Danube.
Activities for consideration to be undertaken by UNEP
UNEP should inform the Danube and Black Sea Countries (or members of the Joint Danube-
Black Sea Technical Working Group) on its activities and call for a meeting. The meeting
should consider this report and the similar report for the Black Sea, comment on both of them
and recommend UNEP/ROE the follow-up actions. As regards the development of a Joint
Action Plan for Danube River basin Countries, the meeting should elaborate on policy issues
and advise on the indicators assessing effectiveness of the Joint Action Plan.
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1
Annexes
ANNEX 11 Causes and Effects of
Eutrophication in the Black Sea
DANUBE POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAMME
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF EUTROPHICATION
IN THE BLACK SEA
SUMMARY REPORT
JUNE 1999
Programme Coordination Unit
UNDP/GEF Assistance
prepared by
Joint Ad-hoc Technical Working Group ICPDR - ICPBS
Preface
The Black Sea is regarded as a regional sea that has been most severely damaged as the result of
human activity. Based upon comprehensive studies by scientists, in 1996, Ministers of the
Environment from Black Sea countries recognised, amongst other things, that "The Black Sea
ecosystems continues to be threatened by inputs of certain pollutants, notably nutrients. Nutrients
enter the Black Sea from land based sources, and in particular through rivers The Danube River
accounts for well over half of the nutrient input of the Black Sea. Eutrophication is a phenomenon
which occurs over wide areas of the Black Sea and should be a concern to the countries of the
Black Sea Basin." Further more, the Ministers agreed that "A Black Sea Basin Wide Strategy,
negotiated wit all states located in the Black Sea Basin should be developed to address the
eutrophication problem in the Black Sea. The objective of the Strategy should be to negotiate a
progressive series of stepwise reductions of nutrient loads, until agreed Black Sea water quality
objectives are met."
In order to facilitate the development of such a strategy, it is necessary to have a clear common
understanding of the nature of the problem, its causes and the options available for solving it. The
purpose of this report is to present, in a concise but accessible manner, evidence linking the
development of eutrophication in the Black Sea to the human influenced changes in discharges of
dissolved compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon entering the sea from land based sources.
The present report was prepared taking into account the results of the Joint ad-hoc Technical
Working Group established between the International Commission for the Protection of the Black
Sea and the international Commission for the Protection of the Danube River. It is a product of the
excellent cooperation, which exists between specialists from Black Seas coastal countries and those
who represented the Danube Basin in this Group.
A first draft Summary Report has been prepared by Laurence D. Mee, on behalf of UNDP/GEF.
This Report was discussed in the 3rd meeting of the Joint as-hoc Technical Working Group on
December 10/11, 1998. It has been finalised on the basis of these initial discussions and on
additional amendments agreed upon.
The present report is based on the five national reports on additional scientific literature, on reports
of the Black Sea Environmental Programme (BSEP) and the Environmental Programme for the
Danube River Basin (EPDRB), and on the professional experience of the representatives to the
'Joint as-hoc Group' and additional participant in its Meetings. The above mentioned five natinal
reports were commissioned by the UNDP/GEF Danube River Pollution Reduction Programme,
each with a title"Report on the Ecological Indicators of Pollution in the Black Sea". The
responsibilities for the coordination of the national reports is as follows:
(a)
Bulgaria: Prof. B. Bojanovsky, Gaculty fo Biology, Sofia University;
(b)
Romania: Dr. A Cociasu, Romanian Marine Research Institute, Constanta;
(c)
Russian Federation: Ms. Liubov Stapanova, State Committee for Environmental
Protection;
(d)
Turkey: Dr. Ösden turk, Institute for Marine Sciences at the Middle East Technical
University (METU);
(e)
Ukraine: Dr. Oxana Tarasova, Ministry for Environmental protection and Nuclear Safety.
Overall coordination of the activity of the Joint ad-hoc Technical Working Group was assessed by
Joachim Bendow, Project Manager of the Danube Pollution Reduction Programme and Laurence
D. Mee from the Black Sea PIU. Chairman of the working sessions were Walter Rust from UNEP,
Nairobi and Andrew Hudson from UNDP/GEF, New York. The report was edited by Michael
Sokolnikov.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Problem of Eutrophication .......................................... 1
2. Scientific Information on the Black Sea: Sources, Quality
and Techniques of Comparative Study........................................................ 3
3. Evidence of Long-term Changes in the Black Sea ...................................... 5
4. The Black Sea Eutrophication Problem in Perspective ............................. 7
5. Evidence for the Decline of Black Sea Ecosystems ................................... 11
6. Implications of the Study ............................................................................ 13
7. Sources of Nutrients to the Black Sea and Nutrient Control
Programmes.................................................................................................. 15
8. Policy Perspectives for Controlling Eutrophication ................................. 17
9. The Danger of Doing Nothing..................................................................... 21
10. Practical Short-term Measures................................................................... 23
11. Follow-up ...................................................................................................... 25
Annexes
Annex I
Summary of Data Sets Showing Evidence for Eutrophication and Its
Effects
Annex II
The Supporting Tables 1 to 10
Annex III
The Supporting Figures 1 to 16
Annex IV
The Terms of Reference
Annex V
The Composition of the 'Group' in Its Three Meetings
Annex VI
The Final Minutes of the 1st Meeting of the `Group', March 26, 1998,
Baden/NÖ, Austria
Annex VII
The Draft Minutes of the 3rd Meeting of the `Group',
December 10/11, 1998, Baden/NÖ, Austria
Annex VIII
Draft Memorandum of Understanding
v
Executive Summary
The Black Sea Strategic Action Plan, adopted at the Ministerial level in 1998, recognises the
phenomenon of eutrophication as one of the principle causes of transboundary degradation of the
Black Sea environment. Furthermore, it affirms the need for a coordination of actions across the
entire Black Sea drainage basin in order to reduce eutrophication and restore key Black Sea
ecosystems. The `Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC)' is having a `river basin approach';
it also stresses its responsibility for actions stemming from the River Danube Basin impacting on
the Black Sea. Within the Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin (EPDRB), the
relevant Strategic Action Plan was adopted at Ministerial level in December 1994. This SAP makes
also reference to the impacts from the River Danube Basin to the Black Sea. With the entry into
force of the DRPC on October 22nd, 1998, the tasks and responsibilities of the EPDRB, including
the Danube SAP, have been transferred from the former Task Force of the EPDRB to the decision
making body charged to implement the DRPC, the ICPDR.
In response to the need to link all states impacting on the Black Sea and the states holding the
Black Sea as `a shoreline resource', a Joint ad-hoc Technical Working Group was established
between the `International Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea ICPBS i.e. the
Istanbul Commission of the Bucharest Convention)' and the `International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River ICPDR i.e. the Vienna Commission of the Sofia Convention)'.
The 'Group' received its specific TOR, which did not only include eutrophication phenomena, but
asked also for the clarifying of issues of hazardous wastes. This 'Group' examined the best
available evidence for the problems and their causes and proposes remedial actions. Its findings are
summarised in the present report.
Eutrophication is a phenomenon caused by the over-fertilisation of the sea by plant nutrients,
usually compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus. The quality of water bodies affected by
eutrophication gradually deteriorates and may result in the development of species with low
nutritious value to larger animals including fish. It may also lead to severe oxygen depletion and
the so-called "dead zones", where no animals can survive, and biological diversity is lost. It has a
severe impact on the economy of human populations, amongst other things through fisheries and
tourism loss. The Black Sea (i.e. the Black Sea proper plus the Sea of Azov) environment has been
severely damaged by eutrophication since the 1970s. Evidence summarised in the present report
shows how the structure of the ecosystem was damaged at every level, from plants to fish and
mammals. Ukrainian colleagues estimate the losses of bottom animals between 1973 and 1990 as
60 million tons, among them 5 million tons of fish (i.e. 'on average 180.000 t per year'). To which
extent this is due to the increased input of nutrients, and to which due to overfishing, is impossible
to allocate now. The increased input of nutrients, with the subsequent changes along phototrophic
growth, has had negative consequences throughout the Black Sea. It may also have contributed to
the success of the comb-jelly Mnemiopsis, brought by accident to the Black Sea in the mid 1980s; it
attained a biomass of some one billion tons in 1989, causing catastrophic damage to the ecosystem.
Results of extensive studies coordinated by the Black Sea Environmental Programme (BSEP)
suggest that over 70% of nutrients entering the Black Sea are transported by major rivers,
principally the Danube; however, the atmospheric input was not a part of the balance. A large share
of the nutrients entering these rivers comes from Black Sea countries, which are having a shoreline.
Because of the BSEP pollution source inventory, it has been possible to gather data on the inputs of
dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus compounds to the Black Sea in 1995. However, the following
data by Topping, Sarikaya and Mee do not reflect the inputs via the atmosphere. Some 14% of total
nitrogen are from Bulgaria, 27% from Romania, 12% from Ukraine, 10% from the Russia
Federation, less than 1% from Georgia, 6% from Turkey and about 30% from the non-coastal
countries (Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Former Yugoslavia,
Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Slovenia). In the case of phosphorus, the figures are
vii
Bulgaria, 5%; Romania, 23%; Ukraine, 20%; Russia, 13%; Georgia 1%; Turkey 12% and 26%, for
the remaining countries, a similar story to that of nitrogen. The importance of showing these
numbers is to illustrate that nobody is "innocent", not even the Georgians whose low percentage
input reflects the current collapse in the coastal economy, probably a temporary feature.
Studies undertaken in the framework of the Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin
suggest the following: (a) About half of the nutrients discharged `internally in the Basin to the fine
web of the river network' are from agriculture; (b) somewhat more than one quarter from domestic
sources; (c) an additional larger share is from industry; (c) the remainder is from `background
sources'. The loads of nutrients entering the Black Sea from the Danube have fallen in recent years
due to the collapse of the economies of many of the Danubian and former Soviet countries, the
measures taken to reduce nutrient discharge in the upper Danube countries, and the implementation
of a ban in polyphosphate detergents in some countries.
There is evidence of some recovery in Black Sea ecosystems, but the ecological status of the 1960s
is for sure not yet reached. It is widely considered that nutrient discharges are in line with the
expected economic growth - likely to rise again, with consequent damage to the Black Sea, unless
action is taken to implement nutrient discharge control measures as part of the economic
development strategies.
Based on the reported positive signs (reduced input loads and improved ecological status in the
Black Sea shelf), and also aware of the missing knowledge of the comparability of input loads
(resolution both in time since the 1960s, and in space all over the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov),
and aware that the load reductions are very likely linked with the decline of economic activity in
the countries in transition, but that towards the future economic development is expected to take
place in the overall Black Sea Basin, the `Working Group' defined in its 2nd Meeting the possible
strategies as follows:
The long-term goal for all States in the Black Sea Basin is to take measures to reduce the
loads of nutrients and hazardous substances to such levels necessary to permit Black Sea
ecosystems to recover to conditions similar to those observed in the 1960s.
As an intermediate goal, urgent control measures should be taken by all States in the
Black Sea Basin in order to avoid that the discharges of nutrients and hazardous
substances into the Seas exceed those, which existed in 1997 1. The `Group' recognised
that these 1997 discharges are only incompletely known and that further work has to be
undertaken to substantiate the size of the loads received by the Seas (Black Sea proper;
Sea of Azov).
The `Group' concluded that the inputs of nutrients and hazardous substances into both
receiving Seas have to be assessed in a comparable way, and that to this very end a
common AQC system and a thorough discussion about the necessary monitoring,
including the sampling procedures, has to be set up.
The `Group' also concluded that the ecological status of the Black Sea and the Sea of
Azov has to be further assessed, and that the comparability of the data basis has to be
further increased.
Both the reported input loads as well as the assessed ecological status will have to be
reported annually to both the ICPBS and the ICPDR.
1 Loads reported for 1997 to have been transported in River Danube were: orthophosphate, 16,000 tons (as
P); total inorganic nitrogen, i.e. the sum of ammonia-N, nitrite-N and nitrate-N, 300,400 tons (as N)
[A.Cociasu, 1998]. River scientists indicate that in order to `level the impact of river hydrology on the
transport of pollutants out', an averaging over e.g. a span of five years should be undertaken. This would
yield for River Danube an `averaged load for 1995' of 12,700 tons per year of orthophosphate-P and
456,000 tons of inorganic nitrogen per year. The corresponding value for 1997 can only be known as soon
as the value for 1999 is known.
viii
The States within the overall Black Sea Basin shall have to adopt strategies that will
permit economic development, whilst ensuring appropriate practices and measures to
limit the discharge of nutrients and hazardous substances, and to rehabilitate ecosystems
which assimilate nutrients.
Based on the annual reports and on the adopted strategies for the limitation of the
discharge of nutrients and hazardous substances, a review shall be undertaken in 2007. It
will focus on the further measures that may be required for meeting the long-term
objective (reaching an ecological status similar to the conditions observed in the 1960s).
The actions required to attain these goals need not be costly at this stage and may be achieved
through a mechanism of basin-wide joint implementation including country commitments and
external grants and loans. They should build on existing initiative where possible. Such actions fall
within the following areas:
Reform of agricultural policies.
Improved wastewater treatment, where applicable also by alternative technologies.
Rehabilitation of essential aquatic ecosystems.
Changes in consumer practices (including use of phosphate-free detergents).
Establishing of a legal frame.
Suggestions for implementing these actions are made in the report. It is recommended that follow-
up activities should be at the policy development and practical project levels:
1. At the policy level. The TOR of the 'Joint ad-hoc Group' requires that the Group's Report
will be made available to both the International Commission for the Protection of the
Black Sea and the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, as
well as GEF as donor. This Report will be an input to a Meeting between the Black Sea
and the River Danube side, at the level of Heads of Delegations. The Heads of
Delegations of both Commissions should in such a joint meeting, based on cooperation,
consider endorsing the proposal to maintain nutrient levels at or below the loads recorded
in 1997, subject to review in 2007. They should also approve a series of practical
measures to achieve this goal including a total ban on polyphosphate detergents, clear
targets for wetland restoration, an agreement on monitoring, and a mechanism for "joint
implementation".
2. At the project level. Donors should establish mechanism(s) to support the agreed policy
objectives by funding a series of demonstration projects to share the costs of measures to
reduce nutrient discharge following the approach outlined in 10 (above). The approach
could use GEF funding to cover the incremental costs of specific projects. The support of
donors other than the GEF will be necessary in order to meet the agreed policy objectives.
For their part, the Contracting Parties to the Bucharest and Sofia Conventions should
ensure that a 'Memorandum of Understanding' is in place for implementing and
monitoring the agreed policies. Furthermore, funds should be made available for the
important task of raising the awareness of the general public and supporting local
initiatives for reducing nutrient discharge or protecting key (aquatic) ecosystems.
ix
1.
Introduction to the Problem of Eutrophication
Simply defined1, the term eutrophication describes an enrichment in the sea of plant nutrients
because of human activity. This enrichment most commonly results in the excessive stimulation of
phytoplankton2 growth but may also trigger the growth of larger plants (macrophytes) on the sea
floor in shallow areas. "Plant nutrients" mainly refers to inorganic compounds of nitrogen and
phosphorus, essential for the growth of photosynthetic organisms. They also include dissolved
silica, essential for the growth of diatoms, a class mostly consisting of free floating phytoplankton
with silica skeletons (almost like tiny glass boxes), as well as micronutrients such as iron and
manganese. Though the definition is simple, the phenomenon however, is a complex one because
natural variations in the nutrient supply to the aquatic environment are very large.
Nutrient limitation occurs when the presence of one of these substances is insufficient for the
continued growth of a particular community or species. Marine systems are generally considered to
be nitrogen limited whereas freshwater plankton systems are generally phosphorus limited. This is
because several species of freshwater phytoplankton are capable of "fixing" atmospheric nitrogen
but, with minor exceptions, this is impeded in marine water. The nutrient requirements of
individual species varies however, and a disturbance in the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, silica and
perhaps iron, will result in changes in the composition of a particular plankton community. In many
respects, all four nutrients may be considered as limiting. Lack of silica limits diatoms, for
example, a phenomenon first observed in natural blooms off Cape Mendocino in the USA and
since observed in the NW Black Sea as a consequence of the construction of inland dams including
the Iron Gates dam. Where there are very large supplies of nutrients, light for photosynthesis may
be the only mechanism limiting the scale of phytoplankton blooms.
For a better understanding of eutrophication, it is worthwhile to consider the typical succession of
events during the eutrophication process. Firstly, it is important to understand that phytoplankton is
not evenly distributed in the sea, neither in space nor time. In the similar manner to plants in
temperate woods or meadows, species bloom and fade with changing seasons and are sometimes
grazed by animals - only that in the sea, if they are not attached to the sea floor, plants are also at
the mercy of tides and currents. The distribution of phytoplankton is patchy and individual species
have developed their own particular physiology in order to have a comparative advantage over their
competitors. This favours their development under certain optimal conditions. Some have
particularly extraordinary adaptations including flagella, which permit them to seek better
conditions of light or nutrients, or poisons against those animals that feed on them. It is important
to recognise that this "patchiness" makes it difficult to establish baseline (typical) conditions. A
large set of observations is necessary in space and time. Furthermore, the examination of spatial
and temporal variability of phytoplankton requires laborious work of microscopic identification
and counting by dedicated highly trained specialists.
When nutrients are added to the marine environment because of human activities, there is a general
increase in the density of phytoplankton communities. At the same time, more subtle changes occur
as the species composition adjusts to the new ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and silica. High
nutrients and low light (the plants tend to shade one another) favour smaller species with large
amounts of surface chlorophyll. Phytoplankton is relatively short-lived and dies or is grazed by
zooplankton and quickly falls to below the depth at which sufficient light can penetrate to promote
photosynthesis (the euphotic zone). These cells, together with faecal material from zooplankton are
1 GESAMP (1990) Review of potentially harmful substances. Nutrients.
IMO/FAO/UNESCO/WMO/WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine
Pollution. Rep. Stud. GESAMP, 34, 40 pp. (participant authors: J. Portmann, R. Elmgren, I. Koike, L.D. Mee, M.A.
Saad, J. Stirn and A. McIntyre). An alternative wider definition has been proposed by Nixon (Ophelia 41:199-219, 1995):
An increase in the rate of supply of organic matter to an ecosystem.
2 Phytoplankton are microscopic free-floating aquatic plants.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
subjected to bacterial decay, a process that consumes oxygen. In extreme cases, processes of
diffusion and mixing are insufficient to replace the oxygen and this becomes depleted to the degree
that no animals can survive in the water. This becomes a so-called "dead zone".
Eutrophication is widely considered a regional problem of global significance. Hypoxic or "dead
zones" have been recognised in many estuaries and coastal waters. A case attracting much recent
press attention has been the sea area adjacent to the Mississippi delta in the Gulf of Mexico. By
1997, 16,000 km2 of the Gulf of Mexico's benthic northern shelf had become hypoxic because of
nutrient discharges from the Mississippi River, a phenomenon that severely damages the $3 billion
gulf fishing industry3. Much of the nutrient load is derived from the $98 billion Mississippi basin
farm economy - the relative monetary value of these industries giving a clue as to the difficulty for
implementing costly nutrient reduction policies. It is equivocal however, to consider that the profits
of one sector cannot be achieved without losses in another. High agricultural yields may be
obtained without discharging huge amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus to rivers if suitable
practices are adopted in response to appropriate incentives.
The problem of eutrophication is not simply limited to extreme events characterised by the
formation of "dead zones". The change in the composition of phytoplankton communities in the
sea often affects the entire marine food chain. It may alter the composition of zooplankton, minute
animals, which rely upon phytoplankton as food. Zooplankton include some fish larvae and these
may be unable to feed on the tiny phytoplankton cells which are characteristic of eutrophication. A
typical symptom of eutrophication is an increase in the abundance of jellyfish, which adapt more
easily to the altered environmental conditions than other predators such as fish. It has also been
associated with an increase in the frequency of blooms of toxic species, sometimes affecting human
health. Eutrophication also has direct economic impacts: the aesthetic qualities of seawater are
diminished and bathers see the green or brown eutrophic waters as "dirty" and unattractive. In
some areas, phytoplankton species may bloom which produce foams in a similar manner to
detergents. Beaches close to areas affected by "dead zones" may be strewn with dead animals.
3 Malakoff, D. (1998) Death by suffocation in the Gulf of Mexico. Science 281: 190-192.
2.
Scientific Information on the Black Sea: Sources, Quality
and Techniques of Comparative Study
Scientists have been gathering useful information on the state of the Black Sea ecosystem since the
beginning of the present century. This information has, unfortunately, often been very fragmentary
and somewhat anecdotal. This is not surprising as marine science was in its "exploratory" phase
where a small number of academic specialists dedicated their lives to discovering and classifying
the plants and animals in the marine biosphere. There were few co-operative or systematic
quantitative studies of how the discovered communities functioned and varied in their composition
with time and space. Some specialists however, did conduct "time series" of measurements, in
which they studied particular communities or individual species over a relatively long time-span,
sometimes representing their entire working lives. These data sets are invaluable jig-saw puzzle
pieces, which help to contribute to the overall picture. The sampling methods used do not generally
correspond with those employed by modern quantitative biologists but are consistent within each
data set and, as trends, are fully comparable. Care must be taken not to over-interpret some of the
observations by comparing individual data sets taken using very different methodologies, a
particularly important matter when, for example comparing the diversity of zooplankton using
different types of net or bottom fauna using different dredging techniques.
Some of the chemical data must be treated with great caution. Prior to the 1960's, methods for
measuring phosphate and nitrate suffered from many systematic errors and the methods were rather
unreliable, particularly in seawater where chemical interferences from other sea-salts had not been
fully recognised. The introduction of simple methods by the groups of Riley (UK) and Grasshoff
(Germany) led to a rapid improvement in data quality and comparability. Even so, recent
intercomparison exercises conducted in the framework of the CoMSBlack, Danube, and similar
programme revealed unacceptable errors of as much as 30% (after the removal of "outliers" - data
which is obviously wrong) between analysts. Since the beginning of these exercises however, the
quality of the data sets has considerably improved.
So how do we employ older data sets for chemical analyses? The work of validation relies on two
principles. The first is internal consistency of the measurements - we have acquired considerable
knowledge of the way nutrients vary with space and time and, unless explained by an obvious
external source or physical phenomenon, a very "noisy" data set may be treated with suspicion.
Secondly, we look for consistency in measurements at deep "reference stations" since the
concentration of most nutrients varies very little in the deep sea and the values are rather
predictable.
Having said this, great care must be taken not to compare data from cruises with very different
densities of measurement points or between years where the studies did not pay regard to seasonal
trends. Even the time of day in which observations were made is important in eutrophication
studies as vast masses of photosynthetic algae "breathe in and out" as they photosynthesise and
respire during the course of a day and oxygen may be "supersaturated1" during the day and
depleted at night. For this reason, comparative records of surface oxygen content are of dubious use
unless all the observations were taken at the same time of day (rather unlikely during most
oceanographic cruises). Measures of oxygen below the illuminated "euphotic zone" however, are
somewhat more reliable as the daily changes due to plant activity are less strongly expressed.
1 Supersaturation occurs when oxygen is introduced molecule by molecule by plants into water already
physically saturated with air through mechanical mixing. Supersaturation of 130% is quite typical in
productive coastal waters.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
In conducting the present review, data that has not been validated or does not form part of a longer
time series has been omitted. Under some circumstances, the information may be useful but for the
purposes of the current review, it was decided to adhere to the criteria outlined above.
Some compromises have been made in analysing data. The data on river inputs of nutrients, for
example, has often been gathered using an inadequate sampling intensity. The problem is that
nutrient loads in rivers vary considerably with time and a "spate" of high discharge may last for
just a few days. Such spates may transport large amounts of phosphorus, since this is often
associated with sediment particles that are re-suspended more easily when flow rates are high.
There is a higher statistical probability of underestimating loads than overestimating them when the
sampling frequency is low. It has been suggested that at frequencies of sampling below 52 per year,
the sampling error is generally more significant than that of random analytical measurements
themselves. This is why river monitoring should be a continuous process at a small number of
"key" points.
In the Black Sea, the current economic situation has resulted in the suspension of most programmes
for systematic monitoring. The coasts of Russia, Georgia and Bulgaria, for example, have not been
systematically monitored since the late 1980's. The monitoring programme in Romania has been
maintained however, since the early 1960's and provides a record of the direct causes and effects of
eutrophication at the discharge of the River Danube. In the case of Ukraine, there have been a
series of research cruises, which though irregular, have occurred annually for several decades.
Changes in the network of stations make some of this data difficult to interpret. In Turkish waters,
there has never been a regular monitoring network but, since the early 1990s, Turkey has
conducted excellent oceanographic research studies, often in co-operation with Ukrainian and US
research institutions (with occasional participation of institutions from Bulgaria, Romania and
Russia). These have paid considerable attention to data quality control and the application of
modern technology, including remote sensing by satellite. Many of the co-operative oceanographic
research studies were co-financed by NATO. From 1995-1997, a European Union Project, EROS-
2000 (European River-Oceans Systems), worked together with research institutions from Bulgaria,
Romania and Ukraine to examine the impact of the Danube River on the NW shelf of the Black Sea
and published valuable information. Unfortunately, the study was discontinued owing to lack of
EU funding.
Thanks to the earlier systematic studies in the former Soviet Union and Bulgaria, the continuous
studies in Romania and the recent work co-ordinated from Turkey, it is possible to piece together
evidence for cause and effects of eutrophication in the Black Sea. Regarding studies of the inputs to
the Black Sea, the Danube Basin Environmental Programme has sponsored a number of research
projects to bring together existing information and to improve the quality of monitoring
programmes in the Danube. In the case of the Dnieper, Ukraine has regularly monitored the quality
of its waters though the data has not been corroborated by independent quality checks. Direct (point
source) inputs to the Black Sea have been studied using the WHO Rapid Assessment Method
applied in each Black Sea country by the Black Sea Environmental Programme. There have been
estimates of atmospheric inputs of nitrogen compounds by the World Meteorological Organisation
(atmospheric phosphate inputs are usually negligible). If countries are to count on information
necessary to make adequate management decisions, it will be necessary to maintain and hopefully
improve the available monitoring systems.
3.
Evidence of Long-term Changes in the Black Sea
We are fortunate that there is one set of measurements of indisputable quality, which allows us to
examine the overall pattern of change in the Black Sea over the past seventy years. This is the
measurement of water transparency using a device known as the Secchi disk. The Secchi disk is a
weighted white disk of standard dimensions that is gradually lowered from the side of a ship by a
piece of rope with depth markers. When observed from directly above, it disappears from sight at a
depth proportional to the transparency of the water. Most of the changes in transparency in the
open sea are due to fluctuations in the amount of phytoplankton present in the water. Almost all
scientific expeditions to the Black Sea have routinely conducted these measurements and thousands
of such data have been collected by scientists from the Marine Hydrophysical Institute in
Sevastopol, Ukraine, covering a period from the 1920s to present1. The results are illustrated in
Figure 1. Though there were inter-annual variations in the mean Secchi Depth (SD) of up to 5 m,
depths of over 20 metres (very transparent water) were recorded on several occasions prior to 1972,
from when transparency gradually decreased to a minimum of only 6 m in 1991. This was the
result of huge blooms of phytoplankton following a major ecological disturbance of the entire
Black Sea ecosystem. The transparency has since gradually recovered to values similar to those
recorded in the early 1980s.
The reason for some of these changes to occur will be discussed in subsequent sections, the
important point to recognise is that changes have been recorded in the entire Black Sea though it
will be shown that the most heavily impacted areas are clearly adjacent to the river inputs.
1 Vladimirov, V.L., V.I. Mankovsky, M.V. Solov'ev and A.V. Mishonov (1997) Seasonal and long-term
variability of the Black Sea optical parameters. In: Sensitivity to Change: Black Sea, Baltic Sea and North
Sea, E. Özsoy and A. Mikaelyan (eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Netherlands
4.
The Black Sea Eutrophication Problem in Perspective
The Black Sea is also one of Europe's newest seas. It was formed a mere seven or eight thousand
years ago when sea level rise caused Mediterranean water to break through the Bosphorus valley
refilling a vast freshwater lake tens of metres below the prevailing sea level. The salty water sank
to the bottom of the lake, filling it from below and forming a strong density gradient (known as a
pycnocline) between the Mediterranean water on the bottom and the freshwater mixed with some
seawater near the surface. The depth of this natural density barrier depended (and still depends)
upon the supply of fresh water from rivers and rain, and the energy available from the wind and the
sun for mixing it with the underlying seawater. The oxygen in the incoming water was quickly
exhausted by the demands of bacteria associated with decaying biota and terrestrial organic
material falling through the density gradient into the bottom water. Within a few hundred years, the
Sea, below some 100 - 200 metres depth, became depleted of oxygen. The bacterial population
switched to organisms capable of obtaining their oxygen by reducing dissolved sulphate to toxic
hydrogen sulphide and the resulting water body became the largest volume of anoxic water on our
planet.
For several thousand years therefore, only the surface waters, down to the "liquid bottom"
pycnocline, have been capable of supporting higher life forms. Though not very biologically
diverse compared with open seas at similar latitudes, the Black Sea developed remarkable and
unique ecosystems, particularly in its expansive north-western shelf where the sea is relatively
shallow. The seabed in this part of the Black Sea was well oxygenated since it is well above the
pycnocline. This area, and the adjacent shallow Sea of Azov, also receives the inflow of Europe's
second, third and fourth largest river basins, the Danube, the Dnieper and the Don. These rivers
transport nutrients and sediments from an area at least five times that of the sea itself. The areas
adjacent to the river discharges (including the entire Sea of Azov) were comparatively productive.
On the North-western shelf, a particularly unique ecosystem developed, based on the "keystone"
benthic (bottom living) red algae, Phyllophora sp., which formed a vast bed with a total area
equivalent to that of Belgium and The Netherlands. The term "keystone" is not used lightly: like
the keystone in the middle of a stone bridge, its removal causes the entire structure to collapse in a
precipitous manner. This particular keystone was also a place of great beauty, vast underwater
fields of red algae, home to a myriad of dependent animals, linked together in a complex web of
life.
Despite its uniquely fragile natural physical and chemical characteristics, the Black Sea ecosystem
appears to have been relatively stable. During the first half of the twentieth century, perhaps until
three decades ago, there was little evidence of human impact on the Sea or on its flora and fauna.
Some changes had occurred however, and these were precursors of much worse events to come.
Sensitive monk seal populations, for example, began to decline from the late nineteenth century,
driven from their breeding grounds by human activities. Nowadays the rarely sighted minuscule
population of these seals seems certainly doomed. Indeed, there is no certainty that any of these
animals remain in the Black Sea. Another early change was through the introduction of a number
of exotic animal species, introduced by accident from the hulls, bilge or ballast tanks of ships, and
which flourished to the detriment of the Black Sea's characteristic fauna. The voracious predatory
sea snail Rapana thomasiana, for example, arrived from waters around Japan in the mid-1940s and
devastated beds of the Black Sea genotype of the common oyster, Ostrea edulis. It is one of a list
of some twenty-six species introduced through human activity (accidentally or intentionally) since
the beginning of the century and which have profoundly altered the Black Sea ecosystem1.
1 Zaitsev, Yu., 1992. Recent changes in the trophic structure of the Black Sea. Fish. Oceanogr., 1(2): 180-
189
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Another gradual change was taking place on the coastlands of the Black Sea. Urban construction
occurred in an unplanned and haphazard manner. The Black Sea was an increasingly popular
tourist venue, particularly for the peoples of the former Soviet Union and the other Eastern and
Central European COMECON countries. This, together with competing demands for space from
shipping, industry and coastal settlements (mostly with inadequate waste disposal), placed
increasing demands on coastal landscapes. The damming of many rivers brought hydrological
changes, particularly through the decrease in sediment flux to the coast, a phenomenon that led to
major problems of coastal erosion2. This, in turn, was often ineffectively combated by the
construction of a very large number of structures to protect beaches (groynes). These further
degraded the landscape and exacerbated pollution problems. In the competition for coastal space,
the natural environment was the seemingly inevitable loser. The human population has
continuously encroached on the ecosystem that it is part of and upon which it depends.
From the late 1960s to the early 1990s, events occurred in the Black Sea that can objectively be
considered as an environmental catastrophe3. The strongest single symptom of the catastrophe was
the virtual elimination of the Phyllophora ecosystem of the Black Sea's north-western shelf in a
matter of some ten years. The chain of events leading to the decline of this ecosystem started with an
increase in nutrient flux down the major rivers, particularly in the late 1960's when fertiliser use
increased markedly as a result of the "Green Revolution". However, there were several issues which
coincided. Enabled by the "Green Revolution", primary agricultural produce was converted with an
increasing bigger share into meat. This 'meat production' was also undertaken in large-scale
industrialised production units, where it became more and more difficult to re-utilise animal manure
on fields. At about the same time, urban settlements were increasingly sewered, but nutrients were
not removed from sewage concurrently with the expansion of the sewer systems. Furthermore,
polyphosphates were introduced into detergent formulations, thus increasing the loads of phosphorus
in the loads transported. This increase in the long-distance transport of nutrients brought about a
decrease in light penetration in the sea due to the increased intensity of phytoplankton blooms
(eutrophication). Deprived of light, the red algae and other photosynthetic bottom dwelling (benthic)
species quickly died. Their function was lost as a source of oxygen to the bottom waters of the shelf
seas and as a habitat for a wide variety of organisms. The bottom waters of the north-western shelf
became seasonally hypoxic (very low oxygen) and even anoxic (no measurable oxygen). Thousands
of tons of benthic plants and animals were washed up on the shores of Romania and Ukraine and the
seabed became a barren area with a very low biological diversity.
The loss of the north-western shelf ecosystem had an impact on the entire Black Sea. It also
coincided with a period of expansion in the fisheries industry and the application of high
technology fish-finding hydro-acoustics and more efficient, though unregulated and destructive,
purse seining and bottom trawling gear. The consequence was a decrease in the diversity of
commercially exploitable fish species from some 26 to 6, in less than two decades. As
eutrophication advanced in the Black Sea, the smaller fish species such as anchovies and sprat were
favoured since they depend upon the phytoplankton-driven pelagic ecosystem, rather than the
benthic one. Furthermore, their predators had often been removed by overfishing or habitat loss. As
a consequence, fishing effort switched to these lower value species. Annual catches of anchovy for
example, rose from 225,000 tons in 1975 to some 450,000 tons a decade later4.
2 Kos'yan, R.D., & O.T. Magoon (eds) (1993). Coastlines of the Black Sea. Procedings of the 8th
Symposium on Coastal and Ocean Management, Coastal Zone '93. Coastlines of the World, American
Society of Civil Engineers, 573pp.
3 Mee, L.D. (1992) The Black Sea in crisis: The need for concerted international action. Ambio 21(4): 278-
286.
4 MacLennan, D.N., T. Yasuda and L.D.Mee, 1997. Analysis of the Black Sea Fishery Fleet and landings.
Black Sea Environmental Programme, Istanbul, 25pp
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report
9
In the mid-1980s, another exotic species arrived in ship's ballast waters, the ctenophore
Mnemiopsis leidyi, sometimes known as the comb jelly5. This species was brought from the eastern
seaboard of America and, without predators, flourished in the eutrophic Black Sea environment
where it consumes zooplankton including fish larvae. Perhaps the word "flourished" is an
understatement. At its peak in 1989-90, it is claimed to have reached a total biomass of about one
billion tons (1,000,000,000 tons wet weight) in the Black Sea, more than the world annual fish
harvest! This massive population explosion had an enormous impact on the Black Sea's ecosystems
and commercial fish stocks. The loss of zooplankton allowed huge populations of phytoplankton to
develop in a series of blooms that reduced the mean Secchi depth (the maximum depth to which a
white disk lowered into the sea from a ship remains visible) from the normal average of twenty
metres, to only five metres. Anchovy catches plummeted in 1990 to only 60,000 tons.
The situation in the Black Sea was mirrored by another environmental stress on its coasts. The
economic decline of the Black Sea coastal countries and the political upheaval of transition to a
market economy led to a lack of maintenance of waste treatment facilities for domestic sewage and
industrial waste. Of course, many cities had never had effective sewage treatment but the general
decline was evidenced by an increased frequency of outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as
cholera and frequent beach closures due to unsanitary conditions. In Ukraine, for example, 44% of
bathing water samples taken in 1995, did not meet the national microbiological standards6. This
environmental problem, coupled with the decline in standards of tourism infrastructure and limited
spending power of people in the region, also led to a sharp decline in tourist numbers and in the
local economies7.
The state of the environment in the Black Sea in the early 1990's gave little reason for optimism.
The economic crisis did however give some respite for pollution. Farmers were often unable to
apply the quantity of fertilisers used in the former centrally planned economies. Many large
energy-inefficient and polluting industries were forced to close. By 1996 there was already some
evidence of recovery of benthic ecosystems on the north-western shelf of the Black Sea, albeit
small. Furthermore, Mnemiopsis populations started to decline and the anchovy fisheries recovered,
almost to their mid-1980s level. Most local economists and ecologists agree however, the pressure
on the environment will return as the economies recover, unless urgent measures are taken to limit
the environmental impact of renewed growth. Furthermore, new environmental pressures are
emerging as a result of the rapid increase in the use of the Black Sea as a maritime transport route,
particularly for the shipment of oil en-route from the newly opened Caspian oil fields.
Recent data8 has shown that the current nutrient loading to the Black Sea is much lower than in the
period of the seventies and eighties but appears to remain higher than in the 1960s. Data for N and
P, observed by the Romanian Marine Research Institute9 on Black Sea shelf waters indicate that the
phytoplankton growth in the Romanian shelf area seems to be limited by P; this 'observation area'
is some 60 km east from Constanta. A cruise of the Turkish Research Vessel Bilim in March and
April 1995 10 showed along a transsect in this area, and also along two additional transsects vertical
5 GESAMP (IMO/FAO/UNESCO-IOC/WMO/WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the
Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection), 1997. Opportunistic settlers and the problem of
the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leiydi invasion in the Black Sea. Rep.Stud.GESAMP, (58):84p.
6 BSEP (1997) Black Sea Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis, (Ed. L.D. Mee) United Nations
Publications, New York. ISBN 92-1-126075-2, August 1997, 142pp.
7 BSEP (1996) Black Sea Sustainable Tourism Initiative (Background report), Istanbul, Turkey, 322pp.
8 see Annex I to the current report.
9 For Orthophosphate-P, data are available since 1963, for the sum of inorganic N (ammonium-N, nitrite-N
and nitrate-N) since 1980,i.e. the N to P ratio can be observed since 1980.
10 See the Turkish National Report, coordinated by Dr. Ö. Bastürk.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
to the Bulgarian coast, the same results. However, Turkish data 11 show that the Black Sea is in its
'open deep waters' nitrogen limited. These observations are here reported, albeit - as indicated
before - marine ecosystems are generally felt to be nitrogen limited. For the decision making
process, however, the situation in the Black Sea (Black Sea shelf area; deep waters of the Black
Sea) is important.
There is strong evidence of partial recovery of coastal ecosystems, though the recovery does only
partially extend to benthic systems or to predatory fish. The remarkable recent decrease in some
loads is a result of economic failure of agriculture and industry in coastal countries and to the
success of nutrient reduction programmes, particularly phosphate removal, in the upper Danube
countries. It has to be assumed that the economic failure in coastal countries is a temporary
situation and that it represents a "window of opportunity" for recovery of marine ecosystems and
for taking management actions to avoid a return to the previous situation of chronic eutrophication.
There is in general agreement that eutrophication is the most serious medium/long term problem to
be overcome in the Black Sea. This problem is certainly not exclusive to the Black Sea. Nitrate
reduction policies have had limited success in the countries of the European Union despite new
legislation. It is difficult to implement these policies where there are strong divisions between
sectors involved in competitive agricultural production and environmental protection and where the
public itself is generally unaware of the long-term dangers of a "business as usual" approach.
11 See again the Turkish National Report, coordinated by Dr. Ö. Bastürk.
5.
Evidence for the Decline of Black Sea Ecosystems
Annex I to this report is a set of tables which summarise many of the conclusions of the national
reports commissioned by the Danube and Black Sea programmes. Care has been taken to review
each statement and to qualify it where necessary. The information is presented in sequence of
trophic levels, starting with nutrient fluxes and nutrient concentrations in the Sea, and ending with
fish. Only very limited information has been presented on fish populations as this was not the main
focus of the national reports. Information has been limited to the phenomenon of eutrophication
and its biological consequences. No attempt has been made at this stage to examine the causes or to
assess the socio-economic impacts.
The information in the tables constitutes a remarkable quantitative account of the collapse of a
major ecosystem, largely as a result of eutrophication. The reader will note that the system became
destabilised in the early 1970s. The collapse of benthic ecosystems was catastrophic, occurring in
the space of less than three years (Romania). The entire ecosystem appears to have switched from
one relatively stable state to one of great instability but with a shortening of trophic chains (food
chains), particularly favouring the so-called "dead end" species of gelatinous organism. "Dead end"
refers to the fact that these organisms have few predators. The consequence is that the system
produces more biomass but this has a low food value for fish which are consequently
impoverished.
A summary of the switch in the species composition of the ecosystem is given by Zaitsev (1992)
and included as Figure 16 for ease of reference. Prior to the onset of eutrophication, the Black Sea
included two major interacting ecosystems; a benthic (bottom living) system with "keystone"
species of macro-algae (such as Phyllophera and Cystoseira) and including benthic animals and
fish, and a pelagic (upper water column) system supporting a food chain extending to predatory
fish and mammals. Eutrophication has virtually excluded the benthic system and severely altered
the pelagic one.
The reader will appreciate that the study of eutrophication in the Black Sea is an extremely
complex one and that there are a number of gaps to be filled in our current understanding. The
current decline in monitoring programmes is a particular cause for concern since the continuity of
measurements is essential for determining the effectiveness of future nutrient limitation strategies.
6.
Implications of the Study
The impacts of eutrophication are not limited to the coastal margins. The entire Black Sea
ecosystem has been altered by the combination of eutrophication and the intruding of
opportunistic alien species.
There has been some recovery of the Black Sea ecosystem in the past five years but this
does not imply that the degradation taken place is now fully reversed. The system has not
yet returned to a state similar to the 1960s. It is currently unlikely to do so as some
species have disappeared and others have arrived from outside.
The presence of large biomasses of gelatinous organisms in the Black Sea is a cause for
the decline in the health of higher trophic levels, including fish. This presence is made
possible by eutrophication.
Shelf waters south of the outfall of River Danube, and down to the Bulgarian coast,
appear to be phosphorus limited from the extremely low concentrations of phosphate in
surface waters, see the former quotations. This is not the case for the Central SW Black
Sea1 where surface N/P is below the Redfield ratio2.
Any nutrient reduction possible should be undertaken. The question 'where to put the
money first' seems legitimate. However, the full recovery of the Black Sea ecosystems is
not merely a matter of reducing phosphate loads (though such reductions may be
achieved at a relatively low cost and with a comparatively bigger speed). The ratio of
phosphate and nitrate (and in some cases silicate) in the sea should be maintained as close
as possible to the natural level (the Redfield ratio) and strategies are necessary for
decreasing both nitrate and phosphate inputs to the Sea. There seems currently to be a
large excess of total dissolved nitrogen in river inputs.
Protection of the remaining beds of benthic algae (Phyllophera; Cystoseira barbata) is
important to aid eventual recovery of the benthic ecosystem.
Increased effort is needed for comprehensive monitoring of the Black Sea and its
tributaries if improved Environmental Quality Objectives are to be developed in the
future.
1 For the SW Black Sea, mean phosphate concentrations are 0.12 µM P and mean nitrate is 0.28 µM N (Turkish
report).
2 The molar algal requirement for N:P is 7:1, which corresponds to a mass ratio ( = `weight ratio') of
15.5:1. It seems that marine scientists use molar ratios, whereas limnologists are used to mass ratios. It is
important to be aware of the differences between 'molar ratio' and 'mass ratio'.
7.
Sources of Nutrients to the Black Sea and Nutrient Control
Programmes
The problem of eutrophication cannot be resolved without integrating the nutrient management
strategies of all the States within the Black Sea basin. From a load allocation perspective, this is not
an easy matter as the assimilation and conversion processes along the paths of flow are only
incompletely known. Th Group also recognises that in the case of the Danube Basin, the ICPDR is
in charge of the load allocation.
As a result of the pollution source inventory conducted during the preparatory work for the Black
Sea Strategic Action Plan, it has been possible to gather data on the inputs of dissolved nitrogen
and phosphorus compounds to the Black Sea in 1995. However, the atmospheric input of nitrogen
was not taken into account in this inventory. Based on this pollution source inventory and some
additional data, [Topping, Sarikaya and Mee]1 conclude the following:
For total nitrogen, 14% are from Bulgaria, 27% from Romania, 12% from Ukraine, 10% from the
Russian Federation, less than 1% from Georgia, 6% from Turkey and about 30% from the non-
coastal countries2 (Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, former
Yugoslavia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Slovenia).
For phosphorus, the figures are Bulgaria, 5%; Romania, 23%; Ukraine, 20%; Russia, 13%; Georgia
1%; Turkey 12% and 26%, for the remaining countries, a similar story to that of nitrogen.
The importance of showing these numbers here is simply to illustrate that nobody is "innocent", not
even the Georgians whose low percentage input reflects the current collapse in the coastal
economy, probably a temporary feature.
Romania plays a particularly important role in the discharge of nutrients to the Black Sea. Its entire
territory drains into the Black Sea, mostly through the Danube. The industrial and agricultural
practices adopted during the former political regime paid little regard to environmental protection,
especially in the "green revolution". Now that the economy of Romania is market-based, many
subsidies on fertilisers have been removed and large animal production complexes are closing. The
decrease in fertiliser use is beneficial to the environment but unless alternative and cost-effective
agricultural practices are adopted, there will be enormous social problems of unemployed farm
workers unable to compete with cheap food exports from places where cheaper production
techniques are applied and/or fertilizer subsidies still exist. A similar situation prevails in
neighbouring Moldova where large animal complexes have also closed but where smallholders
now have excessive numbers of animals literally in their back gardens, in very unsanitary
conditions. Human health is already declining in these places and shallow wells, the main local
water supplies, are polluted. A complete solution to these problems would require a change in
consumption patterns themselves - and how can countries with rampant over-consumption in the
west demand changes of their poorer neighbours in the east?
Though the biggest single contributor of nutrients to the Black Sea seems to be Romania it contrib-
utes less than one third of the total waterborne load. All the States in the Black Sea basin share the
responsibility to reduce nutrient loads to the Sea. The Danube river basin has its own management
regime, which includes the Danube River Protection Convention (which has entered into force on
October 22nd, 1998) and the `International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
1 Topping, G., H. Sarikaya and L.D. Mee (1998) Sources of pollution to the Black Sea. In: Mee, L.D. and
G. Topping (Eds) (in press) Black Sea Pollution Assessment. UN Publications, New York, 280pp
2 The loads of nutrients discharged into the 'fine drainage web' of the river network in a regional drainage
area and the ones reaching the receiving Seas will always differ. For the Danube Basin, it will be one of
the tasks of the ICPDR to come up with good estimates for the reasons of these differences.
16
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
(ICPDR)' charged to implement it, plus a Strategic Action Plan3 developed under the EPDRB, the
implementation of which with the DRPC's entry into force is now under the responsibility of the
ICPDR. The current `GEF River Danube Pollution Reduction Programme (GEF-RDPRP)' will
help to define new strategies for reducing pollution, including nutrients, in the entire Danube Basin.
Similarly, in the Dnieper River (shared by Ukraine, Belarus and Russia), a GEF-supported
programme is developing a new Action Plan. Parallel projects have been developed for the Prut
river (Tacis funding), the lower Don river (World Bank funding), the Sea of Azov (primarily Dutch
government funding) and the Dniester river (various donors).
3 EPDRB (1994) Strategic Action Plan for the Danube River Basin, 1995-2005, Environmental Programme
for the Danube River Basin, Vienna, 109pp.
8.
Policy Perspectives for Controlling Eutrophication
It is not possible at this stage, and with the limited historical data available on nutrient inputs, to set
clear ultimate targets for nutrient reduction. The data set tells us about the historical state of the
environment but eutrophication does not follow a linear cause-effect relationship. The collapse of
ecosystems seems to have occurred rather abruptly as the system "flipped" from one state to
another. However, the partial recovery of parts of the Black Sea ecosystem is encouraging.
The Black Sea Strategic Action Plans takes a pragmatic approach to the issue of pollution control
which follows the "paradigm of iterative management1". The basic approach is rather simple.
Firstly, there has to be a recognition that the integrity of marine and coastal ecosystems and/or
human health is threatened by pollution. The complete removal of the threat would be desirable but
is often impracticable in the short/medium term for social and economic reasons and an interim
strategy is necessary for pollution control. It also requires that there are measurable indicators of
ecosystem health. The coastal states (or those of the entire basin in the case of nutrients) as the
cooperating partners involved then agree on a short term target for reduction. In the first iteration,
the reduction is agreed on the basis of what can reasonably be achieved within a given time frame.
The agreement is made on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities, in this case each
partner finds the most economically convenient approach for reaching the agreed target. It is
understood from the outset that the first reduction is modest and somewhat empirical. The partners
involved also agree on a programme of research and monitoring to refine the estimates of optimal
reductions so that - at the end of the first period - new targets may be set with lower uncertainty re-
garding the outcome. The iterations should continue until all partners agree that the environment is
adequately protected. At the same time, public understanding of the issues will also gradually
improve, as will the public's demands for tighter criteria for protection and, hopefully, their
willingness to pay. This is an open-ended process with a moving target, driven by continuity of
observation and reasoning and the full involvement of all stakeholders. Such an approach avoids
creating a stark division between "the public" and "the polluters" and seeks a consensus that
addresses pollution at its root causes.
This general approach was applied by the "Group" in the following manner:
by recognising and thus proposing to both Commissions concerned that the ecological
status to be aimed at should be similar to the one of the 1960s but that it is not practicable
to achieve this in a short time frame;
by considering that in order to start with, an agreement is needed on the limits of the
inputs of nutrients (and in fact also hazardous substances) into the Black Sea (and the Sea
of Azov) and on the ecological status related with these inputs;
to propose to both Commissions to limit the discharges to the Black Sea to the (only
partially known) 1997 level, in order to learn to know how the Black Sea ecosystem(s)
respond in regard to the already observed improvements.
The purpose of this approach is that there has to be agreement on improving the `knowledge base'
for optimal reductions such that at the end of this period, new targets can be set with a better
certainty regarding the social and economic implications of the decisions to be taken.
1 See, for example, Costanza, R., F. Andrade, P. Antunes, M. van den Belt, D. Boersma, D. F. Boesch, F.
Catarino, S. Hanna, K. Limburg, B. Low, M. Molitor, J.G.Pereira, S.Rayner, R.Santos, J.Wilson and M.
Young (1998). Principles for Sustainable Governance of the Oceans. Science 281:198-199
18
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
In order to arrive at the goal to further maintain and hopefully improve the ecological status of the
Black Sea, the following principles for nutrient management measures and strategies will be
necessary:
Nutrients have to be 'kept on land' where they are needed for phototrophic productivity,
and
they have to be kept away from any waterborne transport.
The latter aim is to limit the phototrophic productivity in the receiving waters to adequate
conditions, including the receiving area of the overall Black Sea.
The public understanding of the basic issues involved will hopefully increase in the overall Black
Sea Basin over time, as hopefully will the willingness of this public to pay for actions required. In
order to arrive there, all `inlanders' will have to be made aware of what has happened with the
ecological status of the overall Black Sea over time, and what after the signs of improvement
since 1992 has to be avoided towards the future. The public should also know that `exact values
for the permitted discharges to the Black Sea' for the needed good ecological status are not yet
known, and that in order to arrive there, solid observations, good scientific reasoning and a full co-
operation are needed.
Based on the reported positive signs (reduced input loads and improved ecological status in the
Black Sea shelf), and also aware of the missing knowledge of the comparability of input loads
(resolution both in time since the 1960s, and in space all over the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov),
and aware that the load reductions are very likely linked with the decline of economic activity in
the countries in transition, but that towards the future economic development is expected to take
place in the overall Black Sea Basin, the `Working Group' defined in its 2nd Meeting the possible
strategies as follows:
The long-term goal for all States in the Black Sea Basin is to take measures to reduce the
loads of anthropogenically applied nutrients and hazardous substances to such levels
necessary to permit Black Sea ecosystems to recover to conditions similar to those
observed in the 1960s.
As an intermediate goal, urgent control measures should be taken by all States in the
Black Sea Basin in order to avoid that the discharges of nutrients and hazardous
substances into the Seas exceed those that existed in 1997 2. The `Group' recognised that
these 1997 discharges are only incompletely known and that further work has to be
undertaken to substantiate the size of the loads received by the Seas (Black Sea proper;
Sea of Azov).
The `Group' concluded that the inputs of nutrients and hazardous substances into both
receiving Seas have to be assessed in a comparable way, and that to this very end a
common AQC (Analytical Quality Control) system and a thorough discussion about the
necessary monitoring, including the sampling procedures, has to be set up.
The `Group' also concluded that the ecological status of the Black Sea and the Sea of
Azov has to be further assessed, and that the comparability of the data basis has to be
further increased.
2 Loads reported for 1997 to have been transported in River Danube were: orthophosphate, 16,000 tons (as
P); total inorganic nitrogen, i.e. the sum of ammonia-N, nitrite-N and nitrate-N, 300,400 tons (as N)
[A.Cociasu, 1998]. River scientists indicate that in order to `level the impact of river hydrology on the
transport of pollutants out', an averaging over e.g. a span of five years should be undertaken. This would
yield for River Danube an `averaged load for 1995' of 12,700 tons per year of orthophosphate-P and
456,000 tons of inorganic nitrogen per year. The corresponding value for 1997 can only be known as soon
as the value for 1999 is known.
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report
19
Both the reported input loads as well as the assessed ecological status will have to be
reported annually to both the ICPBS and the ICPDR.
The States within the overall Black Sea Basin shall have to adopt strategies that will
permit economic development, whilst ensuring appropriate practices and measures to
limit the discharge of nutrients and hazardous substances, and to rehabilitate ecosystems
which assimilate nutrients.
Based on the annual reports and on the adopted strategies for the limitation of the
discharge of nutrients and hazardous substances, a review shall be undertaken in 2007. It
will focus on the further measures that may be required for meeting the long-term
objective (reaching an ecological status similar to the conditions observed in the 1960s).
It is clear that placing such a "cap" on nutrient discharges would be a bold step towards restoration
of the Black Sea ecosystem. It would give the Black Sea ecosystem a chance to recover and would
offer economic benefits for the coastal countries in terms of improved fisheries and tourism. It
would also offer global and regional benefits, measured in terms of biological diversity. By
contributing to this process, the non-coastal areas within the overall Black Sea's hydrographic
catchment including those within the River Danube Basin would also contribute to these non-
tangible global benefits.
9.
The Danger of Doing Nothing
Holding nutrient inputs at their 1997 levels does not imply "doing nothing". There is an urgent
need to develop agriculture and industry in Black Sea and Danube Basin countries as the present
economic and food supply situation is unsustainable. These sectors should be developed in a
manner which will afford greater protection to the environment and decreased economic loss from
wastage. However, such development will require the commitment and engagement of all
concerned and the support of international donors. As will be discussed in a later section, many of
the necessary national policies and regulations are already in place but require activation.
Clearly, if nothing is done and the economies wil start again to be active by a strong 'principle of
materials flow-through', nutrient loads reaching the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov will soon begin
to rise again. The weakened ecosystems would degrade again and phenomena such as "dead zones"
would return. This could eventually lead again to a loss of biological diversity. It would also inflict
economic damage on the renascent tourist industry and affect fisheries in an unpredictable manner.
10.
Practical Short-term Measures
How can low-cost practical measures be developed for implementing the agreed goals? In a
developing or transition economy, there are many opportunities for implementing nutrient
reduction policies without huge capital costs. This is because many of the contaminating industries
and practices are already highly inefficient and in need of modernisation as part of a suite of
measures for economic reform. The removal of subsidies for fertilisers for example, provides an
incentive to reduce wastage and exploit animal manure currently discharged into rivers. In some
cases however, new technologies fall short of nutrient removal because they address problems of
short-term national interest. Many new municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are being
planned for example by oxydizing the biodegradable carbon in sewage, but these generally lack
provisions for nutrient removal and, despite solving important domestic problems of human health,
further exacerbate nutrient discharges. Such WWTPs are a good example of domestic baselines; the
cost of adding a nutrient reduction stage would be the incremental cost to address regional and
global environmental problems1. Similarly, a wetlands rehabilitation project, of immense value for
biodiversity conservation, may have true additional incremental benefits in the maintenance or
enhancement of a capacity for nutrient removal. This "ecosystem service" is rarely taken into
account when planning biodiversity projects: the cost of wetlands protection and restoration is an
incremental one and maybe a meaningful investment.
The "Group" has discussed some of the low-cost measures that could be taken to prevent increases
in nutrient discharge to the Black Sea. Some of these measures will have to be set in the context of
a new or revised legal frame, but the "Group" did not discuss this issue in any detail. The
recommendations for measures fall into four general categories:
1. Reform of agricultural policies. The use of market fertiliser has strongly declined in
many Danube Basin and NIS2 countries due to the current economic crisis. Agricultural
production has slumped to unprecedented levels. The sector is currently being
restructured in many countries in order to improve its productivity in several cases via
assistance from the World Bank. If a return to large increases in nutrient run-off is to be
avoided, it is important to include relatively simple policy provisions in the restructuring
process. These include such things as leaving strips of unploughed land ('buffer strips')
near streams, rivers and lakes; provision of storage clamps for overwinter storage of
manure; erosion control through practical demonstration projects, and incentives for
"biofarming3". Regulations concerning buffer zones for streams and rivers are already in
place in some countries (eg. Ukraine), but enforcement is still rather poor. Another area
requiring attention is freshwater fish farming: extensive (low feeding) aquaculture should
be encouraged rather than intensive rearing which has very large nutrient discharges.
Intensive farms should be subjected to discharge permits and levies as an incentive for
proper treatment of waste. Effective levies should also be imposed on intensive animal
rearing facilities that do not treat or recycle their waste.
2. Improved waste-water treatment, where applicable through the use of alternative
technologies. As mentioned earlier, conventional primary and secondary domestic
wastewater treatment does not prevent large nutrient discharges. Tertiary treatment
1 In practice, the matter is more complex. Even if funding can be raised to cover the capital cost of
technological removal of phosphorus and nitrogen, the operation and maintenance cost may be virtually
unaffordable for many countries in transition or in development. Funds from the GEF might theoretically
cover the capital costs but not the operations and maintenance. These issues of sustainability must be
carefully considered when prioritizing GEF interventions.
2 The term NIS, Newly Independent States, refers to the countries of the former USSR.
3 The term "organic farming" is commonly employed in some countries. In the UK, for example, standards
for this practice are set by the Soil Association.
24
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
(including nutrient removal) implies high operation and maintenance charges which may
be unaffordable under current economic conditions. For small communities, an example
of low-cost alternative technology is the use of reed-bed techniques for sewage treatment
following screening. This is now also employed for small towns in western countries.
This technique has not been successfully applied for larger towns or cities, and it cannot
be recommended without adequate feasibility studies. One option that should be properly
evaluated for towns in Russia, Georgia and Turkey, is the use of deep discharge diffusers.
They can carry wastewater to depths well below the pycnocline (the density gradient at
about 100m depth in the Black Sea). With careful design, diffusers can be effective in
keeping the nutrients away from the phototrophic zone. With industrial wastewater,
nutrient removal should also be a statutory requirement.
3. Rehabilitation of key basin (aquatic) ecosystems. The creation of protected areas,
particularly in the case of wetlands, encourages the natural assimilation of plant nutrients.
The reflooding of wetlands results in nutrient removal in two stages - a fast initial
removal as aquatic plants grow and then a slower continuous removal as phosphorus is
bound into sediments and nitrogen returned to the atmosphere by denitrification. What is
presently only partially known is the long-term effectiveness of wetlands for nutrient
removal (respectively the 'backholding' of nutrients). The protected or reflooded wetlands
serve as biodiversity reserves and productive areas for fisheries. It was also felt that the
areas needed for such ecosystem rehabilitation should not only be along the main rivers,
but in the overall drainage web. The creation of terrestrial protected areas is also very
important as it allows buffer zones to enhance carbon and nitrogen removal. An urgent
priority is to afford protection to the remaining areas of marine macro-algae such as the
Cystoseira beds in Russia or the Phyllophera beds in Ukraine in order to seed recovery of
the Black Sea's ecosystems. These beds are currently under threat as a result of
development of the oil industry (Russia), tourism development (all areas) and trawling
(all areas).
4. Changes in consumer practices (including use of phosphate-free detergents). The
prohibition of polyphosphate-based detergents leads to a major reduction in phosphate
discharge to aquatic systems. These detergents seem to be already banned in most
Danubian countries and the ban should be extended to all Black Sea countries as soon as
possible (such a ban should be part of an agreement for cooperation). Public awareness of
the eutrophication issue should be raised and clear information provided on modifying the
consumer practices that lead to higher nutrient discharges. Awareness should also be
raised of the need for protected areas and the consequence of their loss to developers.
11.
Follow-up
The work of consolidating the information on eutrophication in the Black Sea, including the Sea of
Azov, is still incomplete. There are many gaps to be filled in, and research to be continued. This
report integrates a consistent record of change from which the impact of the phenomenon of
eutrophication of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov can be clearly highlighted and practical
measures developed for controlling it. There is a broad consensus between specialists from Black
Sea and Danubian countries regarding the validity of the observations and deductions.
There are two follow-up actions necessary at this point:
1. At the policy level. The TOR of the 'Joint ad-hoc Group' requires that the Group's Report
will be made available to both the International Commission for the Protection of the
Black Sea and the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, as
well as GEF as donor. This Report will be an input to a Meeting between the Black Sea
and the River Danube side, at the level of Heads of Delegations. The Heads of
Delegations of both Commissions should in such a joint meeting, based on cooperation,
consider endorsing the proposal to maintain nutrient levels at or below the loads recorded
in 1997, subject to review in 2007. They should also approve a series of practical
measures to achieve this goal including a total ban on polyphosphate detergents, clear
targets for wetland restoration, an agreement on monitoring, and a mechanism for "joint
implementation".
2. At the project level. Donors should establish mechanism(s) to support the agreed policy
objectives by funding a series of demonstration projects to share the costs of measures to
reduce nutrient discharge following the approach outlined in 10 (above). The approach
could use GEF funding to cover the incremental costs of specific projects. The support of
donors other than the GEF will be necessary in order to meet the agreed policy objectives.
For their part, the Contracting Parties to the Bucharest and Sofia Conventions should
ensure that a 'Memorandum of Understanding' is in place for implementing and
monitoring the agreed policies. Furthermore, funds should be made available for the
important task of raising the awareness of the general public and supporting local
initiatives for reducing nutrient discharge or protecting key (aquatic) ecosystems.
Annexes
Annex I
Summary of Data Sets Showing Evidence for
Eutrophication and Its Effects
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Annex II
The Supporting Tables 1 to 10
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
39
Table 1
Content of Nutrients in the Danube Water, in micrograms of N or
P/l, as indicated, for the station Vylkovo, at Kilia arm, 1994-1996
(from the Ukrainian National Report)
Compound
1994
1995
1996
N inorganic
Average
890
1960
1920
Max
1500
2400
2800
Min
260
130
120
P inorganic
Average
430
190
270
Max
1000
580
90
Min
180
70
100
Table2
The changes of content of major nutrients(% of measured in the
50-60s.) in the north-western shelf of the Black Sea (from the
Ukrainian National Report, original data by Garkavaia G.P., 1998)
1950-1960
1950-1960
1977-1988
1989-1991
1994-1997
Compounds
µg per l
%
%
%
%
NH4
25,0
100
1780
262
133
NO2
2,5
100
216
196
126
NO3
10,0
100
424
454
587
Norganic
230,0
100
192
237
517
PO4
13,5
100
214
248
118
Porganic
16,0
100
159
166
77
SiO3
1262,0
100
106
73
48
Table 3
Chlorophyll-a concentrations along the Romanian marine area, in
µg/l, and where the highest concentrations are reported for the part
just in front of the (now abolished) fertiliser plant discharging
phosphates to Sea. (From the Romanian National Report). The
control area on the shelf (10 to 30 miles off the coast reported values
between 0.04 - 1
Range of Variation
Year
Minimum
Maximum
1983
0.031
85.32
1984
0.1
49.68
1985
0-1.09
62.50
1986
0.12
59.34
1987
0.09
86.91
1990
0.06
35
1991
0.01
96.80
1992
0.13
25.62-292.44
1993
0.06
36.48- 44.64--406.90-427
1994
0.14
3.66
1995
0.18
46.86
1996
0.08
31.58
1997
0.16
58.12
40
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Table 4
Maximum density (in millions of cells/l) produced by dominant
species during 1980-1994 (from the Romanian National Report).
Years
62-65 75-77
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
90
91
92
93
94
Species
Skeletonema
0.01 - 0.01 -
40
87.6
3.68 1074016
41.2
50.4
16.5
21.9
0.45
15.0
52.1
53
costatum
82.6
97
Cerataulina
0.80
0.95
0.10
0.56
7.09
11.1
2.73
9.38
9.46
2.13
bergonii
Detonula
33.7
confervacea
Chaetoceros
53.6
4.13
socialis
Chaetoceros
1.38
0.25
0.57
similis
Cyclotella
0.032
0.009
1.63
0.25
1.29
2.40
0.53
0.65
Caspia
-12
- 9
Prorocentru
1- 4
10 -
421
47.8
6.89
13.5
30.9
164
3.27
115
204
m cordatum
100
Heterocapsa
1.85-
65.2
3.12
5.35
0.30
7.73
29.5
3.49
triquetra
40.5
Apedinella
0.014
1.7
21.5
0.40
21.3
2.52
spinifera
Mantoniella
5.97
1.36
12.5
squamata
Table 5
Changes of Phytoplankton Diversity (total number of species) in the
north-western shelf of the Black Sea before and after large scale
eutrophication (from the Ukrainian National Report; data by
Zaitsev, Yu.p. and B.G. Alexandrov, 1998)
1954-1960
1973-1994
Type of Phytoplankton
before eutrophication
after eutrophication
Bacillariophyta
180
116
Pyrrophyta
76
104
Chlorophyta
62
52
Cyanophyta
24
30
Chrysophyta
17
20
Euglenophyta
12
2
Xanthophyta
1
2
Total
372
326
Table 6
Mean values of the densities (D=individuals per m3) and biomass
(B=mg per m3) of the pelagic copepods in the Romanian waters of
the Black Sea during 1970-1979 and 1980-1986 (from the Romanian
National Report, data by PORUMB, 1989).
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Annual mean
Period
D
B
D
B
D
B
D
B
D
B
1970-1979
2502
10.37
1340
7.10
6075
19.90
4742
5.38
4337
14.37
1980-1986
463
14.58
2131
21.67
8267
127.47
9840
81.41
7184
61.59
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
41
Table 7
Seasonal mean densities (D = individuals per m3) and biomasses (B =
mg per m3) of Noctiluca scintillans in Romanian continental shelf
waters (from the Romanian National Report)
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Period
D
B
D
B
D
B
D
B
1980-1986
16296
1300.86
17086
1367.33
62439
5022.43
40232
3258.77
Table 8
The dominance (share in %) of Noctiluca scintillans in the total
quantities of summer zooplankton in the Constantza area (from the
Romanian National Report)
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
Total
91.5
94.7
95.6
41.0
91.5
92.3
91.5
97.9
97.5
99.2
density
Total
95.8
96.7
99.1
34.3
98.3
98.5
98.5
99.9
99.3
99.8
biomass
Table 9
Abundance (D = individuals per m3) and biomass of zooplankton
(B = g per m3) in the period 1950 - 1995 in the north-western part of
the Black Sea (from the Ukrainian National Report; data by
Zaitsev Yu.P., and B.G. Alexandrov, 1998)
Noctiluca
Copepoda
Cladocera
Total
Years
N
B
N
B
N
B
N
B
1950-60
2806
0.16
9897
0.08
1511
0.03
16606
0.37
1961-70
2930
0.17
7177
0.02
727
0.02
19662
0.25
1971-80
43772
2.53
11955
0.06
2657
0.03
63254
2.71
1981-90
60996
4.33
8999
1.09
2670
0.41
111104
6.59
1992-95
14276
0.37
741
0.06
898
0.56
23636
0.93
Table 10
The change over time of the area where hypoxic conditions and
bottom animal deaths were observed during the years 1973-1990
(from the Ukrainian National Report; data by Yu.P. Zaitsev, 1992)
Year
Area, th.sq.km
Year
Area, th.sq.km
Year
Area, th.sq.km
1973
3.5
1979
15.0
1985
5.0
1974
12.0
1980
30.0
1986
8.0
1975
10.0
1981
17.0
1987
9.0
1976
3.0
1982
12.0
1988
12.0
1977
11.0
1983
35.0
1989
20.0
1978
30.0
1984
10.0
1990
40.0
(It should be noted that the improvements with the eutrophication process in the Black Sea started
after 1990!)
Annex III
The Supporting Figures 1 to 16
Annex IV
The Terms of Reference of the Ad Hoc Joint Technical
Working Group
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
59
Terms of Reference
Ad Hoc Joint Technical Working Group
established between Bucharest1 and Sofia2 Conventions
on issues in the Transboundary Waters in the Wider Black Sea Basin
1.
Scope of the Working Group
The wide mandate of this 'Joint Technical Working Group' between countries in the Black Sea
Basin is to reinforce the cooperation of the States of the Bucharest and Sofia Conventions in
relation to taking practical actions to protect the transboundary waters in the wider Black Sea
Basin.
2.
Objective of the Working Group
To create a common base of understanding and agreement on the changes over time of the Black
Sea ecosystem and the reasons for these changes, and to propose practical goals and objectives for
remedial actions to address them.
3.
Primary Activities of the Working Group
The following tasks are to be achieved by screening existing informations:
a. Assessment of the nutrient loads to the Black Sea from all sources in the Black Sea Basin,
and their impacts on the Black Sea ecosystem;
b. Assessment of the nutrient loads to the Black Sea from the Danube River Basin, and their
impacts on the Black Sea ecosystem, with emphasis on the Black Sea shelf;
c. Analysis of other types/sources of pollution to the Black Sea, and their impacts on the
Black Sea ecosystem, with emphasis on the input from the Danube river;
d. Assembling and assessing the available information on the likely response of the Black
Sea ecosystem to specified reduction in nutrient loads; and
e. Recommendation of a joint mechanism to evaluate progress over time and t report to both
Commissions.
The assessment of the nutrient loads to the Black Sea will include:
analysis of available water quality data (changes over time of the Black Sea and its
ecosystems, including the marine system (including the shelf area) and coastal systems
(including the Danube Delta; point and nonpoint discharges to surface waters, with
emphasis on the input to the Black Sea;
analysis of available water quantity data (as a means of determining nutrient loads).
1 Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution
2 Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River
60
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
4.
Determination of possible strategies
For the nutrient loads and analysis of other types/sources of pollution, as noted in step (3) above,
strategies and approaches for implementation of pollutant reductions must be determined. This will
comprise:
a. Definition of common pollutant reduction goals (particularly nutrients) in the Black Sea
Basin;
b. Assessment of whether or not the implementation plans of Strategic Action Programmes
(SAPs) undertaken in the Black Sea Basin are sufficient to achieve the common pollutant
reduction goals identified in step(a) above; and
c. Proposal of recommendations for implrovements or amendments to the implementation
plans of the SAPs undertaken in the Black Sea Basin to facilitate achievements of the
common pollutant reduction goals.
5.
Definition of the Working Group and its Reporting Obligations
This 'Joint Technical Working Group' will be constituted upon agreement of both the Black Sea
and River Danube Protection Commissions. The opinions expressed in the Group activities are
informal and will serve to provide guidance for later decision-making at the level of Heads of
Delegations in a proposed Black Sea - River Danube Joint Meeting. The results of the Working
Group activities will be taken into consideration in developing the River Danube Pollution
Reduction Programme. Every representative in the Working Group has one position in regard to
the issues being addressed (i.e., States that participate in both the Danube River and the Black Sea
Commissions can only have one position). The findings of the Working Group are not for public
release, and upon completion of its work, the Working Group is to report its findings to the Black
Sea and River Danube Protection Commissions, and the Sponsoring donors.
6.
Composition of the Working Group
The composition of the ten-person Working Group is as follows:
For all the Danube States - comprising the chairman of the MLIM (Monitoring,
Laboratory and Information Management), the chairman of the EMIS (Emission) Expert
Groups, and representative of the Interim Secretariat (to be supplanted by the Permanent
Secretariat) with expertise in technical and scientific issues;
For the downstream Danube States - comprising representatives from Bulgaria, Romania
and Ukraine (who are also contracting parties to the Black Sea Convention), to be
selected on the basis of their technical and scientific merits by the national heads of
delegations of the two Commissions;
For all the other Black Sea States - comprising three representatives with technical and
scientific expertise, to be selected by the respective Black Sea Commissioners;
The representative of UNEP will serve as Chairman of this Technical Working Group.
The Working Group may consult other groups and individuals as it deems necessary to carry out its
tasks.
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
61
7.
Time Frame of the Working Group
The Group will begin its work immediately after its recognition by both Commissions, to
take place as soon as possible, and no later than 30 January 1998;
To facilitate completion of its work in time for the proposed joint Black Sea - River
Danube Meeting at the level of Heads of Delegations, the Group will meet at least every
three months;
In order to ensure sufficient lead time for discussions in the administrative systems of all
involved parties, the Technical Working Group must finalize its work no later than the
end of October 1998;
The finding of the Working Group will provide background material and guidance for the
proposed Black Sea - River Danube Meeting at the level of Head of Delegations,
anticipated for January/February 1999;
The Working Group will organize its work in such a manner as to also produce technical
inputs for the preparation of new GEF projects for the region, for submission to the
November 1998 meeting of the GEF Council.
62
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
GEF Black Sea
Environmental Programme
List of participants
Environmental Programme
for the Danube River Basin
First joint consultation, Danube River Basin Programme
Task Force/Black Sea Environmental Programme Steering Committee,
Constanta, Romania, 8-9 December 1997
National Coordinators
Bulgaria
Mr. Plamen Djadjev
Chief Expert, Ministry of Environment and Water
67, W. Gladstone
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel:
359 2 84722291
Fax:
359 2 9811185, 359 2 521634
Georgia
Mr. Merab Sharabidze
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Environment of Georgia
68a Kostava str.
380015 Tbilisi, Georgia
Tel: 995 32 337340
Fax: 995 32 98345/943670/955006
Russian Federation:
Mr. Dimitri A. Zimin
Head of Department, State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environmental
Protection
B. Gruzinskaia Str. No 4/6
123812 Moscow, GSP Russia
Tel: 7 - 095-2541744
Fax:7 - 095- 254 1744, 7 - 095- 254 8283
Turkey
Ms. Sema Acar
Foreign Affairs Department, Ministry of Environment
Eskisekir Yolu 8 Km
Bilkend Sapagi - Ankara, Turkey
Tel: 312-2851705
Fax: 312-2853739
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
63
Activity Centers
Bulgaria
Mr. Lyubomir Stoyanov
Head of Department
Ministry of Transportation - Research Institute of Shipping
1 Slaveikov Str.
9001 Varna, Bulgaria
Tel 359 - 52 - 221407, 359 - 52- 226392
Fax 359 - 52 - 602594
Georgia
Mr. Akaki Komakhidze
Director, Black Sea Ecology and Fishery Institute
51, Rustaveli Str
PO 58 Batumi, Georgia
Tel: 995 - 222 74640
Fax: 995 - 222 74643
E-mail: akaki@isefi.edu.ge
Romania
Mr. Simion Nicolaev
Director, Romanian Marine Research Institute
Bd. Mamaia 300
8700 Constanta 3 , Romania
Tel: 40 - 41 - 643288
Fax: 40 - 41 - 831274
Email: rmri@rmri.ro
Russian Federation
Ms. Ekaterina Antonidze
Deputy Director, State Committee on Environmental
Protection of Krasnodar Region
19 Krasnaya Street
Krasnodor, Russia
Tel/Fax 7 - 8612 - 685-645
E-mail: kat@priroda.kuban.ru
Turkey
Mr. Hasan Sarikaya
Profesor, Environmental Engineering Department
ITU - Faculty of Civil Engineering
Tel + 90 - 212 - 285 - 3785; + 90 - 212 - 285 - 3787
Fax + 90 - 212 - 285 - 3781
64
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Ukraine
Mr. Valery Mikhailov
Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES)
Odessa, Ukraina
27009 Franzyski blv. 89
Tel: 0482 - 63 - 66 - 22
Fax: 0482 - 63 - 66 - 73
E-mail: 732131ocean.uk
Representatives of International Organizations
UNDP Ankara
Mr. Paul van Hanswijck de Jonge
Resident Representative
197 Ataturk Bulvari Kavaklidere
Ankara, Turkey
Tel: 90 - 312 - 426 - 81 - 13
Fax: 90 - 312 - 426 - 13 - 72
UNDP Bucharest
Ms. Leucen Miller
Resident Representative
Aurel Vlaicu 16
Bucharest, Romania
Tel: 40 - 1 2100280
Fax: 40 - 1 2113494
Mr. Valenting Alexandrescu
Resident Representative
Aurel Vlaicu 16
Bucharest, Romania
Tel: 40 - 1 2119026
Fax: 40 - 1 2113494
UNEP
Mr. Walter Rast
Deputy Director, Water Branch
UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel:
254 2 62 32 44
Fax:
254 2 62 42 49
E-Mail: walter.rast@unep.org
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
65
Danube Task Force, PCU
Mr. Joachim Bendow,
GEF Coordinator
Vienna International Centre P.O. Box 500
A-1400 Vienna, Austria
Tel:
43 1 21345 5618/5617
Fax:
43 1 21345 5836/5837
Germany
Mr. Knut Beyer
Bundesministrium fur Umwelt,
Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit
Postfach 120629
53048 Bonn, Germany
Tel: 49 22 83052536
Fax: 49 2283052396
Ukraine
Ms Natalie Movchan
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety
5, Khreshchatyk str. 252001
Tel: 380 44 2284250
Fax: 380 44 2285183
Austria
Mr. Karl Schwaiger
Bundesministrium fur Land und Forstwirschaft
Maxerg. 2,
1030 Vienna, Austria
Tel: 43 1 714095024
Fax: 43 1 714095030
Mr. Helmut Fleckseder
ICPDR Secretariate
VIC, P.O. Box 500, JOE 14
A-1400 Vienna
Tel:
43 1 21345 5737
Fax:
43 1 21345 5895
Hungary
Ms. Maria Galambos
Ministry for Environment and Regional Policy
F.O. Utca 44-50, Hungary
Tel: 361 - 2014782; 361 - 4573489
Fax: 361 - 2012846
66
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Croatia
Mr. D. Rumenjak
State Directorate for Environment
Ulica Grada Vukovara 78/III
HR - 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel/Fax: 385 - 161 - 18970, 385 - 1 537203
Bulgaria
Mr. Nikolai Kuyumdzhiev
Ministry of Environment and Water
67 W. Gladstone Str.
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel: 359 - 2 - 84722291
Fax: 359 - 2 - 9811185
Danube Task Force, PCU
Mr. Ilya Natchkov
K. Yavozov, Bl.2
1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel: 359 - 29800282
Fax: 359 - 29885349
Dnipro Programme
Mr. A. Mazurkevici
Ministry for Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety
Director, Department of Water Basins and Resources
Dnipro River Basin Environmental Programme
5, Khreshchatyk Str. 252601
Tel:
228 - 45 - 20
Fax:
228 - 51 - 83
BSEP PCU
Mr. Laurence D. Mee
Coordinator
Dolmabahce Sarayi, II Harekat Kosku
80680 Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel:
90 212 227 9927/8/9
Fax:
90 212 227 9933
E-Mail: blacksea@dominet.in.com.tr
Mr. Radu Mihnea
Deputy Coordinator
Dolmabahce Sarayi, II Harekat Kosku,
80680 Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel:
90 212 227 9927/8/9
Fax:
90 212 227 9933
E-Mail: rmihnea@dominet.in.com.tr
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
67
Turkey
Mr. Asim Acikel
Ministry of Environment, Department of Foreign Relations
Eskisehir Yolu 8 Km
Bilkent Kavsagi - Ankara, Turkey
Tel: 312 285 1705
Fax: 312 285 3739
Annex V
The Composition of the 'Group' in Its Three Meetings
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
71
The TOR specifies in its para (6) the composition of the `Group'. Based on this para (6) and
additional participation in the three Meetings, the following representatives and additional
participants took part in these Meetings:
1st Meeting, Baden/Austria, March 26, 1998
Representatives.
Chairman: Dr. W. Rast, UNEP; MLIM Expert Group: Mr. L. N. Popescu; EMIS Expert Group:
Mr. B. Mehlhorn; ICPDR Secretariat: Dr. H. Fleckseder; Bulgaria: Dr. B. Boyanovsky; Georgia:
Not present; Romania: Dr. A. Cociasu; Russian Federation: Mrs. L. Stepanova; Turkey:
Dr. S.
Tarasova.
Additional participants.
Dr. A. Hudson, UNDP/GEF; Dr. L. Mee, Programme Manager, Black Sea Env. Programme;
Dr. R. Mihnea, Black Sea Env. Programme; Mr. J. Bendow, Manager, UNDP/GEF River Danube
Pollution Reduction Programme; Mr. A. Garner, UNDP/GEF River Danube Pollution Reduction
Programme.
2nd Meeting, Istanbul/Turkey, August 31st / September 1st, 1998
Representatives.
Chairman: Dr. W. Rast, UNEP; MLIM Expert Group: Mr. L. N. Popescu; EMIS Expert Group:
Mr. B. Mehlhorn; ICPDR Secretariat: Dr. H. Fleckseder; Bulgaria: Dr. B. Boyanovsky; Georgia:
Not present; Romania: Dr. A. Cociasu; Russian Federation: Mrs. L. Stepanova; Turkey:
Dr. Ö.
Tarasova.
Additional participants.
Dr. A. Hudson, UNDP/GEF; Dr. R. Mihnea, Manager, Black Sea Env. Programme; Mr. J. Bendow,
Manager, UNDP/GEF River Danube Pollution Reduction Programme; Dr. L. Mee, consultant to
UNDP/GEF.
3rd Meeting, Baden/Austria, December 10 / 11, 1998
Representatives.
Chairman: Dr. A. Hudson, UNDP/GEF; MLIM Expert Group: Mr. L. N. Popescu; EMIS Expert
Group: Mr. F. Überwimmer (as substitute for Mr. Mehlhorn); ICPDR Secretariat:
Dr. H. Fleckseder; Bulgaria: Dr. B. Boyanovsky; Georgia: Not present; Romania: Dr. A. Cociasu;
Russian Federation: Mrs. L. Stepanova; Turkey: Dr. Ö. ; Ukraine: Dr. O. Tarasova.
Additional participants.
Dr. A. Hudson, UNDP/GEF; Dr. R. Mihnea, Programme Manager, Black Sea Env. Programme;
Mr. J. Bendow, Manager, UNDP/GEF River Danube Pollution Reduction Programme; Dr. L. Mee,
consultant to UNDP/GEF; Mr. T. Botterweg, Manager for Phare and Team Leader, Danube PCU;
Dr. I. Natchkov, Manager for Phare in the Danube PCU.
72
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
All the National Studies hold the same title, i.e. 'Report on the Ecological Indicators
of Pollution in the Black Sea'. All these reports have been undertaken in the frame of
the Danube River Pollution Reduction Programme and the Black Sea Environmental
Programme, and the have been financially assisted by UNDP/GEF.
Bulgarian National Study.
The report holds a total of 104 pages containing print.
The report has been compiled and the work has been coordinated by Dr. B. Boyanovsky, Prof.,
Faculty of Biology, Sofia University.
The study team consisted of B. Boyanovsky, G. Hiebaum, A. Konsulov; M. Mollov and V.
Vassiliev, with contributions by K. Dencheva, L. Kamburska, Tz. Konsulova, V. Kujumdjiev and
S. Moncheva.
Romanian National Study.
The report holds a total of 59 pages containing print.
The report has been compiled and the work has been coordinated by Dr. A. Cociasu, Researcher at
the Romanian Marine Research Institute, Constanta.
The study team consisted of colleagues of A. Cociasu from the Romanian Marine Research
Institute and has not been expressly mentioned in this report.
National Study, Russian Federation.
The report holds a total of 30 pages containing print.
The report has been compiled and the work has been coordinated by Dr. A. A. Shekhvotsov,
Director General of the State Center for Environmental Programmes. He had been appointedto this
position by the State Committee on Environmental Protection.
The members of the study team have not been expressly mentioned in the report.
Turkish National Study.
The report holds a total of 112 pages containing print.
The report has been compiled and the work has been coordinated by the team of Turkish Scientists
from the Middle East Technical University (METU), Institute for Marine Sciences, at Erdemli.
The study team consisted of Ö. Yilmaz, A. E.
Uysal..
Ukrainian National Study.
The report holds a total of 49 pages containing print.
The report has been compiled and coordinated by the Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas,
Odessa Branch.
The study team consisted of B.G. Alexandrov, V.A. Briantsev, G.P. Garkavaya, G.G. Minicheva,
D.A. Nesterova, I.G. Orlova, L.O. Sebakh, O.G. Tarasova and Yu.P. Zaitsev. Most of these
scientists work at the Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Odessa Branch.
Annex VI
The Final Minutes of the 1st Meeting of the "Group",
March 26, 1998, Baden/NÖ, Austria
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
75
1st Meeting of the Ad hoc Joint Technical Working Group established between the
International Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea (Bucharest Convention)
and
the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (Sofia
Convention), which took place at Baden/Lower Austria, March 26, 1998
1. The participants present encompassed (without titles and written as close as possible to
the spelling in English) the members of the Ad-hoc Group, Mr. W. Rast (UNEP;
Chairman), Mr. S. Beshiktepe (Turkey), Mr. B. Boyanovsky (Bulgaria), Mrs. A. Cociasu
(Romania), Mr. H. Fleckseder (Interim Secretariat, ICPDR), Mr. B. Mehlhorn (EMIS
Expert Group, ICPDR), Mr. L. Popescu (MLIM Expert Group, ICPDR), Mrs. L.
Stepanova (Russian Federation) and Mrs. O. Tarasova (Ukraine). Georgia was not
represented. In addition to the members of the Ad hoc - Group, Mr. J. Bendow (GEF
Representative in the Danube PCU), Mr. A. Garner (GEF Technical Adviser in the
Danube PCU), Mr. L. Mee (Team Leader, Black Sea PCU) and Mr. R. Mihnea (Black
Sea PCU) also participated in the Meeting. A handwritten list of participants was
circulated in the Baden Meeting. For this very reason, these draft minutes do not contain
a list of participants.
2. The Terms of Reference discussed December 8/9, 1997, at Mamaia, which form the base
for the work of this Ad-hoc Group (later only called 'Group'), were handed out again; they
are attached. The Agenda to agree upon was to follow these TOR and to screen what
actual work has to be undertaken. At the end of the Meeting at Baden, additional two
meetings were scheduled (August 17/18 at Istanbul; October 2/3, place to be decided),
and it was understood that in order to arrive at a draft report by early December 1998, at
least one additional meeting by mid-November 1998 will be required.
The Chairman highlighted the objective of the work of the Group by repeating it and
making it understood by every participant. It reads:
To create a common base of understanding and agreement on the changes over time of
the Black Sea ecosystem and the reasons for these changes, and to propose practical
goals and objectives for remedial actions to address them.
The Chairman also stated that the individuals participating in this Group are scientific
and technical experts and that the primary goal of their work is to fulfil the aims of the
TOR as good as possible.
3. Discussion to the Agenda:
One main issue initiated by Mrs. Tarasova, Mr. Bendow and Mr. Fleckseder was whether
the Sea of Asov and its catchment area is / are part of the 'system' to be considered in this
work or whether not. The Group was aware of the fact that the 'Convention for the
Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution' is a shoreline convention, whereas the
'Convention on Co-operation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River'
is structured by the catchment area of River Danube. Both Programmes, the 'Black Sea
Environmental Programme' as well as the 'Environmental Programme for the Protection
of the Danube River' are - at least from their conceptual point of view - related to the
hydrographic catchments. Based on the 'catchment approach' common with UNEP work,
the Group concluded that the Sea of Asov and its catchment area are within the system to
be studied.
Additional comments by Mr. Mee to the Agenda were as follows:
There is an exciting point in time - both Conventions will be implemented at the latest
starting by the end of 1998. The DRPC will then have entered into force, the ICPBS will
hold its Secretariat.
76
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Thus, the political reality is speeding up. The two International Commissions charged to
fulfil the respective Conventions should not fail to talk to one another.
In order to support the contact between these two International Commissions, GEF would
like to entertain a new implementation phase on nutrient reduction (for nutrient reduction,
an incremental cost funding could take place). For this very reason, concrete proposals of
this study should go into the next meeting of the GEF Council in January 1999. The
remark by Mr. Duda, Leader of the GEF Secretariat on International Waters to both Mr.
Mee and Mr. Mihnea was that if the report is not ready by January 1999, the GEF money
will go to other projects, and not to the Black Sea and River Danube
Mr. Mee also reported that at present, the GEF Secretariat would like to bring around 30 -
35 Mio. US$ each for incremental cost funding to both sides, the Danube and the Black
Sea side. This money should go preferably into projects in agriculture and for wastewater
treatment. In addition, some of the bilaterally available money will be used to do some
international GEF work in both the Danube and the Black Sea.
The World Bank will also make ~ 500 Mio US$ available as bank loans for ~ 10 projects
in the Black Sea countries over the next 3 years, and something similar may happen in the
Danube countries too.
Mr. Bendow reported about the GEF RDPRP (River Danube Pollution Reduction
Programme) and the fact that this was started finally be end-of-November 1997 with the
Inception Workshop at Krems, and that this holds a duration of at least 18 months. From
his point of view and as contained in the report of the Krems November 1997 Inception
Workshop, the work output of this Group is part of the GEF RDPRP, and this work
output must fit into the time frame of the GEF RDPRP. For this very reason, the deadline
reported by Mr. Mee to be January 1999 is from his point of view not binding, since the
RDPRP can only be finalised in mid-1999. However, single projects coming out of the
national planning processes can be taken into account. Within the GEF RDPRP, the
'Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM)' is under development. This model is also
relating to the work of the Group, providing information to support the analysis.
The position of the Group's Chairman was that in order not to endanger any GEF support,
the time frame reported on by Mr. Mee (that the report of this Group should be ready for
the next meeting of the GEF Council in January 1999) should be followed.
In retrospect, however, it has to be noted that the output of the Group is not only to serve
the GEF Council (this is only slightly contained in its TOR, see the last part of para (5)),
but the more essential reporting by the Group contained in the TOR is to both
International Commissions for their decision making at their respective political levels -
be it domestic or also in the Commissions' Meetings.
4. The discussion then centred around the assessment of nutrients reaching the Black Sea
from all sources and also from the Danube, and the impact of these inputs on the Black
Sea ecosystem(s), including also the Black Sea shelf.
In order to make existing published information available, Mr. Fleckseder distributed
copies of the two papers 'Long-Term Ecological Changes in Romanian Coastal Waters of
the Black Sea' (A.Cociasu, L.Dorogan, Ch.Humborg and L.Popa, 1996) and 'Effect of
Danube River Dam on Black Sea Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Structure'
(Ch.Humborg, V.Ittekkott, A.Cociasu and B.v.Bodungen, 1997), and the PhD-Thesis by
Ch.Humborg ('Untersuchungen zum Verbleib der Nährstofffrachten der Donau'.
Ber.Inst.Meereskunde, Kiel, 264, 1995). The Black Sea PCU made a pre-publication
paper available entitled 'Land-based Sources of Contaminants to the Black Sea' (authors:
G.Topping, L.Mee and H.Sarikaya).
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
77
Mr. Mee presented the contents of the last paper mentioned, of which he is co-author and
which is of importance for the work of the Group. The authors based their estimate on the
data available as of end-of-1997, and where when has to take into account that a common
system of quality assurance is not yet in overall use. Further, the inputs of totN and totP
(TN and TP as used in the enclosed figure) were structured as follows: All 'shoreline'
countries of the Black Sea (Bulgaria; Romania; Ukraine; Russian Federation; Georgia;
Turkey), which are also Contracting Parties to the 'Convention for the Protection of the
Black Sea', plus another column indicated as 'other countries'. The allocation is according
to 'countries' (i.e. national entities), and not according to catchment areas or direct inputs.
The biggest share for 'other countries' is for all the non-Black-Sea-shore-riparians of the
Danube, and only a minor share can be allocated to Bjelorussia.
The values presented assume for the Danube the following: Based on work undertaken in
the 'Applied Research Programme (ARP) of the Environmental Programme for the
Danube River Basin (EPDRB), the Project EU/AR/102A/91 ('Nutrient Balances for
Danube Countries') contains on p. 54 a comparison between the output of the regional
materials budgeting principle underlying this report, and the data obtained as an input into
the Black Sea from the Project EU/AR/203/91 (and in which Delft Hydraulics
participated). From p. 54 of Project EU/AR/102A/91, the following has to be quoted in
this context: 'On the basis of data available, the TN and TP loads reaching the Black Sea
can be estimated as 447 and 46 kt/a in 1988/89, and 345 and 25 kt/a in 1992 (Delft
Hydraulics, 1997). These immission based loads are about 45 and 35% of the TN and TP
emissions estimates (Section 3.1) clearly demonstrating the significant role of "self-
purification", retention and losses in the river system (settling, denitrification, ........).' The
passage quoted, however, seems not to have been intended for quantifying purposes, but
only for indicative ones.1
The percentages mentioned 'compare' in fact the average input of totN and totP into the
internal drainage network of the hydrographic catchment of River Danube due to the
amount of work undertaken (i.e. not in the overall Danube catchment) on the one hand
with the immission loads assessed by simple means according to the principles of
sampling and analysing in the respective years (1998/89 and 1992) on the other hand.
This also means that all the 'noise' (errors etc.) contained on both sides of the methods
enter such comparison.
Mr. Mee indicated that the authors of the study cited ('Land-based sources of
contaminants to the Black Sea') had, based on their interpretation of the Report of Project
EU/AR/102A/91 that 42% of the inputs of tot N and 24% of the inputs of totP into the
'internal Danube water web' reach the Black Sea. (The preceding estimates (in Arial
Narrow) show that the value for totP seems to be 'correct', whereas the value for totN
seems to be only ~ 35%). With the values in this study, the authors further assumed that
the same 'reduction' is applicable to the national indirect inputs by Bulgaria, Romania and
Ukraine to the a 'total sum' can be arrived at for these three countries, and that the
remainder of the immission load reaching the Black Sea has to be attributed to the more
upstream Danube countries, see the enclosed figure (and in a similar way also for the
1 N.B. Going beyond the mere reporting of this meeting at Baden, it has to be indicated that the work input to
Project EU/AR/102A/91 was not possible for Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croa-tia and the Federal Republic of
Yugo-slavia for funding reasons. This also means that it was impossible to in-clude the emissions of ~ 14.8
Mio. people ( ~18% of the overall population) and ~ 163.000 km2 ( ~ 21% of the drainage area). If one
assumes that these are 'on aver-age' of the same size as with all the other Danubian Riparians, the loads of
totN and totP were in 198/89 ~1.240 kt/a and ~ 161 kt/a, and in 1992 ~ 1.030 kt/a and ~ 133 kt/a. When these
estimates for 'overall emis-sions into the internal drainage web of River Danube' are compared with the
previously cited immission loads, these 'on aver-age' can only explain in 1988/89 ~ 36% of the totN and ~
29% of totP, and in 1992 ~ 34% of totN and 19% of totP.
78
Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Dnjepr catchment area, reflecting the situation of Bjelorussia). The validity of this
approach will have to be discussed in the next meeting of the Group.
An additional presentation on nutrient inputs and also the 'status in nutrients' in the
Romanian shelf of the Black Sea was given by Mrs. Cociasu. She highlighted that for daily
samples taken at Sulina 5km upstream from entering of the Sulina branch into the the Black
Sea, silica and PO4-P are analysed since 1980 and inorganic N species since 1988, and
that modern analytical methods (see the paper handed out, of which Mrs. Cociasu is the 1st
author) are in use. She showed graphs which - when these Sulina data are extrapolated for
the overall Danube - indicate a steady decline over time, e.g. for inorganic N species from
~ 1.000 kt/a in 1988 to ~ 400 kt/a in 1996. She also indicated that the flow in River Danube
in front of the three branches also declined in the same period. Some historical data exist,
but they are limited, their reliability is unknown and thus their interpretation as yearly
immission loads should not be undertaken. The data Mrs. Cociasu showed for the
Romanian shelf indicate that since 1992/93 a slight improvement in the occurrence of algal
blooms has taken place, and a phosphorus limitation in the Romanian shelf exists.
Mr. Beshiktepe, an expert on the link between satellite imagery and the overall monitoring of
the situation of the Black Sea, presented 1997 images from algal blooms in the Black Sea.
The unfortunate situation is that (1) the Sea of Azov is holding a 'more or less permanent'
algal bloom of 50 mg/l or more during the warmer season (spring till fall), whereas (2) the
Black Sea is having such high concentrations at higher frequency in areas of the Black Sea
shelf area, stretching from the Romanian to the Bulgarian part. There are, however, also
some algal blooms in limited areas at lower concentrations along the Turkish coast.
The discussion centred around the following issues: (a) The atmospheric input of totN
into the Black Sea; the estimate given was 1/3 of the land-based discharges. (b) The
question of the importance of silica: Mrs. Cociasu and Mr. Mihnea, supported by Mr.
Boyanovsky, mentioned that from their point of view the idea expressed by Mr. Humborg
is correct and that silica seems to play a role in the shift of organisms which are
blooming, whereas Mr. Mee was of the opinion that the impact of the relative change of
silica is of lesser importance. (c) Any other polluting input from land-based sources of
importance into the Black Sea; here the main issue mentioned was mineral oil via River
Danube. (d) It was agreed that existing information, assembled by the Turkish Black Sea
Center at Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences, at
Erdemli/IGEL, Turkey via Nato funded Workshops and undertakings, will be made
available as soon as this is in a form to be agreed on by the authors to be published.
5. The assembling and assessing of the available information on the likely response of the
Black Sea ecosystem to specified reductions in nutrient loads was only indirectly
accessible by reasoning. Mr. Mee remarked that the response of ecosystems to stresses
and their recovery is never a linear relationship. Ecosystems can have over a long period
in time only minor changes, due to their resilience, but as soon as a certain level of stress
is surpassed over a too long period, they collapse. In addition, and because of the shifts in
time, the likelihood that ecosystems reach the starting level is quite slim. The Black Sea
seems to have been in good shape still in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Starting from
then, the conditions in the shelf declined and got worst between 1990 and 1992. As
already mentioned, since then a slight improvement (decrease in the frequency and
intensity of algal blooms; improvement in oxic conditions, in order to name a few) has
taken place. The decrease of the input of N and P as reported by Mrs. Cociasu has been
comparatively bigger. Thus the only way to meaningfully advance in formulating a policy
for the protection of the Black Sea will be the need to reformulate it in intervals. It will be
possible to come up with a suggestion for the 1st period in sight, but the quantification in
absolute terms (load reduction values) is not very safe.
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
79
The discussion afterwards centred (1) around the fulfilment of the requirement of load
reductions in absolute terms and (2) around the P - limitation. The Bulgarian and
Romanian participants were of the view that a further reduction of the input of -
especially dissolved, but also easily bound total - P into the Black Sea is beyond doubt of
benefit for the frequency and intensity of algal blooms, whereas Mr. Mee held up his
position that due to internal cycling of P, a reduction of totN is equally needed. Mr.
Fleckseder indicated, in order to bridge to the issue of 'strategies', that a reduction of P is
on the time scale more easily obtainable, whereas due to the large pools of N in
groundwater aquifers, it will take decades until a longer-lasting reduction will be
achieved; this, however, does not mean that in regard to nitrogen no strategies should be
developed.
6. In regard to strategies, the Group took note of the information received that by the
summer of 1998, 6 NAPs for Black Sea countries should be available, and that within the
GEF RDPRP, National Reviews are in progress and will also by available by summer of
1998. Based on these and some other work, it should be possible to come up with
proposals for strategies.
7. Allocation of work to be accomplished until the next meeting of the Group, see para (2):
Mr. Bendow focused the attention and discussion to the point that the main objective is
not necessarily to reduce the nutrients discharged to the Black Sea, but to reestablish the
resilience of the ecosystems of the Black Sea. In order to arrive there, he raised the
question of suitable indicators to observe the development of ecosystems over time, to
record such changes, and also to analyse possibilities to safeguard or reestablish the
resilience of the ecosystems. Surprisingly, there were no precise indicators available to
demonstrate the change over time of ecosystems in various parts of the Black Sea. The
following discussion centered around the identification of suitable parameters available as
data, in order to arrive at a clear link between the input of nutrients (or other pollution)
and the change over time of Black Sea ecosystems. The 'state of the Black Sea ecosystem
over time' (e.g. 1960 - 1985/90 - 1997/98) was to be examined considering the following:
the secchi-depth; chlorophyll-a (phytoplankton biomass); N/P/Si (total /
available); macroalgae (phyllophera) - areal extent; oxygen concentration at shelf
(spatial and temporal extent); phytoplankton (# of species, density); zooplankton
(biomass, composition); micro-zoobenthos (biomass, composition); and finally
'Other pollutants'.
The participants from the Black Sea countries agreed on this proposal; however, they
requested additional financial support (10.000 US$ per country) to elaborate on the
ecological indicators. Mr. Bendow agreed to provide for financial support, but he
requested precise ToRs (including the indicating of available information, and the data
and expertise necessary to elaborate an assessment in change of the Black Sea
ecosystems). The participants from the Black Sea countries have been asked to submit
their respective proposals as soon as possible to the Black Sea PCU's Coordinator, in
order to liease with the Danube GEF Programme.
In the discussion, Mr. Beshiktepe held up the view that with the Nato funded work, most
of the information available has been put together, and that one has thus for the type of
work the Group has to deal with only wait until the reports of the Nato Workshops are
agreed upon by scientific panels and by the authors. This should be the case by late June
or early July at the latest, and that from this point of view the next meeting of the Group
should take place in mid-August 1998.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Pollution Input into the Black Sea: There is work available by the Black Sea PCU; it will
- for review by the members of the Group - be made available either by the BSPCU or
Mr. Mee by early May 1998.
The members of the Group are asked to critically screen the material to both points
(pollution input as well as the ecological state of the Black Sea) mentioned; they were
told to receive this material before the next meeting (August 17/18, 1998, at Istanbul), for
futher discussion in this upcoming meeting.
These draft Minutes have been conceived by H.Fleckseder, IS/ICPDR. The delay in time relative to
the Meeting is due to a having been moved from one part in VIC to another, to the Easter Week, as
well as to other obligations of the rapporteur, and the fact that this was 'counter-read' by others.
Initially the draft had been finalised at Vienna on May 11, 1998
The final status has been indicated at Vienna on September 3, 1998
Annex VII
The Draft Minutes of the 3rd Meeting of the `Group',
December 10/11, 1998, Baden/NÖ, Austria
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
83
Hellmut Fleckseder
Officer in charge of scientific and technical issues in the
Secretariat of the Intern. Commission for the Protection
of the Danube River (ICPDR)
D0446, VIC, POB 500, A - 1400 Vienna
Tel. +43-1-26060-5737 (Sekr. 5738), Fax - 5895
e-mail: Hellmut.Fleckseder@unvienna.un.or.at
Draft Minutes of the 3rd Meeting,
Joint Ad-hoc Technical Working Group,
established between the ICPBS and the ICPDR.
Meeting dates: December 10 / 11, 1998.
Meeting venue: Schloßhotel Weikersdorf, Baden, Lower Austria
The participants in this 3rd meeting were the representatives to the Group and additional partici-
pants.
The representatives to the Group (or as their substitute in this meeting) were
Mr. A. Hudson (AH; UNDP-GEF, as Chairman, replacing the former Chairman, W. Rast, UNEP);
Mr. B. Boyanovsky (BB; BG);
Mrs. A. Cociasu (AC; RO);
Mrs. L. Stepanova (LS; RUS Fed.);
Mr. Ö.
Mrs. O. Tarasova (OT; UA);
Mr. F. Überwimmer (FÜ; substituting B. Mehlhorn, EMIS EG of ICPDR);
Mr. L.N. Popescu (LNP; MLIM EG of ICPDR; only participating December 11);
Mr. H. Fleckseder (HF; Permanent Secretariat, ICPDR).
Additional participants encompassed:
Mr. J. Bendow (JB; Project Manager, GEF River Danube Pollution Reduction Programme);
Mr. R. Mihnea (RM; Programme Manager, Black Sea PCU);
Mr. L. Mee (LM; former Manager of the Black Sea PCU and consultant to UNDP/GEF; December
10 and December 11 till ~ 1 1/2 hours before the end of the meeting);
Mr. T. Botterweg (TB; Programme Coordinator, Danube PCU) and I. Natchkov (IN; Phare / Tacis
Programme Manager, Danube PCU), both only on December 11, 1998.
1.
The opening of the Meeting and the introduction to the `Draft Summary
Report' by L. Mee.
Mr. A. Hudson opened the Meeting on December 10, 1999, at 9h30. He welcomed the participants
present. He hinted at - as no agenda had been prepared by the Chairman of the two preceding
meetings - that the 'Group' should screen the reports which had (with the exception of Ukraine)
been presented already at Istanbul and which are now finalised. The Group should also go through
the draft summary report by LM (which was stated to be based on the contributions from the Black
Sea shoreline riparian States). It should also discuss and come to an agreement as far as possible
relating to measures to be taken to limit the discharges into the Black Sea, as agreed upon in the
preceding 2nd meeting at Istanbul.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
The draft minutes of the Istanbul Meeting, agreed upon there to be available at the end of the 1st
full week in October 1998, were not available. The draft summary report by LM was neither
available before this 3rd Meeting, but printed out in this Meeting at Baden. Already during the
print-out and the following copying, LM informed the 'Group' about the contents of this draft
summary report, which he had entitled "Eutrophication in the Black Sea: Establishing the causes
and effects." This initial draft summary report is annexed to these draft minutes (Annex 1). LM told
the 'Group' also that the 'Black Sea side' will 'have to produce something productive for the net
GEF Meeting in May if GEF funding for investment should be further available'.
As this draft summary report is late and as it merits careful reading, it is understood that no
decision on its contents can be taken in this Meeting. However, in order to fulfil his commitments,
LM stated to be in need of amendments, in written at the latest in front of Christmas 1998, such
that he can finalise this draft summary report by the end of the year 1998.
LM communicated also the following report to the Danube PCU: 'An input-output study on
nutrient loads in the Danube River Basin'. 68 p. plus ~ 30 pages Annex. This report has been
written by V.J.P. van't Riet, and supervised by drs P.H.L. Bujis (from 'International Center for
Water Studies B.V.') and ir R.H. Aalderink (Landbouwuniversiteit Wageningen, Department of
Env. Sciences, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group).
The main remarks by LM to the contents of the draft summary report were:
In going through the national contributions, the main question arriving was: Are the data
made available really reliable? Where are the sampling stations located, and for which
time span are monitored data available?
If one group of researchers stuck to specific methods over a specified time period, it
seems meaningful to assume that this data set can be compared in itself (but not
automatically with data monitored by other researchers).
The methodological problems seem to be bigger with biological data than with chemical
data.
The load assessment (and the 'comparing' of reported loads and where the way in which
these loads were assessed is not known) must be an issue of specific concern. Loads for
soluble parameters can be assessed with much less sampling effort than loads of
parameters, which are transported, sediment-bound.
LM repeated how the eutrophication problem of the Black Sea evolved over time:
The phytoplankton outcompeted the macrophytes, due to its ability to grow.
With an increase in nutrients available - and which is documented by measurements in
the Sea only in later phases, when the eutrophication process was already relatively
advanced - the growth and decay was such that (over time) not only the macrophytes
were outcompeted, but also they died off to a large extent. Conditions with low oxygen
concentrations (or even free of oxygen) evolved also ('hypoxia').
This led to an ecological status where there was very low biological diversity with both
phytoplankton and zooplankton, and based on this also with very low diversity of fishlife.
In the 1980s, alien "jellyfish" intruded, found very good growth conditions, and no
species utilising them.
The good news is that benthic algal beds (cystoseira barbata) are still present along the
coast of the Russian Federation, in other places in patches. Small patches of phyllophera-
fields also exist. If the conditions improve, these patches can be the stock from which
conditions similar to the pre-1960 conditions can develop over time.
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
85
There is a recovery in fisheries (e.g. anchovis).
(In the discussion to this, the colleagues from the Black Sea shoreline states indicated that
due to the zooplankton, the sprats and the anchovis, bonitos have intruded this year from
the Sea of Marmara into the Black Sea. The survival of bonitos in the Black Sea will also
depend on the respecting of their reproductive cycles).
The big 'eutrophication problem' of the Black Sea is, according to LM, the dominance in
the food chain of gelatinous organisms ("jellyfish"). These jellyfish - originally alien to
the Black Sea- are a 'dead end' in the foodchain, i.e. they cannot serve as food for higher
carnivores leading to diversity in fishlife. There is the only hope that with a further
decline in phytoplankton growth, the predominance of jellyfish will fade out.
Presently, the Black Sea is on the way of improving, but it has not yet reached the
situation of the 1960s.
According to LM, the main problem and the driving force for the planktonic growth is the
extreme surplus of nitrate. This, however, is in contradiction with the P-limitation in the
shelf area, to be discussed later.
Decisions taken in the last Meeting (i.e. the 2nd meeting of the Group at Istanbul, and
where no draft minutes of this meeting were made available) are in the opinion of LM
meaningful.
LM stressed in the discussion to the report the use of `inexpensive means' of removing
nutrients from wastewater, and BB supported him. For both these colleagues, the
technology describing the term 'inexpensive' is constructed wetlands. HF contributed in
the discussion to this point that the actual and long-lasting removal of nutrients via
constructed wetlands can primarily only be due to the harvesting of plants; if this is not
done properly, the treatment will ultimately fail. HF cited a study undertaken at the
relatively large and shallow `Lake Neusiedl'. This study revealed that the harvesting of
reed, such that the rhizoma are not destroyed and that the harvest is actually taken away at
the end of the growth period, is such expensive that the application of this method was
there discarded. RM reported about similar experience gained in the Romanian Delta of
River Danube, and OT claimed the same to have been arrived at in Ukraine. HF
concluded that such 'inexpensive technology' must have its limits in plant size.
2.
Discussion to the `Draft Summary Report'
Asking for proposed amendments:
As the `Draft Summary Report' written by LM was not known before, no full discussion was
possible in this Meeting. The agreement to respond to this draft not later than around Christmas
1998 has already been highlighted.
Remarks to individual aspects of the draft summary report:
There was some time to go through the report in reading, and afterwards, some amendments were
proposed. LM took note of them. One important aspect is with the nutrient data from Romania:
They are given in phosphates and silicates, but their actual dimension (not shown in the tables) is
phosphate-P and silicate-Si, and nitrogen is correctly shown as the 'nitrogen species' or 'sum of
inorganic nitrogen'.
Such proposed changes related to the text of the draft report, to the summarising table, but also to
the tables and figures annexed.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Under debate: The limiting 'chemical species' for phytoplankton growth:
HF distributed a paper called `Sweden's nitrogen debate' (Water Quality International (WQI), Sep-
tember / October 1998, the `popular' news media by IAWQ) (Annex 2). In this paper, reference is
made to an ongoing debate in Sweden whether nitrogen is actually limiting for the eutrophication
process in the Baltic as claimed for long or whether at a systems level, this is actually falling to
phosphorus. In this debate in Sweden, the final conclusion is not yet reached. The interesting point,
however, is that nitrogen fixers (i.e. blue-green algae) are occurring in certain parts of the Baltic,
thus indicating that not nitrogen, but phosphorus is limiting.
The question by HF to the representatives of the shoreline States in the Joint Ad-hoc Group was
whether such blue-green algae occur, and there was a positive reply. The quantification of this
positive reply was split: LM claimed that these covered not more than 2% of the phytoplankton
occurring, whereas others felt that this value is higher.
AC indicated again - as she had done in both preceding Meetings of the 'Group' - that the
phytoplankton growth in the Romanian shelf is limited by phosphorus. ÖB agreed also that the data
obtained in the cruise of R/V Bilim in March and April 1995 allow the same statement for the
northwestern shelf area. This is the area in the Black Sea with the most intensive phytoplankton
growth, with the biggest spread. The currents then transport the phytoplankton into the direction of
the Bosporus.
HF indicated as he had already done in the previous Meetings of the `Group' that in regard to
actually achieving load reductions within a short span of time, reducing phosphates and phosphorus
is potentially much more easy and less costly than a quick 'curbing' of nitrogen. HF therefore
suggested discussing how the limitation of phosphorus can be achieved by legal and technical
means. The 'curbing' of nitrogen should be also undertaken from the beginning where possible (e.g.
by forbidding liquid discharges from large animal raising units, and thus curbing the discharge of
both nitrogen and phosphorus). With urban wastewater, the removal of nitrogen is much more
costly than the removal of phosphorus. In the Danube Basin, a large fraction of nitrogen is from
diffuse sources. From the point of view of HF, the 'curbing' of nitrogen has primarily to be
discussed at a strategic level, and maybe even not only at the scale of the hydrographic catchment
area of the Black Sea, but on a worldwide scale. LM responded that seas are nitrogen limited, and
that therefore - in line with the 'Redfield ratio of 7 to 1 (for N to P) - nitrogen has also to be
strongly limited from the start.
The view within the representatives to the `Group' was that the limiting of phosphorus must have
an impact, and that therefore some of the stress of the GEF incremental cost funding should be with
the curbing of phosphorus. This was i.a. stated by ÖB.
What load of nutrients in River Danube could be a `basis' for a comparison?
Reference is made in the Romanian national report, in which data by ALMAZOV are cited for the
years 1959 and 1960. The full-length paper by ALMAZOV was not available; OT stated that this
paper is written in Russian, and that she would send a copy to LM. The aim of this sending is to
gain better knowledge about how ALMAZOV arrived at the loads he presented. HF indicated again
that aside from the question of how many data sets were used by ALMAZOV care should be given
to the fact that the yearly loads vary also from hydrologic year to hydrologic year. An 'average load
estimate' should be based on at least data from 5 years.
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
87
3.
Where would the representatives of the States participating put GEF
funding for incremental cost?
Possible 'fields of action' for improving the ecological status of the Black Sea options
highlighted were:
The A reform of agricultural practices (influenced by the legal frame and the type of policy)
Use of wastewater treatment (including alternative methods)
Rehabilitation of key basin ecosystems
Changing of consumer practices (including the use of poly-P-free detergents)
Definition of the legal frame (including also the use of chemicals and import regulations).
Answers received
Suggestions by BB for Bulgaria:
Monitoring and control should be strengthened, incl. the import ban on poly-P-containing
detergents.
The nutrients should as much as possible be kept in / on the soil. This also relates to the
appropriate use of animal manure, to 'biofarming', to the necessary fighting against soil
erosion, to the setting-up of riverine buffer zones and to decrease intensive fish farming.
Sludge from WWT (= wastewater treatment) should as much as possible be used
agriculturally.
Wastewater treatment should be used, and for reasons of investment and where possible,
this should encompass low-cost removal of N and P. In order to better utilise N and P,
municipal and industrial wastewater should be treated in a combined way.
Measures in the Black Sea should also be considered, i.a. the creation of artificial reefs,
including the increased harvest of mussels, and fishing practices in such a way that the
carnivorous fish stock can grow.
Suggestions by AC, supported by LNP and RM, for Romania:
The loads via River Danube have decreased, and the application of fertilisers on
agricultural land is now for some time very low. A reform of the Act governing
agriculture still has to pass legislature.
WWTP have to be improved and to be built inland, along the Romanian coast, mainly
improvement is necessary, as there is no discharge of untreated wastewater into the Sea.
The main question here is in regard to the investment and ho this can be converted into a
'continuous series of payments'. Industry is - where possible - treated in a combined way.
Romania would like to utilise river-related ecosystems to minimise the nutrient transport.
Romania is holding a law demanding the use of poly-P-free detergents.
Suggestions by LS for the Russian Federation:
Agriculture is vital in RUS, but the input of mineral fertiliser has been drastically been
reduced. There is only small-scale raising of animals.
Both with the Sea of Azov as well as the Black Sea untreated or not sufficiently treated
wastewater is discharged, and thus the stress must be with wastewater treatment. This
relates to both municipalities and industries. Along the coast of the Black Sea, there are also
outfalls under the pycnocline, with only mechanically treated wastewater. Around
Novorossisk, there is also some oil pollution, due to the handling of oil. Methods of
wastewater treatment should be reliable, and the investment should life as long as possible.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
Wetland areas are along the Kuban, and also along the Don. If this works, RUS would
like to utilise the potential.
Detergents are imported, i.a. by Procter and Gamble.
Suggestions by ÖB for Turkey:
Agriculture is also important in TR, but even more important is the fighting of soil
erosion. Farming in the Black Sea catchment of TR is on small lots - e.g. some animal
raising, some garden-like agriculture, and also the growing of tea.
There are only a few large cities along the Turkish Black Sea coast, with the possibility
like in RUS to discharge below the pycnocline. The population is otherwise living in very
scattered settlements. It is relatively easy to force industry to do something, but its
tremendously more difficult to convince municipalities.
Wetlands play in TR - due to the character of the landscape - a minor role.
ÖB is not familiar with the legislation in TR covering poly-P in detergents.
Suggestions by OT for Ukraine:
In agriculture in UA, like in other States, the application of market fertilisers declined,
and there is no longer any type of industrialised animal raising. Nevertheless, there
should be a further stress with improving nutrient discharge from agriculture, assuming
that it will hopefully recover over time.
There is a huge demand for treatment of untreated or improvement of not adequately
treated wastewater, be it from municipalities or industries (e.g. mining, with acid mine
drainage and where mines are also no longer in operation; metallurgical enterprises; etc.).
The Seas impacted are both the Black Sea proper and the Sea of Azov. River Dnjepr,
dammed from upstream from Kiev and with large man-made lakes, is strongly
eutrophied.
There are many wetland areas in Ukraine, and UA would like to utilise the potential.
OT is not familiar with the legislation in UA covering poly-P in detergents.
During the presentation of these answers, HF highlighted that the EU is running a research
programme dealing with the assessment of buffer areas ('European river margins project'). This
joint research indicates that a potential for the reduction of nitrogen in groundwater exists primarily
in the 'transition zones' from groundwater to river water. He also indicated that this 'denitrification
potential' is only having a larger impact if as much river length as possible is utilised in this way.
HF also indicated that certain interests in chemical industry favour the use of poly-P in detergents,
by claiming that by precipitation, phosphates will be removed from wastewater anyhow. By
proposing this, there is an economic gain involved in both selling poly-P as well as additional
precipitants.
The need to establish (or to improve) a "transboundary assessment of indicators of the Black
Sea"
To this item, mainly RM contributed.
A Monitoring Programme for the Black Sea was fixed both in the Convention and the
Declaration.
Control stations have been proposed in 1994, a long list of parameters to be determined
exists also. The suggestion is to start with nutrients and with bathing water quality.
However, no station has been implemented. The stations are foreseen to be erected up to
10 ÷ 15 nautical miles from the shore, located at transboundary positions.
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
89
Discussion to this:
OT reported that UA would be undertaking for a period of two years a detection of oil pollution by
remote sensing. LNP and ÖB asked both to remind the politicians that the jointly agreed upon
monitoring programmes (e.g. the proposed monitoring programme for the Black Sea by the
shoreline riparians; TNMN in the Danube Basin) and the 'support structures' (e.g. the Expert
Groups under the ICPDR) should be funded, and where things are missing, this should actually be
implemented. Otherwise the work developed will collapse. HF asked whether GEF funding is
possible for monitoring stations. The reply by AH and LM was that this task is a 'national baseline
contribution'.
Legal and Political Issues
TB asked for the function of the existing Conventions and the Commissions charged to implement
them. ÖB, JB and HF stressed that any 'true acting' is only at the respective national level, and the
function of the Commissions is to have an 'umbrella' via the 'principle of cooperation'. JB hinted at
that an outcome could be e.g. a 'Memorandum of understanding between both the ICPBS and
the ICPDR', and that this memorandum should contain principles, whereas in step , the measures
to implement these principles should be clarified. OT stressed also the need for harmonisation and
cooperation between both Commissions.
LM indicated that he wanted to have a Ministerial Meeting among the Black Sea shoreline
riparians. This should i.a. deal with the banning of poly-P in detergents and an agreement on
certain areas of land to be utilised for aquatic ecosystems, including a joint implementation
principle.
JB suggested: Based on the reports (Minutes of the Meetings; the report drafted by L.Mee, after its
revision by the 'Group') a restricted group of persons (e.g. JB; RM; HF; LM) should be charged to
come up with a paper of 2 ÷ 3 pages and propose it to the 'Group'. This paper should contain the
essential elements to be communicated.
Vienna, February 2nd, 1999
Hellmut Fleckseder
Annex VIII
Draft Memorandum of Understanding
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea Summary Report, Annexes
93
DRAFT
Memorandum of Understanding
between
the International Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea (ICPBS) and
the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR)
on common Strategic Goals
The `International Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea (ICPBS)' holds the
power to implement the `Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea against
Pollution'. This Convention is a `shoreline convention', i.e. it itself holds no power over
the inland activities of the States within the hydrographic drainage area discharging to the
overall Black Sea (Black Sea proper; Sea of Azov).
The `International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR)' holds
the power to implement the `Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and
Sustainable Use of the Danube River'. This Convention is a `hydrographic basin
convention', i.e. it itself holds power over the transboundary impact via the drainage
network of the River Danube Basin (valid only for Contracting Parties to this
Convention).
This Memorandum of Understanding becomes effective as soon as it has been agreed
upon in the respective Meetings of both Commissions mentioned and an exchange of let-
ters has taken place. It looses its effectiveness as soon as one of both the International
Commissions mentioned notifies the other.
This Memorandum of Understanding constitutes by no means a legal document for the
joint implementation of issues of importance for the protection of the Black Sea against
pollution by its Transboundary Waters in its wider basin.
Representatives of the ICPBS and the ICPDR with the assistance of UNDP/GEF and UNEP set up
on December 8 and 9, 1997, a Joint Ad-hoc Technical Working Group (`the Group') in a Meeting
at Constanta, Romania. The following elements of this Memorandum of Understanding correspond
with the results of `the Group':
The term `overall Black Sea' encompasses the Black Sea proper and the Sea of Azov as
water bodies receiving inputs via inland waters. Both the Black Sea proper and the Sea of
Azov are in regard to their ecology and their response to discharged pollution completely
different water bodies.
The term `Black Sea ecosystems' refers to ecosystems in both these Seas.
The term `wider Black Sea Basin' refers to the basin determined by the hydrographic
boundary of all inland waters discharging to the overall Black Sea and the surface area of
the overall Black Sea. For the sake of convenience and until decided otherwise between
both Commissions the outer border of this basin is looked upon to be the Straight of
Bosporus.
The results of studies on the 'Ecological Indicators of Pollution in the Black Sea', carried
out in the frame of the activities of the Joint Ad-hoc Working Group, have given evidence
of recovery in Black Sea ecosystems. However, the ecological status of the 1960s
which is deemed to be the goal to aim for is not yet reached.
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Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
There is in general agreement that the status of Black Sea ecosystems is largely affected
by nutrients discharged within the wider Black Sea Basin, and to a large extent by the riv-
erine input into the overall Black Sea. Information of a possible role of other sources of
pollution and their impact on Black Sea ecosystems was not yet available.
The size of the pollution loads reaching the overall Black Sea (resolution both in time and
in space for the Black Sea proper and the Sea of Azov) are either not known, or
information is missing on the comparability of the data available.
`The Group' was aware of the decline of the economic activities in the countries in
transition, the possible impact of them on the discharge of pollution, and the reversal of
such a trend in case of future economic development (concerning in particular
agricultural and industrial activities).
The data available to `the Group' to undertake its assessment ended at best with values
for the year 1997.
In order to saveguard the Black Sea from a further deterioriation of the status of its ecosystems the
Contracting Parties to the `Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution' and the
Contracting Parties to the `Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of
the Danube River' individually and in mutual contact with all States within the wider Black Sea
Basin strive to achieve the following strategic goals:
The long-term goal for all States in the wider Black Sea Basin is to take measures to
reduce the loads of nutrients and hazardous substances discharged to such levels
necessary to permit Black Sea ecosystems to recover to conditions similar to those
observed in the 1960s.
As an intermediate goal, urgent control measures should be taken by all States in the
wider Black Sea Basin in order to avoid that the discharges of nutrients and hazardous
substances into the Seas exceed those that existed in 1997. (These 1997 discharges are
only incompletely known.)
The inputs of nutrients and hazardous substances into both receiving Seas (Black Sea
proper and Sea of Azov) have to be assessed in a comparable way. To this very end a
common AQC system and a thorough discussion about the necessary monitoring ap-
proach, including the sampling procedures, has to be set up and agreed upon between the
ICPBS and the ICPDR.
The ecological status of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov has to be further assessed, and
the comparability of the data basis has to be further increased.
Both the reported input loads as well as the assessed ecological status will have to be
reported annually to both the ICPBS and the ICPDR.
The States within the wider Black Sea Basin shall have to adopt strategies that will
permit economic development, whilst ensuring appropriate practices and measures to
limit the discharge of nutrients and hazardous substances, and to rehabilitate ecosystems
which assimilate nutrients.
Based on the annual reports and on the adopted strategies for the limitation of the
discharge of nutrients and hazardous substances, a review shall be undertaken in 2007. It
will have to focus on the further measures that may be required for meeting the long-term
objective.
This Memorandum of Understanding becomes effective by an exchange of letters between the
ICPBS and the ICPDR in which each of them mutually agrees on the contents of this Draft
Memorandum of Understanding. As soon as this is reached, a final version (with the omission of
the word `Draft') will be circulated between both the ICPBS and the ICPDR.
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1
Annexes
ANNEX 12 Evaluation of the UNDP/GEF
Pollution Reduction Programme
Annex 12.1
Terminal Evaluation
Annex 12.2
Terminal Report
United Nations Development Program - Global Environment Facility
United Nation Office for Project Services
Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Program
RER/96/G31
Terminal Evaluation
Stanislaw MANIKOWSKI
Esther PARK
Friedrich SCHWAIGER
François Van HOOF
JUNE 1999
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The consultation mission gratefully acknowledges Mr. R. Aertgeerts, from the UNOPS, Mr. A. Hudson, from the
UNDP/GEF, and Ms. T. Akhtar from RBEC-UNDP for their comments during the briefing sessions before and
after our time in the field. The Project Manager, Mr. J. Bendow, and his team provided the mission with all of
the necessary documentation, information, and technical support. They were always available to discuss the
Project and the issues relative to its evaluation. Finally, we are greatly indebted to Mr. I. Schuets-Mueller, the
Chief of UNOPS/ENVP, and Mr. W. Stalzer, the President of ICPDR, for the time they devoted to discussing
regional implications of national pollution reduction policies and the role of international cooperation in regional
programmes.
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
BOD
Biological Oxygen Demand
COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand
DANIS
Danube Information System
DANUBIS
ICPDR Information System
DEF
Danube Environmental Forum
DEFF
Danube Environmental Financing Facility
DPRP
Danube Pollution Reduction Program
DRPC
Danube River Protection Convention
DWQM
Danube Water Quality Model
EC
European Commission
EMIS
Emission Expert Group
ENVP
Division for Environmental Programmes
EPDRB
Environmental Program for the Danube River Basin
EU
European Union
FGG
Finanzierungs Garantie Gesellshaft
GEF
Global Environment Facility
Hot Spot
A local land or water area, which is subject to excessive pollution, and which requires specific
actions to prevent or reduce degradation caused by pollutants
ICPBS
International Commission for Protection of the Black Sea
ICPDR
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
IFI
International Financing Institution
ISEP
International Society for Environmental Protection
KfW
Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau
N
Nitrogen
NGO
Non Governmental Organization
P
Phosphorus
PAG
Project Appraisal Group
PCU
Danube Program Co-ordination Unit
Phare
Poland, Hungary: Aid for Reconstruction and Economy; Program of assistance for economic
restructuring in the countries of central and Eastern Europe
PIF
Project Implementation Facility
PMTF
Project Management Task Force
PPC
Project Preparation Committee
PRP
Pollution Reduction Program
RBEC
Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS
REC
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe
SAP
Strategic Action Plan
TA
Transboundary Analysis
TACIS
Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States
TDA
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
TF
Task Force
TOPP
Target Oriented Program Planning
UNDP
United Nations Development Program
UNEP
United Nations Environment Program
UNOPS
United Nations Office for Project Services
WWF
World Wide Fund for Nature
SUMMARY
The "Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme" project RER/96/G31 represents the
Global Environment Facility (GEF)'s contribution to the second phase of an Environmental Programme for the
Danube River Basin (EPDRB), created in 1992. The project was a continuation of two previous GEF projects
that assisted the EPDRB. All three projects helped the EPDRB to prepare a Strategic Action Plan (SAP), and
develop a Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM). They helped, as well, in creating public awareness, and
contributed to several other areas, including knowledge base building, information exchange and transboundary
water pollution understanding. Beyond these actions, they also showed preoccupation with Black Sea marine
ecosystem degradation.
There were eleven countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova,
Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine, and the Federal Yugoslav Republic) that benefited directly from the present project
activities while two others (Austria and Germany) collaborated closely. The International Commission for the
Protection of Danube River (ICPDR) was a regional partner of the project. The project came in at a cost of $3.9
million with its activities implemented between December 1996 and June 1999. (Four minor activities will
continue until December 1999).
The project's overall long-term objective was to stimulate sustainable, institutional and financial arrangements
for effective environmental management of the Danube River Basin. The immediate goal was to prepare for
funding pollution prevention and reduction activities required to both restore the Danube River basin and protect
the Black Sea environment. This immediate goal was composed of four objectives:
1. Complete the knowledge base for priority pollution loads and priority environmental issues in the Danube
River basin;
2. Review policy for protection (especially nature protection) of the Danube basin and Black Sea;
3. Increase public awareness and participation;
4. Develop financing for the pollution reduction programme under the Danube Strategic Action Plan.
The project fits into regional and national plans of the Danube River basin countries, into the GEF priorities, and
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) areas of concentration. The Project Document clearly
designs beneficiaries, contains implementation plan, and corresponding financial provision. Under the project
dynamic leadership, and strong support of the backstopping agencies: the UNDP/GEF and the United Nations
Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the project successfully implemented and realized all activities, and
delivered all outputs. The data needed to the output production were collected and provided by national teams.
The project prepared framework and methodology for data collection. The methods were discussed in more than
35 meetings and workshops.
There was, however, great differences among the countries of the region in levels of their economical,
technological and knowledge skills. Because of that, the data national teams provides were not all of the same
quality and precision.
The project successfully completed the knowledge base for priority-settings. It updated national reviews of
Danube pollution, and prepared a list of 421 priority pollution reduction projects. It improved the DWQM model
and used it to simulate the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the Danube with and without the projects.
However, since the data used in description of the regional priorities and in modeling were of unequal quality,
the regional results have to be taken with precaution. To overcome the data inaccuracies and approximations, the
project developed a database that will in the future allow for more accurate diagnoses of pollution sources as
well as more efficient cost evaluation.
i
The reviews by national teams that contributed to formulation of the regional Danube basin and Black Sea
protection policies, and updating the SAP did not yet produced a global political or strategic approach to a
regional pollution reduction. The updated SAP gives to the policy and strategies too narrow a meaning.
The project successfully planned and organized the public awareness programme of pollution reduction
activities. However, the project's tight schedule and the NGO's ineffectiveness in promoting the programme,
hampered the public awareness campaign. The impact of this campaign is yet unknown.
On the basis of the national reports, the project developed a portfolio of 421 priority pollution reduction
investments. For each investment the project proposed a baseline and the incremental costs. For some of these
investments, the costs were estimated according to the best available information.
The project proposed to ICPDR the establishment of a Project Appraisal Group (PAG) that would advise the
ICPDR, the country, and the donors about conformity of the project with ICPDR standards. It also proposed the
creation of a Project Implementation Facility (PIF) that would support the ICPDR in regional investment
programme, assist member countries in project preparation, and monitor the results. The ICPDR endorsed the
project results, in particular, the updated SAP, the PAG, and the PIF. By the end of this year, the ICPDR will
present the proposals of SAP, PAG, and PIF to the ministries of the member countries for approval.
All project activities were deeply imbedded in the GEF priorities, however, To fully satisfy the GEF
requirements, some outputs need to be improved; the SAP will require further developments. Nonetheless, the
project fully justifies the GEF support.
The project's achievements were highly praised by the ICPDR. Especially appreciated were the following
participation methods the project employed: participating planning, logical approach, and consultative and
iterative planning process of the SAP revision. The project management paid close attention to strengthening
cooperation among various sectors the government decision makers, the administrative delegates, and the
private-sector representatives.
The project final results will likely remain sustainable. In particular, the principal objective will probably be
pursued well after the end of the project. Moreover, the method used to gather data as well as the regional
standardization of the collection procedure contributed to growth in national capacity and reinforcement of
regional cooperation.
To increase the impact of the current project, the mission recommends:
1.1 To the project management and the UNDP/GEF to finance a critical review of the project's
documentation. It is recommended they should also finance an evaluation of each country's progress in
water pollution reduction, including public participation and policy issues as they were outlined in the
previous Project Documents. This review should be organized and completed before the next phase of
financing. This critical review should be professionally edited, published, and widely distributed.
1.2 To the project management, to edit the existent technical materials according to the UNDP standards.
The project should pay close attention to rhetoric (clarity, organization, consistent and critical arguments)
and to the internal coherence of the documents
1.3 To the project management, to include, in the final report, an exhaustive evaluation of all achievements
and difficulties.
1.4 To ICPDR, to collect and disseminate information produced by the project and the national teams;
organize training, demonstrations, and transfer knowledge and technologies to the countries; this would
include the DWQM, standardized data collection methods and analytical procedures. Continue to edit and
distribute the Danube Watch, and to update regularly the DANUBIS web site.
ii
To implement regional assistance for future water pollution reduction plans in the Danube River basin, and in
addition to the activities and objectives specified in the past GEF projects, the mission recommends to the
UNDP/GEF to include into the project programme the following issues:
Supply management:
2.1 The regional organizations and the regional assistance projects should develop consistent criteria for
evaluating and monitoring water development investments. These criteria should take into account all
direct and indirect costs, as well as the potential risks and impacts.
Municipal and industrial programmes:
2.2 The efforts to control pollution should be both site-specific and consistent with water basin requirements.
Agricultural practices:
2.3 The regional projects should support tests and dissemination of sound agricultural practices, and support
national awareness campaigns.
Safety of abandoned industry and mine wastes:
2.4 The regional project should investigate the pollution from abandoned industry and mine wastes, and help
countries to find funding to ensure the environmental safety of this waste.
Toxic and persistent contaminants:
2.5 The regional project should promote a sense of cooperation among the affected countries to research the
best control measures and control policy.
Atmospheric pollution:
2.6 The regional project should collaborate with the other regional organizations involved in monitoring and
reduction of air pollution. It should support national efforts toward atmospheric pollution.
Regional policy instruments:
2.7 A mandate should be given to regional project to support the regional and international organizations
evaluating and applying regional policy tools. This support could cover such areas as evaluating future
projects priorities (according to GEF standards), establishing baseline and incermental costs, or investing
in a country that is complying with regional standards.
Integrate technical, economic, political, and social dimensions:
2.8 A holistic approach needs to be adopted to get to the bottom of the problem. The regional projects should
consider a long list of activities: data collection and dissemination, training and demonstrations, research,
norms and legislation standardization, and public participation promotion. These elements need to be
looked at in the context of supply and demand of each country's water and macroeconomic policy.
Country's contribution to regional efforts:
2.9 The regional project should prepare periodically a ledger of regional expenses and gains and inform the
countries about advantages of adhering to a specific cooperative programme. This balance will help to
mobilize national efforts for a particular programme, and decide on the amount a country may contribute
to the regional effort.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PROJECT DESIGN
2
2
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
4
2.1 GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION
4
2.2 MANAGEMENT, MONITORING, AND BACKSTOPPING
6
2.3 CHANGES IN THE PROJECT'S ENVIRONMENT
6
3
PROJECT IMPACT
7
3.1 COMPLETE THE KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR THE PRIORITY-SETTINGS
7
3.1.1 Update National Reviews and Analyze National Actions Plans Using a Common Format
7
3.1.2 Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
7
3.2 REVIEW POLICY FOR PROTECTION OF THE DANUBE BASIN AND THE BLACK SEA
8
3.3 INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION
8
3.3.1 Raise the Public Awareness of Pollution Reduction Activities
8
3.3.2 Improve Coordination and Information Exchange
9
3.4 DEVELOP THE FINANCING OF THE POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAMME WITHIN THE DANUBE
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
9
3.4.1 Portfolio of Danube Basin Projects
9
3.4.2 Mechanism for Sustainable Financial Support
10
3.4.3 Adopting a Revised SAP
10
3.5 PROJECT EFFECTIVENESS IN REALIZING ITS OBJECTIVES
10
3.5.1 Project's Actions and Results in Light of Existing GEF Guidelines
11
3.6 SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROGRAMME
11
4
GENERAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT
12
4.1 AWARENESS AMONG PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES OF THE PROJECT'S OUTPUTS
12
4.2 DEGREE OF OWNERSHIP AND COMMITMENT OF THE PROJECT AMONG PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
12
4.3 IMPACT ON NATIONAL POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
13
4.4 TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL COOPERATION AMONG COUNTRIES
13
4.5 INTERAGENCY AND INTER MINISTERIAL COOPERATION
13
4.6 COOPERATION AMONG INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
13
4.7 COOPERATION AMONG ALL SECTORS, INCLUDING NON-GOVERNMENTAL AND PRIVATE
SECTORS
13
4.8 LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROJECT IMPACT
13
5
CONCLUSIONS
14
5.1 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
14
5.2 RELEVANCE OF THE PROJECT DESIGN
15
5.3 HUMAN AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES USE AND BACKSTOPPING
16
5.4 PROJECT RESULTS
16
6
RECOMMENDATIONS
18
6.1 ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN TO INCREASE THE IMPACT OF THE CURRENT PROJECT
18
6.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FUTURE REGIONAL ASSISTANCE TO WATER POLLUTION REDUCTION
IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASSIN
19
v
7
LESSONS LEARNED
21
3.1 PROJECT DESIGN
1
3.2 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
1
3.3 PROJECT IMPACT
2
3.4 THEORY (PROJECT DESIGN REVISITED)
3
3.5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3
3.6 MISSION TIMELINE
4
Figure 1. Implementation of Project Activities....................................................... 5
ANNEXES
I
Terms of reference
II
Mission Calendar
III
List of Persons Met
IV
List of Documents Reviewed
V
Project Activities
VI
Project Outputs
VII
Evaluation Report on the Completion
of the Knowledge Base for Priority Settings. Françis Van Hoof
VIII Public Awareness, Public Participation, Information Exchange. Esther Park
IX
Evaluation Report on Objective 4. Friedrich Schwaiger
vi
INTRODUCTION
Project evaluation aims to assess its relevance, performance, and success (Annex I). In principle, every
significant UNDP-sponsored project is subject to evaluation. The evaluation of the important UNDP/GEF
project "Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme (RER/96/G31) took place
between June 8th and June 21st, 1999 (Annex II). Four consultants contributed to the evaluation. They were:
- Team leader, Stanislaw Manikowski;
- Public awareness specialist, Ester Park;
- Financial specialist, Friedrich Schwaiger; and
- Transboundary pollution assessment specialist, François Van Hoof.
During the evaluation process, the mission met with several stakeholders (Annex III). It encountered the UNOPS
and GEF officers who provided technical backstopping and administrative support for the project, the ICPDR
officials, the beneficiary country representatives, and the project team. The mission visited Vienna project
management headquarters, and offices of major technical contributors in Frankfurt, Munich, Delft and Budapest.
Briefing and debriefing of the mission took place in UN offices in New York.
The evaluation referred to the procedures described in the Terms of Reference provided by the UNOPS (Annex
I), and the guidelines for project evaluation by the UNDP Central Evaluation Office. The present report
describes findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the mission. The report is organized so as to reflect
UNOPS' concerns in regard to the Terms of Reference.
1
1
PROJECT DESIGN
The design of the present project RER/96/G31 (the Project) follows guidelines of the Global Environment
Facility (GEF) sponsored projects. It represents the GEF's contribution to phase two of an Environmental
Programme for the Danube River Basin (EPDRB)1, created in 1992. The Project was a continuation of two
previous GEF projects (RER/91/G/31 and RER/95/G45) that assisted the EPDRB in building a framework for a
long-term solution of pollution problem in the Danube River.
During the first phase of the framework building, between 1992 and 1996, both the EPDRB and the GEF
assistance projects concentrated their efforts on such priorities as:
- Building regional cooperation for water management;
- Evaluating and defining environmental problems;
- Establishing a basin-wide water quality monitoring strategy; and
- Establishing a warning system for accidental pollution.
The first-phase GEF assistance projects contributed to:
- Strengthening of national and regional institutions;
- Increasing awareness that agriculture be integrated into environmental policies;
- Addressing human health issues related to cross-border (transboundary) pollution;
- Improving the knowledge base and exchange of information;
- Promoting investment;
- Supporting public participation;
- Developing the Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM); and
- Drafting the Strategic Action Plan (SAP).
The Project Document of September 1997, stated the objectives of the present project (Project Document [15],
11 and 12):
The overall long-term goal of the new GEF project is to stimulate sustainable, institutional and financial
arrangements for effective environmental management of the Danube River basin, in accordance with
the International Strategy of GEF Operational Strategy and the International Water Operational
Programme No 8.
The immediate goal of the Project was (ibid., 12): "... to prepare for funding pollution prevention and reduction
activities required to both restore Danube River basin and to protect the Black Sea environment." Four
intermediate objectives should help to achieve this goal:
1.
Complete the knowledge base for priority pollution loads and priority environmental issues in the
Danube River basin;
2.
Review policy for protection (especially nature protection) of the Danube basin and Black Sea;
3.
Increase public awareness and participation; and
4.
Develop financing of the pollution reduction programme under the Danube Strategic Action Plan.
1 The EPDRB aimed at establishing an operational basis for the integrated management of Danube River Basin
environment.
2
The Project's objectives were approved by senior officials of eleven Danube River basin countries (Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Ukraine, and The Federal Yugoslav Republic) who, in July 1996, attended the EPDRB Task Force and
International Commission meeting in Vienna.
The United Nations Development Programme and the GEF (UNDP/GEF) contributed $3.9 million to the Project.
The Danube basin countries provided national personnel, salaries and appropriate allowances, offices, and
training facilities.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was designated as the Executing Agency.
The Project was to be implemented over a period of 16 months, beginning August 1997.
The Project fits well into the GEF priorities (the eight International Water Operational Programme and important
transboundary concerns), and UNDP area of concentration (environmental problems and natural resources
management). The Project Document clearly set out the problems that needed to be solved, and it correctly
outlined the Project execution strategy. The intended regional and national users were properly identified.
Capacity building within the countries was part of the Project design. The Project Document contained a clearly
laid out logical framework, stated the outputs in verifiable terms, and included a work plan.
In summary, the Project Document analysis shows that the Project fits into regional and national plans, and into
the GEF and UNDP areas of concentration. The objectives, outputs and activities are clear. The Project
Document contains an implementation plan and specifies adequate financial provisions. The beneficiaries are
correctly identified.
3
2
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The present section assesses the Project's general implementation, its management, monitoring, and
backstopping, all with regard to the quality and timeliness of activities and outputs. The section contains, as well,
an evaluation of how adequately management arrangements were made. Finally, some light will be shed on what
environmental changes were brought on by the Project. The elements discussed in this section constitute the
rationale for the GEF support, particularly in the areas of regional cooperation, policy development, and public
participation.
2.1
General Implementation
The Project was scheduled to start its activities in August 1997. However, since the document was signed in
September 1997 and the personnel recruited in autumn 1997, the Project's implementation was delayed until
December of the same year. Most of the Project's 29 activities ended in May and early June, 1999 (Figure 1).
The Project was operational for 19 months instead of the 16 originally scheduled by the Project Document. It
completed almost all intended activities and delivered all important outputs. Four activities are yet to be
completed:
- The community-based projects will last until September;
- The Danube Internet network will be established by December;
- The ministerial conference to revise and probably adopt the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) is scheduled for the
end of this year; and
- The fund-raising conference will take place by the end of 1999 or the beginning of 2000.
The allocated budget covered adequately all Project expenses.
The Project management efficiently and dynamically mobilized the region's 13 countries (11 signatory countries
plus Austria and Germany). This task was arduous since the countries are at the beginning of their environmental
cooperation. Moreover, language barriers, economic differences, and open hostilities in one part of the region
sometimes hampered collaboration. Nevertheless, the skill and persistence of the Project team did mobilize the
countries toward closer and more effective collaboration.
4
Figure 1. Implementation of project activities
1997
1998 1999
Month
Activities
A S
O
N
D
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
J
F
M
A
M
J
J - D
Objective 1
1.1..1 Update 11 National Review
1.1.2 Prepare Bosnia-Herzegovina, FRY National Reviews
1.1.3 Define National Baselines
1.2.1 Prioritise Hot-spots
1.2.2 Extend Danube Water Quality Model
1.2.3 Asses Priority wetlands/floodplains
1.2.4 Prepare social analysis of Danube pollution
1.2.5 Prepare draft Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
1.2.6 Hold technical conference on transboundary pollution
Objective 2
2.1.1 Prepare review of Strategic Action Plan
2.1.2 Hold Danube/black Sea Basin technical consultations
2.1.3 Hold Danube/black Sea Basin policy consultations
2.1.4 Prepare pollution reduction programmes
2.1.5 Integrate pollution reduction strategy into SAP
Objective 3
3.1.1 Launch public-awareness programme
3.1.2 Hold stakeholder discussions on transboundary pollution
3.1.3 Distribute 3 editions of `Danube Watch'
3.1.4 Support the Danube NGO Forum and national NGO meetings
3.1.5 Provide grants for community-based pollution reduction projects
3.2.1 Establish Danube internet network
3.2.2 Update and disseminate DANIS
Objective 4
4.1.1 Develop financing strategies for pollution reduction programmes
4.1.2 Prepare project documents for hot-spots
4.1.3 Prepare project documents for wetlands and floodplains projects
4.2.1 Assess feasibility of Danube Environmental Fund
4.2.2 Prepare legal basis, procedures, etc. for Danube fund(s)
4.3.1 Integrate project portfolio into SAP review
4.3.2 Adopt revised SAP at Ministerial Conference
4.3.3 Hold donor pledging conference/facilitate meeting
5
The ICPDR (International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River), was the Project's regional
counterpart. The Project closely collaborated with the ICPDR: all the Project staff, national collaborators, and
national experts regularly participated in the ICPDR meetings.
Overall, the Project was very well implemented on a regional level and in the countries themselves. While
experience from the previous regional projects helps, it is still quite a challenge to successfully complete a
Project of such a dimension in so short time. It all requires good managerial skill from the staff as well as
unwavering support from the Executing Agency.
2.2
Management, Monitoring, and Backstopping
The Project management was located in the UNDP Vienna Office and benefited from the Vienna Office
administrative support. According to the management, the Office support was helpful because it freed up the
Project from the every-day administrative work and allowed staff to focus on technical issues. The monitoring of
the Project's progress and the additional administrative support was in the hands of the UNOPS. The
UNDP/GEF Office in New York took care of technical back-stopping. All administrative supports, monitoring,
and technical back-stopping were judged by the Project management as not only sufficient but very helpful in
implementing Project activities.
2.3
Changes in the Project's Environment
The Project activities spanned a period of less than two years. This is a relatively short time for detecting any
noticeable changes of attitude on a national or regional scale. However, that period coincided with emerging of a
strong, general, political and ethical trend in the region, and a collective set of goals: improvement of the
environment, pollution reduction and Danube basin and Black Sea protection. The Project itself helped to
reinforce this trend, by organizing more than 35 meetings and workshops, and making the regional and
transboundary issues of Danube protection more specific and easier to visualize. Thanks to the Project, the most
important river polluters were identified [3] and the river's pollution become something more than just an
impersonal and vague problem.
The Project has benefited from this impetus as well. According to comments of country representatives the
mission met (see Annex II for a list), the national collaborators were enthusiastic about the Project and devoted
themselves to realizing their assigned tasks. The results were considered "essential" by the countries'
representatives.
In conclusion, the Project worked in a climate favorable to realization of its assignments. The presence of the
Project contributed even further to the creation, among the Danube basin countries, of positive attitudes towards
pollution reduction. The Project implementation fully justifies the GEF support.
6
3
PROJECT IMPACT
This section reviews the Project's achievements measured against its goals, outputs, and activities. It will be
arranged according to the following outline: (1) Complete priority-setting; (2) Review policy for nature
protection of the Danube Basin and Black Sea; (3) increase public awareness and participation; (4) Develop
financing for a pollution reduction programme within the Danube Strategic Action Plan.
3.1
Complete the Knowledge Base for the Priority-Settings
The Project Document allocated 42% of the Project's budget toward the completion of the knowledge base for
priority-settings.
To complete the knowledge base for the priority-settings, the Project should have updated national reviews, and
analyzed the national action plans. This should have been achieved by using a common format. The national
reviews should be completed with the transboundary diagnostic analysis.
3.1.1 Update National Reviews and Analyze National Actions Plans Using a Common Format
In 11 of the 13 Danube basin countries (all but Austria and Germany), the Project, effectively using national
expertise, organized and updated national reviews2. The national reviews teams received from the Project a
thorough training in data collection and reporting. As a result, the reviews were based on common sampling
methodology and common reporting procedures. Despite of this, the data included in the national reviews were
of unequal quality, due to the differences in laboratory capacity and national staff training among member
countries3.
The updated reviews focused on priority pollutants and on sectors that contributed to Danube pollution. The
reviews have helped the pollution impact analysis, and the cost analysis of pollution reduction projects.
3.1.2 Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
The Project improved on an existing Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM), and used it to forecast the nitrogen
and phosphorus pollution of the Danube4. The Project also financed a study of wetlands and floodplain areas of
the river5. The results of national updated reviews, the model, and the studies were used for transboundary
analysis. As in the national reviews, the transboundary analysis, which represents for the moment the best global
image of pollution in the Danube basin, also suffered the burden of an uneven quality of data. It should be
mentioned, however, that this shortage could not have been corrected within the short life of the Project6.
The updated national reviews, the analysis of national plans and the transboundary SWQM are outstanding and
lasting achievements of the project. To fully exploit the potential created by the Project, the member countries
should well appropriate the model and agree on a timetable for input data improvement. To facilitate
assimilation by those who have benefited from the Project's achievements, the reports describing the DWQM,
transboundary analysis [4 and 20] and other main Project's reports [1, 3 to 8, 16, and 17] dealing with the
transboundary problems should be edited in such a way that the users can easily see the progress from the data
collecting to the fully developed transboundary diagnosic.
2 Annex V, 1.1.1; VI, 1.1.1, and 1.1.2; VII, 6.1.
3Annex VII, 6.1.
4 Annex V, 1.2.2; VI, 1.2.1, 1.2.2., and 1.2.3, page 3; and VIII, 6.2.
5 Annex V, 1.2.3; VI, 1.2.3, and 1.2.5, page 3; and VIII, 6.3.
6 Annex VII, 6.2, and 6.3.
7
3.2
Review Policy for Protection of the Danube Basin and the Black Sea
The policy review received 5% of the Project's budget. As in previous activities, the policy review was
organized entirely by national experts, in consultation with national authorities. The Project's regional experts
collated that information and integrated it into the main document, the updated Strategic Action Plan (SAP)7.
It should be noted that the national environment policy has some specific mandates. It is concerned with
achieving the most cost-effective pollution reduction; an equitable distribution of the pollution reduction burden;
and an acceptable and just distribution of charges for pollution emission. It attempts to enforce the policy at the
lowest cost. It takes into account the ethical, moral, and traditional issues. The national strategy (the actual
implementing of the policy) describes the standards set down and the incentives employed to achieve the policy.
The regional policy is distinct from the national one. The regional policy is a sum of sovereign national policies
that specifically concern the region. A regional organization or a regional project may reinforce the will of the
countries for adherence to a given regional treaty.
The analysis of the policy description contained in the SAP, as well as in the meeting records and technical
documents produced by the Project [1 and 16], shows that the country delegates are still at the initial stages of
defining regional policies with respect to the Danube basin and the Black Sea protection8.
It is important to analyze exhaustively the pollution reduction approaches when embarking upon the regional
pollution reduction project. Analyzing national and regional policies, national policy instruments, and possible
international pressures could best indicate to project management and to donors how to allocate regional
resources, and how to help countries stick to their regional agreements.
3.3
Increase Public Awareness and Participation
According to the Project Document [16, page 24], "Wide public participation in the Project is an essential
requirement for development of sustainable policies in Danube Basin." Through the activities and outputs
developed under the objective " increase public awareness and participation", the Project would have to
increase the importance of pollution reduction in the public's mind. It would also have to reinforce
public participation in designing of regional and national policies and to improve coordination and
exchange of information.
The Project invested about 23% of its budget to make this all possible.
3.3.1 Raise the Public Awareness of Pollution Reduction Activities
Early on, the Project saw that through training, workshops, discussions and consultations, it will set up ways for
the public to be involved, and it will raise public awareness. The public involvement activities were held with the
participation of technicians, national government administrators, public, and NGOs. The NGOs9, and one of
their regional bodies, the Danube Environmental Forum (DEF), become the Project's principal proponents in
raising public awareness. The Project efforts were well planned, well organized and worked well with the Project
Document programme. However, the tight schedule and the NGO's10 ineffectiveness in promoting the Project,
hampered public awareness campaigns.
The Project was also responsible for financing five community-based project grants that totaled $200,000. At
this point, it is yet to measure the impact the investment had on the awareness of Danube basin citizens.
7 Annex V, 2.1.1 to 2.1.5; VI. 2.1.1. to 2.1.5.
8 Annex VI, pages 5 to 11.
9 Annex V, 3.1.1 to 3.1.5; VI, 3.1.1 to 3.1.5; and VIII.
10 Annex V, 3.2.1 and 3.2.2; VI 3.2.1 and 3.2.2, page 14; and VIII.
8
3.3.2 Improve Coordination and Information Exchange
The Project financed three editions of a periodical called Danube Watch, devoted to Danube pollution
issues, and it plans to finance two more editions. The Project also developed and improved an
information web site, called DANIS (transformed into DANUBIS).
In a final analysis of section 3.3 we can observe that the weakness of DEF was a major obstacle in efficient
implementation of the public awareness programme. While weak, NGOs for now are convenient partners for
many UNDP projects, even though, they may not, in the context of Central European traditions, be the best
intermediaries for a project and a group of citizens. These countries' traditional institutions such as the church,
older universities, mainstream media, and high-profile individuals may be better at influencing public opinion.
The NGOs are still new on the scene, and their position may be looked upon in the public eye with some
trepidation. In consequence, replacing the NGOs with another structure may give better results in public
awareness raising.
A well targeted public awareness campaign is vital for any environmental programme. It helps decision makers
appraise the breadth and strength of public attitudes. It may provide information that otherwise would be
unavailable and also can generate a dialog for the project. Open debate is the first step to improving mutual
understanding, promoting compromise, enhancing credibility, and making better final decisions.
Increase in public awareness should be carefully monitored through the appropriate tools. Such monitoring can
demonstrate the changes in public opinion over environmental matters more objectively than the progress
reports. It may also help the Project evaluate how well the message is being transmitted and then adjust it's own
working programme, thus making it more efficient.
To sum up, the Project planned and launched a systematic and well organized set of activities aiming at raising
public awareness and public participation in designing environmental projects. The ultimate results of these
activities are not yet known in detail. Since raising public awareness has long been the GEF project's goal,
efforts in this area should be carefully evaluated before further investment takes places.
3.4
Develop the Financing of the Pollution Reduction Programme Within the Danube
Strategic Action Plan
The Project should have developed under this objective a portfolio of Danube Basin projects and proposed a
mechanism that could provide sustainable financial support for Danube Basin pollution reduction. It should also
finalize and come to an agreement on how to go about adopting a revised Strategic Action Plan.
3.4.1 Portfolio of Danube Basin Projects
The present Project developed a portfolio of 421 projects worth $5.5 billion, including documentation for
priority hotspots and wetland projects for investment consideration. The projects' costs were estimated according
to the best available information, and the degree of priority for the project was duly documented11. However,
since the countries' inputs differ in quality and precision, and the ongoing national research is adding new
information, the portfolio should therefore be periodically updated. The Project has prepared a database that will
easily integrate the updated information [9].
National experts and consultants gathered all the information needed to the portfolio preparation, and later, along
with interested industries and public, agreed on the portfolio project's priorities. The projects were then reviewed
on a governmental level before being put on a regional priority list. The portfolio results from a national effort
and represents what is probably an exhaustive list of Danube pollution priorities.
11 Annex V, 4.1.1 to 4.1.3; VI, 4.1.1 to 4.1.3; and IX
9
The portfolio deals, however, with only half of all pollutants in the area. The other half originate from the so
called "non point" pollution sources, such as agriculture or storm water that periodically flushes in from cities
and villages12. The Project is aware of these pollutants but did not (and could not, given its workload) develop a
strategy that takes into account these factors.
3.4.2 Mechanism for Sustainable Financial Support
The Project Document favored establishing a fund that would support priority investments for the whole Danube
Basin or Black Sea. The Project Document [15, pages 23, 29, and 33] required a feasibility study for such a fund
and demanded that the Project direction prepare structures and rules for this type of regional financing.
As a result of a feasibility study [9] and preliminary discussions with regional partners, the Project put forward
two proposals to ICPDR: (1) establishment of a Project Appraisal Group (PAG) that would assess the projects
and, if they conformed to the ICPDR standard, recommend them to donors; and (2) creation of a Project
Implementation Facility (PIF) that would support the ICPDR in several areas including regional investments
programmes that would assist member countries in both project preparation, and results monitoring. The
estimate cost of PIF for 3 to 4 years was US$ 2.3 million.
The ICPDR endorsed the PAG and PIF proposals and expects that PIF may be financed by UNDP/GEF.
Although the Project's proposal of establishing PAG and creating PIF is in line with the Project Document
requirements and the ICPDR programme, it should be noted that it is not known as to what extent donors and the
financing institutions will use the PAG and PIF facilities in selecting projects for financing. On the other hand,
it cannot be taken for granted that the governments will address their financing requests through the ICPDR.
Without the donor's support of PAG and PIF and the governmental recognition of them, both facilities may
remain simply an administrative entity.
3.4.3 Adopting a Revised SAP
The revised SAP and the list of priority projects were discussed at a regional workshop in May, 1999 and
presented in the ICPDR Steering Group in June. It will be proposed for adoption in a conference of the involved
technical ministries, scheduled for either the end of this year or the beginning of next13.
The portfolio of the Danube basin pollution reduction investments, the proposal of implementation of PAG and
PIF, the SAP revision process are the Project's outstanding achievements.
3.5
Project Effectiveness in Realizing Its Objectives
The Project was effective in identifying national pollution sources and in preparing proposals for pollution
reduction14. It appropriately implicated the national expertise and the national administration in all steps of the
Project objectives realization. The results of these efforts, achieved in such a tight schedule, requires,
nevertheless, further improvements. The accuracy of the DWQM should be increased15. National policies, as
well as strategies for national policy implementation and regional approaches to pollution reduction need yet to
be described and analyzed16. The effectiveness of the public awareness campaigns is impossible to assess at this
12 Annex VI, 1.2.2.
13 Annex V, 4.3.2 and 4.3.3; and VI, 4.3.2 and 4.3.3.
14 Annex VII, 6.9.
15 Annex VII, 6.2 and 6.3.
16 Annex VI, 2.
10
point, since the campaigns' impact has not yet been evaluated17. The written documents produced by the Project
that transmit the results would have better served the interested users if they unequivocally stated their objectives
and working hypothesis. It would also have been helpful if within these documents the conclusions were clearly
stated and supported by evidence.
3.5.1 Project's Actions and Results in Light of Existing GEF Guidelines
The Project's actions were in line with GEF priorities. The pollution reduction projects portfolio is definitely
the most outstanding achievement and it represents a great step forward in identification of pollution reduction
activities18. Another great success of the Project is the fact that high levels of government have endorsed the
SAP19. The use of the DWQM and all efforts at attaining reliable data production may provide an excellent tool
to transboundary pollution monitoring. Finally, the Project's efforts to assume financing for priority pollution
reduction investments20 is one more example of successful GEF programme activity. Still, the SAP will require
further improvements, especially in the baseline calculation21. (The GEF considers the well-defined baselines as
a key element of the SAP.) Realizing these improvements is in fact independent of the project since it requires
better data inputs from the countries. The GEF requires, as well, that the SAP contains an examination of
national economic development plans and sector economic policies. This will better define feasible
environmental plans. The sections of the SAP dealing with these issues are not yet completed.
3.6
Sustainability of the Programme
The Project's main results point to a continued sustainability.
The Project's results benefit the national ministries responsible for Danube pollution, the national industries and
the Danube basin countries' people. It bodes well that these countries feel a strong motivation to clean up their
environment and that the pressure for a clean environment is growing. The Project results, especially the register
of hot-spots and priority pollution reduction projects, should make for a lasting contribution to Danube pollution
reduction.
On a regional level, sustainability of the Project's results and, to a larger extend, the Danube River Protection
Programme, was boosted recently after the signing of the DRPC Convention by 12 Danube Basin countries (all
except Yugoslavia) and its ratification by 11 (all except Ukraine and Yugoslavia).
17 Annex VI, 3.
18 Annex VI, 1.1 and 1.2; and VII.
19 Annex VI, 4.2; and IX.
20 Annex VI, 4.1 and 4.2; and VII.
21 For the standards description see WWW site gefweb.org/public/opstrat/ch4.htm, pages 6 to 8.
11
4
GENERAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT
This section will look at the Project's general impact on the countries involved and on the international
organizations. This evaluation is based on eight criteria: (1) Awareness of the Project's outputs by the
participating countries; (2) Degree of ownership and commitment felt by the participating countries towards the
Project; (3) The extent to which policy and strategies of the countries are affected; (4) Technical and managerial
cooperation among the countries; (5) Cooperation within agencies and ministries of each country; (6)
Cooperation among international organizations; (7) Cooperation among the different sectors, specifically the
non-governmental and private sectors; (8) The Project's long term sustainability.
4.1
Awareness Among Participating Countries of the Project's Outputs
The Project systematically built up an awareness campaign of its activities and outputs. The national workshops
received attention in the media; the Project has trained national teams and working groups of citizens and
institutions concerned with identifying pollution problems. Three issues of the periodical "Danube Watch" were
devoted to information on Project activities and their outputs. Two additional issues will cover the SAP and the
projects included in Pollution Reduction Programme (PRP) [4]. All of the Project's results can be seen by going
to the DANUBIS web site.
The Project's achievements were highly praised by the ICPDR Steering Group meeting in June 1999. Especially
appreciated and recognized were the various methods used: participatory planning, logical approach, and
consultative and iterative planning process.
The Project's high profile and its usefulness served the UNDP/GEF well. In June 1999, the ICPDR Steering
Group expressed its appreciation and gratitude for UNDP/GEF's support, conceptual guidance, and coordination
in fulfilling the Danube pollution reduction programme.
Finally, encouraged by such a constructive collaboration, the Steering Group invited GEF to build a partnership
to help implement the PRP.
It should be noted, however, that there was no independent assessment on how the Project was perceived nor
was there a study to gauge awareness of the Project's output among the citizens in Danube region countries.
4.2
Degree of Ownership and Commitment of the Project Among Participating Countries
The countries participated in all the Project's efforts that had been scheduled in he Project Document. All the
information the Project needed to design regional programmes was collected by national teams, lead by ministry-
designed experts. The Project team itself provided the national teams with data collection methodologies and
funds for implementation. It may be presumed than, that the data collected, the working methodology, and
regional cooperation are all lasting legacies of the Project owned now by the countries' Ministries of
Environment or Water. On a regional level, the Project had been working in close collaboration and frequently
consulting with ICPDR. The ICPDR appreciated the outputs from the Project and is seriously looking at their
implementation.
The fact that both the countries' technical ministries and the ICPDR own the Project should not raise any
concerns. Nevertheless, the endorsement by other ministries and governments of the Project proposals,
especially those concerning pollution reduction investments, pollution limitations, and wetland restoration
cannot be seen as a fait accompli. Judging by the documents available in the Project files, this endorsement is yet
to be a reality. The respective governments will most likely endorse the proposals once they have added their
own studies. Several elements will probably need to be completed before the pollution reduction investment are
made: a more detailed financial analysis, alternative considerations, impact studies, and some type of public
opinion study. In the government's eyes, the Project proposals included in the PRP may be perceived, not as
final products ready to be financed, but as reliable indicators of important pollution problems.
12
4.3
Impact on National Policies and Strategies
The documents produced by the Project devote too small a space to political and strategic considerations. Since
policy is very important in designing sustainable and publicly acceptable projects, a wide and detailed approach
for policy issues clarification needs to be developed in the future.
The Project's positive impact on country policies probably results from having the pollution issues better
documented than in any other previous analyses. Showing the Danube pollution in all its severity provides solid
arguments for the environmental lobby.
4.4
Technical and Managerial Cooperation Among Countries
There was good technical cooperation among countries, particularly reinforced through joint efforts in
identifying pollution problems. Cooperation among countries is necessary for the purpose of reducing
transboundary pollution; the donor's funding being subject to regional scrutiny. Managerial cooperation also
stood out as it increased the skills of the various national experts. Much was garnered, as well, in the area of
project development, and institutional and private donor relations.
4.5
Interagency and Inter Ministerial Cooperation
The Project-financed workshops were attended by representatives of various ministries and national agencies.
However, it is not currently known as to what extent this participation will be responsible in furthering
cooperation.
4.6
Cooperation among International Organizations
The Project cooperated closely and successfully with the key international organizations involved in the regional
Danube River pollution reduction programme: Phare, GEF, Danube Task Force (became PTF), and ICPBS. The
cooperation bore positive results through joint meetings and mutual (and alternative) financing of meetings and
activities.
4.7
Cooperation Among all Sectors, Including Non-Governmental and Private Sectors
The Project management paid close attention to strengthening cooperation among the various sectors: the
government decision makers, the governmental administrative delegates, and the private sector representatives.
For this purpose the Project organized numerous meetings and workshops attended by them. However, no study
has been done on the collaboration's impact on pollution reduction practices among Danube basin countries.
4.8
Long-Term Sustainability of the Project Impact
The Project's activities and outputs affected many institutions and organizations. Their long-term effects will
vary depending on the lasting impressions and continued interests of the recipients. It is too early to assess the
sustainability of the Project, however, the available information, namely the meetings with the countries'
delegates, gives us a sense there has been an increase in the awareness of pollution reduction necessity in the
Danube.
13
5
CONCLUSIONS
The conclusions will be grouped under four headings: general conclusions stemming from an overall evaluation
of the Project; conclusions related to the Project design; conclusions related to assessment of the Project's
general implementation in terms of human and financial resources; and finally, a review of the Project's results
measured against its initial objectives and actions.
5.1
General Conclusions
The Project was designed as a UNDP/GEF contribution for reducing pollution in the Danube River Basin and for
eventually lessening pollution in the Black Sea. The Project's specific mandate was to have a strong effect on
transboundary pollution. It was, therefore, part of the ICPDR (a regional organization mandated to co-ordinate
the national programmes in Danube pollution reduction) effort. All Danube basin countries were involved in the
Project's activities. The immediate goal, as described in the Project Document, was to: "prepare for funding
pollution prevention and reduction activities required to both restore the Danube River basin and to protect the
Black Sea." To reach this goal, the Project had to put together a list of the main sources of pollution, review
countries' Danube basin protection policies, increase public awareness and participation, and develop financing
for pollution reduction programmes.
Overall achievement. The Project identified 421 of the most important pollution reduction investments and
ranked them according to the amount of pollution that each respective investment could reduce. Collectively,
these projects encompass all of the main sources of pollution in the basin. The Project evaluated their costs
according to the best available knowledge and prepared the project documents. The Project management should
be praised for this achievement that directly and successfully addressed the principal goal of the Project.
Sustainability. The pollution reduction projects were brought to fore by the efforts of several groups of
participants. National experts, administrative agents, national industry representatives, NGOs and members of
the private sector all contributed to execute the Project. In each country, national teams prepared lists of
pollution sources, evaluated their importance, and incorporated them into their national environmental plans. As
a result, the Project's effort will likely be continued well after its end. Moreover, the method used to gather data,
as well as the regional standardization of the collection procedure, contributed to a growth of national capacity
in environmental management and reinforcement of regional cooperation.
Data quality improvement. The pollution reduction projects were identified over a very short period of time,
encompassing 11 countries with varying economic levels and environmental standards. Consequently, the
collected data contain numerous inaccuracies and approximations. To overcome these limitations, the Project
developed a database to allow for more accurate diagnoses of pollution sources, as well as more precise cost
evaluation.
Limitations. These vital achievements, completed in less than one year (excluding training and final data
elaboration), was done at the expense of other Project's goals. As a result, the global image of Danube basin
pollution strategy is strongly biased towards point pollutants. The diffuse sources that contribute to more than
half of all pollution are not in the Project's priority list.
ICPDR, UNDP, and DEF concerns. The ICPDR, a regional organization that voices the need for transboundary
pollution reduction in the Danube River basin, was the principal beneficiary of the Project. Many of the Project's
activities coincided with the technical objectives of the ICPDR. The most important was the improvement of the
outdated SAP, originally prepared in 1994. The UNDP/GEF was interested in the formulation of pollution
reduction activities, so as to sort out national and regional (transboundary) costs and benefits. The endorsement
of the SAP at high levels of government was equally important for the UNDP/GEF.
14
The Project drafted a new version of the SAP. The road to improvement of the SAP involved a series of
consultations with the national teams and discussions in the technical meetings of the ICPDR. The new SAP
was finally adopted at a recent ICPDR meeting in June, 1999. The next step is for the ICPDR to present the SAP
to the concerned ministries at the meeting of the Danube basin member countries at the end of this year.
The Project Document insisted that the Project management develop financing for a pollution reduction
programme. The realization of this objective was an arduous task, since the Project management is not an ideal
intermediary for national and international financing institutions, nor for donors. The Project, however,
developed an original financing proposal. It was accepted by the ICPDR and will probably be accepted in the
future when the ministries of the member countries meet.
Technology transfer. The Project has satisfied an important UNDP requirement concerning technology transfer
and training of national agents. The Project management adequately adopted a standard for the training of
national personnel who collect and analyze pollution data. All subsequent steps regarding the treatment of
information and the elaboration of result were discussed in international and national workshops. The timeliness
of this realization as it relates to national activities attests to the effectiveness of the expertise and the transfer of
responsibility from the Project to the national teams.
Link with the past two GEF projects. Before the implementation of the Project, there were two other GEF
projects that aimed over six years to improve water pollution in the Danube basin and assist the ICPDR. They
helped to prepare the first SAP, as well as develop the DWQM model, gather a list of hot spots, finance public
awareness campaigns, edit the Danube Watch, and distribute small grants for pollution reduction programmes.
Yet, the documentation of the present Project make no references to past achievements. It is unclear as to what
extent the present Project made use of them and what lessons it learned from the past projects.
5.2
Relevance of the Project Design
The Project was a continuation of two previous GEF projects that assisted EPDRB in searching for a long-term
solution to the pollution problem in the Danube basin. All three projects concentrated their efforts on building
regional cooperation, evaluating and identifying pollution problems, establishing and developing basin-wide
pollution monitoring, supporting public participation and developing SAP.
The Project Document adequately covered the most important regional pollution reduction issues, namely:
Completing the knowledge base for priority pollution loads and priority environmental issues in the Danube
River basin;
- Reviewing policy for protection (especially natural habitat protection) of the Danube Basin and Black Sea;
- Increasing public awareness and participation;
- Developing the financing for a pollution reduction programme under the Danube Strategic Action Plan.
All these issues are relevant to the GEF priorities, and UNDP area of concentration.
All initial objectives were achieved. Some of them, however, still require more action. The next step in the
regional cooperation, therefore, should be to assure the full realization of those partially attained objectives, and
attainment of new goals that will emerge. These goals are outlined in more detail under Section 6:
Recommendations.
15
5.3
Human and Financial Resources Use and Backstopping
In practice, the Project completed all its intended activities. This was realized thanks to efficiency and dynamism
of the Project management, and strong motivation of the national teams. The UNDO Vienna Office
administration support, the administrative backstopping from the UNOPS, and the technical support from the
GEF all contributed to the Project's success. The Project funding adequately covered all activities.
Though the Project realized all its activities, the quality of the results was unequal. The next section will review
those results.
5.4
Project Results
The Project's main objective was to stimulate sustainable, institutional and financial arrangements for effective
management of the Danube River basin, in accordance with the International Water Strategy of GEF Operational
Strategy and the International Water Operational Programme No 8.
The immediate goal of the Project was to prepare for funding pollution prevention and reduction activities
required to both restore the Danube River basin and to protect the Black Sea environment.
This goal was composed of four objectives:
- Complete the knowledge base for priority pollution loads and priority environmental issues in the Danube
River basin;
- Review policy for protection (especially nature protection) of the Danube basin and Black Sea;
- Increase public awareness and participation;
- Develop the financing of the pollution reduction programme under the Danube Strategic Action Plan.
In this section we will review the degree of achievement of each of the four specific objectives. Then, we will
assess how well the Project contributed to the immediate goal, and finally, look at the long-term goal of the
Project.
Complete the Knowledge Base for Priority Pollution Loads and Priority Environmental Issues in the Danube
River Basin
The Project completed the knowledge base for priority pollution loads and priority environmental issues by
updating the national reviews. The updated reviews provide the best available set of data needed for both
pollution impact and cost analysis of pollution reduction projects. The Project improved the DWQM and
produced transboundary analysis, evaluated wetland and floodplain restoration, and analyzed the social impact
of pollution. The national reviews differ in quality due to the differences among the countries in data collection
standards and laboratory facilities. They focused strongly on pollutant concentration. Pollutant load was seldom
mentioned.
On the downside, their analysis and conclusions carry the burden of insufficient data on which they had been
build. Globally, however, the updated national reviews, and the very specific and detailed national action plans
that resulted from this activity are outstanding and will remain lasting achievements of the Project.
Review Policy for Protection (Especially Nature Protection) of the Danube Basin and Black Sea
The proceedings from the ICPDR and ICPBS meetings and the analyses of the Project's reports show that the
country's delegates are at the initial stages of defining the environmental policy concept. The 1999 updated SAP
describes in details the point pollution reduction projects and evaluates theirs costs. It does not describe and
analyze adequately the national policies and strategies.
16
Increase Public Awareness and Participation
The Project has planned and realized a systematic and well-organized set of activities that aimed at raising public
awareness and eliciting participation when designing environmental projects. Since raising public awareness has
long been the GEF Danube basin projects' goal, efforts in this area should be carefully evaluated before any new
public awareness activities are launched. Since they are so strongly tied to the NGOs, and in particular to the
DEF, the awareness programme needs these institutions to stay cohesive.
Develop the Financing of the Pollution Reduction Programme Under the Danube Stratgic Action Plan
Development of the pollution reduction programme and its financing proposals was completed by:
- A portfolio of 421 projects evaluated at $5.5 billion ranked according to investment cost effectiveness;
- Proposal of funding for regional activities;
- Revision of the Strategic Action Plan so as to include the newly identified projects.
The entire responsibility for realizing objectives was in the hands of national experts and was based on national
consultations. Unfortunately, that means, the results reflect national preoccupations and priorities. Even the data
quality weaknesses have important political and technical significance. They force one to realize where
improvements need to be made and will hopefully motivate the countries to attain similar technical standards.
The immediate goal: prepare for funding pollution prevention and reduction activities
The Project prepared, as it was requested by the Project Document, a list of prioritized pollution reduction
projects for co-financing by national and international sources.
The Project proposed to the ICPDR the establishment of a PAG to appraise newly submitted projects, and the
creation of a PIF to support the regional investment programmes. The ICPDR endorsed the PAG and PIF
proposals.
Overall Long-Term Goal: Stimulate Sustainable, Institutional, and Financial Arrangements for Effective
Environmental Management of the Danube River Basin
The Project activities helped to stimulate sustainable, institutional and financial arrangements. The Project
implicated fully the national ministry-designed experts, and trained them in data collection, environmental
assessment, and regional cooperation. These specialists probably will remain important agents, voicing the idea
of regional co-operation among national administrations. On the regional level, the Project has been working in
close collaboration with the ICPDR, who become a custodian of all three past UNDP/GEF projects. The role of
the ICPDR will be reinforced as well by the expected national project support through PAG and PIF. Both the
national administrations and the regional ICPDR will be significantly strengthened as a result of the Project
activities.
17
6
RECOMMENDATIONS
Now that project is complete, further actions need to be taken to sustain the Project's results in the region. These
actions, along the lines of GEF goals, will concentrate on two areas: actions to be taken to increase the impact of
the Project results, and suggestions for future regional efforts to reduce pollution in the Danube River basin.
6.1
Actions to be Taken to Increase the Impact of the Current Project
All three UNDP/GEF projects that helped develop pollution reduction in the Danube have left a very important
legacy on the countries of the region, the ICPDR and the GEF. There is now abundant technical documentation,
increased national capacities, and strengthened regional cooperation, as a result of these undertakings. The value
of this legacy, once the Project ceases its activities, is less certain. Soon, the technical reports, which have been
widely distributed, will no longer be available. The trained national personnel will probably be assigned to other
tasks. The institutions involved in the Project's programme will implement other projects. It is therefore
important to reflect on and learn from the Project's achievements, and widely distribute conclusions based on
this reflection. This Project should be given a special consideration upon its completion because the regional
cooperation in the Danube basin is more advanced than other GEF-sponsored river basin collaborations. More
importantly, there is a strong expectation from the Danube basin countries and the regionally-based ICPDR, that
the GEF assistance will continue. The evaluation mission supports these expectations.
The mission recommends to the Project and UNDP/GEF
1.1 In order to increase the Project's impact, the Project management and UNDP/GEF finance a critical
review of the Project's achievements. They may also finance an evaluation of each country's progress in
water pollution reduction, including public participation and policy issues as they were outlined in the
previous Project Documents. Such a review should be organized and terminated before the Project's next
phase of financing. The critical review should be professionally edited, published, and widely distributed.
The Project plans to publish two editions of the Danube Watch and to post the Project findings in the DANUBIS
web site. The mission supports these initiatives and recommends to the Project to
1.2 Edit the existing technical materials according to the UNDP standards; pay close attention to rhetoric
(clarity, organization, consistent and critical argumentation), and to the internal coherence of the
documents.
Finally, the Project itself did not yet evaluated its achievements with respect to the Project Document
requirements. This evaluation would have dealt with the GEF guidelines, UNOPS management services, the
ICPDR support, regional cooperation, national collaboration, and the countries' expectations. Such an evaluation
may be valuable for the Project's successors because it offers up the Project's results. The mission recommends
to the Project
1.3 Include, in the final report, an exhaustive and critical evaluation of its achievements and difficulties.
The ICPDR is the regional organization that will benefit directly from the Project outputs. Therefore, the ICPDR
should take steps necessary to safeguard the produced documents, databases, and models. The ICPDR should
also take all steps needed to assure transfer of outputs and technologies from the Project to the beneficiary
countries. The ICPDR should also ensure the necessary arrangements for regularly updating the database,
running the models, and actualizing the financial and technical parameters of the priority projects. To this effect,
the ICPDR should
1.4 Collect and disseminate information produced by the Project and national teams; organize training and
demonstrations; transfer to countries the Project's knowledge and technologies including DWQM;
standardize data collection methods and analytical procedures; continue to edit and distribute the Danube
Watch; and update regularly the DANUBIS web site.
18
6.2
Implementation of the Future Regional Assistance to Water Pollution Reduction in the
Danube River Bassin
The Project Document has covered a vast spectrum of activities, however, they did not bring out all important
issues for regional water pollution reduction. The mission recommends that, in addition to the actions outlined
in the Project Document, a future Danube project pay attention to the following issues:
Supply management: The easily foreseeable rapid economic growth of the region will increase demand for
water. This increasing demand may create both national and transboundary environmental problems, which, in
turn, will affect regional assistance.
2.1
The regional organization and the regional assistance projects should develop consistent criteria for
evaluating and monitoring water development investments. These criteria should take into account all
direct and indirect costs, potential risks, and impacts.
Municipal and industrial programmess: The demographic forecasts suggest that the countries' respective
populations will remain stagnant. However, an increase in living standard will stimulate municipal growth.
Industrial development will increase the use of water and thus raising risks of increased water pollution. The
regional projects, in collaboration with national authorities, should determine the most effective methods of
constructing wastewater and stormwater facilities for towns and industry, and stimulate efforts to reduce
industrial pollution through ecologically sound technologies.
2.2
Efforts to control pollution should be monitored for both their site specificity and adherence to water
basin requirements.
Agricultural practices: Agricultural practices are a major source of a very difficult to control diffuse pollution.
Preventing this type of pollution requires the mass application of sound agricultural practices.
2.3
The regional projects should help countries to identify, test and disseminate sound agricultural practices,
and support national awareness campaigns.
Safety of abandoned industry and mine wastes: The waste which accumulated during the past industrial
development periods and was abandoned after the closing of obsolete industry, is another source of diffuse
pollution.
2.4
The regional project should investigate this problem and help countries to find funding in order to ensure
the environmental safety of this waste.
Toxic persistent contaminants: Toxic wastes should be strictly controlled throughout their entire chemical life
from their release into the environment to their safe decomposition.
2.5
The regional project should promote coordination among the affected countries to research the best
control measures and an appropriate control policy.
Atmospheric pollution: Water quality is indirectly influenced by atmospheric pollutants such as sulfur dioxide
and nitrogen oxide. Atmospheric pollutants are essentially transboundary.
2.6
The regional project can collaborate with other regional organizations involved in the monitoring and
control of air pollution. It should support national efforts towards reducing atmospheric pollution.
Additionally, the following three aspects of regional cooperation should be included in a planned regional
project.
Project as a regional policy instrument: Regional cooperation is always voluntary. The countries should feel
economically or ethically motivated to adhere to regional treaties and standards. The regional projects, in
collaboration with the regional organizations, may selectively invest their resources according to regional
interest.
19
2.7
The mandate of the regional project may be to support regional and international organizations that are
attempting to apply the regional policy tools. This support may cover areas such as evaluation national
projects priorities from the regional point of view (according to GEF standards), establishing of baseline
and incremental costs, and investment help for a country complying with the regional standard.
Integrate technical, economic, political, and social dimensions: The regional projects have a unique opportunity
to integrate all three of these dimensions. The projects can gather technical data from several countries, collate
them, make statistics, prepare comparisons and spread information over the region. Most traditional regional
projects are satisfied to simply deal with a regional version of a current national technical problem. More
complex data gathering and more sophisticated analytical processing are required for successfully completing
environmental projects. Environmental degradation is a visible and measurable consequence of human behavior.
An investment that improves one environmental sector may have ramifications in several aspects of human life.
It may well become a welcome political issue but could also be seen as a new unwanted expense for the citizens.
The regional projects may help countries to comply to the regional decisions and have them consider the
technical, economic, political, and social ramifications.
2.8
The regional projects should adopt a holistic approach and take in a list of their activities: data collection
and dissemination, training and demonstrations, research, norms and legislation standardization, and
public participation and promotion. All of these would be seen in the broad sense of supply and demand
for water, and of a country's macroeconomic policy.
Finally, a country may expect that its contribution to a regional effort will be in proportion to its benefit. The
regional projects and regional organizations should manage their resources in such a way that the global regional
effort under their management has greater value than the sum of national efforts, and that the all participating
countries benefit from the cooperation. Therefore it is recommended that
2.9
The regional project prepare periodically a balance of regional expenses and gains, and informs the
countries about advantages of adhering to a specific cooperation programme. This balance will help the
project and its regional counterpart to mobilize national efforts for a particular programme, and to decide
on the amount a country may be willing to contribute to the regional effort.
20
7
LESSONS LEARNED
The Project experience offers constructive lessons for the UNDP in areas such as human development, capacity
building, and an improved understanding of transboundary pollution.
Human development. The sustainability of environmental projects depends on how much the public has learned
about the environmental impact, and how much the attitude of beneficiaries towards environment has changed.
Increasing the public's knowledge is a relatively easy task compared to changing the attitudes of beneficiaries.
Increasing knowledge or raising public awareness can be achieved through training sessions, documents
distribution or media implication. Changing attitudes, on the other hand, is very hard. The rate of message
adoption and behavioral change depend on the intrinsic value of the message, on the transmission medium, on
the past experience of the subjects, and on their expectations. A systematic evaluation of the message adoption
rate should be included in the environmental projects. This evaluation may help in selecting the best tools and
media to transmit the message.
Capacity building. Capacity increase among the project beneficiaries depends strongly on their personal
involvement in the project and on how attractive the project's activities appear to them. One may expect a strong
personal involvement in an activity that, for example, helps a person solve a similar problem in the future. For
example, the Project trained hundreds of national technicians in data collection and report preparation. They
have brought the acquired skills to the national levels. Virtually all information was collected nationally within
the national services, using local human resources. These individuals probably still contribute to increased
professionalism on the national environmental arena. It would be interesting to the UNDP and GEF to evaluate
the impact of these agents on national and regional environmental activities.
Understanding transboundary pollution. Completing the Project's activities advanced the national concerns about
the basin-wide water pollution reduction problem. The increase in transboundary pollution understanding will
become a lasting record since the Project transformed an abstract concept of a transboundary pollution into a
neat package of identified problems. The identified polluting agents have a clear and measurable consequence of
pollution. The Project strengthened, as well, personal collaboration among the high-ranking officials of the
various ministries. It is, therefore, possible to put a human face on an anonymous governmental decision. Putting
a recognizable features onto the vague problem of transboundary water pollution, the Project made this issue
more comprehensive than any before in the history of such regional collaboration.
21
ANNEX I
ANNEX I
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Objective and Scope of the Evaluation Mission
1.
Purpose
This is a final evaluation of the project: it will consider the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of the project.
Consider contribution of project towards capacity development, long-term sustainability and direction for the
future.
2.
Scope
The evaluation is an activity in the project cycle which attempts to determine as systematically and objectively
as possible the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability of the project. The evaluation will
assess the achievements of the project against its objectives, including re-examination of the relevance of the
objectives and the project design. It will also identify factors that have facilitated or impeded the achievement of
the objectives. While a thorough review of the past is in itself very important, the in-depth evaluation is expected
to lead to detailed recommendations and lessons learned for the future.
In particular the evaluation will address the following issues considering the participation of all countries
covered by the project:
2.1
Project Design
a.
Review and assess the appropriateness of the project's concept and design to the overall situation in the
Danube River Basin (DRB)
b.
Apprise the project's current effectiveness in realizing the four objectives, and the extend to which they
contribute to the overall development objective as announced in the project document
c.
Apprize the project's actions and outcomes in the light of the pertaining GEF guidelines
d.
Assess sustainability of the programme
2.2
Project Implementation
The mission will review:
a.
Assess the general implementation and management of the project in terms of quality and timeliness of
inputs and activities, with particular reference to financial and human resources management
b.
Evaluate the adequacy of management arrangements as well as monitoring and backstopping support
given to the project by all parties concerned
c.
Evaluate changes in the environment in which the project operates and which constituted the rationale
for GEF support, particularly in the areas of: regional cooperation, policy development, and public
participation.
22
ANNEX I
2.3
Project Impact
The mission shall review the achievements if the project against the announces objectives, outputs and activities
as detailed in the project document and summarized below:
I.
Complete the knowledge base for priority-settings
i.
Update national reviews and analyze national actions plans using a common format
ii.
Complete the transboundary diagnostic analysis
II.
Review policy for protection of the Danube Basin and the Black Sea
iii.
Promote pollution prevention and reduction policy freview
III.
Increase public awareness and participation
iv.
Raise public awareness about pollution reduction activities
v.
Improve coordination and information exchange
IV.
Develop the financing of the pollution reduction programme within the Danube Strategic Action Plan
i.
Develop portfolio of Danube basin projects
ii.
Mechanisms to provide sustainable financial support for the Danube River Basin
iii.
Finalize and agree on the process for adopting a revised SAP
In addition, the evaluation will consider the general impact of the project in terms of the following criteria:
-
awareness of the participating countries about the project's outputs;
-
level of ownership and commitment of the participating countries towards the project;
-
impacts on the policy and strategies of the countries;
-
technical and managerial cooperation among the participating countries;
-
interagency/interministerial cooperation in each country;
-
cooperation among sectors, including the non-government and private sectors;
-
sustainability of project impact.
3.
Method
The evaluation will be composed of two activities: studying documents and interviews of individuals who are
either involved in the project, or who have or might be expected to have impacted by the project.
Although the mission should feel free to discuss with the authorities concerned all matters relevant to
its assignment, it is not authorized to make any commitment on behalf of UNOPS, UNDP or GEF.
4.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Based on the above the mission shall:
a.
Write up its conclusions of the visit
b.
Address the relevance of the project design in view of the current situation of the Danube countries and
the priorities within the donor community, particularly UNDP, the World Bank, and GEF
c.
Assess the general project implementation in terms of use of human and financial resources, and
backstopping services provided
d.
Review in detail the project results against announced project objectives and actions
e.
Advice on the suitability of further actions in the region upon completion of the current project within
the overall objective of GEF.
23
ANNEX II
ANNEX II
MISSION CALENDAR
June 1999
7
New York. Meeting with Mr. R. Aertgeerts, UNOPS and Mr. A. Hudson UNDP/GEF
9
Vienna, meeting with the UNDP/GEF Project Management.
10
Vienna, meetings with the Project Management and documentary study.
11
Vienna, meetings with the Project Management and documentary study.
12
Vienna, participation in ICPDR meeting.
13
Vienna, mission internal meetings.
14
Vienna, meetings with the Project Management, FGG, mission internal meeting, documentary study.
15
Vienna, meetings with the Project Management, EU Phare, and documentary study; Budapest, meeting
in REC.
16
Vienna, meetings with the Project Management, ICPDR, WWF, EU Phare, and documentary study.
17
Vienna, meetings with the Project Management and documentary study; Frankfurt, meeting in KfW;
Munich, meeting in DEF.
18
Vienna, meetings with the Project Management and documentary study; Delft, meeting in Delft
Hydraulics.
21
New York, meeting in UNOPS and UNDP/GEF.
1
ANNEX III
ANNEX III
LIST OF PERSONS MET
AERTGEERTS, Roger
Senior Project Manager, Division for Environmental Projects, UNOPS,
New York
AKHTAR, Tehmina
GEF Regional Coordinator, RBEC UNDP, New York
BEDRICH, Milan
Povodi Moravy, Brno
BENDOW, Joachim
Project Manager UNDP/GEF RER/96/G31, Vienna
BOSNJAKOVIC, Branko
Regional Adviser on Environment, Economic Commission for Europe,
Geneva
BOTTERWEG,
Teun
Team Leader Danube Programme Coordination Unit, European
Commission Phare, and Tacis Environmental Actions, Vienna
FABIANOVA, Marcela
UNDP/ GEF RER/96/G31, Vienna
FLECKSEDER, Hellmut
Technical and Scientific Director, ICPDR, Vienna
GARNER, Andy Environmental Engineer UNDP/ GEF RER/96/G31, Vienna
GILS van, Jos Modeling Expert, Delft Hydraulics, Delft
HANTSCH-LINHART, Wilhelm
Infrastructure Financing Specialist, FGG Vienna
HUDSON, Andrew
International Waters Principal Technical Adviser, UNDP/GEF, New
York
JAKSIC, Borislav Water Management Institute, Banja-Luka
KITTINGER, Wilhelm
Former President, ICPDR, Vienna
LATIF, Mohammad, A.
USAID, Washington
LOTTMANN, Jürgen, H.
Chief of the Environment and Public Health Division, KfW, Frankfurt
LUKSIC, Mojca
State Water Directorate, Zagreb
MARA, Liliana
Ministry of Water, Forest and Environmental Protection, Bucharest
MARGRAF, Christine
DEF, Munich
MATUSKA, Milan
Ministry of Environment, Bratislava
NATCHKOV, Ilya
Deputy Team Leader, Team Leader Danube Programme Coordination
Unit, European Commission Phare, and Tacis Environmental Actions,
Vienna
PINGULI, Entela
REC, Budapest
POPESCU, Liviu
ICIM Research and Engineering Institute of Environment, Bucharest
SCHUETZ-MUELLER, Ingolf
Chief, Division for Environmental Projects, UNOPS, New York
SCHULZE-VORNHAGEN, Dieter
Senior Project Manager, Promotional Banks, KfW, Frankfurt
STALZER, Wolfgang
President, ICPDR, Vienna
THOMPSON, Stuart
Office of High Representative Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo
WANNIGER, Reinhard
Financial Consultant, Vienna
WARMUTH, Heike
UNDP/ GEF RER/96/G31, Vienna
WELLER, Phil
Director, WWF Danube Carpathian Programme, Vienna
1
ANNEX IV
ANNEX IV
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
1
Analysis of Financing Mechanisms. PCU and Wanninger, R. 1999. No page numbering.
2
Convention on cooperation for the Protection of sustainable use of the Danube River (Danube River
Protection Convention). Uated. 43 p.
3
Danube Regional NGO Consultation Workshop Report. REC, 1998. 28 pp. and 5 volumes of specific
presentations.
4
Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme Report. PCU, 1999. 57 p. and 15 annexes.
5
Danube Water Quality Model Simulations in support to the Transboundary Analysus. PCU, 1999. 54 p.
6
Eutrophication of the Black Sea: causes and effects. ICPBS and ICPDR, 1999. 70 p.
7
Evaluation of Wetland and Floodplain Areas in the Danube River Basin. PCU and WWF, 1999. 84 p.
8
Final Report. RER/91/G31 and RER/95/G45. Undated. 66 p.
9
Financing Pollution Reduction Measures in the Danube River Basin. PCU and KfW, 1999. 68 p. and 7
annexes.
10
Framework for Development of an Information Network for the ISPDR. PCU,
1998. 105 p.
11
GEF/UNDP Project Implementation Inception Workshop. PCU, 1997. 30 p. and 7 annexes.
12
Guidelines for Target Oriented Program Planning Workshop. PCU, undated. 91 p. and 23 flipcharts.
13
Local Grants for the Danube Pollution Prevention Program. REC, 1998. 16 p.
14
National Review Reports. (1999). Vol. 1,2, 3,and 4.
15
PMTF meetings 1,2 and 3 (1998 to 1999)
16
Project Document. RER/96/G31. 1997. 50 p.
17
Socio-Economic Analysis. PCU and R. Wanninger, 1999. No page numbering
18
Strategic Action Plan for the Danube River Basin 1995-2005. EPDRB, 1994. 109 p.
19
Strategic Action Plan for the Danube River Basin 1995-2005. Revision 1999. PCU, 1999. 130 p. and 4
annexes.
20
Terms of Reference for Programme Management Task Force (PMTF). ICPDR, 1998. 7 p.
21
Transboundary Analysis. Final Report. PCU, 1999. 218 p.
1
ANNEX V
ANNEX V
ACTIVITIES
Objective 1: Complete the knowledge base for priority setting
Sub-objective 1.1: Update National Reviews and analyze National Action Plans, using a common format
1.1.1 Update National Reviews focusing on priority pollutants/sectors agreed in SAP
The UNDP/GEF staff, assisted by three international experts and eleven teams of national experts (45 national
experts in total), prepared, from December 1997 to January 1998, guidelines for national reviews including the
electronic formats for substance emissions and other water quality data required by the DWQM. Between
February and November 1998, the national teams, in consultations with the NGOs and the public, prepared the
national reports according to the provided guidelines. These reports were validated between September 1998 and
January 1999, and became available to the DWQM. In 1999, the project team, together with the national and
international experts, used the information available to prepare, for each country, an analysis of water pollution
socio-economic effects, and a description of financial mechanisms for pollution reduction projects.
Two of the countries situated in the Danube River Basin (Austria and Germany) were not eligible for the project
funding. Consequently, the project provided the countries with guidelines and formats, but not with financial
support for the data collection. Up till now, these countries sent to the project the water quality data essential to
development of the DWQM; however, they provided the project only with a part of information needed for their
respective national reviews.
1.1.2 Prepare National Reviews for Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Federal Yugoslav Republic, and Croatia were included in the national review studies
during the same time as the other countries (see activity 1.1.1), and they provided all the data as scheduled,
before the end of January 1999.
1.1.3 Definition of national baselines contribution through analysis of national policies, projects, investments,
etc. defined in National-Action Plans
The project staff, assisted by a consultant and by EMIS, prepared in December 1997 and January 1998, a format
for the national baselines. Then, in each country, the national teams in consultations with public and NGOs,
prepared the national baselines. Between November 1998 and April 1999, the national baselines were introduced
into the DWQM.
1
ANNEX V
Sub-objective 1.2: Complete the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA)
1.2.1 Prioritization of `Hot spots'
The hot spots screening methodology that enables their prioritization for N and P pollution reduction projects
proposals was completed by the project staff in January 1998. Between February and November 1998, in each
country, the list of hot spots was completed ant they were prioritized according to the prepared screening
methodology. Between November 1998 and January 1999, the project team, assisted by one consultant and by
ICPDR Steering Group, incorporated the prioritized hot spots into a Transboundary Analysis Report.
1.2.2 Develop extended Danube Water Quality Model for priority pollutants
From September 1998 to May 1999, the project team, assisted by a consultant, validated the DWQM results.
Simultaneously, the project improved and developed further the DWQM by increasing its analysis capability.
1.2.3 Asses the priority sites for wetland/floodplain restoration for pollution reduction and ecological
rehabilitation
Between February 1998 and February 1999, the project team, assisted by a consultant, reviewed wetlands and
floodplains in the Danube River Basin, and assessed their ecological functions; especially their nutrient removal
capacity. The results were described in a basin-wide overview. Simultaneously, the project prepared an
intervention program of wetland and floodplains restoration for inclusion in the Transboundary Diagnostic
Analysis and drafted a management schemes outline (with baseline and total costs of management). A detailed
development of wetland and floodplain management, initially included in the project document, appeared to be
not feasible within the given budget.
1.2.4 Social analysis of pollution in the Danube River Basin and Black Sea
Between November 1998 and January 1999, the project team assisted by a consultant, completed a generalized
format of reporting information on social impact of water pollution. In the meantime, the international consultant
assisted by the project staff, and on a base of information provided by the national consultants, prepared a basin-
wide overview of the national reports. Between January and April 1999, the results were incorporated into the
overview of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis.
1.2.5 Integrate updated National Reviews and DWQM results with initial Transboundary Analysis (TA) to
produce a draft basin-wide environmental status and strategy for tackling priority transboundary issues
The first draft of the transboundary analysis was completed in January 1999, the second in February 1999.
1.2.6 Hold Technical conference on transboundary pollution
In November 1998, the project management selected location, proposed dates, and organized logistic
arrangements for a conference on transboundary issues. The program of the conference was developed in
December 1998, and the conference itself was held in January 1999. The conclusions and proceedings of the
conference were circulated among the Danube basin countries five weeks later. The definitive version of
transboundary analysis was available in May 1999.
2
ANNEX V
Objective 2: Review Policy for Protection of the Danube Basin and Black Sea
Sub-objective 2.1: Promote a Pollution Prevention and Reduction Policy Review
2.1.1 Prepare a timetable and a process for implementing and, if needed, updating the Danube SAP with an
aim of aggregating quantified targets for pollution prevention and reduction
The project has, so far, within the frame of PMTF meetings, and in collaboration with the International
Commission, organized three consultative meetings (in November 1997, October 1998, and in May 1999) with
Danube countries to discuss updating the Danube Strategic Action Plan. The participants of the meeting agreed
upon approaches to updating the SAP. Working groups, consisting of experts from the Danube Basin Countries,
were organized to develop SAP progress indicators, prioritize work on hot-spots and wetlands, achieve policy
consensus concerning TDA and GEF pollution reduction targets and ecological rehabilitation. The SAP update
was also discussed in national NGO workshops an in national planning workshops.
2.1.2 Hold joint technical discussions with Danube and Black Sea countries to agree load/concentrations and
sources of priority pollutants and wetland/floodplains of overall (Black Sea) basin-wide significance
2.1.3 Hold policy discussions with Danube and Black Sea countries to agree necessary pollution reduction
strategies for the Black Sea Basin, consistent with GRF Operational Strategy
The project held one technical workshop on December 1998 to discuss: loads, concentration and sources of
priority pollutants impacting the Danube and the Black Sea; and the rehabilitation and management of wetlands
and floodplains of basin-wide significance. It held also three meetings in March, August and December 1998 to
discuss technical strategies and policy basis for reducing the impact of priority pollutants within Black Sea basin.
2.1.4 Prepare pollution prevention and reduction programs for priority pollutants, especially nutrients
In December 1997 and January 1998, the project management developed a general framework for prevention
and reduction programs for priority pollutants. The national teams prepared pollution programs and, between
January 1998 and June 1999, held consultations with both the economic sector and non-governmental
organizations involved. The program was completed in June 1999.
2.1.5 Integrate pollution prevention and reduction strategy into the SAP revision process
Between February and June 1999, the project team incorporated the results of the initial pollution prevention and
reduction programs into the drafting process for the revised SAP.
Objective 3: Increase public awareness and participation
Sub-objective 3.1: Raise public awareness about pollution reduction activities
3.1.1 Launch public awareness program based on updated National Reviews and TDA produce and
disseminate a general brochure
In February and March 1998, the project prepared materials for a basin wide workshop to train national
facilitators from the government and NGOs, and published guidelines for conducting national workshops.
Eleven workshops for national NGOs and eleven national planning workshops were held between May and
November 1998.
3
ANNEX V
3.1.2 Hold consultations with local Stakeholders about priorities for transboundary pollution reduction
During the eleven national planning workshops held between May and November 1998, the project organized:
(1) review of national transboundry pollution problems, (2) overview of national baselines, and (3) overview of
wetlands and floodplains. Then, in January 1999, the project organized a technical conference on transboundary
pollution. The conference reviewed the results of the transboundary diagnostic analysis. The project held as
well, between May and November 1998, sub-regional and national consultations (planning workshops) and
discussions about common strategic approaches to pollution reduction and ecological rehabilitation in the river
basin and coastal Black Sea areas. To gain some feedback on the emerging pollution reduction programs, the
project organized in May 1999 a pollution reduction program workshop.
3.1.3 Distribute three editions of "Danube Watch"
In March, June and September 1998, the project prepared, edited, and published three issues of the "Danube
Watch". The fourth issue (not included in the original work program) will be edited and published in July 1999.
Finally, the project will edit an easy-to-read volume of Danube Watch reporting the key points of the SAP and
PRP. This fifth edition is scheduled for September 1999.
3.1.4 Support the Danube Environmental Forum and national NGO meetings
The project held two meetings of the Danube Environmental Forum (in November 1998 and in March 1999) to
discuss and agree the response of environmental groups to the on-going review of the SAP. From May to
September 1998, the project has organized national NGO meetings to discuss strategies for influencing the
government, business, and the public on the issues relevant to the Strategic Action Plan review. Finally between
May and October 1998, the project, jointly with the Danube Environmental Forum, organized in Bulgaria,
Romania, and Ukraine the national workshops aiming at reinforcement of cooperation between the NGOs from
these three Danube and Black Sea countries.
3.1.5 Provide small grants for community-based pollution reduction and awareness projects
Between March and May 1998, the project established the mechanisms of awarding small decentralized grants in
each Danube country. The grant program was elaborated and publicized widely between May and June 1998.
The implementation of grants started in September 1998. The total budget of US$200,000 was allocated. The
small grant program will probably be completed in September 1999.
Sub-objective 3.2: Improve coordination and information exchange
3.2.1 Establish Danube internet network
Between January and March 1998, the project assessed the existing information system in Danube region. After
that assessment, the project convened, still in March 1999, a Danube information system workshop that reviewed
the existing information and created ad hoc working group that developed tools for information Internet network.
The members of the workshop, jointly with the project management and the ICPDR, decided to establish the
Danube Internet network as a part of the larger ICPDR information system. The government of Austria provided
additional US$280,000 for development of that information network. The development of network itself will
take one year, between December 1998 and December 1999. Actually (June 1999), the project installed the
appropriate hardware and software for the network (supported by additional funding by the Austrian Agricultural
Ministry by US$50,000). It is foreseen that the final product of this activity will be delivered as scheduled, in
December 1999.
4
ANNEX V
3.2.2 Update and disseminate DANIS
Following the recommendation of the workshop held in March 1998 (activity 3.2.1) and by joint decision of the
project management and the IPCDR, the obsolete DANIS information network was incorporated into modern
and widely used ICPDR information network DANUBIS
Objective 4: Develop the financing of the pollution reduction program within the Danube SAP
Sub-objective 4.1: Develop portfolio of Danube basin projects
4.1.1 Develop financing strategies for the pollution reduction program within the SAP, in accordance with the
Basin-wide strategy
The project prepared formats for financing strategy for pollution reduction as early as in December 1997 and
January 1998. The national teams confirmed their readiness to contribute to development of financing strategies
and started to prepare the national strategies between February and November 1998. Overall basin-wide
financing strategies were reviewed in a workshop held in February 1999. They were finally incorporated in the
revised SAP in June 1999.
4.1.2 Prepare project documents for priority hot-spots projects for investment consideration
The model structures of project documents for pollution reduction in Danube countries were prepared by the
project management, assisted by a consultant, in December 1998 and January 1999. The elaborated national
projects were incorporated progressively into a computerized project file and, in May 1999, all developed
projects (according the model) were reviewed in a Pollution Reduction Program Workshop.
4.1.3 Prepare the outline descriptions of wetland, floodplain and demonstration projects for potential donor
grant support
The model structures for project document were proposed between February and June 1998. Between June and
November 1998, the country teams prepared individual projects with assistance of an international consultant.
The implementation strategies were identified and developed between October 1998 and April 1999.
Sub-objective 4.2: Mechanisms to provide sustainable financial support for the Danube River Basin
4.2.1 Feasibility of establishing a Danube Environmental Fund, including the exploration of the economic
instruments needed
Between April 1998 and April 1999 the project team, ICPDR, and a consultant conducted a feasibility study of
options for establishing an international Danube Environmental Fund. The feasibility of this fund was discussed
in a workshop in February 1999. From September 1998 to February 1999, the international community was
consulted on provision of funds for the Danube Environmental Fund.
4.2.2 Prepare structures, rules etc. for a Regional Fund, or other mechanism as agreed
The rules and structures of the regional funds were elaborated by the project between April 1998 and January
1999 as a part of the feasibility study (activity 4.2.1).
5
ANNEX V
Sub-objective 4.3: Finalize and agree on the process for adopting a refined SAP
4.3.1 Integrated portfolio of investment and capacity-building projects, and regional financing mechanisms,
into SAP
Between February and May 1999, the project organized discussions of results of financing strategies and project
pipelines for pollution reduction programs. These strategies were discussed with groups responsible for the
updating SAP. As a result, between February and May 1999, the project, the ICPDR, and the drafting group have
prepared an updated version of the SAP.
4.3.2 Adopt updated Danube SAP at the ministerial conference
The updated versions of SAP and PRP were discussed at a regional workshop in May 1999 and then presented to
the IPCDR Steering Group in June 1999. The ministerial conference that will discuss and eventually adopt the
Danube SAP will be organized by ICPDR in November 1999 or early in 2000.
4.3.3 Donor Pledging conference (or PC meeting) for priority investment projects
The project documents, including proposed financing packages for pollution reduction projects, were finalized
by June 1999. These documents were consulted with donors during the regular PMTF meting, during individual
consultations, and during presentation of country or regional documents to the PMTF. Subsequent meetings with
donors are scheduled for November 1999. Two special editions of a journal `Danube Watch' will discuss the
pollution reduction program and review the SAP.
Cooperation between UNDP and The European Commission
The Project assisted the UNOPS and EC in updating an agreement between the UNDP and the European
Commission. The updated agreement was presented to the Danube Task Force for review in 1998. The
agreement was approved in 1998.
Danube Task Force
The project organized one meeting of the former Task Force (TF), two meetings of the new Program
Management Task Force (PMTF), and provided financial support to the recipient countries for attendance. The
project participated in discussions concerning the transfer of responsibility for implementation of the SAP from
the PMTF to the new TF established under the DRPC.
6
ANNEX VI
ANNEX VI
OUTPUTS
Objective 1: Complete the knowledge base for priority setting
(Output description is based on Van Hoof findings Annex VII )
Sub-objective 1.1: Update National Reviews and analyse National Action Plans, using a common format
1.1.1 Eleven updated National Reviews and an extended and improved Danube Water Quality Model for
analysis of transboundary pollution loads and export to the Danube delta and Black Sea
1.1.2 Two National Reviews and an extended and improved Danube Water Quality Model for analysis of
transboundary pollution loads and export to the Danube delta and Black Sea
The project has received national reviews from nine countries (except Austria and Germany). The reviews were
updated and put in a common format. Each of them contained pollution emission data required for the
transboundary analysis and the water quality model simulations. However, the quality of data and the reports
produced by the countries was unequal. The most salient inadequacies are:
Slovenia
Frequency of the immission measurements on surface waters is very low (four per year) and mostly performed at
low river flows which does not allow reliable calculations of loads of priority pollutants.
Czech Republic
Immission measurement frequency is only twelve per year; load calculations are not given.
Slovakia
Missing information on sampling frequencies; no details on calculation of loads
Only immision concentrations for the priority parameters requested are given. Organochlorine pesticides and
triazine herbicides residues are reported without mentioning concentrations.
Hungary
No observation.
Bulgaria
Data available are limited to priority parameters. Low sampling frequency (once per month).
No load calculation description. The report is written in very general terms.
1
ANNEX VI
Romania
Methods used for load calculation are not described.
Moldova
Different water quality problems mentioned, but not described systematically. No systematic information on
parameters measured and sampling frequencies; no indication on load calculation. Information reported in a non
structured way.
Ukraine
Lack of systematic information on sampling frequencies and analyzed parameters. Only immision concentrations
are reported. No information about loads.
Croatia
Sampling frequencies are not mentioned. Loads have been calculated by scientifically unsound method.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Only a very limited set of water quality data is available. Hot spots were not prioritized.
Federal Yugoslav Republic
Lack of reliable time series of immission values after 1992.
1.1.3 Calculation of the national bselines for pollution reduction from priority substances (especially
phosphorus) impacting the Danube River and Black Sea
Pollution Reduction Program Report (PRP), page 48, provides national baselines and incremental costs for the
proposed projects. The division of total costs into baseline and incremental were calculated in a simple and
schematic manner that is satisfying at this stage of PRP reporting. The baselines should be, however,
recalculated once an identified donor will consider the project for implementation.
Sub-objective 1.2: Complete the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA)
1.2.1 Prioritised list of hot-spots relevant to the pollution reduction program in the Danube River Bassin
The list of prioritized hot spots is incorporated into a report "Transboundary Analysis," June 1999.
2
ANNEX VI
1.2.2 Substantially validated Danube Water Quality Model capable of quantifying transboundary pollution
loads in the Danube River Basin and export to the Black Sea, ready for discussion and approval as a
management tool by all Danubian countries
The output is described in a document "Danube Water Quality Model simulations in support of the
Transboundary Analysis and the Pollution Reduction Programme", dated June 12, 1999. The model (DWQM)
simulates the flow of pollutants through the Danube River basin. The Model may simulate pollution by such
substances as BOD, COD, N, P, or oils. It aimed at evaluation of transboundary pollution and calculation of
various pollution reduction scenarios.
However, now, due to the limited water pollution quality data available, the model may be used in preference to
simulate the N and P pollution according to two scenarios (high or low pollution). The results should be
interpreted with caution.
The first simulations by the DWQM indicate the most important sources of N and P pollution, demonstrate that
diffuse pollution is the most important contributor to N and P pollution in the Danube basin and that the impact
of wetlands on N and P reduction is limited.
1.2.3 Basin-wide overview of the wetlands and floodplain network and a program of baseline and incremental
management interventions which will contribute to transboundary pollution reduction and nature
conservation.
The draft report `Evaluation of Wetlands and Floodplain Areas in the Danube River Basin' (February 1999)
evaluated indirectly (e.g. by the number of days a landstrip has been flooded) the effect of wetlands on N and P
removal. The report made clear that:
- Nutrient reduction by wetlands is only a side effect of wetland rehabilitation and should not be considered as
an alternative for waste water treatment;
- Involvement of beneficiaries in this activity is a prerequisite for success for wetland restoration.
1.2.4 Basin-wide overview of Danube water pollution on people is prepared and integrated into the
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
A document that covers this subject is very general and does not handle the hygienic risks adequately.
1.2.5 Draft final version of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis for wide international review, including by
IC Emissions Expert Group
Transboundary analysis is based on national reviews that contained many inconsistencies The repport describes
the results but not mention any conclusions neither in relation to the Danube River basin nor to the Black Sea.
1.2.6 Conference proceedings and the final version of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
The conference was held in January 1999; the results of discussions were incorporated in the definitive version
of the transboundary analysis in May 1999.
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Overall output of Objective 1:
The outputs from the first sub-objective represent the best available knowledge on Danube River basin pollution.
All together, the information provided a first input to the basin pollution model. It helped the countries and the
project to identify the important sources of pollution, and to prepare proposals for pollution reduction projects.
The overview of national reports shows, however, that they differ strongly in quality. All reports focus on
pollutant concentrations (quantity of pollutant in a given volume of water), whereas pollutant loads (quantity
released from the pollution point) - important tools for policy evaluation - are seldom mentioned.
A major problem affecting successful implementation of the objective was lack of sufficient and reliable
imission water quality data needed for the transboundary analysis and for the validation of the Danube Water
Quality Model. This shortage could not have been overcomed within the duration of the project.
In general, the reports produced represent a high quality despite of the burden of insufficient data. Report on the
Danube Water Quality Model demonstrate elegant approach to solve this basic problem. The model as well as
other outputs represent a good achievement of the immediate objectives of the project, and will contribute to the
development of the region.
Objective 2: Review policy for protection of the Danube Basin and Black Sea
(Findings of S. Manikowski)
2.1.1 An agreed timetable and approach for updating part or all Danube SAP is prepared. In particular the
project has designed an approach to updating the pollution reduction targets for priority substances and
sectors, required to ensure protection the Danube River Basin and the Black Sea
A common timetable and approach for updated the Danube SAP was elaborated and agreed upon durind a
Facilitator Training Workshop in March 19, 1998. The workshop's approach was based on the Target Oriented
Program Planning methodology which aimed at reinforcing country-driven initiatives, and ensuring that
government, administration, NGOs, scientific institutions, and cooperating agencies are all involved in the
planning process.
2.1.2 An agreement is reached on the priority pollutants and sectors affecting the Black Sea Basin, and a
strategy is developed to overcome current environmental problems
The agreement on priority pollutants and sectors was reached and the list of the priority pollutant incorporated
into the revised Strategic Action Plan (SAP). This agreement was based on the National Reviews, which
described and analyzed the socio-economic impact, water quality, water engineering, and financial mechanisms.
At the regional level, these data were synthesized and used to prepare a comparative socio-economic analysis,
develop a financing mechanisms, and complete an investment portfolio.
2.1.3 First steps are taken toward a technical and policy agreement. These agreements cover the strategy
pollution reduction and ecological rehabilitation in the Danube/Dniester/Dnieper/Don river basins and
along the Black Sea coastal zones
The workshop and meetings initiated by the project created both a basis for national and regional policies; and
strategies for pollution reduction, and ecological rehabilitation of both basins.
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ANNEX VI
2.1.4 Draft national Pollution Reduction Programs for all Danube contries
The drafts of the national pollution reduction programs and the draft of the Danube River Basin Pollution
Reduction Program (PRP) were prepared and finalized in June 1999. The final PRP draft was amended on the
basis of comments and validating arguments of the decision-makers from the member countries. The PRP
corresponds to the priorities defined separately by each nation. It focuses on point source pollution. The PRP is
the basis for developing investment portfolio in support of the SAP.
2.1.5 Introduction into the SAP the policy directions concerning pollution prevention and reduction
The SAP was finalized in June 1999, and in contains the policy considerations perceived by member country
representatives.
Overall output of Objective 2
According to the Project Document, the activities conducted and the products achieved in the frame of objective
2 should
- Contribute to an agreement on policy directions for pollution prevention and reduction in the Danube River
and Black Sea basin;
- Lead to an updating of the Danube SAP;
- Identify in each Danube country a range of pollution reduction targets.
The present section will evaluate activities and their outputs. It will describe how they contributed to achieving
each of these aforementioned three goals.
A.
Agreement on policy directions for pollution prevention and reduction in the Danube River and Black
Sea basins.
The studies and investigations undertaken in activities 2.1.2, and 2.1.3 designed a picture of a progressive
poisoning of the Black Sea ecosystems due to pollutants produced by surrounding countries. The studies clearly
indicated the countries responsible and warned them about the economic and social consequences of polluting
civilization. The studies indicated the current weaknesses in the monitoring of pollution. The information
provided helped to bring the issue of reducing Black Sea pollution to politicians, political organizations,
economic agents, research institutions, NGOs, and citizens attention.
The project, jointly with ICPBS and ICPDR, attempted to formulate both policy and strategy for reduction and
prevention of pollution. The policy is discussed in the "Summary Report of the joint ICPBS and ICPDR of Ad-
hoc Technical Working Group" dated May 1990. On page 12, under the section "Policy Perspectives for
Controlling Eutrophication", the report makes reference to an "iterative management" that has been taken by the
Black Sea Strategic Action Plan as an approach to reducing pollution.
The iterative management approach is as follows: When complete removal of pollutants is desirable but
unattainable in the foreseeable future, the progress in pollution reduction may be achieved by an iterative
process. In the first step of this process, each partner agrees to reduce pollution by some reasonable amount
during a given time frame. Once this is attained, the partners set the next reduction target. The iteration continues
until all partners agree that pollution emission has been reduced to a satisfactory level. The iterative steps in
pollution reduction are accompanied by research programs, pollution measurements, and public awareness
building.
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ANNEX VI
It seems that both Commissions tacitly agreed on this approach. According to the cited Summary Report (page
11), the group proposed to both Commissions that pollution reduction should aim at restoration in the Black Sea
of an ecological state similar to that of the 1960s. This well corresponded to the "satisfactory level" attended at
the end of the iterative management method. Furthermore, (keeping in mind the iterative steps) the group
believed that (still on page 11) "in order to start, an agreement is needed on Black Sea nutrient input limits and
on the state of the ecology regarding these inputs." Then, in the next paragraph, the document proposes to both
Commissions to maintain temporarily the discharges at 1997 level in order to see the Black Sea ecosystems
response.
The Commission's proposal needs yet to be endorsed by the States and translated into specific commitments by
the countries concerning the first step of the iteration process: the limitation of pollutants, and then, the
programmes accompanying these limitations. The countries should take initiative in determining the policy
directives and policy implementation instruments for pollution reduction since, as it was rightly stressed by three
participants of a third meeting Group, and cited in the Draft Minutes of the third meeting (page 5) "any true
acting is only at the respective national level, and the function of the Commissions is to have an `umbrella' via
the `participation of cooperation'."
The Group has also attempted to develop some strategies. In the second meeting of the joint ICPBS and ICPDR
Ad-hoc Technical Working Group, the Group defined "possible strategies" for reducing pollution as follows
(Summary Report, page 12):
- The long-term goal for all States in the Black Sea Basin is to take measures to reduce the loads of
anthropogenically applied nutrients and hazardous substances to such levels necessary to permit Black Sea
ecosystems to recover to conditions similar to those observed in the 1960s.
- As an intermediate goal, urgent control measures should be taken by all States in the Black Sea Basin in order to
avoid that the discharges of nutrients and hazardous substances into the Seas exceeded those that existed in 1997.
The `Group' recognized that these 1997 discharges are only incompletely known and that further work has to be
undertaken to substantiate the size of the loads received by the Seas (Black Sea proper; Sea of Azov).
- The `Group' concluded that the inputs of nutrients and hazardous substances into both receiving Seas have to be
assessed in a comparable way, and that to this very end a common AQC (Analytical Quality Control) system and a
thorough discussion about the necessary monitoring, including the sampling procedures, has to be set up.
- The `Group' also concluded that the ecological status of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov has to be further
assessed, and that the comparability of the data basis has to be further increased.
- Both the reported input loads as well as the assessed ecological status will have to be reported annually to both the
ICPBS and the ISPDR.
- The States within the overall Black Sea shall have to a adopt strategies that will permit economic development,
whilst ensuring appropriate practices and measures to limit the discharge of nutrients and hazardous substances, and
to rehabilitate ecosystems which assimilate nutrients.
- Based on the annual reports and on the adopted strategies for the limitation of the discharge of nutrients and
hazardous substances, a review shall be undertaken in 2007. It will focus on the further measures that may be
required for meeting the long-term objective (reaching an ecological status similar to the conditions observed in the
1960s).
The Group's definition of the strategy may be considered as a preliminary identification of problems related to
the pollution reduction policy implementation. The elaboration of national and regional strategies is yet to come.
In conclusion, the activities 2.1.2, 2.1.3 and their outputs yielded several positive results. They helped in
understanding the Black Sea eutrophication problem, provided evidences for the decline of coastal ecosystems,
raised the problem of nutrient sources to the Black Sea and warned about the danger of doing nothing. They are
the first steps in designing a specific common approach on policies, strategies, and technical measures to
pollution reduction and ecological rehabilitation in the Danube/Dniestr/Dnieper/Don river basins and from Black
Sea coastal zones.
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ANNEX VI
B.
Updating the Strategic Action Plan
The Danube River Basin Environmental Declaration of 1994 required that the SAP prepared in 1994 be
evaluated and updated by 1997. The activities 2.1.1, 2.1.2, and 2.1.5 and their outputs aimed at this outcome.
The final SAP, the SAP-1999, is one of the outputs.
The SAP-1999 is a document of 150 pages that summarizes the most important pollution reduction measures
both current and future for the Danube. For over a year an half, the project its member countries have mobilized
representatives of technical ministries concerned, NGOs, and, through the consultations on the national level, the
private sector. The project provided several inputs, such as overall guidance, organization, financial support and
technical expertise. The national level contributors collected data, prepared documentation, and formulated
proposals for the revision of the SAP. As a result, the SAP 1999 reflects an understanding of how pollution
reduction is approached by DRPC member countries. The SAP-1999 is accompanied by a Danube River
Pollution Reduction Program (PRP) containing description of priority targets for pollution reduction identified in
each Danube country. The draft SAP-1999 was discussed at a workshop in May 1999, adopted in June 1999, and
will be presented for approval to the technical ministries of the member countries by the end of this year.
Both the SAP-1994 and SAP-1999 stem from the decisions taken by the Environmental Program for the Danube
River Basin (EPDRB) created in Sofia in 1991. The content of the SAP should indicate to the countries how the
EPDRB program formulated in a document called Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) will be
implemented. The SAP should serve as an important tool for policymakers (SAP dated 1994, page i) and provide
direction and framework for regional cooperation among countries in the Danube River basin (Ibid., page iv).
The SAP should indicate the regional policies and strategies for water pollution reduction and environment
protection (SAP-1999, page v).
Since the SAP-1999 is continuation of the SAP-1994, and both documents concern the program formulated in
the DRPC, an evaluation of the SAP-1999 requires a brief presentation on both the DRPC and the first SAP.
Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC)
According to DRPC or Convention, the cooperation among the Danube River basin countries in river pollution
reduction may take on several forms including consultations, joint actions and exchanges of information (Article
4 of the Convention). This cooperation should consist of the following (Ibid., Articles 5 to 17):
- Prevention, control and reduction of transboundary impact;
- Specific measures for water resources protection;
- Limitations on emission objectives and criteria for water quality;
- Emission inventories, action programs and progress reviews;
- Monitoring programs;
- Obligatory reporting;
- Consultations;
- Information exchange;
- Informing the public;
- Research and development;
- Communication, warning and alarm system, emergency plans;
- Mutual assistance.
The Convention covers a broad area of pollution reduction, without necessarily involving the EPDRB into policy
and strategy efforts. In fact, the word policy or strategy does not appear in the Convention.
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ANNEX VI
Strategic Action Plan of 1994 (SAP-94)
The first Strategic Action Plan (SAP-94) was drafted by a special group mandated by a task force that had been
established by the EPDRB. The draft was completed in October 1994. In December 1994, the Environment or
Water Ministries of the Danube countries and a Member of the European Commission responsible for the
Environment, endorsed the SAP-94.
The SAP-94 has four goals (page 13):
(1) Improvement of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity in the Danube River basin and reduction of
pollution loads entering the Black Sea;
(2) Maintaining and improving the quantity and quality of water in the Danube River basin;
(3) Controlling the damage from accidental spills; and
(4) Development of regional cooperation in water management.
The SAP clusters the sources of pollution and water quality problems into `Sectors'. The SAP identifies four
sectors (page 9 and 10):
(1) cities;
(2) rural towns and villages;
(3) industry, energy production and transport; and
(4) agriculture.
The agents that need to change their behavior so as to ease the pollution problems are called `Actors'. The SAP
considers actors to be (page 10):
(1) public authorities;
(2) public and private enterprises; and
(3) general public and NGOs.
The policies that should help countries achieve the goals consists of (page 16):
(1) Integrated water management;
(2) Environmentally sound sector policies;
(3) Lowering the of risks of accidents; and
(4) Investments.
The SAP-94 identifies 59 wetlands to restore and 179 hot spots for action. It also describes the Danube River
basin environment and its important pollution problems and priorities.
The SAP contains some inconsistencies. We will discuss those relevant to the evaluated SAP 1999.
First, the formulation of the SAP-94 goals differs depending on which area of the document you read.
The goals listed on the page 13 have been quoted previously in this section. On the page 71, the first two goals
were stated as follows: (1) "Maintain and improve the availability and quality of waters in the Danube River
basin;" (2) "Reduce the negative impact of activities in the Danube River basin on the riverine ecosystem and
the Black Sea." In the executive summary, page v, the first goal from the page 71 become the second, and the
second become the first.
Furthermore, the sectors cited earlier from the pages 9 and 10, are classified differently in page 15: (1) Phased
expansion of sewerage and municipal waste water treatment; (2) Reduction of discharges from industry; (3)
Reduction of emissions from agriculture; (4) Conservation, restoration and management of the wetland and
floodplain areas of the tributaries and main stream of the Danube River basin.
Finally, the meaning of so called "Actors" is not defined. On page 10, the SAP-94 describes the role for two of
them in pollution reduction: the public authorities and the general public. Nowhere does it state the role for
public and private enterprises. The definition of regional cooperation (page 9) is circular: "Regional cooperation
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ANNEX VI
means the full participation in and utilization of regional mechanisms and structures for international
cooperation, consultation and coordination." Table 1.3 that identifies links between actors and actions to water
management problems (page 12), proposes some questionable links. For example, the public authorities should
ensure adequate tariffs to cities but not to rural towns and villages, nor to industry, agriculture, and livestock.
The public and private enterprises should safely dispose the hazardous waste from rural towns and villages but
not from cities, industry, or agriculture. Finally, the general public and NGOs are in charge of managing the
livestock manure. On pages 16 to 18, the SAP lists the short term and medium term targets, and on pages 18 to
23, it describes in general and qualitative terms, short- and medium-term actions. However it is virtually
impossible to put target on these actions.
In conclusion, it can be stated that, (1) the SAP really needed to be improved and updated; (2) nevertheless, it
covers a gamut of actions included in the Convention.
Strategic Action Plan of 1999
The SAP 1999 identifies one "core problem" namely the "ecologically unsustainable development and
inadequate water resources management in the Danube River basin". From this core problem stems one
objective: "Achievement of sustainable development in the Danube River basin," which in turn is composed of
three sub-objectives:
1)
Improvement of the wastewater and solid waste management. This objective concerns municipalities. Its
realization will deliver the following outputs:
- Extended and upgraded public sewer system by the year 2005, operated in 90% of municipalities
with population over 5000;
- Appropriate wastewater treatment, by the year 2005, assured in 70% of settlements with population
over 5000;
- Proper solid waste management by 2010, applied in 90% of localities with population over 50 000.
2)
Introduction of best available techniques, best environmental practice, and abatement of water pollution.
This objective concerns industry and mining; it will be achieved through four outputs:
- Clean technologies and the abatement of water pollution, introduced by the year 2010;
- Pre-treatment facilities of industrial waste-water, implemented by the year 2010;
- Adequate management of all enterprises, ensured by the year 2005;
- Hazardous substances treated and disposed of in proper landfillls by 2010.
3)
Implementation of good agricultural practices and mechanisms for sustainable land management. This
objective will be achieved through five outputs:
- Integrated approach for land and water management in all countries by 2010;
- Adequate use of pesticides and fertilizers; by the year 2010, the number of certified organic farms be
increased by 20%, and in other farms the P and N consumption stabilized at 1998 level;
- Waste water discharged by animal farms properly treated. By the year 2005, 50% of animal arms
with over 500 livestock units equipped with the wastewater treatment plants, and by 2010, 75%
farms be equipped;
- An accelerated run-off and erosion prevention plan. By 2010, the length of hedgerows, forest belts
and wind breaks increased by 25%, and 2000 km of regulated rivers be restored;
- Wetlands and floodplains adequately protected and restored. By the year 2005, 110 000 ha, and by
2010, 140 000 ha of wetlands restored.
The SAP 1999 lists 328 hot spots of high and medium priority for consideration by the pollution reduction
program.
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ANNEX VI
The SAP 1999 contains a list of nine plans and programs suitable to regional cooperation (page 128). However
there is no indication on a specific role these plans would play in pollution reduction or on their link with
national plans. It is not clear if national and regional policies as well as institutions are sufficient to support and
successfully implement the SAP 1999.
The SAP contains two important sections: 4: Regional Policies and Strategies (pages 45 to 66), and 5: Sector
Strategies (pages 67 to 112).
Section 4: Regional Policies and Strategies analyzes regional problems (the core problem, its direct causes, roots,
and direct and ultimate effects), identifies causes of water pollution (hot spots, diffuse sources of pollution, and
Significant Impact Areas), describes the pollution effects (transboundary and effects on the Black Sea
ecosystems), and finally, analyzes the objectives and targets for pollution reduction and sustainable water
management. Thus, the section content develops the arguments supporting investment in pollution reduction
projects (proposed in the SAP and outlined in detail in the RPR) than rather the regional policy and strategies.
Section 5: Sectorial strategies. The section contains, for all three sectors (municipal, industry and mining, and
land use agriculture), a situation analysis (sector importance, current assets as know-how, legislation,
financial resources, public awareness, transboundary effects); a problem analysis (sector core problems, causes
end effects of environmental problems); and sector objectives (their description, expected results, important
assumptions and impact indicators).
There is no doubt that both sections reflects well the results of national investigation and that they both
(summarized) have their place in the SAP. However, the SAP, a document of such political importance, should
detail and discuss policy considerations and strategy issues in details. The need for policy and strategic
considerations may be justified as follows:
The environmental policy and macro economy's concerns are as follows:
- Finding the best way to achieve an efficient and cost-effective pollution reduction. (This means the point
where marginal pollution abatement cost and marginal damages ere equal);
- Finding the ways to assure equitability in distribution of the burden for pollution reduction (the relatively
well - off people may be charged more than the less fortunate);
- Funding the ways to assure an acceptable distribution of pollution emission charges;
- Knowing how to assure the policy is enforced at the lowest cost;
- Finally, that it take into consideration ethical issues, moral considerations, and national traditions.
It's important for the project to know to what extent implementation of its objectives helps or hinders national
policy; and, on the other hand, to evaluate the policy influence on the project's pertinence, impact, and duration.
It would be the most useful for the project, it's implementing agencies, financing institutions, and donors to
know the government environmental policy and to check it against the project costs, objectives, assumptions and
indicators.
The national policy may be evaluated as well for its coherence at the central, sector and local levels and, on a
regional scale, for its coherence among the countries. In particular, it would be useful to evaluate periodically
how it compares to the regional and country policies and the proposed project's objectives so as to assure that
the project's activities and objectives aim for the same goal as the policies coming from the government or
region.
Strategy (or policy implementation instruments)
The governmental strategy for the implementation of an environmental policy is based on two basic instruments:
environmental standards and incentives.
An environment standard is the mandated level of performance that is enforced by the law. The best available
technology (BAT) which DRCP recommends (DRCP, Annex I part I) is a standard. The maximum released level
10
ANNEX VI
of a given pollutant is also a standard. The standards have drawbacks. To be just, the standards cannot be
identical for all industries and often the standards do nothing to stimulate, improve or innovate.
The incentives remunerate agents in proportion to their compliance with the law. Taxes, subsidies and
transferable discharge permits are the most common incentives. The incentives stimulate the polluter's invention
and contribute to technology progress, but they are difficult to apply if the pollution discharge measurements are
inadequate.
As in the case of the policy, it is important for the project designers to be aware of the government instrument
used to realize the environmental policy. The project's viability and its economic importance depend strongly on
the policy implementation strategy.
Regional policy
Finally, the success of a regional pollution reduction project depends on member countries' policies and regional
agreements. Regional policy is of equal weight to sovereign national policies. However, international agreements
are (usually) voluntary. In consequence, it is reasonable to suppose that a country will not sign a new agreement
or honor an old one if the agreement will make it worse off. Knowledge of national policies can help negotiators
of environmental agreements to strike the required equilibrium. More important, the regional project which is
familiar with national environment policies and regional issues, can invest its resources among countries in such
a way that the investment will encourage all countries to take part in a regional agreement. With a wide set of
investments, the regional project may well assist a country to resist the temptation to free ride on the pollution
control efforts of others.
C. Pollution Reduction Targets: Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Program (PRP)
The Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Program (PRP) supports the SAP 1999. It lists the projects for
pollution reduction that has been agreed upon by the Danube basin countries during a series of meetings and
workshops. The main source of information on projects, priorities and costs are found in the National Reviews.
The RPR contains a detailed technical summary of priority projects to be executed in the Danube River basin. It
describes 513 identified hot spots, and formulates 421 projects. For each of the 421 projects, the document
specifies expected load reduction for BOD, COD, N, and P, baseline costs, incremental costs, and total
investment cost.
The total investment is estimated at $US 5 522 million, of which US$ 3 289 million represent the baseline costs
and US$ 2 034 million the incremental costs (PRP, Annex 6, page 32). The investment should reduce the load of
pollutant as follows:
Type of emission
Estimates of emission in Expected emission Improvement in %
thousand tons per year reduction (PRP, Annex 6,
(SAP 199, page 52)
page 30)
BOD
324
421
?
COD
851
623
73..2
N
884 944
100
8.8 9.4
P
103 119
20
19 17
The projects were evaluated only in financial terms according to the current (1997) value of local currencies.
There is no economic evaluation of the projects. There are great differences in financial cost effectiveness of the
projects among countries and among sectors.
According to the PRP, the separation of total costs into basic and incremental is provisional and should be
updated.
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ANNEX VI
For five of the eleven countries involved, the total investment in pollution reduction, according to the PRP,
represents a budgetary burden equivalent to more than 6% of Gross National Product in 1997 of the Danube
River basin area of the country. For Bosnia-Herzegovina, it represents as much as 16% (PRP, Annex 11, page 1).
The PRP discusses little the economic and political consequences of the program on the beneficiary countries. It
remarks, however, that the pollution reduction may result in two kind of economic consequences (page 39):
- Inflation of construction prices due to the short-term rise in demand for construction services;
- Restoration of wetlands may require the forfeiting of arable land.
Objective 3 : Increase public awareness and participation
(Based on the contribution of Esther Park, Annex VIII)
Sub-Objective 3.1: Raise Public Awareness about pollution reduction activities
3.1.1 Materials and events to publicise the need for pollution prevention and reduction and ecological
rehabilitation in the Danube River Basin
3.1.2 Input to the development of the technical basis and policy for pollution reduction in the Danube River
Basin and Black Sea is available.
The project did not produce materials or hold events to raise public awareness as outlined in the project
document. Instead, the project felt that the objective 3 would be better served by holding a regional training
workshop called "Target Oriented Program Planning" (TOPP), in which one NGO representative and one
government representative from each country were trained in public participation methodology.
These representatives then became facilitators in the National NGO Workshops convened by the Regional
Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC), where national priorities were discussed and
identified. These priorities were consequently introduced in the National SAP Planning Workshops where the
results from the National Reviews (and the National NGO Workshops) were brought together to result in the
revised SAP and the Pollution Reduction Program.
Further, the results of the National NGO Workshops were brought to a Regional NGO Consultation Meeting, in
which NGO representatives from all 13 countries came together to discuss regional priorities and to re-establish
or revitalize the Danube Environmental Forum (DEF).
In general, the DEF has been weak and unable to participate effectively in implementation of this project.
Instead, the REC has taken responsibility for the National NGO meetings. For similar reasons, the DEF was
unable to hold a joint workshop with the Black Sea Basin NGO Forum. Cooperation with the Black Sea project
has been slow as a whole. So far there has been only a joint technical working group with the Black Sea.
3.1.3 Wide awareness of pollution reduction issues in the Danube River Basin and in international community
The "Danube Watch" has been published in three issues, with two more special editions forthcoming. Four
thousand copies of each issue were being disseminated, and now the edition increased to 8000 copies. In the
future, the Danube Watch will be published on the DANUBIS site, and its condensed version inserted into
another existing environmental publication (in Austria).
After PHARE funding stops in October 1999, sustainability of the Danube Watch will be in the hands of a new
publisher. There is the possibility of inserting advertisements into the journal by which it might be self-
sustaining.
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ANNEX VI
3.1.4 Stronger role for environmental NGOs in the Danube River Basin and practical cooperation with similar
groups in the rest of the Black Sea region
The project was effective in the arena of public participation. Considering the scope of the project, most of the
major NGOs in each country were brought into the SAP planning and revising.
The project greatly relied on the DEF for its sustainability in this component. However, the DEF is weak and
unable to take on this burden. In the future, the ICPDR is willing to support public participation, but does not
necessarily identify DEF as the agency through which it should happen.
It should be noted that the past failures of the DEF have alienated some NGOs from participating, most
noticeably those in Hungary. As a group, a number of Hungarian NGOs refused to participate in the National
NGO meeting and sent a letter of protest stating that they would not have anything to do with the DEF.
Currently, the DEF is in the rather precarious position of not being legally registered as an entity. As with many
NGOs, the organization has little know-how with regard to legality, financial viability, and general management.
However, they have made good progress in information sharing. The members have created an e-mail network.
3.1.5 A series of community-based projects which will contribute to pollution reduction in the Danube River
Basin and Black Sea
The small grants program destined to finance community-based projects was carried out by the REC. The project
management developed guidelines for the grant attribution and publicized the program. Because of a delay in
actually disseminating the grants, the impact and results of the program have not yet been revealed.
Sub-objective 3.2: Improve coordination and information exchange
3.2.1 Strong communication links among Danube experts, decision-makers and NGOs, and cost-effective
means of publishing information about the Danube River Basin
3.2.2 An improved and extended DANIS information system accessible to the general public
The PCU began work on an web site DANIS (the Danube Information System) and found that it would be more
effective in the big picture to incorporate DANIS into the system being created by the ICPDR, "DANUBIS." To
date, the web site is not yet functional, but is expected to be fully operational by the fall of 1999. In the
meantime, PHARE has published a Danube home page connected to that of REC, from which all activity will be
forwarded to DANUBIS once it is functional. This home page is being hosted by the REC web site and has the
appropriate links to maps, legislation, donors, and other relevant information. A counter was put into the system,
from which it can be assumed that up to 1000 people have visited the site.
Overall output from the objective 3:
Although the project achieved its objectives concerning increase of public awareness and participation, the
project design hampered the intentions and the goal of the public participation component of the project. While
NGOs were effectively drawn into the decision-making process, the government side was less prepared for
cooperation on this level. Nevertheless, overall, the project did what it needed to in order to fulfill the objectives.
The full impact of many of these efforts has yet to be seen, as timing is a factor. And still, as in the case of any
development project, this is just one step in the process.
The past weakness of the DEF and its current unresolved status is a critical factor for the future sustainability of
public participation and cooperation in the Danube region. If the legal status of the organization is not adequately
established from the beginning, its capacity to attract funding will be greatly diminished. Currently, the
representatives of the DEF are unaware as to how and effectively establish the organization.
13
ANNEX VI
Objective 4: Develop the financing of the pollution reduction program within the Danube SAP
(Prepared on the basis of findings of Friderich Schwaiger)
Sub-objective 4.1: Develop portfolio of Danube basin projects
4.1.1 Financing strategies for pollution reduction developed for the particular circumstances of each Danube
Country
The report "Analysis of Financing Mechanisms " issued in March 1999 gives a general financing strategy
recommendation for all countries. For the project financing, the study recommends to use at first the national
resources (mainly water revenues and public funds), and then, when the national funding is no more available,
the international financing. The study recommends promotion of private sector participation. Implementation of
these recommendations requires significant improvement in revenue collection for water and waste water
services.
4.1.2 A portfolio of investment-related pollution reduction projects for co-financing
4.1.3 A portfolio of wetlands and capacity-building projects for co-financing (grant) consideration
The "Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme Report" of June 1999 contains a portfolio of 421
projects, .including 246 hot-spots and 298 693 hectares of wetlands. The projects were identified, and their cost
estimated by national experts. The PCU checked the information for plausibility. Total investment cost equals
US$5.5 billion. The total is distributed as follows: municipal projects US$3.5 billion; wetlands US$1.1
billion; others US$0.9 billion The baseline cost are of US$ 3.5 billion, the incremental cost, US$ 2.0 billion
According to the GEF regulations, only the transboundary project incremental costs are eligible for financing.
Regarding the waste water treatment plants, the incremental costs represent the tertiary treatment. Regarding the
wetland and floodplain projects, incremental is the cost of restoration.
The projects were ranked according to investment cost needed per unit of removed BOD, COD, P and N.
Although the data should be systematically updated, according to the project management, the ranking of the top
series projects should not be affected, as experience shows a good positive correlation between project size and
priority ranking.
Sub-objective 4.2: Mechanisms to provide sustainable financial support for the Danube River Basin
4.2.1 An agreed feasibility study for establishing a fund
4.2.2 Agreed mechanism to set up long-term financing mechanisms for pollution reduction
projects in the Danube River basin
A specialized agency (KfW) that conducted the study for creation of a Danube Environmental Fund have
concluded that such a fund would not be feasible. The study, described in April 1999 in a report `Financing
Pollution Reduction Measures in the Danube River Basin: Present Situation and Suggestions for new
Instruments', arguments thoroughly and convincingly against the fund. The arguments are supported by
examples of difficulties experienced by other similar funds. The main arguments are:
- The wealthier countries have not interest in a compensation mechanism (wealthy countries contribute to the
fund, less well off countries receive from fund);
- International taxes and pollution charges as source of finance is not accepted by all countries;
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ANNEX VI
- The amount of available donor and IFI money would not increase by such fund - why to carry administration
cost for such fund;
- EU extends sizeable concessional money to potential accession countries but not to a fund;
- PMTF can take over a possible brokerage function of the fund and assistance in project preparation.
As an alternative, the agency proposed a fund that will provide assistance for project identification, grants for
investment projects, and packaging of projects for financing. This alternative was rejected by ICPDR Steering
Committee.
As a result of the rejection, the KfW recommended establishment of a Project Appraisal Group (PAG) that
would apprise the projects and, if they were conform to the ICPDR standard, recommend them to donors.
Simultaneously with PAG, the KfW recommended creation of a Project Implementation Facility (PIF) that
would support the ICPDR in regional investment programs, assist member countries in project preparation, and
monitor the results. The cost of PIF for a 3 to 4 years would be of US$2.3 million. The ICPDR endorsed the
PAG and PIF proposals, and expects that the PIF may be finance by UNDP/GEF.
4.2.3 Updated revision of the SAP
The project has revised the Strategic Action Plan and enriched it with inputs from national reviews, workshops
and international expert studies. The SAP follows the target-oriented project planning method. However it is
overloaded with information and contains repetitions. In consequence, the document should be streamlined,
restricted to essentials, well structured and made easy to read.
4.2.4 High level endorsement for the policy objectives and pollution reduction targets of the SAP
Endorsement of the final version of the revised SAP by the Ministers of the Danube countries is expected to take
place at the Ministerial conference in Romania, scheduled for the end of 1999 or beginning of 2000.
4.2.5 Agreed co-financing for pollution projects
A donor pledging conference or a PPC meeting has not been held yet. However, according to the project
management, the regular meetings of the PMTF (two to three times a year), usually combined with the Steering
Committee in presence of major donors representatives, actually substitute such a meeting.
Overall output from objective 4
The successful completion of all outputs within the objective four allowed the project to
- Present a portfolio of 421 projects evaluated at US5.5 billion;
- Rank them according to investment cost effectiveness;
- Propose funding for regional activities; and
- Revise the Strategic Action Plan so as to include the newly identified projects.
The whole load of objective realization was in the hands national experts and based on national consultations. In
consequence, the results genuinely reflect the national preoccupations and priorities. Even the output's
weaknesses due to the difference in the quality of data available in the countries have important political and
technical significance. They identify the domains to improve and motivate the countries to attain the same
technical standards in project elaboration
15
ANNEX VII
ANNEX VII
PROJECT NUMBER:
RER/96/G31 /A/1G/31
PROJECT
TITLE: DEVELOPING THE DANUBE RIVER BASINPOLLUTION REDUCTION
PROGRAMME
Author:
FRANCOIS VAN HOOF
Title of Report:
EVALUATION REPORT ON THE COMPLETION OF THE KNOWLEDGE
BASE FOR PRIORITY SETTING
Duration of Contract: 12 18 JUNE 1999 (7 days)
Contract Number:
99-15094
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ANNEX VII
TABLE OF CONTENT
page
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3
3
INTRODUCTION
4
3.1
PROJECT BACKGROUND
4
3.2
EVALUATION MISSION
4
4
OBJECTIVES
4
5
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
5
6.
REPORT OF FINDINGS
5
6.1
NATIONAL REVIEWS
5
6.2
TRANSBOUNDARY ANALYSIS
8
6.3
THE DANUBE WATER QUALITY MODEL
8
6.4
WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAINS
9
6.5
SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF POLLUTION IN THE DANUBE BASIN
9
6.6
NATIONAL BASELINES FOR POLLUTION REDUCTION
9
6.7
PROJECT CONCEPT AND DESIGN
9
6.8
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
9
6.9 PROJECT
RESULTS
10
7 CONCLUSIONS
10
8
RECOMMENDATIONS
11
9
LESSONS LEARNED
11
10. ANNEXES
12
2
ANNEX VII
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This evaluation mission had to find out whether the objectives related to the knowledge basis for priority setting
had been realised .
The major tasks mentioned in the project document have been carried out within the time schedule originally
proposed
This resulted in documents being available at the time of the mission on the following topics :
° updated national reviews
° transnational diagnostic analysis ( TDA )
° development of a Danube Water Quality Model ( DWQM )
° assessment of the priority sites for wetland and floodplain restoration
° social analysis of pollution in the Danube River Basin
Some of these reports were available in draft form only
This project has been very relevant to the Danube river basin countries and The Black Sea and was well in line
with UNDP and GEF priorities.
It has been focusing on nitrogen and phosphorus pollution mainly . Although the project has been managed
efficiently and produced several high quality reports , some parts ( mainly TDA and DWQM) had to deal with
insufficient data for emission and imission of N and P .This created uncertainties which have compromised the
results obtained in TDA . In the DWQM work , these shortcomings were overcome these with success .
Apart from the technical aspects , increased cooperation between the countries in the Danube region is without
doubt a very positive output of this project .
In order to enable sustainability after the ending of this project , the International Commission for Protection of
the Danube River ( ICPDR ) should be supported by intenational financial sources to enable the implementation
of differents parts of this project .
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks are herewith extended to:
Mr. R. Aertgeerts , portfolio manager , Mr. J. Bendow , project manager and Mr.A. Garner , environmental
specialist , for introducing us to the project and providing all the necessary information .
The colleagues of the evaluation team : Esther Park , Fritz Schwaiger and Stanislaw Manikowski , team leader ,
for their collegial attitude and stimulating discussions .
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3. INTRODUCTION
3.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
After the end of the first phase of the Danube River Basin Evironmental Programme ( 1992 - 1996 ) , which
concentrated on building regional cooperation for water management , evaluating and defining problems ,
implementing a basin wide water quality monitoring strategy and establishing a warning system for accidental
pollution , the need was felt for an extension which would cover the following items :
° pollution reduction programmes for substances causing eutrophication in the Danube river and the Black
Sea
° ecological rehabilitation programmes for priority wetlands
° development of a revised strategic action plan including linkages with the Black Sea
° increasing public awareness
° strengthening capacities of NGO's
° preparing project documents for priority pollution reduction
° improvement of international cooperation
The project should have started August 15 1997 with a duration of 16 months . In practice it started December
15 1997 and will end July 1999 .
3.2 EVALUATION MISSION
UNOPS contracted the final evaluation of the project to a team of individual consultants.
They carried out a field mission from June 12 to June 20 1999.
The team consisted of :
Stanislaw Manikowski , environmental Policy specialist , Team Leader
Francois Van Hoof Environmental Assessment Specialist
Esther Park Institutional Development/ Public Awareness Specialist
Fritz Schwaiger Environmental Finance Specialist
In accordance with the TOR each team member prepared separate mission report . These reports were brought
together in one integrated report by the team leader .
4. OBJECTIVES
According to the TOR the main objectives of the evaluation mission should consider the impact , effectiveness
and efficiency of the project . In particular the evaluation had to address the following issues :
Project design
Project implementation
Project impact ( completion of the knowledge base for priority setting , review the policy for protection of the
Danube Basin and the Black Sea , increase public awareness and participation , develop the financing of the
pollution reduction programme within the Danube Strategic Action Plan )
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5. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
This evaluation report is based on information and documents received during the evaluation mission in Vienna
and other locations (cfr. Itineraries of the team members ).
The following documents have been consulted :
° Updated national reviews of all Danube River Basin Countries except Germany and Austria
° Transboundary Analysis ( draft report , March 1 1999 )
° Danube Water Quality Model Simulations ( June 12 1999 )
° Social analysis of pollution in the Danube River Basin ( final version 1999 )
° Evaluation of wetlands and floodplain areas in the Danube river Basin ( draft report , February 1999 )
° Pollution Reduction Programme Report ( June 1999 )
° Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin : Annual Report 1996
6. REPORT OF FINDINGS
6.1 NATIONAL REVIEWS
All national reviews , updated in a common format , were available ( except for Austria and Germany).
All reports contain lists of hot spots in the municipal , industrial and agricultural sectors . Only the report for
Bosnia Herzegovina does not mention priotirisation due to lack in experience in this field.
In most cases , the hot spots are categorised according their urgency ( high , intermediate , low ) .
Each report was evaluated with respect to the data needed for the transboundary analysis and water quality
model simulations .
A short overview of the findings for each of the countries is given below .
SLOVENIA
° apart from the priority substances ( N,P,COD and BOD ) , the report brings data on some pesticides
( a.o.atrazine and its metabolites desethylatrazine and desisopropylatrazine) and mentions that fifty percent of the
ground waters are unfit for human consumption as a consequence of diffuse pollution ( nitrates and pesticides )
° the frequency of the immission measurements on surface waters is very low ( four per year ) , mostly
performed at low river flows . This approach doesnot allow reliable calculations of loads of priority pollutants .
CZECH REPUBLIC
° in adddition to the priority substances to be monitored , attention has been given to some organic and inorganic
micropollutants , especially mercury and PCB's which have caused some problems .
° the measuring frequency for immision measurements is twelve per year . The approach for load calculations is
not given .
° 3000 - 4000 abandoned waste sites ( industrial and municipal ) are mentioned as potential threats to water
quality
SLOVAKIA
° information on sampling frequencies is completely missing
° no details are given at all on the calculation of loads
° information is only given in terms of immision concentrations for the priority parameters requested , in
addition organochlorine pesticides and triazine herbicides have been found , without mentioning concentrations
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ANNEX VII
HUNGARY
° in addition to the priority parameters requested , a wide set of parameters is measured additionally
° sampling frequencies used for immission measurement areonce a month , once per two weeks or weekly
depending on locations and parameters
° the laboratories performing the analysis follow strict quality assurance schemes
° the data obtained are being statistically treated
° in addition to the priority parameters , sufficient data for reliable load calculation are available for phenols ,
anionic detergents and oil .
BULGARIA
° data available are limited to priority parameters
° sampling frequency once per month
° calculation of loads is not described
° the report is written in very general terms
ROMANIA
° data on priority parameters available
° loads have been calculated over the period 1988 - 1996 for priority parameters
° methods used for load calculation are not described
MOLDOVA
° the report mentions different problems related to water quality but fails to describe them systematically
° there is no systematic information on parameters measured nor on sampling frequencies
° information on priority parameters and and a few parameters is being reported in a non structured way
° no indications on load calculations could be found
UKRAINE
° the report shows a lack of systematic information on sampling frequencies and parameters analysed
° as far as immissions are concerned , only concentrations are reported , loads are not mentioned at all
CROATIA
° results on priority parameters are available for the Danube and the Sava and Drava rivers , results for some
organic and inorganic micropollutants have been produced
° the sampling frequencies are not mentioned
° loads have been calculated by multiplying the yearly average concentrations with the yearly average
discharges : this approach is scientifically unsound and doesnot allow to produce reliable load figures . as such
it renders evaluation of transboundary effects impossible .
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ANNEX VII
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
° due to the war in which the country was involved for several years , only a very limited set of water quality
data is available as well in terms of parameters analysed as samplings performed .
° due to this situation , the calculation of loads as well as the evaluation of transboundary effects is rendered very
difficult
In addition to the chapters on water quality gives important information on the recent evolutions in Bosnia
Herzegovina :
° unaccounted for water percentages ranging between 30 to 70 %
° of the waters used , only 15 % is purified in waste water treatment plants
° 30 -40 % of the drinking water doesnot meet the quality criteria
° hot spot prioritisation was not carried out due to lack of experience in this field , nevertheless a list with
municipal , industrial and agricultural hot spots is included in the report
° future policies will stress reconstruction of sewerage collection and waste water treatment plants
FORMER REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA
° the report stresses that Yugoslavia receives confluents of the Danube river which drain 360.000 km2
( 45 % of the Danube River basin ) and also attracts the attention to the difficult relations with its neighbour
countries and international exclusion
In relation to water quality it mentions the following points of attention :
° emission data collected after 1992 are limited and unreliable
° there is a lack of reliable time series of immission values
° unsufficient laboratory equipment
° the laboratories perform only first line quality control , participation in interlaboratory tests ( third line control )
is non existant
The overview of all national reports learns that they differ strongly in quality . Excellent reports have been
produced by e.g. Hungary . On the other hand , the reports of Moldova and Ukraine provide little usefull
information .
In general and as far as water quality data are concerned , all reports strongly focus on concentrations . Pollutant
loads on the other hand are seldom mentioned , although they are important tools for policy evaluation .
6.2 TRANBOUNDARY ANALYSIS
The document which was available to the evaluation mission is the March 1 , 1999 draft report .
The authors of the document realised that the data available in many of the national reviews were insufficient for
carrying out their task . Due to the fact that the 1996 report of the TNMN was not available at the time this topic
was engaged , it was decided to use the data in the national reviews for this purpose in spite of many
inconsistencies .
The documents correctly mentions that the recommended procedure for calculating loads should be based on
monthly average discharges and concentrations corrected for monthly average discharge . This approach can be
defended in cases where data are scarce . The report does not give indications whether this approach has been
used consistently .
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ANNEX VII
A source of important errors lies in the calculations of BOD loads based on immission results : these values are
in most cases very low and as such subject to important analytical errors . Using these figures for load
calculation , will lead to unreliable load figures .
The draft report does not mention any conclusions ( they will be added later ) nor in relation to the Danube River
nor to the Black Sea , although the introduction describes the relation between both in detail .
6.3 THE DANUBE WATER QUALITY MODEL
The report entitled " Danube Water Quality Model simulations in support of the Transboundary Analysis and the
Pollution Reduction Programme ", dated June 12 1999 was available to the evaluation team .
This report meets the requirements formulated in the project document , taking into account the limited water
quality data sets available . As a consequence of this limitation , no modelling could be applied regarding to
BOD , COD and oil .
The DWQM was built on generic software used for many years by Delft Hydraulics , which was adapted to The
Danube basin and to which were added elements from the AEWS model (Project Code 95-0412 : Development
of a Danube Basin Alarmmodel in support of the Accident Emergency Warning System ) .
The development of the DWQM aimed in a first phase on nutrients pollution ( N,P ) with a double aim :
° evaluation of transboundary pollution
° implementation of pollution reduction programmes
In addition the effects of wetlands in terms of nutrient removal had to de addressed as well .
As well as the transboundary analysis , the application of the model came across the lack of consistent and
reliable data . Due to the uncertainties in emission values for nitrogen , two emission scenarios ( high and low )
were considered .
The uncertainties for P , due to a.o. stratification in the river , were taken into account by multiplying the
figures with a factor two . Taking into account these hypotheses , simulations have been carried out in support to
the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and the Pollution Reduction Programme .
Given the prerequisites mentioned above , the results obtained have to be interpreted with caution . Nevertheless,
the first results give indication on the most important sources of N and P pollution : they demonstrate a.o. that
diffuse pollution is the most important contributor to N and P pollution in the Danube basin and that the impact
of wetlands on N and P reduction is limited .
The report lacks clear conclusions and recommendations for future work .
6.4 WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAINS
The draft report " Evaluation of Wetlands and Floodplain Areas in the Danube River Basin " ( February 1999 )
and its annex was available to the evaluators .
This document meets the criteria put forward in the project document including the discussion of the potential of
wetlands for nutrient removal . The effect of wetlands on N and P removal , has been evaluated indirectly ( e.g.
by the number of days a landstrip has been flooded ).
During the discussion of the report with the authors , it was made clear that nutrient reduction by wetlands is
only a side effect of wetland rehabilitation and should not be considered as an alternative for waste water
treatment or policies aiming at reducing nutrient input from diffuse sources . This point of view is confirmed by
the limited impact predicted by the DWQM model for nutrient removal by wetlands .
8
ANNEX VII
Apart from the activities themselves the sub-contractor carrying out this work , made it clear that ivolvement of
local people in this activity is a prerequisite for success . Keeping this in mind , finacial support has been given
to local people for improvement of tourism infrastructure ( WWF funds ) .
6.5 SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF POLLUTION IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN
A report on the above mentioned subject written by Reinhard Wanninger ( dated March 1999 )was available to
the evaluators . It covers the topics mentioned in the project document .
The information given in chapter 4 ( Population potentially affected by unsanitary conditions in the Danube
River Basin ) is very general and doesnot cover hygienic risks adequately . However this topic was very poorly
described in the project document ( point 57 , page 18 : " There is no indication of the extent to which
transboundary pollution may contribute to the incidence of these diseases . The project document should have
mentioned several outbreaks of waterborne gastro intestinal diseases which have occured in several Danube
countries ( e.g.Romania ) and which are very relevant in this context .
6.6 CALCULATION OF NATIONAL BASELINES FOR POLLUTION REDUCTION
All details for cost analysis , including baseline and incremental costs can be found in the Pollution Reduction
Programme Report ( section 7.2.4 ) .
6.7 PROJECT CONCEPT AND DESIGN
The concept and design of the project were appropriate at the time when the project was approved and fit in
different UNDP areas of concentration : environmental problems , national resources management , management
development and technical cooperation between the countries in the Danube River Basin .
The first UNDP project tied up very well with the EU PHARE project ( 1992 - 1996 ) . For the second phase ,
cooperation between both programmes is less evident .
The project document clearly states the problems which the project intended to solve . Political risks especially
linked to the situation in Croatia , Bosnia Herzegovina and the Former Republic of Yugoslavia were recognised .
The framework of the project document clearly stated the objectives and outputs . The phasing of the project
activities is realistic given sufficient input ( water quality data ) is available . However , this was not the case .
The project document strongly stresses the effects of wetlands and floodplains in terms of nutrient reduction ,
while nutrient reduction in this context should be considered as a beneficial side effect .
The project's actions and outcomes are in line with GEF guidelines related to quality of transboundary waters ,
habitat degradation , excessive exploitation of resources and the GEF role as a catalyst for eco-system based
approach , assisting groups of countries to understand the environmental concerns of their international waters
and implementation measures adresssing transboundary concerns . The focus of the project on control of land
based sources of pollution and prevention of degradation of critical habitats agree with GEF's focuses .
6.8 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
A work plan was developed from the beginning . The project took off several months after the start date
mentioned in the project document .
All activities mentioned in the project document have been implemented . Some of them ( e.g. the transboundary
analysis ) were implemented in a less effective way due to lack of water quality data .
The involvement of national staff occurred mainly through the input of local consultants ( e.g. the drafting of
national reviews and the study related to wetlands and floodplains ) .
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ANNEX VII
At least two countries (Bosnia Herzegovina and the Former Republic of Yugoslavia ) were in a war situation or
were emerging from it , as a consequence their capacity to supply inputs to the project was very limited .
The administrative management of the project was excellent , without cost overruns hindering implementation .
A major problem affecting successful implementation was the lack of sufficient and reliable imission water
quality data which were needed for the transboundary analysis and for the validation of the Danube Water
Quality Model .
This shortage could not be overcome within the duration of the project .
6.9 PROJECT RESULTS
The results obtained are relevant in the current context and the programme was efficiently managed .
The project produced all the reports required ( some of them in draft form at the time of the evaluation mission )
. Most of the reports produced have a high quality , nevertheless some reports carry the burden of the insufficient
amount of data on which they had to build ( transboundary analysis ) , others demonstrate elegant approaches to
solve this basic problem ( Report on the Danube Water Quality Model )
Overall there was a good achievement of the immediate objectives of the project , which can make a contribution
to the development of the region .
Effectiveness and efficiency could have been improved by describing the information needs more precisely
before the start of the project .
Sustainability can be secured by transferring the results of the project to th International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River .
7. CONCLUSIONS
1. All updated national reviewshave been produced . The reports on Bosnia Herzegovina and the Former
Republic of Yugoslavia report only a limited number of water quality data due to their particular political
situation .
2. Al national reviews contain lists of municipal , industrial and agricultural hot spots made up by a common
methodology , information on national policies with focus on N and P reduction .
3. Based on these data , national baselines are available in the pollution reduction programme report .
4. A mathematical model ( DWQM) has been developed which should be used in the evaluation of
transboundary pollution and implementation of the pollution reduction programme . Although the model as
such is very valuable , its application is greatly hindered by a lack of sufficient and reliable emission and
imission data .
5. The lack of reliable imision date and the low frequency of measurements render the calculation of loads
necessary for transboundary analysis ( TDA ) very difficult . It was impossible to generate the data necessary
for TDA and application of the DWQM within the project duration .
6. The assessment of the priority for wetlands and flood plain restoration has been carried out in a very
satisfactory way .
7. One of the most obvious achievements of this project is the fact that countries in the Danube region have
learned to cooperate in spite of enormous differences in their economic and political situations .
10
ANNEX VII
8. RECOMMENDATIONS
With regard to the future planning of similar projects , it should be kept in mind that sufficient , reliable water
quality data should be available for vital parts of the project . If not , monitoring experiments should be carried
out which can supply these data .
Knowledge transfer from this project to the ICPDR should occur in order to use the information generated for
water quality management by the commission and further development of those elements in the project which
could not be fully implemented by lack of data .
In order to use and further develop the information produced in this project , international funding should be
made available to the ICPDR . This is considered the only way to secure sustainability of the project impact and
results .
During the last years , the load of some priority pollutant , especially P , from the Danube towards the Black Sea
has decreased . At the same time a reversal of trends in algal blooms and its negative consequences has been
observed in the Black Sea . As far as the input of P is concerned , the poor economic situation in many Danube
countries has certainly contributed in this trend .
It should be strongly advised that under a future improvement of economic activities , stringent policies are
implemented which limit the input of nutrients in the Black Sea to at least present day levels .
In order to evaluate the input of pollutants in the Black Sea , a common methodology covering adequately the
inputs in the Black Sea should be developed . This should be accompanied by the introduction of quality
assurance schemes in the laboratories performing the analytical and sampling activities .
9. LESSONS LEARNED
A major positive lesson is certainly that through this project countries in the Danube River Basin have learnt to
cooperate better in management of the Danube waters .
Another positive element is the input of local consultants and NGO's in different parts of the project ( e.g.
updating national reviews , wetlands and floodplain study ).
A negative lesson to be kept in mind is the lack of communication between different important actors ( GEF -
UNDP , EU PHARE and the World Bank ) . The refusal of the World Bank to fund transboundary projects is
experienced as negative for effective cooperation among Danube countries .
In the same context , the change in PHARE rules ( from multicountry to single country approach ) and the take
over of former PHARE projects by TACIS did not improve effectiveness nor efficiency .
Another lesson is that before engaging in pollution loads and mathematical modelling sufficient and reliable
imission data should be available before the start of these activities . Generating these data in an ongoing project
is impossible .
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ANNEX VII
10. ANNEXES
ITINERARY AND SITE VISITS
Sunday , June 13 : Travel from Brussels to Vienna . Arrival in Vienna 15.00 . Meeting with Stanislaw
Manikowski , team leader , Esther Park and Roger Aertgeerts , UNOPS portfolio manager : introductory
discussion on the tasks of the mission .
Monday , June 14 : Meeting with Joachim Bendow , Programme Manager , Stanislaw Manikowski , team leader
, Andy Garner , Esther Park and Roger Aertgeerts , UNOPS portfolio manager , Fritz Schwaiger at the Vienna
international Center. Discussion on the methodology to be followed during evaluation .
Afternoon : Discussion of the points to be adressed and where the information can be found . This meeting was
attended was attended by the same persons as the morning session , except Mr. Schwaiger .
Evening : evaluation of the national reports of several countries
Tuesday , June 15 : Meeting with Mr. Teun Botterweg , EU/PHARE Programme and Mr. F.Schwaiger, Vienna
International Centre on the activities of the PHARE and TACIS in the Danube region
Further evaluation of the national reports of several countries
Afternoon : Meeting with Mr. Andy Garner , environment specialist and Mr. F.Schwaiger on different aspects of
the project , Vienna International Centre
Evening : evaluation of the national reports of several countries
Wednesday , June 16 : Meeting with Mr. Helmuth Fleckseder , Technical and Scientific Director of the ICPDR
and Mr. F.Schwaiger, Vienna International Centre on the strategies of nitrogen and phosphate reduction .
Evaluation of the national report on the Republic of Yugoslavia
Afternoon : Meeting with Mr. Phil Weller WWF Danube - Carpathian Programme Director on different aspects
of wetlands and floodplains at the WWF office Ottakringer Strasse 114 - 116, Vienna .
Meeting with Mr.Wolfgang Stalzer , Director at the Ministerium of Landwirtsschaft and President of the ICPRD
on the activities of the ICPRD with Stanislaw Manikowski , team leader , Esther Park and Fritz Schwaiger .
Thursday , June 17 : Meeting with Mr. Stanislaw Manikowski , team leader on the preliminary conclusions of
the mission at the Vienna International Centre .
Flight from Vienna to Brussels , arrival in Brussels 21.30
Friday , June, 18 : Travel from Hove to Delft . Meeting with Mr. J. van Gils at Delft Hydraulics .
Return to Hove
Saturday , June 19 : Report writing
Sunday , June 20 : Report writing
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Annex VIII
ANNEX VIII
Esther PARK
3. Public awareness, public participation, information exchange
3.1 Project Design
The public awareness component of the project was designed to increase public participation and awareness not
only in the individual countries, but also on a regional level. Central and Eastern European countries (including
NIS countries) in transition were the main targets, assuming that Austria and Germany already had effective
third sector development. The rationale for this output is that it will lead to sustainable policies in the Danube
Basin.
This aspect of the project had a threefold objective, which was only partially effective due to an inattention to
structural considerations, which will be expounded on in section 3.4. The project's effectiveness with regard to
public awareness was limited because the "public" was not well defined. It was not clear to whom exactly the
awareness campaign should reach. If the target group was non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
governments, then the project was mostly effective. If the target group was the wider public, then the
effectiveness of the project is a bit more ambiguous. It is difficult to measure the impact of the project on the
wider public without doing a large-scale study. Additionally, the final outcome of the small grants that were
given to awareness raising projects is still pending.
The project was more effective in the arena of public participation. NGOs were effectively brought into the
process of SAP planning/revising and their input noted. Considering the scope of the project, most major NGOs
in each country were brought into the decision-making process. Perhaps the biggest drawback was that of the
Danube Environmental Forum (DEF). The project overestimated the potential effectiveness of this organization
and its force within the objective was minimal.
Overall, this component contributed well to the development objective, but the most constraining factor on all
the elements was timing. From a structural point of view, transitioning governments are dealing with various
pushes and pulls, and thus are not always able to be in the ideological position that the project already assumes.
For this reason, it would be difficult to implement public participation in countries that were not ready for it.
Additionally, the strict time frame of the project caused many components, which could and should have
contributed to one another, to overlap.
The project greatly relies on the DEF for its sustainability in this component. At this point, the DEF is weak and
unable to take on this burden. The ICPDR is willing to support public participation, but does not necessarily
identify DEF as the agency through which it should happen.
Cooperation with the Black Sea NGOs has been somewhat unrealistic. The NGOs in the Danube River Basin
must have some history of cooperation among themselves before attempting cooperative efforts with the Black
Sea NGO Forum.
3.2 Project Implementation
The project was implemented by the PCU in an excellent fashion with regard to timeliness. Though the design
of the project itself was constrained by time, the PCU made the best effort that it could to allow the different
components and stakeholders to interact. The PCU also considered the expansion and contraction of various
objectives as they deemed relevant to prevailing circumstances.
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The bulk of this component of the project was contracted out to the Regional Environmental Center for Central
and Eastern Europe (REC), which was in an excellent position to provide this kind of specialized support for the
PCU. The REC is a long-standing organization dedicated to the support of environmental NGOs and
administers grant programs from governments and other international donors. While headquartered in
Szentendre, Hungary, the REC has local offices in every country in which they work. These local offices have
formed good relationships with the governments and the NGO communities, respectively; and they know the
specific needs of each country. Thus, the REC was an ideal candidate for the work of the project. Because they
are established as an organization, there was little reinventing of the wheel and the implementation of the Small
Grants Program was relatively smooth. Timeliness of this program was an issue because of the lack of effective
communication between the REC and the PCU.
Given the time limits of the project, the REC was probably the best option as subcontractor. However, as a
trade-off, the PCU was two steps removed from the NGOs. There was little direct interaction between the two,
which may have reflected poorly on the CPCs' level of cooperation with the NGOs.
The "Danube Watch" was also subcontracted out to an independent editor and publisher. Three copies of the
Watch were published, but along the way it became clear that the editor was unreliable and the PCU lost control
of the content of the publication. At this point in time, the editing and publishing of the Watch has changed
hands. Phare has been actively involved in the process and was instrumental in finding a new editor/publisher.
The PCU began work on the Danube Information System (DANIS) and found that it would be more effective in
the big picture to incorporate DANIS into the system being created by the ICPDR, "DANUBIS." This project is
being co-funded by a combination of Phare, Austrian Trust Fund, and the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture and
Industry. To date, the web site is not yet functional, but is expected to be fully operational by the fall of 1999.
In the meantime, Phare has published a Danube home page connected to that of REC, from which all activity
will be forwarded to DANUBIS once it is functional.
3.3 Project Impact
The PCU did not produce materials or hold events to raise public awareness as outlined in the project document.
Instead, the PCU felt that they would be better served by holding a regional training workshop called "Target
Oriented Program Planning" (TOPP), in which one NGO representative and one government representative from
each country were trained in public participation philosophy and methodology.
These representatives then became facilitators in the National NGO Workshops, arranged and facilitated by the
REC, where national priorities were discussed and identified. These priorities were consequently introduced in
the National SAP Planning Workshops where the results from the National Reviews (technical) and the National
NGO Workshops were brought together to result in a revised SAP and the Pollution Reduction Program.
Further, the results of the National NGO Workshops were brought to a Regional NGO Consultation Meeting, in
which NGO representatives from all 13 countries came together to discuss regional priorities and to re-establish
or revitalize the DEF. The DEF has been weak and unable to participate effectively in the implementation of
this project. Instead, the REC has taken the responsibility for the National NGO meetings. For similar reasons,
the DEF was unable to hold a joint workshop with the Black Sea Basin NGO Forum. Cooperation with the
Black Sea project has been slow as a whole. So far there has been only a joint technical working group with the
Black Sea.
It should be noted that the past failures of the DEF have alienated some NGOs from participating, most
noticeably those in Hungary. As a group, a number of Hungarian NGOs refused to participate in the National
NGO meeting and sent a letter of protest stating that they would not have anything to do with the DEF.
Currently, the DEF is in the rather precarious position of not being legally registered as an entity. As with many
NGOs, the organization has little know-how with regard to legality, financial viability, and general management.
However, they have made good progress in information sharing. The members have created an email network,
which acts essentially as a list serve, and so far there has been good participation.
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The Small Grants Program was carried out by the REC, working together with the PCU to develop guidelines
and publicize the program. Because of a delay in actually disseminating the grants, the impact and results of the
program have not yet been revealed.
The "Danube Watch" has been published in three issues, with two more special editions forthcoming. Four
thousand issues were being disseminated, and now it has increased to 8000. Future plans have it being published
on the DANUBIS site, as well as a condensed version inserted into another existing environmental publication
(in Austria). Unfortunately, the former editor at some point stopped following the developments of the Danube
program. After Phare funding stops in October 1999, sustainability of the publication will be in the hands of the
new publisher. There is the possibility of inserting advertisements into the journal by which it might be self-
sustaining.
The establishment of the Danube program home page has been facilitated by Phare, as mentioned above. This
home page is being hosted by the REC web site and has the appropriate links to maps, legislation, donors, and
other relevant information. A counter was put into the system, from which it can be assumed that up to 1000
people have visited the site.
Instead of updating DANIS as the project document outlined, the PCU felt it would be better to create a new
system with a wider scope, and thus created a working group to create "DANUBIS" in March 1998. Existing
components of DANIS, as well as the program home page, will be integrated into the new system.
3.4 Theory (Project Design revisited)
When considering the design of a project, it is important to analyze how it affects societal structure as well as
how the project is designed internally. First, looking at societal structure, the decision making process is the
focal point. Individual actors bring their own self-interest and ideologies to the table and make decisions based
on those interests. Each of these actions comes together to create a collective action, the output from which
affects the environment in some way. When the environment is altered, the individual's perception of reality
changes. And so the cycle continues. Between each of these stages, there is an imperfect flow of information
and communication. Disjunctures among individuals' worldviews can create greater disparity in the outcome of
the collective action (if there be any outcome at all), and thus will maintain or intensify the differences among
worldviews. If the point is to alter the outcome, the set of notions with which each person comes to the decision-
making table must also be altered. Simply introducing a new set of actors will not necessarily bring about the
desired outcome.
With regard to the design of a project, factors such as principal-agent problems must be addressed. A hierarchy
arises such that the donors and the project staff form one relationship, and the project staff and the sub-
contractors form another. Increasing levels of hierarchy widens the opportunity for miscommunication and
information gaps. Thus any organization has it within its best interest to minimize its hierarchical levels.
Additionally, the number of decision points through which any action must go through is directly related to the
cohesiveness and efficiency of that action. The decision to sub-contract usually comes out of the necessity to
have specialized services as well as a low level of uncertainty. Also, special effort must be made to assure that
processes are linked to goals.
3.5 Conclusions and Recommendations
Overall, the project did what it needed to into order to fulfill the objectives of the project. The full impact of
many of these efforts has yet to be seen, as timing is a factor. And still, as in the case of any development
project, this is just one step in the process.
In all, the project design hampered the intentions and the goal of the public participation component of the
project. While NGOs were effectively drawn into the decision-making process, the government side was less
prepared for cooperation on this level. Because many of the countries in the Danube river basin are still in a
transitional phase from an authoritarian to democratic rule, government authorities have yet to fully understand
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Annex VIII
the importance of accountability to the public. With this disparity in social framework, the collective action will
also suffer either from a lack of action at all or some of the participants dropping out of the process.
The decision to contract out a large part of the public participation component was probably the best decision to
make, though there were trade-offs involved. The project had to its advantage that the REC was a large and
well-established organization with a history in many of the countries in the Danube river basin. However, this
also necessitated that the contact with NGOs had to go through the REC's bureaucratic structure in addition to
that of the project, which at times conflicted. Also, the fact that the REC did not work in all the countries in the
basin contributed to a somewhat patchwork approach to NGO involvement as a whole. The nature of
subcontracting similarly caused somewhat of a rift between process and goals. The result was that the process
was adequately executed, though somewhat in isolation from the other processes in the project. This
disconnectedness may also contribute to an undesirable collective action in the implementation stage of the SAP
or Pollution Reduction Program.
The past weakness of the DEF and its current unresolved status is a critical factor for the future sustainability of
public participation and cooperation in the Danube region. NGOs in Hungary have already collectively decided
not to participate in the DEF. If the legal status of the organization is not adequately established from the
beginning, its capacity to attract funding will be greatly diminished. Currently, the representatives of the DEF
are unaware as to how to most effectively establish the organization.
In light of the above, recommendations are as follows:
1. Support should be given to the Commission to find or implement third sector awareness programs on the
governmental level, especially for developing countries. EU requirements for free press have been
instrumental in ascension countries thus far, but training programs are still needed. There has to be some
kind of history of intra-sectoral cooperation before real changes in decision-making can take place.
2. The Commission should support the DEF through management skills in legality and financial liability, and
work consistently to facilitate communication between the DEF and government officials.
3. Should the DEF fail to establish itself, personnel support should be given to the Commission to maintain a
network among NGOs regionally until another means of regional cooperation should become apparent.
4. The Commission should update and maintain the DANUBIS system until it can be sustainably given to the
work of the DEF or a like organization.
3.6 Mission Timeline
Saturday, June 12:
arrival in Vienna
Sunday, June 13:
meeting with team leader
Monday, June 14:
briefing with project leader, Joachim Bendow
project delineation, Joachim Bendow, Andy Garner
Tuesday, June 15:
meeting with Entela Pinguli, REC in Budapest
Wednesday, June 16:
meeting with Teun Botterweg, Phare
meeting with Wolfgang Stalzer, ICPDR
Thursday, June 17:
meeting with Christine Margraf, DEF rep in Munich
Friday, June 18:
depart from Munich
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ANNEX IX
PROJECT NUMBER:
RER/96/G31/A/1G/31
PROJECT TITLE:
DEVELOPING THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN POLLUTION
REDUCTION PROGRAMME
Author:
FRIEDRICH SCHWAIGER
Title of Report:
EVALUATION REPORT ON OBJECTIVE 4
DEVELOP THE FINANCING OF THE POLLUTION REDUCTION
PROGRAMME WITHIN THE DANUBE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
Duration of Contract:
12th 22nd June 1999 (9 Working days)
Contract Number:
CFS-99-1720
Project:
RER/97/RG1
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Annex IX
TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGE
1. Executive Summary
3
2. Introduction
4
2.1 Project Background
4
2.2 Evaluation Mission
4
3 Acknowledgements
4
4 Objectives
5
5. Sources of Information
5
6. Reports of Findings
5
6.1 Project Design
5
6.1.1 The Scope of Works as per the Project Document
5
6.1.2 Comments on the Project Design
7
6.2 Project Implementation
8
6.2.1 Time Schedule
8
6.2.2 Project Management
8
6.2.3 Project Approach
9
6.3 Project Impact
9
7. General Remarks
12
7.1 Activities of Other Organisations in the Sector and Region
12
7.2 Remarks on the General impact
13
8 Conclusions
14
9 Recommendations
15
ANNEX
Schedule of Meetings
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Annex IX
1. Executive Summary
This is the end of project evaluation report, covering objective 4 of the project, the financing of the pollution
reduction programme.
A team of four experts carried out a mission to the Project Co-ordination Unit at Vienna. The financial expert
was there from 14th to 18th June 1999 with the exception of a visit to KfW Frankfurt, who did the feasibility
study for the proposed Danube Environmental Fund.
Some sections of the project document were designed rather optimistically. It practically assumed that an
environmental fund will be feasible and that implementation of investment projects could start quickly. In some
cases it is very specific and did not cover "what to do if ... not". However, the project management applied a
very practical approach and so compensated above fact.
The project was implemented within the extended time frame (agreed at the beginning of the project) with the
exception of getting the revised SAP endorsed by the Ministerial conference.
The project work was well organised and strictly managed.
The project management applied the logical framework method (ZOPP) and involved to a high extent national
experts, which is found good.
Some 400 hot spot projects have been identified with a total investment portfolio of USD 5.5 billion, the
majority of projects being municipal waste water projects.
Costs have been split into baseline cost and incremental cost, according to GEF funding criteria. No reliable
operation and maintenance cost could be obtained, so the ranking of projects was done on the basis of
investment cost effectiveness.
Existing financing strategies in each country have been studied and general financing strategies were presented.
KfW did the feasibility study on the establishment of a Danube Environmental Fund and came to a negative
conclusion. The result is found correct. The proposed alternative of establishing a grant facility fund was turned
down by the ICPDR, as it would require a modification of the International Convention.
It is now proposed to install under the directive of the ICPDR a PIF (Project Implementation Facility) and a PAG
(Project Appraisal Group). The PIF will support ICPDR with regard to investment programs and all regional
activities, project preparation and identification. The PAG is a group of national experts who approve investment
projects confirming by their seal to a potential donor that a) the project is of quality as defined by ICPDR and b)
that it is a priority project.
A comprehensive SAP has been prepared which is not any more a revision but practically a new document.
Some more editing is recommended to shorten it and make it easier to read. The document is scheduled to be
approved at the Ministerial conference in Romania on 11th November 1999.
The project management does not consider a special donor pledging conference necessary since practically all
interested donors are represented in the PMTF which meets 2 to 3 times annually anyway.
Revenues from water supply waste water services is a primary source of finance of waste water projects. A
project should be executed aiming at improving the revenue collection efficiency.
Financing of investment projects will be done on a bilateral basis. There are good prospects for substantial
WB/GEF funds for financing primarily incremental cost. Addition financing by UNDP/GEF to ICPDR, their
bodies and activities is essential for maintaining the integrative element and financing of regional projects. The
cost for running the PIF are about USD 2.5 million for a period of 3 to 4 years.
The Multi Country Programme of the EU ends by October 2000. Future assistance will be given only at the
country level and primarily to EU accession countries. This also stresses the need to extend further GEF support
to ICPDR.
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2. Introduction
2.1 Project Background
A first phase of the Danube Programme was carried out from 1992-96, concentrating on building regional co-
operation in the water sector in the Danube river basin. The main output of this phase was the Strategic Action
Plan (SAP) 1994.
A Phase II project was designed and named "Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction
Programme" being the project subject to this evaluation.
The main purpose of this project is to prepare prioritised pollution reduction projects for co-financing by national
and international sources within the strategic policy framework for the Danube river basin and Black Sea.
The project comprises of the following objectives:
Objective 1:
Complete the knowledge base for priority-setting
Objective 2:
Review policy for protection (especially nature protection) of the Danube River Basin and the
Black Sea
Objective 3:
Increase public awareness and participation
Objective 4:
Develop the financing of the pollution reduction programme within the Danube Strategic Action
Plan (SAP)
2.2 Evaluation Mission
UNOPS contracted the end of project evaluation of referenced project to a team of individual consultants. Every
team member worked on particular objective. The team consisted of:
Dr. Stanislaw Manikowski
Team Leader, Policy and Institutional Expert
Dr. Francois Van Hoof
Technical Specialist
Esther Park
Specialist on Public Awareness
Fritz Schwaiger
Financial Specialist
The team carried out a field mission to Vienna with individual trips to Budapest, Frankfurt and Delft in calendar
week 24/99. The Financial Specialist stayed in Vienna from 14th to 18th June 1999 with the exception of a one
day mission to KfW Frankfurt on 17th June 1999.
In accordance with the TOR the team members prepared individual mission reports covering their tasks and
discussed their findings with the Team Leader who prepares an integral final report.
Consequently this financial report should be read in conjunction with the other reports.
3. Acknowledgements
Special thanks is herewith extended to:
· all PCU-GEF Project Team headed by the Project Manager Mr. Joachim Bendow at the UNDP office in the
VIC (Vienna International Centre) for all administrative and logistic support extended to the evaluation team
· the KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) for the lively discussions in their offices and sparing sufficient
time.
· Mr. Rainhard Wanninger, Financial Consultant to the PCU
· the Team Leader and all other members of the evaluation team for the fruitful discussions during project
evaluation.
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4. Objectives
This is the final evaluation of the project and should consider the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of the
project and its chances for sustainability. The scope of the evaluation shall cover the:
· Project design
· Project implementation
· Project impact
5. Sources of Information
This evaluation report is based on information and documents received during the evaluation mission to Vienna.
A schedule of meetings held and documents received is attached in Annex 1.
6. Report of Findings
6.1 Project Design
6.1.1 The Scope of Works as per the Project Document
Objective 4 consists of four sub-objectives and each sub-objective consists of several activities and tasks. They
are briefly summarised below.
Sub-objective 4.1: Development of project portfolio and financing strategies
Activity 1: Develop financing strategies.
National and international financing strategies should be developed for each country for the two different types
of projects (i.e. capacity building / demonstration projects and investment projects) by:
a) preparing a model structure for each Danube country
b) preparing national financing strategies including confirmation of national contributions
c) holding a workshop to review basin-wide financing strategy.
Activity 2: Portfolio of hot-spot projects
Brief project documents should be prepared for priority hot-spot projects. Cost estimates should distinguish
between incremental cost and base line cost. O&M cost should be considered carefully. This to be achieved by:
a) preparing a model structure for project documents
b) preparing project documents for individual projects
c) agreement on implementation strategies for each project
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Annex IX
Activity 3: Prepare wetland, floodplain and demonstration projects
This types of projects would not create any revenue stream and should therefore be grant financed. Cost
estimates should distinguish between incremental cost and base line cost. O&M cost should be considered
carefully. To be achieved by:
a) making a model structure for project documents
b) preparing project documents for individual projects
c) the agreement on implementation strategies for each project
Sub-objective 4.2: Mechanisms to provide sustainable financing (Danube Environmental Fund)
Activity 1: Feasibility study on establishing an environmental fund
In order to promote and finance transboundary pollution projects, the establishment of an international (or a
series of national) Danube Environmental Funds (Trust Fund) should be studied. This should be achieved by:
a) preparation of a feasibility study of options to establish an international fund and possibly merge with the
upcoming Transnational Danube Recovery Fund
b) Hold a workshop to agree on the approach
c) Hold consultations with the international community
Activity 2: Prepare structures, rules and mechanisms for the environmental fund
The legal basis, organisational structure, rules of procedure, financing sources etc should be prepared for the
fund by:
a) preparation of basic documents for establishing the fund
b) completion of administrative procedures to establish legal basis
c) setting-up the required organisations to manage the fund
Sub-objective 4.3: Finalise, agree and adopt a revised SAP
Activity 1: Integrate portfolio of investment and capacity building projects and the financing mechanisms into
the SAP
The existing SAP shall be refined and augmented with the elements described above, leading to a single
document. This shall be achieved by:
a) discussion of the results of the financing strategies and proposed projects with the group responsible for
updating the SAP.
b) Preparation of an updated version of the SAP.
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Annex IX
Activity 2: Adopt updated SAP at Ministerial Conference
The original SAP, being adopted by the member countries through the Minister Conference in 1994 states that it
will be updated after 3 years. A Ministerial Conference should therefore be organised covering the following:
a) organisation of a consultation meeting with the Country Programme Co-ordinators and representatives of the
International Commission
b) provide support to logistic organisation of the conference
c) prepare wide spread publication of the SAP including the Ministerial declaration
Activity 3: Preparation of a donor pledging conference (or PPC meeting)
Careful preparation and intensive consultations with bilateral and multilateral donors and IFIs should be done to
ensure a successful conference.
a) Finalisation of project documents
b) Hold a series of consultations with potential financiers
c) Hold a donor pledging conference
d) Publicise widely the achievements and settled financing
6.1.2 Comments on the Project Design
General
Generally the project document is well prepared, well structured, easy to understand and to read.
The project was designed at the end of Phase I. It is set up in a way to ensure a smooth change from Phase I to
Phase II and a rapid progress in the next step in the project cycle, leading finally towards actual project
implementation and investments.
The project document reflects much optimism. It is commonly agreed that national as well international
financing contributions should be combined. It seems that the establishment of a Danube Environmental Fund
(trust fund) has actually been decided.
Due to this "clear vision" where the project will go to, not much room has been given to thoughts about
alternatives if things do not develop as programmed.
It is understood that project documents need to be formulated in an optimistic way and with objectives set rather
high, in order to achieve all the project settings. Criticsm mentioned above needs to be seen in this respect.
Sub-objective 4.1
specifies the development of financing strategies / financing models for each Danube country and the
confirmation of expected national contributions. Due to the economic problems these countries are facing at the
moment, it is very unlikely that any commitments can be achieved for these projects.
Sub-objective 4.2
comprises the preparation of a feasibility study on a Danube Environmental Fund and the associated legal
requirements and rules and structures for operating such fund. It actually recommends to merge with the
upcoming Danube Recovery Fund lead by Germany and does not deal with the possibility of a negative result of
the study.
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Annex IX
The feasibility turned out to be negative. The project team (and their consultant) could have stopped working on
this issue then. Nevertheless, they continued looking for alternative solutions.
Sub-objective 4.3
is again specified with much optimism but generally considered correct.
6.2 Project Implementation
6.2.1 Time Schedule
The project was originally set up for a period of 16 months. This is unrealistically short.
When the project team (manager) started to work and made its work planning, a project period of 24 months was
agreed. This is still considered very short.
The project has been executed within the specified 24 months. All outputs have been produced as specified with
the exception of the conference for high level endorsement of the revised SAP and the donor pledging
conference.
Endorsement of the revised SAP is scheduled for the conference of Ministers in Romania on 11th November
1999.
A special donor pledging conference has not be organised since donors meet anyway regularly in the PMTF
(Project Management Task Force). So the Project Manager does not expect any benefit from organising a special
conference.
6.2.2 Project Management
The project was well managed and strictly controlled. High priority was put on keeping the time schedule.
The contacts already established in Phase I of the project helped to quickly have efficient communication with
the Country Co-ordinators and Experts. Workshops and clear guidelines how to collect and present data and
information substantially contributed to the efficient information flow. All 13 Danube countries submitted the
National Review Reports, without exception.
Concern has been raised that the strict time keeping and the time pressure may have affected the quality of input
data, work and output. Regarding objective 4 this can not be confirmed. According to the project team and their
Financial Consultant, the quality of the input data would not have improved significantly if more time was
available.
KfW (Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau) of Frankfurt was commissioned to carry out the feasibility study for the
establishment of a Danube Environmental Fund. KfW is the state owned bank in Germany in charge of export
financing and bilateral and multilateral economic co-operation. This fact and the fact that Germany is the most
potential Danube river riparian country may have made KfW the consultant of choice for doing the study. KfW
usually does not provide consulting services but accepted this request since it was channelled through the
German Ministry of Co-operation. The output of the study is satisfying. It has to be seen in the future whether or
not such an involvement of a bank will additionally benefit project work (e.g. selling of projects to IFIs easier).
6.2.3 Project Approach
The project was organised and executed such that the involvement of national experts was given priority to the
execution of the works by international experts. They were only used to co-ordinate the national experts and
summarise the results. This approach is considered correct.
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Generally the logical framework method of (ZOPP) target oriented project planning was applied. National
experts were trained in this method which helped considerably to create a uniform structure of all inputs and
reports. Nevertheless, also this approach has its limits of application and should not be reflected in reports to an
extend which makes them difficult to read (see revised SAP report).
6.3 Project Impact
Sub-objective 4.1: Development of project portfolio and financing strategies
Financing strategies
The report "Analysis of Financing Mechanisms " issued in March 1999 deals with the requested model for a
financing strategy of pollution reduction projects. In a summarised form the essence of this report is contained
also in the revised SAP report.
The report describes well the existing financing mechanisms and environmental funds in each of the Danube
countries. It outlines the big differences of national financing capacity and in parallel the decreasing efficiency
of water / waste water revenue collection systems in each country with a clear falling gradient following the
Danube river in flow direction.
The study does not present individual model structures for financing strategies for each country (as per ToR) but
gives a general recommendation for all countries. In short this is
a) to improve and to use to a maximum the national resources (mainly water revenues and public funds) and
b) only then to use international financing
c) to promote private sector participation.
This requires that the revenue collection systems for water and waste water services are significantly improved
in most countries in order to change the situation that the governments / municipalities have to raise the
financing.
The approach is considered correct and absolutely essential for the financing of such projects.
A confirmation of expected national contributions to the projects as specified in the ToR has not been
received.
Financing mechanisms were discussed at each of the National Planning Workshops. Preliminary results of the
study were presented in the Transboundary Analysis workshop in Baden in January 1999 and finally in the
workshop on Development of a Financing Facility in Baden in February 1999.
Portfolio of hot spot and wetland & floodplain projects
The "Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme Report" of June 1999 contains a portfolio of 421
projects. In total 513 hot spots were identified with 246 of them being actually based on existing improvement
projects. A summary of the key figures is contained also in the revised SAP.
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Annex IX
The grand sums are:
Total investment cost
USD 5.5 billion
Thereof
municipal projects
USD 3.5 billion
wetlands
USD 1.1 billion
others
USD 0.9 billion
Thereof
baseline cost
USD 3.5 billion
incremental cost
USD 2.0 billion
The projects were identified and cost estimates provided by national experts. They were trained in a workshop
on how to collect and verify the information and a model structure of a project document (data sheet) was
handed over to them.
The PCU team managed to get from all Danube countries without exception information in return and
managed to compile country reviews. The quality of work certainly varies from country to country.
The PCU team checked the so collected information for plausibility. A source of error is seen in the conversion
of cost estimates from local currency to USD. Generally the official exchange rates were applied.
The careful assessment of operation & maintenance cost is specified in the ToR but no reliable information
could be obtained.
As per GEF funding regulations, water projects need to have a transboundary effect and only this element is
eligible for GEF funding. It is generally accepted that the annual nutrition load (nitrogen and phosphorus) is the
main cause of eutrophication of the Black Sea. The river Danube is one of the main contributors. The general
approach was that measures aiming at P and N removal are incremental cost and all other cost are baseline cost.
Regarding waste water treatment plants the incremental cost represent the tertiary treatment. The removal of
carbon and other elements are considered as baseline cost. Regarding wetland and floodplain projects, the
provision of land is considered as baseline cost and the cost for restoration as incremental cost.
The cost effectiveness method was used as a parameter for ranking of projects. Due to the vague O&M cost
information, a ranking of projects was done according to investment cost needed per unit of removed BOD,
COD, P and N.
The method using the present value approach was presented in the Pollution Reduction Programme in Hernstein
in May 1999 to the country experts and it was agreed that the project data need to be completed and updated to
be able to apply such method.
Concern has been raised about the quality of data, also in relation to the short project period. PCU staff
explained that the quality of financial data (cost estimates) would not have improved with and extension of time.
Data are based mainly on cost estimates on projects of former years and an improvement of the data quality
could only be obtained if individual (feasibility) studies are carried out for each project.
The PCU staff confirms that the identified projects include all major hot spots. Some medium size projects may
still be missing and smaller projects are not included. However, the data bank established needs to be regularly
updated and projects be included step by step. The ranking of the top series of projects should not be affected as
experience shows a good positive correlation between project size and priority ranking.
Regarding the argument of possible deficiencies in cost data and the incompleteness of projects, the big gap
between projects identified with associated investment cost and the realistic investments to take place in the next
years has to be seen. In addition each project will be checked again before investments actually take place.
10
Annex IX
The ToR also specify the need to agree on implementation strategies for each of the pollution reduction
programme rather vague. If this term refers to eligibility of GEF funding and the ranking of projects by cost
effectiveness than this task has been covered.
The ToR further require the definition of revenues achieved by the projects. Most of the projects are waste water
treatment projects which do not generate any revenues. Only in exceptional cases they have an effect of
reduction of alternative treatment cost.
Sub-objective 4.2: Mechanisms to provide sustainable financing (Danube Environmental Fund)
Feasibility study on establishing a Danube Environmental Fund
PMU contracted this task to KfW who published their work in the report: "Financing Pollution Reduction
Measures in the Danube River Basin: Present Situation and Suggestions for new Instruments" in April 1999.
After careful analysis they came to the conclusion that such fund is not feasible due to the following:
· The wealthier countries have not interest in a compensation mechanism (wealthy countries contribute to the
fund, less well off countries receive from fund,
· International taxes and pollution charges as source of finance is not accepted by all countries
· The amount of available donor and IFI money would not increase by such fund; why to carry administration
cost for such fund?
· EU extends sizeable concessional money to potential accession countries but not to a fund
· PMTF can take over a possible brokerage function of the fund and assistance in project preparation.
Very similar was the outcome of a study from a different consultant regarding a Black Sea Environmental Fund.
KfW then investigated into alternative solutions and recommended a Danube Environmental Facility Fund
(DEFF). This fund would not be an intermediary for IFIs but would concentrate on providing grant money for:
· Technical assistance for project identification
· Grants for investment projects (which can not be financed by loans)
· Packaging of projects for financing by IFIs.
KfW provided details who such fund should function and be administered. The DEFF was supposed to be placed
under the ICPDR. However, this would require an addendum to the International Convention to set the legal
basis. In view of the difficulties and the time needed to implement and ratify such addendum, the idea to
establish an DEFF was dropped in the June 1999 Steering Committee Meeting of the ICPDR.
The KfW study then recommended the establishment of a Project Appraisal Group (PAG) and a Project
Implementation Facility (PIF), both of them under the ICPDR.
The PAG would be an expert group for project appraisal. By this, less attractive projects could be sold better to
donors. Secondly the PAG would approve and authorise projects from individual countries, confirming that the
project is up to the standard defined by the ICPDR and an ICPDR priority project. The President of the ICPDR
thinks that the PAG facility will be necessary for a some period of time, until national experts have gained
experience in this work.
The role of the PIF would be
· To support the work of ICPDR regarding regional investment programs
· Assist member countries in project preparation (acceptable for IFIs and GEF)
· Monitoring of results
11
Annex IX
ICPDR has welcomed this idea and hopes that the required financial support is provided by UNDP/GEF. An exit
strategy could be that finally PPC takes over this role or the PMTF is charged with additional competencies,
similar to the METAP model.
The cost of the FIP for a 3 to 4 year period are USD 2.5 million.
Preparation of structures, rules etc. for the Environmental Fund
The project document was set up with the assumption that the fund will be certainly established. It also
mentions, that the proposed fund should be merged with the upcoming transnational Danube Recovery Fund,
lead by Germany. Such fund has not materialised.
As outlined above, the feasibility of the Danube Environmental Fund was negative and so there is no need to
prepare structures and rules for the fund. Nevertheless, KfW has outlined such structures and rules for the
proposed DEFF.
Sub-objective 4.3: Finalise, agree and adopt a revised SAP
Preparation of a revised SAP
The ToR specify the revision of the original SAP by refining the existing content and integrating the portfolio of
projects and the regional financing mechanisms.
The PMU prepared practically a new SAP. The main reason for it was, that the SAP should be a strategic paper
containing policy and strategy issues and no actions and projects. They were put into the "Pollution Reduction
Programme" report. These major changes are not very much appreciated by country experts who were strongly
involved in the preparation of the first SAP.
The revised SAP is a comprehensive and substantial document with inputs from the national reviews, the results
from the workshops and from international experts. The document has recently been sent out for the final review
by the national experts.
The document strictly follows the target oriented project planning method which is principally appreciated. But,
the document is overloaded with information and contains repetitions. The report should be streamlined,
restricted to the essential information, well structured and made easy to read.
The previous SAP document was considered the "bible" for the ICPDR. As long as the International Convention
was not signed and ratified, it was the only document binding ICPDR together. The revised SAP should be
finalised with the same expectations.
Ministerial endorsement of the revised SAP
The PMU does not expect major changes and comments to come back from the national experts on the SAP, so
the endorsement of the final version of the revised SAP by the Ministers of the Danube countries is expected to
take place at the Ministerial conference in Romania, scheduled for 11th November 1999.
Donor pledging conference
A donor pledging conference or a PPC meeting has not been held yet.
The project management informs that the regular meetings of the PMTF (2 to 3 times a year) which are usually
combined with the Steering Committee meetings actually substitute such a meeting. At these meetings all major
IFIs and donors are present and a special donor conference would not attract additional financiers.
12
Annex IX
7. General Remarks
7.1 Activities of Other Organisations in the Sector and Region
EU Phare and Tacis
This project co-operated well with EU Phare in Phase I. Phare and also Tacis complemented the Phase II
programme of UNDP/GEF covering the early warning model, financing pilot projects, some of the working
groups and activities of ICPDR, the PMTF etc.
The fact that some countries fall under Phare and others under Tacis makes administration for their Project
Manager rather difficult. It also does not support the crucial aspect of integrating all countries into the
programme.
The project operates under the Multi Country Programme which was terminated by the EU. Approximately ECU
5 million are still available under the ongoing project and have to be earmarked until October 1999. The project
will end by October 2000.
It is planned that Phare and Tacis will then continue their assistance in this sector and region at the country level.
Special technical assistance and financial support (ISPA funds etc.) is expected to be given to the EU accession
candidate countries which have to improve the environmental situation before becoming EU member country.
This aspect obviously does not contribute to the integrative aspect of all Danube countries.
Private Sector Participation
In view of the budgetary constraints of the down stream Danube river countries, private sector participation may
play an important role in achieving the set goals. French water companies are already established in the region.
The Austrian company FGG Finanzierungsgarantiegesellschaft is an organisation of the Ministry of Finance
extending guarantees to Austrian companies for foreign investments. FGG has recently established in Budapest
with an Hungarian state bank the joint venture company Duna Development Ltd. This organisation identifies and
formulates projects in the environment and energy sectors and promotes them to private industries.
KfW is in the process of establishing credit lines through local banks among others also in the Danube river
countries. They aim at projects in the range of DM 5 to 10 million by financing up to 2/3 of the total project cost.
7.2 Remarks on the General impact
The project has been working mainly with national experts which is good. These experts are the people who are
already convinced about the need for investments in improving the environment. The dissemination of this
understanding still needs to go on in horizontal and vertical direction in the governments and administrations,
but this needs time.
The involvement of the private sector was not part of this project, but should be promoted.
Project implementation will mainly be going on at the country level. Donors and IFIs will negotiate on a bilateral
basis. There are expectations that WB/GEF could make available a USD 70 million WB/GEF grant portfolio for
investment projects for the Danube and Black Sea region. These funds could cover incremental cost and WB will
offer (might tie) complementary loan financing for meeting the base line investment cost.
In addition to above, the integrative element of the ICPDR is very important. Further assistance should be
extended by UNDP/GEF to the ICPDR and its activities. Some of the projects do not qualify for loan financing
and have regional character, so need to be promoted through ICPDR. Continued UNDP/GEF assistance in
parallel to incremental financing of WB/GEF is essential.
ICPDR needs continued financial assistance to ensure sustainability of the integrative role of ICPDR.
13
Annex IX
8 Conclusions
1) All substantial elements of the project have been completed within the (modified) project period.
2) All outputs in form of reports and workshops have been delivered.
3) A portfolio of some 400 projects (hot spot and wetland) has been prepared.
4) A priority ranking of the projects has been done on the basis of investment cost effectiveness as no reliable
operation & maintenance cost could be gathered. Cross checking of the data is advised but can be done on a
project to project case when picked up by a potential financier.
5) Projects still need to be hooked on to national / international financiers.
6) The establishment of a "big" Danube Environmental Fund is not feasible.
7) The alternatively proposed Danube Environmental Financing Facility (a grant fund facility) can not be
realised as well.
8) The revised SAP is actually a new report and not only a revision. Some more editing would improve easy
reading and quality of the document.
9) Ministerial endorsement of the revised SAP is expected to be obtained on 11th November 1999.
10) The primary source of finance for this type of investment projects is revenues collected from water and
waste water services plus other national financing plus international grants. Only then international loans
should be used.
11) The project management does not consider a special donor pledging conference necessary since practically
all interested donors are represented in the PMTF which meets regularly.
12) Financing of investment projects will (and should) be done on a country level. GEF funds for financing
incremental cost (here nutrition removal) is needed for the proposed projects but should not be tied to
international loan financing.
13) Private sector participation could play an important role and should be promoted.
14) EU accession countries are faced with the requirement of the EU, to improve their environmental situation.
Significant financial assistance from the EU is expected towards these countries. It can be expected that this
is the main driving force for investments in the environmental sector in these countries.
15) The main driving force for the other (non EU accession) countries is a) the will to improve the
environmental situation, b) to reduce pollution load to the Black Sea. Both incentives are weaker than the
EU accession arguments. An increase of the existing disparity in the environmental situation between the
Danube countries can be expected.
16) The ICPDR is an integrative element. It needs to be given the power and financial capacity to maintain its
role in particular in view of above prospects.
17) Any future non-national (regional) activities / projects must be placed under the umbrella of the ICPDR.
18) ICPDR´s activities should be on the policy and strategy level. However, regional activities which are of no
significant interest to individual countries need to be taken up by ICPDR. Special bodies under ICPDR like
PIF, PAG etc. should be charged with these activities.
14
Annex IX
9 Recommendations
1) Further editing of the revised SAP to make it a smart policy and a strategy document.
2) Get Ministerial endorsement for the SAP
3) Co-ordination of all future regional activities by the ICPDR.
4) Any future body established (PCU, PIU, PIF, GAP etc.) on a regional level must be under the directive of
ICPDR.
5) Continued UNDP/GEF support to the ICPDR, their activities and bodies is needed in order to maintain the
integrative element and to implement regional projects which are of low priority to individual countries.
6) ICPDR should operate on the policy and strategy level and get involved in activities only for regional
aspects which would not be taken up by individual Danube countries.
7) Project implementation and investment financing will go on at the country level. Each country will negotiate
its own terms. ICPDR should assist the national experts in preparing bankable projects.
8) An essential financial source for financing waste water projects is the revenues from water sales. A project
should be formulated covering each individual country to improve revenue collection efficiency with the
following scope of work:
a) analysis of the current revenue collection system (technical legal and practical aspects)
b) define the socially acceptable tariffs
c) calculate the revenue potential country wide
d) defines the necessary legal modifications to improve the situation
e) define the necessary technical and administrative modifications to improve the situation
f) formulate the investment package (water meters, computer systems etc)
g) formulate training requirements of water company staff
h) define an project with budget for public awareness building
i) make realistic projections for increased income from water sales
9) GEF financing of incremental cost is needed but should not be tied to international loan financing.
10) Private sector participation should be included in future activities.
15
Annex IX
ANNEX 1
RER/96/G31/A/1G/31
DEVELOPING THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAMME
FINANCIAL ANALYST
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
Date/ Time
Location / Participants
Subject / Documents received
Mo. 14.06.99
Arrival in Vienna
08:30
Mo. 14.06.99
VIC
Introduction to the team members and to the project by
09:00 11:00
Mr. Joachim Bendow, Project Manager
the Project Manager
Mr. Roger Aertgeerts, UNOPS
Mr. Stanislaw Manikowski, Team Leader
Documents received:
Mr. Francois van Hoof, Technical Specialist
List of documents.
Ms. Ester Park, Public Awareness Specialist
All documents (output) produced by the project.
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger, Financial Specialist
Mo. 14.06.99
VIC
Introduction by the Team Leader to proposed approach
11:00 13:00
Mr. Roger Aertgeerts, UNOPS
and discussion of individual tasks.
Mr. Stanislaw Manikowski
Mr. Francois van Hoof
Documents received:
Ms. Ester Park
Checklist for drafting the evaluation report.
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Mo. 14.06.99
FGG-Finanzierungs Garantie Gesellschaft
Introduction to their approach to stimulate private sector
13:30 15:00
Dr. Wilhelm Hantsch-Linhart, Infrastructure investments in Hungary and other CEECs by establishing
Financing Specialist
a Project Development Company in the recipient country.
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Documents received:
FGG Brochure
Description of Duna Development Ltd.
Tu. 15.06.99
EU Phare
The Phare Environmental Programme for the Danube
09:00 10:30
Mr. Teun Botterweg, Team Leader
river.
Mr. Francois van Hoof
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Documents received:
1996 Annual Report
Danube Strategic Action Plan Implementation
Programme 1996-99
Tu. 15.06.99
VIC
Internal;
10:30 11:30
Mr. Stanislaw Manikowski
Relevant Documents
Mr. Francois van Hoof
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Tu. 15.06.99
VIC
Organisations involved in the Programme
13:30 15:00
Mr. Andy Garner, PCU, Environmental Engineer
Mr. Francois van Hoof
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Tu. 15.06.99
VIC
Time schedule, comments on outputs, and organisations
15:00 16:30
Mr. Joachim Bendow, PCU Project Manager
involved in the Programme
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Tu. 15.06.99
VIC
Social elements in the project
16:30 17:30
Mr. Stanislaw Manikowski
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
We. 16.06.99
VIC
09:00
Mr. Stanislaw Manikowski
Documents received:
A - 1
Annex IX
Date/ Time
Location / Participants
Subject / Documents received
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Revised and agreed project time schedule (07/97-06/99)
We. 16.06.99
ICPDR office, VIC
Status of the Danube river and the Black Sea; monitoring;
10:30 11:30
Mr. Hellmut Fleckseder, Technical & Scientific
Director,
Documents received:
Mr. Francois van Hoof
Eutrophication in the Black Sea: causes and effects
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
We. 16.06.99
VIC
Objective 4 of the project; data collection, calculations,
13:30 15:30
Mr. Reinhard Wanninger, Financial Consultant conclusions
to the PCU
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
We. 16.06.99
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vienna
Performance and benefits of the project to ICPDR, future
16:00 17:00
Mr. Wolfgang Stalzer, ICPDR President
activities needed.
Mr. Stanislaw Manikowski
Mr. Francois van Hoof
Ms. Ester Park
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
We. 16.06.99
Vienna
Performance and benefits of the project to ICPDR, future
18:00 19:00
Mr. Wilhelm Kittinger, past President of ICPDR
activities needed.
Mr. Francois van Hoof
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Th. 17.06.99
KfW, Frankfurt
Feasibility Study on the Danube Environmental Fund.
10:00 15:00
Mr. Jürgen H. Lottmann, Chief of the
Environment and Public Health Division,
Mr. Dieter Schulze-Vornhagen, Senior Project
Manager, Promotional Banks
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Fr. 18.06.99
VIC
Clarification of questions, future input needed from
10:00 11:00
Mr. Joachim Bendow
UNDP/GEF
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
Documents received:
Fr. 18.06.99
VIC
Debriefing of the Team Leader
10:00 11:00
Mr. Stanislaw Manikovski
Mr. Fritz Schwaiger
A - 2
Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme
TERMINAL REPORT
Sept. 10, 1999
Basic programme/project information :
Programme/Project number and title:
RER/96/G31/A/1G/31
Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme
Designated institution:
Project starting date:
Sept. 1, 1997
Originally planned:
Actual:
Project completion date:
Originally planned:
Dec. 31, 1998
New:
Sept. 30, 1999
Total budget ($):
Original:
3,900,000 US Dollars
Latest signed revision:
3,900,000 US Dollars
Period covered by the report:
Sept. 1, 1997 to Sept. 30, 1999
PART I: NUMERICAL RATING
Rate the relevance and performance of the programme or project using the following scale:
1 - Highly satisfactory
4 - Unsatisfactory
2 - Satisfactory
X - Not applicable
3 - Unsatisfactory, with some positive elements
Place your answers in the column that corresponds to your role in the programme or project.
SUBSTANTIVE FOCUS
Rating
Comments - Project Manager
by
Project
Manager
A. RELEVANCE
1. How relevant is the programme
1
The project is highly relevant to efforts to build regional
or project to the development
cooperation, improve water quality as well as to prepare
priorities of the country?
most Danubian countries for entry into the European Union.
It fits well into regional and national plans of DRB
countries.
2. How relevant is the programme
1
The programme is very relevant to the promotion of SHD,
or project to the promotion of
via capacity building, use of national experts, development
sustainable human
a) X
of cooperation with national counterparts etc.
development? Indicate your
b) Project contributed via activities leading to nutrient
rating on the thematic focus
b) 1
reduction to the Black Sea, and positive impacts on water
which the programme or project
quality in the DRB.
was designed to address.
c) X
d) Achieved positive result due to use of participatory
(a) Poverty eradication and
d) 2
approach, NGO involvement and activities to strengthen
sustainable livelihoods
NGOs in the Danube.
(b) Protection and regeneration
of the environment
(c) Gender in development
(d) Promoting an enabling
environment for SHD, including
governance
3. To what extent are appropriate
c) All Danube Countries participated actively in the project
beneficiary groups being
a) X
with a particular emphasis on integrating Bosnia-
targeted by the programme or
b) X
Hercegovina. NGOs and the civil society were involved as
project, based on the following
well as national focal points from the respective
considerations?
c) 1
governments
(a) Gender
(b) Socio-economic factors
(c) Geographic location
4. Given the objectives of the
1
The appropriate institutions have been involved with a
programme or project, are the
particular focus on the ICPDR, focal points at the national
appropriate institutions being
level and NGOs.
assisted?
2
SUBSTANTIVE FOCUS
Rating
Comments - Project Manager
by
Project
Manager
B. PERFORMANCE
1. Using the following indicators,
rate the contribution of the
outputs to the achievement of
the immediate objectives: a/
(Indicator 1)
1
Knowledge base for priority setting significantly improved
Completion of knowledge base
and expanded. The Pollution Reduction Programme
for priority setting
represents a large step forward in the knowledge of priority
pollutants (emphasis on N and P) as well as hot spots and
identification of priority projects and measures. The new
level of information, has been placed in a databank which
the ICPDR will now be updating and improving regularly.
(Indicator 2)
2
National and Regional policies for protection and
Policy review for protection of
improvement of the Danube River Basin/Black Sea
the Danube River Basin and the
reviewed and recommendations for improvements
Black Sea
prepared. National policies were reviewed and
recommendations for improvement were developed in the
frame of National Review reports and inter-sectoral
National Planning Workshops including national
stakeholder representatives. The Strategic Action Plan was
also developed by reviewing National outputs in a regional
context. The SAP was finalized in a regional participatory
workshop. Further joint technical working group Danube-
Black Sea provided the base for development of basin-
wide policies.
(Indicator 3)
1
Public Awareness and Public Participation increased.
Increase in Public Awareness
NGOs were included in important elements of the project
and Public Participation
including national NGO consultation workshops, National
Planning Workshops etc.
(Indicator 4)
1
Financing for the Pollution Reduction Programme
Development of financing for a
developed. Financing mechanisms of all DRB countries
Pollution Reduction
reviewed. Regional mechanisms in the frame of Danube
Programme within the Danube
Environment Financing Facility developed. Investment
SAP
portfolio prepared and donors meeting planned.
2. Rate the production of target
1
Outputs expected from Project document largely achieved
outputs.
within the constraint of very tight time limits.
3. Are the management
1
Management arrangements of the programme functioned
arrangements of the programme
very well with excellent cooperation with the ICPDR, DRB
or project appropriate?
countries, PHARE/TACIS Danube programme, World
Bank etc.
a/ The programme or project manager must list the indicators as reflected in the programme support document
or project document or agreed on by the stakeholders.
3
SUBSTANTIVE FOCUS
Rating
Comments - Project Manager
by
Project
Manager
4. Are programme or project
resources (financial, physical
and manpower) adequate in
terms of:
a. financial resources
1
adequate for tasks required
b. physical resources
1
equipment, office space etc. met project needs
c. manpower
(a) quantity?
2
Project support (i.e. secretary) missing at project start
(b) quality?
1
Project team worked well as a team and identified and
cooperated well with large team of international and
national experts
5. Are programme or project
1
Project resources were allocated efficiently with an
resources being used efficiently
emphasis on utilizing national expertise where possible
to produce planned results?
which was also more cost effective
6. Is the programme or project
1
The GEF Danube Pollution Reduction Programme has
cost-effective compared to
been very cost effective particularly in comparison to the
similar interventions?
previous GEF intervention in the Danube.
7. Based on its work plan, how
would you rate the timeliness of
the programme or project in
terms of:
(a) Production of outputs and
1
Outputs were timely with all major outputs completed by
initial results?
June 1999.
(b) Inputs delivery?
2
Mainly satisfactory however there were some difficulties
with UNOPS concerning contracts and services
Please indicate your overall rating of the programme or project using the following numbers:
1 - Highly satisfactory
3 - Unsatisfactory, with some positive elements
2 - Satisfactory
4 - Unsatisfactory
5 - Not applicable
Rating by
Comments - Project Manager
Project
Manager
OVERALL RATING OF
1
The Project Objectives were significantly achieved. The
THE PROJECT
results have been well received by the ICPDR as well as
Danube River Basin Countries assuring the sustainability of
results. The results provide an excellent basis for
implementing pollution reduction measures in the future.
Explain the basis of your rating, which need not be limited to, or which may be different from, the relevance
and performance criteria rated above. For the last year of the programme or project, the overall rating should
include an assessment of the potential success of the programme or project as well as its relevance and
performance.
4
PART II: TEXTUAL ASSESSMENT
1. What are the major achievements of the programme or project vis-à-vis the expected results? Please explain them in detail in terms of
potential impact, sustainability of results and contribution to capacity development.
Table: Major Achievements vis a vis Expected Results
Expected Results (per
Major Achievements
Potential Impact
Sustainability of Results
Contribution to Capacity
Project Document)
Development
1. National and basin-wide
a) National Reviews completed, a) Impact expected to a) Results should be sustainable and a) National capacities were
pollution reduction
hot spots of pollution (N and
significantly focus and
long lasting. Use of participatory
strengthened given the project's
programmes for
P) identified and projects
stimulate implementation at
approach ensures "ownership of
approach of primarily using
substances causing
planned; National Planning
the national level;
results".
national expertise to collect and
eutrophication (especially
Workshops held to develop b) Expected to lead to greater b) Project Database developed to
analyze data and information at
nitrogen and phsophorus)
national strategies and
implementation of pollution
allow for countries to constantly
the national level under
coming from
programme for pollution
reduction projects in the
improve information about
guidance of international
municipalities, industry
reduction resulting in an
Danube Basin. Allows a basis
projects in the Pollution
experts.
and agriculture;
agreed national approach for
for monitoring results (project
Reduction Programme, as well as b) Consistent use of methodology
reduction of nutrients;
database) and to quantify
allows for projects to be added
for data collection and analysis
b) Pollution Reduction
achievements.
and subtracted based on
in each country harmonized
Programme developed
implementation and consistent
approach. Regional workshop
containing 421 projects for
review at both the national and
to develop PRP integrated and
reducing N and P and
regional levels.
strengthened national capacities
quantifying reduction
throughout the basin.
2. Revised Danube River a) The Strategic Action Plan for a) The revised SAP is expected to a) The SAP should be a living a) Only experts from the Danube
Basin Strategic Action
the Danube River Basin was
serve as the guiding policy
document and reflect the current
River Basin were involved in
Plan (SAP) which
revised based on a
document for the
environmental, socio-economic
developing the SAP as well as
includes a policy
participatory approach based
implementation of the Danube
and political situation in the
the national plans that form the
direction for the Danube
on input from all DRB
River Protection Convention
Danube River Basin. Thus it is
basis of the 1999 revision. This
River Basin;
stakeholders. The national
by the ICPDR.
expected that revisions are to be
unique cooperation using a
policies and strategies for
done periodically to "revise" the
logical framework approach,
pollution reduction developed
SAP to new circumstances. The
strengthened national capacities
in a consistent approach at
SAP revision 1999 reflects the
in developing coherent, logical,
the National Planning
current policy and strategic needs
target oriented policies and
Workshops were integrated
in the Danube River Basin and
strategies.
and placed in a regional
should serve as the guiding policy
context.
instrument until the next revision
in 2003.
5
Expected Results (per
Major Achievements
Potential Impact
Sustainability of Results
Contribution to Capacity
Project Document)
Development
3. National and basin-wide a) Danube River Basin Wetland a) This relatively small a) Given the direct involvement of a) National wetland focal points
pollution reduction and
Inventory completed and a
component of the GEF
national and regional NGOs in
were utilized to collect and
ecological rehabilitation
Basin-wide Wetland and
Programme will have a very
developing the programme, the
verify data and information at
programmes for priority
Floodplain Rehabilitation
important impact in stimulating
activities in wetland rehabilitation
the national level using a
wetlands, floodplains,
Programme was developed.
wetland rehabilitation activities
should not only be sustainable but
consistent methodology. The
and adjacent groundwater
Programme was developed in
in the Danube River Basin. It
also expanded in the future.
project results were strengthen
resources, and
close cooperation with the
provides concrete rehabilitation
Efforts to develop a Lower
capacities of national
demonstration projects in
EU's PHARE and TACIS
projects that can be supported
Danube Green Corridor are
governments to appropriately
cooperation with the
programmes which have
by national governments,
currently underway to rehabilitate
integrate wetland rehabilitation
European Union`s Phare
initiated demonstration
NGOs as well as be presented
wetlands in Bulgaria, Romania,
and protection projects and
and Tacis Programmes
projects in wetland
to interested donors.
Moldova and the Ukraine with
measures into national
rehabilitation.
significant donor interest and
pollution reduction
involvement.
programmes.
4. Transboundary Analysis
a) Transboundary Analysis a) The TDA provides the first a) This first TDA provides a a) National experts were used to
of actual water pollution
(TDA) of Water Pollution in
comprehensive basin wide
comprehensive framework for
collect and analyze data and
and its effects from
the Danube River Basin was
analysis of transboundary
collecting and analyzing
information working in
country to country and to
completed.
pollution problems in the
transboundary water pollution. It
multidisciplinary teams.
the Black Sea;
b) Danube Water Quality Model
Danube and lays the technical
is expected that this will
Experts participated in a
(DWQM) greatly improved
basis for identifying remedial
continuously be improved and
regional target oriented
as a tool to analyze
and preventative measures;
updated in the future as better
planning workshop to finalized
transboundary pollution b) The DWQM is a tool that
more consistent water quality data
the Danube Transboundary
(from country to country) as
improves the ability to identify,
is collected in the DRB.
Analysis.
well as to evaluate potential
quantify and to evaluate
rehabilitation measures.
transboundary pollution.
5. Increased public
a) National NGO Workshops a) Both NGO and National a) The activities developed a a) Experience in conducting and
awareness and
held in 11 Danube Countries;
Planning Workshops ensured
framework for bringing NGOs
participating in target oriented
participation in pollution
b) National Planning
broad participation from all
together at the national level
planning workshops provided
reduction activities
Workshops held in 11
stakeholders as well as
which should be utilized again in
to national NGOs.
related to the SAP and
Danube Countries;
provided a vehicle to build
the future.
b) Experience in conducting and
improved information
c) 5 issues of Danube Watch
public awareness at the b) National Planning Workshops sets
participating in
accessibilitiy and
published (including special
national level.
the basis for multidisciplinary,
multidisciplinary, inter-sectoral
transparency;
editions on the b) same as above
inter-sectoral planning in the
target oriented planning
Transboundary Analysis and c) Used to inform the interested
future.
workshops provided to Danube
the SAP/Pollution Reduction
public about Danube Pollution c) Successfully started using the sale
Stakeholders.
Programme respectively);
Reduction Programme
of advertisements to reduce the c) Experts and journalists from the
d) ICPDR Information System
activities.
cost of producing the Danube
Danube River Basin provided
(DANUBIS) developed in d) A primary goal of the new
Watch with the ultimate goal of
input to Danube Watch.
part to disseminate results.
ICPDR Information System
self-sufficiency.
d) Danube River Basin experts
6
Expected Results (per
Major Achievements
Potential Impact
Sustainability of Results
Contribution to Capacity
Project Document)
Development
being developed in the frame d) The information system will be
responsible for developing
of GEF assistance, is to
owned and operated by the
ICPDR information system.
significantly increase the
ICPDR, a permanent institution
Training to be provided to
ability of the public to access
funded by member countries
primary users within the
information produced in the
assuring the further operation of
ICPDR.
PRP as well as to provide a
the information system.
better way for building public
awareness and support for the
PRP.
6. Strengthened capacity of
a) National NGO Workshops a) Both NGO and National a) The activities developed a
a) Experience in conducting and
environmental non-
held in 11 Danube Countries;
Planning Workshops ensured
framework for bringing NGOs
participating in target oriented
governmental
b) NGOs participated in
broad participation from all
together at the national level
planning workshops provided
organizations (NGOs)
National Planning
stakeholders as well as
which should be utilized again in
to national NGOs.
involved in Danube and
Workshops in 11 Danube
provided a vehicle to build
the future.
b) Experience in participating in
Black Sea issues;
Countries;
public awareness at the b) National Planning Workshops sets
multidisciplinary, inter-sectoral
c) Danube Environmental
national level.
the basis for multidisciplinary,
target oriented planning
Forum was re-established and b) same as above
inter-sectoral planning in the
workshops provided to Danube
framework developed for c) National representatives to the
future.
Stakeholders as well as
sustainable operation;
DEF were chosen at the c) Slovakian NGO supporting DEF
representing civil-society
National NGO Workshops.
Secretariat. DEF developed
interests.
Two regional DEF meetings
statues and then established itself
c) Strengthened ability of Danube
were held. DEF
as a legal entity in Slovakia.
River Basin NGOs to organize
representatives participated in
Proposal developed and presented
themselves at the regional
the regional workshops.
to donors for the further
level.
development of DEF.
7. Improved international
a) GEF programme supported a) DRPC ratified, ICPDR a) Permanent Secretariat of the a) Improved ability to cooperate
cooperation in the
the ratification process of the
established with a permanent
ICPDR established financed by
with donor organizations;
sustainable management
ICPDR;
secretariat which will
member country contributions b) Provided national experts with
of the Danube river Basin
b) Both Bosnia-Herzcegovina
strengthen regional
assuring continued regional
experience with cooperating at
and Black Sea, including
and the Federal Republic of
cooperation.
cooperation in the DRB;
the regional level as well as
the integration of Bosnia-
Yugoslavia were successfully b) Valuable cooperation as well b) Strong institutional contacts as
with working with international
Herzcegovina and the
integrated into all GEF
as much needed technical
well as contacts at the expert level
organizations. Experience in
Federal Republic of
Pollution Reduction
information gained from B-H
established providing the basis for
target oriented planning
Yugoslavia in
Programme activities.
and Yugoslavia's participation
further cooperation in the future
workshops provided as noted
international management
providing comprehensive
despite the conflict in the region.
above.
of hte Danube River
information needed for the
The functioning of this network in
Basin.
Transboundary Analysis, SAP
the FRY after the war indicates
revision and the completion of
the sustainability of the
the PRP.
cooperation established.
7
Expected Results (per
Major Achievements
Potential Impact
Sustainability of Results
Contribution to Capacity
Project Document)
Development
8. Prepared project
a) Pollution Reduction a) Expected to lead to greater a) Project Database developed to a) Consistent use of methodology
documents and financing
Programme developed
implementation of pollution
allow for countries to constantly
for data collection and analysis
packages for a series of
consisting of 421 priority
reduction projects in the
improve information about
in each country harmonized
priority pollution
projects as well as important
Danube Basin. Allows a basis
projects in the Pollution
approach. Regional workshop
reduction projects, and
policy measures that will lead
for monitoring results (project
Reduction Programme, as well as
to develop PRP integrated and
mechanisms for attracting
to the reduction of priority
database) and to quantify
allows for projects to be added
strengthened national capacities
additional international
pollutants in the Danube
achievements;
and subtracted based on
throughout the basin;
support;
River Basin.
b) Provides basis for presenting
implementation and consistent b) Provided experience to national
b) Danube Partnership
prepared projects to interested
review at both the national and
experts in preparing investment
Programme, a portfolio of 60
international financial
regional levels.
projects with sufficient
priority investment projects,
institutions (IFIs) and donors;
b) Donor conference scheduled to
documentation and level of
prepared for presentation to c) Provided clear understanding
assure implementation of part of
detail for presentation to IFIs
donors;
of what are the strengths and
investment portfolio;
and donors;
c) National review of financing
weaknesses of existing national c) Sound analysis of what options c) Strengthened the ability to
mechanisms conducted and a
financing mechanisms.
would be sustainable in the future.
identify the strengths and
detailed proposal for the
Reviewed possible regional
weaknesses of existing and
development of a Danube
financing mechanisms
proposed financing
Environmental Financing
resulting in a proposal for the
mechanisms.
Facility (DEFF) was
DEFF.
completed and presented to
donors.
8
2. What factors affected the achievement of programme or project results?
While we rate the project overall to be a very good success, the achievements were affected by the
following:
· Data gaps as well as inconsistency and the lack of good quality, verifiable data from country to
country. This made it difficult at times to compare.
· Lack of information on diffuse sources of pollution. Due to the negligible level of information
on diffuse sources, it was generally not possible to adequately include concrete measures to
address difuse sources of pollution in the final Danube Pollution Reduction Programme.
· Short project time frame. The project had a very tight implementation period (initially 16
months) that even after extension was perhaps too tight. The results might have been even
stronger given more time.
3. What lessons (both positive and negative) can be drawn from the experience of the
programme or project?
We saw the need to develop national review databases consisting of 5 individual databases: Emissions,
Water Quality, Socio-Economic data, financial information as well as a Project database. These databases
will respond to the need for:
a) periodically updating national information and to fill data gaps,
b) an incentive for countries to improve data provided or to provide data in the future where currently
it does not exist and
c) tools to monitor implementation.
This will help to insure the sustainability of the Pollution Reduction Programme.
4. What are the views of the target groups with regard to the programme or project? Please
note any significant gender-based differences in their views.
The main target groups of the UNDP/GEF assistance were the participating countries particularly as
represented by the ICPDR. They have indicated satisfication with the results and feel that it has
strengthened cooperation between countries as well as within the framework of the ICPDR itself. It should
also be said that the main beneficiaries i.e. the countries, were also primary contributors to the programme.
Thus the ICPDR and the participating countries are also "owners" of the successful outputs of the Pollution
Reduction Programme.
5. If the programme or project has been evaluated, what is the implementation status of the
recommendations made by the evaluators?
As we have just received the project evaluation, we have not yet had time to respond to the
recommendations.
9
6. What activities or steps do you recommend as follow-up to the project?
Follow-up activities to the GEF Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Programme should focus on primarily
the support the further development of the ICPDR and include activities to stimulate implementation of the PRP
with a particular focus on facilitating the necessary policy changes in DRB countries for nutrient reduction.
7. Provide any other information that may further support or clarify your assessment of the
programme or project. You may include annexes as you deem necessary.
Please see the project evaluation report.
10
Project Brief / Danube Regional Project Phase 1
Annexes
ANNEX 13 Endorsement Letters
Document Outline