0 River Basin Analysis in TheEnvironmental Chorokhi - Adjaristskali Protection pilot basin, of Internatinal River Basins

(EPIRB)

Project Funded by the This project is implemented by a European Union Contract No 2011/279-666 Consortium led by Hulla and Co. Human Dynamics KG

Prepared by Information Engineering Center – IEC

Tbilisi,2013 1 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Contents

1. CHARACHTERISATION OF THE CHOROKHI-ADJARISTKALI PILOT BASIN ...... 4 1.2 Basin Overview ...... 4 1.1.1 General Overview ...... 4 1.1.3 Identification of an Authorized Agency to Potentially Implement RBPM ...... 4 1.2 Geographic Overview ...... 5 1.2.1 Overview of the Basin’s Natural Environment ...... 5 1.2.2 Climate...... 6 1.2.3 Vegetation Cover ...... 13 1.2.4 Protected Areas ...... 19 1.2.4.1 Sanitary protection zones for drinking water supply systems and related regulations ...... 19 1.2.4.2 Areas designated for the protection of habitats and species ...... 20 1.2.5 Geology and Geomorphology ...... 22 1.2.5.1 Geology ...... 22 1.2.5.2 Geo-morphology ...... 26 1.2.6 Geo-dynamic Processes: Landslides, Mudflows and Rockfall ...... 29 1.3 Hydrologic Characteristics of the Pilot Basin...... 33 1.3.1 Surface Waters ...... 41 1.3.2 Surface Water Uses ...... 47 1.3.3 Natural Lakes and Reservoirs ...... 50 1.3.4 Ground Waters ...... 50 2. HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN THE PILOT BASIN...... 59 Introductory note ...... 59 2.1. Demography ...... 59 2.2. Overview of economic activities in the basin ...... 65 2.3. Agriculture, irrigation ...... 71 2.4. Water abstraction and wastewater discharge ...... 78 2.5. Industry and mining...... 81 2.6. Hydropower generation ...... 83 2.7. Waste disposal ...... 88 2.8. Fish farms ...... 89 2 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

2.9. Transportation and navigation ...... 90 2.10. Forestry ...... 95 2.11. Tourism ...... 97 2.12. Trends in human activity ...... 98 3. PRESSURES AND IMPACT ANALYSIS IN THE PILOT BASIN ...... 100 Introduction ...... 100 3.1 Water Abstractions and River Flow Regulation ...... 101 3.1.1 Drinking and Industrial Water Abstractions ...... 101 3.1.2 Water Abstraction for Irrigation ...... 104 3.1.1 Water Abstractions and Flow Regulation for Hydropower Generation ...... 105 3.2 Diffused Sources of Pollution ...... 109 3.2.1 Agriculture ...... 109 3.2.2 Solid Household Waste ...... 110 3.2.3 Roads and Transport ...... 111 3.3 Point Sources of Pollution ...... 113 3.4 Physical and Morphological Changes of Water Objects ...... 115 3.5 Conclusion ...... 119 4. MONITORING IN THE PILOT RIVER BASIN ...... 122 4.1 Surface Water Quality Monitoring ...... 122 4.1.1 Water Quality Monitoring and Existing Relevant Infrastructure ...... 122 4.1.2 Methodology for Assessment of Surface Water Quality ...... 123 4.1.3 Selection of Criteria for Chemical Substances and their Analysis ...... 126 4.1.4 QA/QC Systems ...... 131 4.2 Hydromorphological monitoring ...... 134 4.2.1 Hydromorphological Monitoring in the Pilot River Basin ...... 134 4.2.2 Methodology and Observation Frequency ...... 134 4.2.3 Hydromorphological Monitoring and Quality Control Elements ...... 135 4.3 Groundwater Monitoring ...... 136 4.4 Biological Monitoring ...... 136 5. ANNEXES (MAPS) ...... 138 6. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 141 3 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

CHAPTER 1: CHARACHTERISATION OF THE CHOROKHI-ADJARISTKALI PILOT BASIN 4 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

1. CHARACHTERISATION OF THE CHOROKHI-ADJARISTKALI PILOT BASIN

1.2 Basin Overview

1.1.1 General Overview

The report is a general overview of the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin covering the areas of geographic, climate, hydrology, water quality, and environmental characteristics and analysis. The report also touches upon the socio-economic aspects of the basin and effects of human activity over natural conditions of the basin. Chorokhi-Adjaristskali basin practically fully covers the territory of Ajara Autonomous Republic, which reflects on its special significance, as the dynamic marine infrastructure and growing tourism in the region requires increased utilization of natural resources of the basin. The report highlights use of water and land resources, which highly impacts surface and groundwater quality, and which, in its turn, defines the overall ecologic condition of the basin. Hence, the report gives a detailed picture of the current state of the natural resources of the basin, as well as anthropogenic factors, including linkages and their interrelation.

The report also covers the process of ecologic monitoring of the pilot basin, its capacities and access to relevant data. Capacities of the respective institutions and authorities to take over the basin management in the future were also studied and discussed in terms of RBMP implementation.

1.1.3 Identification of an Authorized Agency to Potentially Implement RBPM

Despite the fact that at this stage there is no organization identified to implement full- fledged management of the basin, we can still single out Directorate for Environment and Natural Resources of Ajara Autonomous Republic (DENR) and the Monitoring Division (BSMD) of the National Environmental Agency (NEA) of Georgia which are responsible for environmental assessment and monitoring in the region. Since 2007 DENR has been implementing the following programmes:

1. Monitoring of qualitative indicators of the sea water on Sarpi-Cholokhi section of Ajara coastline, and potable water in the water collection areas; and

2. Monitoring of the implementation of environmental requirements envisaged by law in the areas of atmospheric heavy pollution and coastline sea waters; 5 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Within the framework of the projects DENR carries out regular patrolling in the sea and rivers for testing air and water samples, identifies the cases of violation of the Georgian Environmental Law and responds to them.

1.2 Geographic Overview

1.2.1 Overview of the Basin’s Natural Environment

Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin is located in Ajara Autonomous Republic and covers significant part of its territory. This historic part of Georgia lies in South-Western part of the country on the Black Sea coast. The largest city is . region borders with the basin from the North, Samtskhe- from the East, Karchkhali Belt from the South, and Arsiani Belt from the West. (Please see Annex 1)

The major part of the pilot basin is covered with mountains and deep gorges, while the coastline consists of and Kakhaberi valleys. Ajara region is surrounded by , Shavsheti and Arsiani gorges. In the coastline valleys there is humid subtropical climate with cold winters and hot summers. In the mountainous areas air is humid, winter – moderately cold, and summers brief and warm. Ajara is distinguished with its conveniently warm climate. Ajara territory is varied, with mountainous areas as well as valleys and gorges, rich fauna, and ancient historic and architectural heritage.

Kvariati Resort near Turkish border 6 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

1.2.2 Climate

Chorokhi-Adjaristskali Basin territory expands over the extreme southern part of Kolkheti Valley and mountainous Ajara. Kolkheti Valley is characterized by humid subtropical climate, while in the mountainous Ajara, mainly situated in the Adjaristskali River valley and is surrounded by Meskheti and Shavsheti belts and their southern branches, dry climatic conditions prevail.

Climatic description of these territories is based on multi-year data gathered by meteorological stations operating over the given territory or adjacent areas.

Meteorological stations operating on the territory of the basin or neighbouring areas

The list of meteorological stations operating over the territory of the Chorokhi River basin and in the neighboring areas by elevation above sea level and starting date of the observation activity is given in the Table 1 below.

Table 1. Meteo-stations operationg in Ajara Elevation Air Soil Sedimentation Precipitation Wind velocity Meteorological a.s.l. temperature temperature / Snow Cover (observation and Station (meters) (observation (observation (observation since) directions since) since) since) (observation since) Batumi 2 1882 1949 1891/1892 1936 1936 Charnali 310 1952 1952 1952/1952 1952 1952 Kapandiba 20 1941 _ 1941/_ 1941 1956 Makhuntseti 138 1928 _ 1928/_ _ 1947 Keda 256 1930 1948 1934/1935 1936 1936 923 1930 1952 1900/1930 1936 1937 Purtio 565 1926 _ 1927/_ _ _ Chakvistavi 315 1936 _ 1938/1940 _ _ Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.

According to the data provided by these meteorological stations and sites, daylight period is long year-round and its average annual length varies between 1800-2200 hours. Total radiation rate is also quite high and varies between 110-130 kcal/sm2.

Average, monthly, annual and extreme air temperatures in t0C

Air temperature – one of the key factors defining climate conditions, is directly linked to sun radiation, and its average, monthly, annual and extreme rates based on the multi-year data 7 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

provided by the meteorological stations operating over the given territory and its proximity is given in the Table 2 below.

Table 2. Avarage, monthly, annual and extreme temperatures Meteorological Temperature I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Station

Average 6.7 6.7 8.2 11.3 15.9 20.2 22.9 23.1 20.1 16.2 12.1 9.0 14.4 Batumi Abs. 25 28 32 38 38 38 40 40 37 33 29 28 40 maximum Abs. -9 -8 -7 -2 2 9 13 13 7 2 -6 -7 -9 minimum Average 5.7 5.9 7.7 11.2 15.0 18.5 20.9 21.5 18.8 16.1 12.0 8.6 13.5 Charnali Abs. 24 26 31 36 37 40 41 43 37 34 30 28 43 maximum Abs. - - -8 -2 2 9 11 12 6 2 -4 -7 -10 minimum 10 10 Average 6.5 6.8 8.9 12.2 16.2 20.0 22.5 22.7 19.8 16.5 12.5 8.8 14.4 Kapandiba Abs. 24 28 32 38 38 40 40 41 39 36 30 29 41 maximum Abs. -8 -8 -7 -1 3 10 13 13 6 2 -3 -6 -8 minimum Average 3.2 4.8 7.9 12.0 16.4 19.4 21.9 22.3 19.0 14.8 10.2 5.8 13.1 Makhuntseti Abs. ______maximum Abs. ______minimum Average 3.1 4.0 7.4 12.1 16.1 19.1 21.3 21.5 18.4 14.2 9.8 5.3 12.7 Keda Abs. 22 26 31 36 38 42 42 41 40 33 27 23 42 maximum Abs. - - - -4 1 6 10 9 3 0 -11 -12 -15 minimum 15 15 11 Average 0.9 1.7 4.6 9.4 14.2 16.5 18.6 19.4 16.2 12.3 7.8 3.6 10.4 Khulo Abs. 17 21 24 31 35 39 39 39 38 32 27 22 39 maximum Abs. - - - -9 -2 4 7 7 0 -3 -12 -13 -18 minimum 18 18 13 Average 1.5 2.6 5.7 9.8 15.2 17.6 20.1 20.2 16.6 12.2 7.6 2.8 11.0 Purtio Abs. maximum 20 25 31 36 37 39 40 41 38 33 30 23 41 Abs. minimum -15 -14 -13 -5 -1 4 7 8 2 -3 -9 -13 -15 Average 5.0 5.4 7.3 11.3 15.0 17.9 20.0 20.5 17.7 14.9 10.8 7.4 12.8 Chakvistavi Abs. maximum 24 27 32 37 37 40 40 41 37 35 28 27 41 Abs. minimum -14 -14 -9 -3 1 7 10 11 3 -1 -6 -8 -14 Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#2)

As the Table 2 shows, the hottest months in the region are July and August, with January and February being the coldest.

Freeze, i.e. cooling of the air below 00C against the average day-night positive temperature starts in November and ends in April on average.

First and last freeze dates and duration of freeze-free periods in the number of days 8 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

First and last freeze dates, as well as the duration of freeze-free periods in the number of days, based on the multi-year observation data of the same meteorological stations, is given in the Table 3 below.

Table 3. First and last freeze dates Freeze-free periods in Freeze dates days Meteorological Station First Last Average Shortest Longest Average Early Late Average Early Late Batumi 1.I. 24.XI. 8.III. 4.III. 24.I. 2.IV 302 233 404 Charnali 20.XII. - - 14.III. - - 280 - - Kapandiba 1.I - - 9.III - - 297 - - Makhuntseti 8.XII. - - 19.III - - 263 - - Keda 4.XII 1.X 12.I 21.III 5.II. 24.IV 257 167 322 Khulo 6.IX 30.IX 6.XII 14.IV 5.III 12.V 205 160 238 Purtio 18.IX _ _ 7.IV _ _ 224 _ _ Chakvistavi 19.XII _ _ 20.III _ _ 273 _ _ Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.

Ground surface temperature (GST), which is defined by the type of soil, its mechanical composition, soil moisture, vegetation cover in summer and snow cover in winter, and measured at the uppermost millimetres of the soil. Its value is closely linked with air temperature values.

Average, monthly, annual and extreme ground temperatures in t0C

Average, monthly, annual, average maximum and average minimum temperatures, based on the multi-year observation data of Batumi, Charnali, Keda and Khulo meteorological stations, are given in the table 4 below.

Table 4. Avarage, monthly, annual and extreme temperatures Meteorological Temperature I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Year stations Average 5 6 9 14 19 24 26 25 21 16 11 7 15 Batumi Average 12 13 18 26 33 39 40 39 34 28 19 14 26 maximum Average 1 1 3 6 11 15 18 18 15 11 7 3 9 minimum Average 3 4 7 13 19 23 25 24 20 16 10 6 14 Charnali Average 11 12 18 27 36 40 41 40 34 29 20 14 27 maximum Average -1 -1 2 6 10 14 17 17 14 10 6 1 8 minimum 9 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Average 1 2 7 13 18 23 25 24 20 14 8 3 13 Keda Average 7 10 19 28 35 40 42 40 35 28 17 10 26 maximum Average -2 -1 2 6 11 14 17 17 14 9 4 -1 8 minimum Average 0 0 5 12 19 23 25 25 19 14 7 2 13 Khulo Average 9 6 17 32 40 44 45 46 38 30 17 9 28 maximum Average -5 -5 -2 4 8 12 14 15 11 6 2 -3 5 minimum Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#4)

Average first and last frost dates, and the duration of frost-free periods in the number of days

Average first and last frost dates, and the duration of frost-free periods in the number of days, based on the multi-year observation data of the meteorological stations listed above are given in the Table 5 below.

Table 5. Avarage first and last frost dates Average frost dates

Meteorological stations First frost date Last frost date Duration of frost-free Periods in number of days

(Autumn) (Spring) Batumi 6.XII 31.III 249 Charnali 9.XI 1.IV 221 Keda 15.XI 31.III 228 Khulo 1.XI 24.IV 190 Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#5)

Monthly and annual average rainfall in mm

Atmospheric precipitation, which represents one of the key elements defining climatic and hydrologic regime of the region, is a surplus in coastline areas and limited in the Ajaristkhali River basin of the research territory. Average annual rainfall on the given territory varies between 1034 and 4519 mm. At the same time, minimum precipitation is recorded in the warm months of the year, while during the rest of the year, the average rainfall is practically equally distributed by months. Monthly and annual average rainfall based on the multi-year observation data of the same meteorological stations is given in the Table 6 below.

Table 6. Monthly and annual average rainfall (mm) Meteorological I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Year stations Batumi 281 228 174 122 92 163 182 255 335 306 304 276 2718 Charnali 378 305 198 130 97 170 190 266 353 328 337 330 3082 Kapandiba 238 195 153 110 83 146 168 236 310 280 273 244 2436 10 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Makhuntseti 202 173 144 80 69 120 132 165 222 256 209 207 1979 Makho 254 208 161 111 84 148 167 234 306 280 278 253 2484 Maradidi 193 163 138 78 67 116 129 160 214 249 201 192 1900 Keda 186 166 132 76 74 83 94 98 161 217 202 163 1652 Khulo 164 125 105 71 83 85 69 65 97 155 162 140 1321 Purtio 123 90 86 57 67 68 55 52 77 124 128 107 1034 Chakvistvali 281 229 203 119 108 165 187 245 324 314 290 265 2730 Tsiskara 508 412 315 206 141 250 282 397 515 488 510 495 4519 Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#6)

Maximum 24 hour precipitation of different probablity in mm (annual)

24 hour precipitation maximum volume in this region is quite high. 24 hour precipitation maximum of 231 mm was recorded by Batumi meteorological station on 25 August 1948. Maximum 24 hour precipitation of various sources based on the multi-year observation data by Batumi and Khulo meteorological stations is given in the Table 7 below.

Table 7. Maximum 24 precipitation Meteorological Average Probability% Recorded station maximum maximum (mm) 63 20 10 5 2 1 mm Date Batumi 128 110 162 185 203 224 238 231 25.VIII.1948 Khulo 61 54 74 82 89 98 105 100 5.X.1949 Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г. (Table.#7)

Monthly and annual average air humidity

Air humidity is one of the key elements of climate. It is mainly measured according to three main characteristics: absolute humidity, i.e. resilience of water vapor, relative humidity and humidity deficit. The first one characterizesthe amount of water vapor in the air, the second – density of vapor in the air, and the latter refers to the probable degree of evaporation.

Humidity levels are quite high in the area under consideration. It is noteworthy that annual records of absolute humidity and its deficit practically coincide with that of the air temperature. Monthly and average air humidity levels based on multi-annual observation data of Batumi, Charnali, Keda and Khulo meteorological stations is given in the Table 8 below.

Table 8. Monthly and average humidity levels Meteorological Humidity I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Year station Absolute 7.4 7.6 8.3 10.5 14.8 18.9 22.2 22.8 19.2 14.8 11.5 8.4 13.9 millibar Batumi Relative 74 77 80 80 81 78 78 80 82 83 80 73 79 11 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

% Deficit 3.2 2.9 2.6 3.4 3.9 5.7 6.4 6.0 4.4 3.3 3.3 3.6 4.1 millibar Absolute 5.9 6.1 6.8 9.0 13.2 17.4 20.8 21.1 17.6 13.0 9.6 6.7 12.3 millibar Charnali Relative 66 68 72 74 78 80 82 82 82 74 69 63 74 % Deficit 4.1 4.1 4.0 5.2 5.0 4.7 4.5 4.4 4.1 4.9 5.2 5.0 4.6 millibar Absolute 6.1 6.2 6.9 9.2 13.0 16.7 20.1 20.4 16.9 12.5 9.5 7.0 12.0 millibar Keda Relative 78 76 73 70 73 76 80 82 83 81 79 77 77 % Deficit 2.1 2.6 3.7 5.6 6.3 6.4 5.9 5.6 4.6 3.7 3.2 2.5 4.4 millibar Absolute 4.5 4.7 5.2 7.0 10.1 13.2 16.2 16.0 12.9 9.4 7.0 5.2 9.3 millibar Khulo Relative 69 69 68 64 66 72 77 75 74 70 66 65 70 % Deficit 2.4 2.6 3.4 5.7 7.0 6.7 6.1 6.8 5.9 5.3 4.4 3.4 5.0 millibar Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#8)

Dates of first and last measurable snow

According to the multi-year observation data of the same meteorological stations, the earliest snow cover appears at October 1st (M/S Khulo, Keda) and the last snow disappears at May 1st (W/S Khulo). At the same time, based on Khulo meteorological station data, the average volume of snow per decade is 248 cm. Dates of first and last measurable snow based on the multi-year observation data of the same meteorological stations is given in the Table 9 below.

Table 9. First and last measurable snow

Meteorological Snowfall duration in First snow Last snow station days Average Early Late Average Early Late Batumi 12 13.I. 14.XI. - 24.II. - 20.IV. Charnali 29 25.XII. - - 17.III. - - Keda 45 14.XII 1.X. _ 18.III. _ 10.IV Khulo 86 14.XI 1.X 6.I 5.IV 14.II 1.V Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#9)

Wind directions and still meteorological periods

Wind directions vary over the basin territory, however the coastline areas are mainly characterized by south-west and south-east winds, while north and south, as well as east and west direction winds are frequent in the Adjaristskali River basin. Wind directions and still 12 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

meteorological periods based on multi-year observation data of the same meteorological stations is given in the Table 10 below.

Table 10. Wind directions Meteorological N N- E S- S S- W N- # of days with still stations E E W W Met.conditions Batumi 9 8 11 13 12 24 14 9 18 Charnali 4 2 23 14 7 29 11 10 22 Kapandiba 2 0 2 51 16 1 14 14 25 Keda 1 9 26 8 6 19 29 2 56 Khulo 26 21 1 1 24 20 3 4 14 Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#10)

Monthly and annual average wind velocity in m/s

The average wind velocity over the territory under consideration is high and based on Kapandiba meteorological station data comes to 5.3 m/s, while average maximum wind velocity has been recorded in December and comes to 7.9 m/s.

Monthly and annual average wind velocity based on the multi-year data of the same meteorological stations is given in the Table 11 below.

Table 11. Monthly and average wind velocity Meteorological Wind I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Year stations vane height

Batumi 17 m. 2.6 2.7 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.8 1.9 2.2 2.1 Charnali 12 m. 3.9 4.4 3.4 2.8 2.4 2.0 2.0 2.3 2.3 2.7 3.7 3.8 3.0 Papandiba 8 m. 7.5 6.5 4.6 4.6 4.2 4.0 3.6 3.7 4.3 6.3 6.7 7.9 5.3 Keda 11 m. 1.0 1.0 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.8 1.2 Khulo 11 m. 2.8 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 2.6 Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#11) Maximum wind velocity in m/s

Maximum wind velocity based on multi-year observation data of Batumi, Keda and Khulo meteorological stations is given in table 12 below.

Table 12. Maximum wind velocity Meteorological Maximum wind velocity (m/s),reccurance (return time) stations 1 year 5 years 10 years 15 years 20 years Batumi 23 30 33 34 36 Keda 16 20 22 23 24 Khulo 14 18 20 22 24 Source: Справочники по климату СССР, выпуск 14, Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1970 г.(Table.#12) 13 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

It is mostly cloudy over the entire Ajara region all around the year with 60-65% of the sky on average being covered with clouds. Cloud cover increases in winter months (70-75%), as well as the number of cloudy days. There are 120-170 cloudy days on average, with 45-70 days of the clear sky.

Thunderstorms, hail and fog is frequent in the region. Thunderstorms occur all year round, with 1-day in winter and 3-8 days in summer on average, and 20-45 to a maximum of 70 days annually. Like thunderstorms, hail can occur any time of the year. Hail drops are not large in size, hence causing no damage. Generally, the number of days with hail is relatively rare – 1 or 2 days per year, but in isolated cases, it can reach 12 days annually.

1.2.3 Vegetation Cover

Ajara vegetation is extremely diverse, which is defined by the varied natural environment of the region, as well as the complex history of the development of flora and fauna. Many researchers note that Ajara is most rich in relict flora. It houses the majority of species characteristic of Kolkheti flora. At the same time, there are relict species, which are endemic to Ajara region, such as Medvedev’s birch, Epigaea gaulterioides, etc. Kolkheti vegetation also consists of European mixed forest flora species. In Ajara, as well as in any mountainous area, the vegetation is of various vertical zoning. According to Ketskhoveli (1959) classification, there are several zones identified:

 Hydrophilic grassland and humid forests - 0-250m from sea-level;  Kolkheti evergreen su-forests and alder forests 150-250m-450-500m;  Medium mountainous zone with several sub-zones - 500m – 2000m;  High-mountainous, sub-alpine and alpine zones

These zones are characterized by diverse vegetation complexes, which are briefly described below. Ajara coastal lowland is a southern part of Kolkheti lowland. It is 2-5 km wide near Kobuleti, and gets even narrower towards south. Mountain front slopes run along the coastline. Precisely this part of Ajara is most precipitated. Precipitation permeates only the upper layers of the soil, due to high ground water levels. This is partly the reason for the lack or no drainage of precipitation from the ground surface. This and many other factors created the conditions for turning considerable part of Kolkheti lowland into marches. Ajara lowland, as well as the lowest part of Kolkheti lowland used to be covered by humid marshes, marsh grasses and sphagnum vegetation complexes. This type of vegetation is developed on the swampy meadow, peat and peat-derived, as well as marsh podzol soils. The most part of the territory, especially forested swamps have been dried out and tea plantations and other technical cultures have been grown instead. In the mentioned vegetation complex, the most territory was covered by forested swamps, however currently only limited 14 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

sections of them exist on this territory. Alnus barbatais most widespread in this type of forests, along with Pterocarya pterocarpa, while on relatively dryer sections – Carpinus caucasica and Quercus imeretina; in sub-forests, there are also rangulaalnus, Crataegus microphylla, Viburnum opulus and so on. In some places, especially where forests are sparse, blackberries and other lianas are widespread, such as Smilax excelsa, Periphloca graeca, Vitis sylvestris, Hedera colchicaand so on.

Forest in Khulo District,

Alder usually develops in the conditions of excess soil moisture; however it is less developed in the marshland. It also harbors herbaceous plants with the typical components of marsh vegetation, such as sedge, marsh iris, sedges, rush and so on. Over a limited area, fern, moss and mixed type of alder vegetation is developed, while rarely, but generally on relatively less moist areas – rhododendron alders. This type of alder is widespread in the forests of Ajara lowland and middle mountain forests, such as and hornbeam groves up to 1500 m from the sea-level. Sometimes in the upper line of its spread, it forms co-dominant cohabitations with mountain alder (Alnus incana).

Before, Ajara lowland and foothill slopes harbored variety of deciduous forests. Currently, they remain only over small areas. Such forests are formed by hornbeam, Imeretian , ash- Fraxinus excelsior, hartvisi oak – Quercus hartvissiana, elm(Ulmus elliptica), lime (Tilia caucasica), persimmon (Diospyros lotus), occasionally beech, , etc. Such forests 15 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

usually have well-developed subforests, which are created by deciduous shrubs (Azalea - Rhododendron luteum, Caucasian buckthorn - Rhamnus imeretina, Large-leaved Spindle - Evonymus latifolia, bladdernut - Staphylea colchicaand St. pinnata, nuts - Corylus avellana, C. ponticaand so on), and sometimes by evergreen plants, such as holly- Ilex colchica, rhododendron - - Rhododendron ponticum, Spineless Butcher's Broom - Ruscus hypophyllum, and so on. In these forests, especially in lowland, liana plants, such as Colchis ivy, silk vine (Peripcola graeca)wild grape,(Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris),common medlar (Mespilus germanica),are also widespread. Where the forests are sparse, these plants are so overgrown that it is impossible to go through them. The described forests are mainly growing at 500m above the sea-level. The initial form of Colchic forests on Ajara territory is practically not preserved. They have been either cut out, or if still grown as a forest, it is a new growth, as in the western Georgia’s lowland, vegetation growth is relatively fast. Alder and hornbeam in this respect are most distinguished. Herbaceousflora of such forests, according to Ketskhoveli (1959) is quite diverse. Especially many are fern and various grasses.

In Ajara there are no oak-forests comprised of Georgian oak species. Here it is substituted by Chorokhi oak - Quercus dschorochensis . Oak forests formed by the dominance of Chorokhi oak is widespread on the dry slopes of Adjaristskali and Chorokhi gorges. Most part of these oak forests has become very sparse, and as a rule is degraded by removing high quality productive trees. Due to lack of hay, the locals use marcescent leaves (desiccated leaves)for feeding cattle. In terms of growth pattern, these oak forests resemble Georgian oak forests typical of Kolkheti area, but according to Kolakovski (1961), its flora is also represented by xerophilic southwest Asian elements. These oak forest complex is also represented by mountain xerophilic oak forest fragments, composed, among others, of one of the species of tragacantic astrogalis. At middle mountain beltcome above the vegetation described, and according to Ketskoveli (1959) covers the territory between 500 m – 2150ms above the sea- level. In this belt there is a large variety of phytocenozes. It is caused by the massive variety of trees and shrubs, as well as diverse natural conditions and the effects of human agricultural activity. In this belt, beechgroves play a significant role landscape-wise, however as Dolukhanov (1957) notes, beechgroves are usually developed in the medium mountain belt, but less where precipitation is below 500mms. Main cenotype of this formation can be seen from the sea-level to sub-alpine belt, however, according to Gulisashvili (1955), beechgrove belt, where breech forms highly productive stands, is between (900) 1000 m- 1500 (1600) mms above the sea-level, while according to Dolukhanov (1957), optimal development area of beechgroves is limited to 800-1300mms above the sea. This type of forest is characterized by the absolute supremacy of the main cenotype, with relative mix of hornbeam, Wych elm(Ulmus elliptica Koch)and chestnut, especially in the low mountain belt, as well as lime and so on. Beech often forms co-dominant phytocenosis with and . In Ajara mountains evergreen subforestsbeech groves are widespread. Such beech groves are generally typical for Kolkheti and mainly associated with humid areas. Subforests are created by rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), holly (Ilex colchica), cherry laurel 16 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

(Laurocerasus officinalis), somtimesRhododendron ungerniiand so on. Humid areas are also typical growth areas for fern beechgroves. This type of beechgroves harbour vegetation of ferns like - Matteuchia struchiopteris,Athyrium filix-femina, Driopteris filix-mas, sometimeshyllitis scolopendriumand so on. This latter can be seen in other types of beechgroves, however its share in phytocenosis is insignificant. In this type of beechgrove complexes, on relatively less moist slopes, shrubs of beechgroves are developed. In such forests sub-forests are formed by deciduous shrubs, such as azalea -(Rhododendron luteum), cranberry (Vaccinium arctostaphyllos), nuts (Corylus avellana), blackberry speciesand so on. In this type of beechgroves, herbaceous plants cohabitation is also well developed. This cohabitation and generally deciduous shrub beechgroves are usually rich in species compared to other types of beechgroves.

Floristically, beechgroves of Festuca Montana and tall grassesare developed in diverse ecologic environment, however what they have in common is their indispensable role in the beech grove landscape of Ajara. In Ajara and generally in Western Georgia beechgroves are quite widespread. According to Kolakovski (1961), in such beech groves share of the other tree plants is insignificant, while other bush and grass type vegetation is practically non- existent. In this type of beech groves, as noted by Dolukhanov (1938), most favourable conditions for beech growth are formed, and their growth is productive. Lianas are less frequent in such forests, though some of them, such as Colchic ivy, is a constant component of beech groves. In complex with beech groves, especially in the lower area of its spread, over relatively less moist slopes, there are also hornbeam groves at approximately 1100 m above the sea level. Mixture of beech and hornbeam groves can be seen at higher belts as well. It is developed in variety of edaphic conditions, e.g. in the lowland it grows on podzol, while in other cases – on humus-carbonate and mountain brown soils. Structurally and floristically hornbeam groves are similar to beech groves, and form similar forest types, though over relatively smaller areas. In Ajara, and generally in Western Georgia, hornbeam groves are often substituted by alder groves. This shift is mainly result of human agricultural activities – cutting of hornbeam groves are accompanied by intensive renewal of alder groves, and often, mixture of hornbeam and alder groves is formed. According to the existing data (Ketskhoveli, 1935, 1959; Dolukhanov, 1953; Kolakovski, 1961; Gulisashvili, 1964; Jorbenadze, 1969),in Ajara, and especially in beech and hornbeam groves, over relatively smaller areas are also occupied by chestnut groves. However, chestnut is relatively less represented in nearly all types of forests, which are developed on the front slopes of middle mountain belt. For this zone, Taxus baccata is usually more common, which often grows in forest understory.

In Ajara mountainous areas coniferous forests are quite widespread at 900/1000 m - 2000 m above the sea level. However, groves are growing in much lower areas – on the southern lower slopes of Adjaristskali. Pine grove vegetation in Ajara is fragmented, and is created with the domination of Pinus kochiana. Pine grove canopy formed, that’s why 17 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

cenosis of bushes and grass plants is formed. Picea orientalis and Abies nordmanniana form closed forests, hence tires of bushes and grass are less represented. Such types of forests typologically are close to beech groves. Beech and Abies nordmanniana often form condominant cenosis. Such phytocenosis are quite widespread in Ajara mountainous areas. In terms of coniferous forest types, pure spruce groves, spruce and fir groves and pure fir groves are also represented. Such cenosis are mainly represented in the upper belt of the forests.

In some groves of Ajara over 1000 m above the sea-level, special type of bushes are widespread, which locals call rhododendron. It was first described in detail by Golicin (1939, 1948) and ever since the above name established itself in botanical literature. In this type of phytocenosis participate tertiary relict flora, such as: Laurocerasus officinalis, rhododendron, Betula medwedewi, Rhododendron ungernii, Quercus pontica, Epigaea gaulterioides, cranberries, Rhododendron flavum, Ilex colchica Pojark, Viburnum, Holand ruscus (Ruscus hypoglossum L.)and many others. Due to closed cover of the shrubbery grass cover is poorly developed, though fern is very widespread.

This type of shrubbery is considered by Golitsin as endemic and relict phytocenosis, due to existence of tertiary relict species and especially that of Epigaea. At the same time, he disagrees with Sinskaya’s (1933) opinion that such shrubbery is of anthropogenic origin and developed on the place of the burned forests. However, Ketskhoveli agrees with Kinskaya’s view (1959) and notes that most of the species represented in the shrubbery are sub-forest elements, like Epigaea, which according to Shahskin (1930) is a typical representative of beech groves. At the same time, Ketskhoveli (1959) indicates, that in Georgia rhododendron groves are found in Ajara-Imereti ridge, and Upper – Nenskri, Nakras and other gorges. After the destruction of forests in these areas what remained was forest understory shrubbery and they grew strong enough to regenerate the main species of the forests.

Following the forests described above is the sub-alpine belt: its upper boundaries are at 2200- 2300 m above the sea level. In this belt there are meadows, shrubbery and sub-alpine forest complexes. In Ajara, like in the rest of Georgia’s mountainous areas there are two types of sub-alpine forests: relatively sparse and dwarfish forests. Sparse type forests in Ajara mountains are mainly formed by Acer trattvetteri, Betula litwinowii and so on. In these forests trees are growing remotely from each other and the space between them is covered by grass vegetation. Sub-alpine sparse forests in Ajara are rare and are mainly of secondary origin. In Ajara subalpine belt dwarf type forests are more widespread. They are usually well developed on the Northern and Southern slopes, and mainly in the areas where snow cover is deep and it stays longer. This type of forests is mainly created by Betula litwinowii, Sorbus Aucuparia, some variety of willow and so on.

18 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Grass and shrubbery cenosis are well developed. The main component of the latter is Rhododendron caucasicum, while grass vegetation cenosis is mainly represented by tall grass species. Dwarf forest in Ajara and generally in Western Georgia is mainly formed by beech. The similar types of dwarf birch groves are also there, though more widespread aregrassy beechgroves, where live vegetation is created by the senosis of various grasses and fern species. Such beechgroves drastically differ from mid belt beech groves, so much that some researchers, e.g. Dolukhanov (1957) consider them being different formations. In Western Georgia, especially in Ajara and Guria dwarf forests are also formed by Betula medwedewii and Quercus pontica, though such forests are mainly found in the mid- mountain belt. This type of forests is also characterized by the cinosis of evergreen shrubbery, with the domination of Rhododendron caucasicum in sub-alpine belt, and in the lower belt – of Rhododendron ponticum, Laurocerasus officinalis, and so on.

Major part of Ajara’s mountainous forests has been cut and on their place secondary meadows have developed. That is why in this part of Georgia, upper boundary of forests ends usually with fir groves and pine groves. Restoration of subalpine forests is necessary. Their agricultural value is undoubtedly significant, sincethese types of forests protect lower belt forests from avalanches and they have soil protection and water regime regulatory functions.

In complex with sub-alpine forests, in the same alpine belt, especially in the northern and western slopes, rhododendron groves are widespread, mainly formed by Rhododendron caucasicum on mountainous peat soils. Typologically rhododendrons are relatively uniform and sparse in species, which is caused by their special kenotic structure. This floristic complex is comprised of: Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, acetosella and many others, mosses and Cladonias, which, according to the existing data (Ketskhoveli 1935, Nizharadze 1948; and so on) are derivatives from pine groves.

Ajara mountains are also characterized by subalpinetall grasses, which is caused bythe existence of most convenient environment for the development and growth of the vegetation with moist humus-rich soils. This type of vegetation usually develops in the complex of subalpine forests and rhododendrons, as well as in the upper mountainous belt in the form of an independent cenosis. Tall grassesare quite often poly-dominant and consists of: Heracleum sosnowskyi, Campanula lactiflora, Delphinium flexuosum, Inula grandiflora, Doronicm macrophyllum, Senecio platyphyloides, Pyretrum macrophyllum, Aconitum nasutumand so on. Often such vegetation is mainly formed by dicotyledons or dicots, while monocotyledons or monocots, especially crops and sedges are extremely rare. That is why soil surface usually is not podzolized.

Despite rich phyto-mass, tallgrassesare not fit for grazing or mowing, but it can be used for silage. From this point of view its agricultural value is significant. This type of tallgrass is rich in medicinal, technical and decorative plants. In the given belt subalpine meadows are more 19 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

widespread. This type of vegetation, and generally high mountain meadows, are typologically varied and rich in species. However due to extensive use as summer pastures and overloading, natural vegetation is altered and represented by species formed as a result of pastoral digression. On Arsiani ridge we can mainly find Nardus glabriculmis and Agrostis planifolia, as well as small grassy poly-dominant meadows represented by Alchemilla and other species. The forms described above are developed on the podzolized soils of mountain- meadow. On the moist slopes of Shavsheti and Ajara- Guria ridges there are quite developed grassy and ferny meadows. Over a relatively less area such meadows can be found on Arsisani ridge as well, mainly in complex with forests, along their upper boundaries. Such meadows are usually formed on secondary soils of podsolized meadows.

1.2.4 Protected Areas

1.2.4.1 Sanitary protection zones for drinking water supply systems and related regulations

There are six water intakes in Chorokhi-Adjaristskali River Basin: Khorolistskli, Chakvistskali, , Keda, and Khulo. Of all drinking water sources, only two have sanitary zones meeting the regulatory requirements set out by the Georgian law. The rest of the water supply systems receive water from the nearest water sources, which are not protected at all.

The largest drinking water supply system has sanitary protection zones at the water source that meet sanitary protection requirements of the Georgian legislation. More specifically, the zone is divided into three sub-zones which have specific protection regimes.

1. First sub-zone (strict protection regime) covers the area, where there are water intakes, pipelines and other major structures of the drinking water supply system. The access of all persons, except for the operators and other technical staff is prohibited together with construction and location of administration or other types of buildings except for specific buildings necessary for operations of water supply system.

2. Second sub-zone covers the territory that is adjacent to the water sources and their tributaries. Types of uses of this territory or water objects that may deteriorate water quantity and quality are prohibited in this area.

3. Third sub-zone covers the territory that borders the second sub-zone and its poor condition may cause chemical contamination of the drinking water sources. The spatial contours of the third sub-zones depend on the local geography and land use patterns.

20 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

1.2.4.2 Areas designated for the protection of habitats and species

Ajara protected areas (PAs) include: , Ispaani Reserve, Kobuleti Reserve and Kintrishi Reserve (Please see Annex 8). Mtirala National Park territory is distinguished with the rare variety of relict and endemic species. There are 310 wildlife species of 188 types of 83 plant families. Among them, there are 67 relict and 27 endemic species, of which 10 – Caucasian endemic, 10 – Colchic endemic, 4 – Georgian endemic, and 3 – Ajara-Laz endemic species. 15 woody plants represented over Mtirala National Park territory are included in the Red List of Georgia. Considerable part of the territory is covered by Colchic type of mixed deciduous forest phytocenosis with the domination of beech. Park territory houses 57 species of medicinal plants. Also included in Georgia’s Red list are lynx and Saker Falcon. PA’s fauna is represented by the following species from the red list of Georgia: brown bear, chamois,white-tailed eagle, Caucasian viper, Black Sea salmon and several species of insects; The list of species from the National Park’s fauna listed in the Red List of Georgia is given in the Table 13 below.

Table 13. Red list of the National Park’s fauna Scientific Name Common Name IUCN- category National Status

Mammals 1 Rhinolophus euryale The Mediterranean VU* VU Horseshoe Bat 2 Barbastella barbastellus The Barbastelle VU VU 3 Sciurus anomalus The Caucasian squirrel VU VU 4 Lynx lynx The Eurasian lynx CR* 5 Ursus arctos The brown bear EN* 6 Rupicapra rupicapra The chamois EN Birds 7 Ciconia nigra The Black Stork VU 8 Haliaeetus albicilla The White-tailed Eagle EN 9 Accipiter brevipes The Levant Sparrowhawk VU 10 Aquila clanga The Greater Spotted Eagle VU VU 11 Falco cherrug The Saker Falcon CR CR 12 Falco vespertinus The Red-footed Falcon EN Reptiles 13 Vipera kaznakovi viper EN EN Amphibians 14 Mertensiella caucasica The Caucasian VU VU Salamander Fishes 15 Salmo fario Lake trout VU Insects 21 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

16 Manduca atropos sfinqsi mkvdarTava EN 17 Deilephila nerii Oleander hawk moth EN 18 Callimorpha dominula The Scarlet Tiger Moth VU 19 Parnassius apollo Apollo VU VU 20 Parnassius nordmanni Caucasian Apollo EN 21 Allancastria caucasica Caucasica Lederer VU VU 22 Erebia hewistonii Iranian Lederer VU Circle worms 23 Alollobophora kintrishiana Kintrishi earthworm EN Source: Directorate for Environment and Natural Resources of Ajara Autonomous Republic (DENR) *Note: VU – Vulnerable; CR – Critical; EN - Endangered

Kobuleti Protected Area, Kobuleti State Reserve, and Kobuleti Managed Reserve are located on the territory of the Ajara Autonomous Republic. Beyond Kobuleti coastline levees and dunes, on the lowest part of the lowland there is unique sphagnum dominated rain-fed peat lands. Ispani II is untouched pericical sphagnum marshland of 331 hectares (while Spani I in the Managed Reserve – 439 hectares), where water loss occurs through evaporation. The bog has a blanket cover of 25-45 sm live sphagnum, which is never covered by water. Peat contains sphagnum and is not damaged; with small and big elastic forms it is permanently submerged in water. Vegetation of Ispani sphagnum bogs and its peripheral Colchic forests is also unique. It grows Kolkheti relict and endemic species, such as: Pterocarya pterocarpa,Imereti and Hartvisi , and hornbeam; in sub-forests there are -Ruscus Hypophyllum, Ilex, box-Colchis, Colchis and yellow lily, insectivores drozera, royal fern, Calluna vulgaris, Laz and northern sedge. 22 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Mertensiella caucasica

In Kobuleti district, upstream and midstream of the river Kintrishi, 450-2000 m above the Sea Level is situated Kintrishi Reserve, which was founded in 1959. It is 13893 hectares, of which 12817 ha is forests, 200 ha – meadows, and 966 ha – reservoirs. Three are 1045 species preserved in the Reserve, of which 25 are rare species, 22 animal species, 104 bird species, and 6 species of fish. It is rich in Colchic forests, relict and endemic vegetation. Among them of special importance are Quercus pontic, Medvedev’s birch, Rhododendron Ungernii Trautv., Smirnov’s rhododendron, Pterocarya and so on. There are also chestnut forests.

1.2.5 Geology and Geomorphology

1.2.5.1 Geology

In accordance with the geological zoning of Georgia, Chorokhi-Adjaristskali Basin belongs to the Ajara-Trialeti Folded System and is represented by extreme margins of the western part of the -Boshuri Zone (E. Gamkrelidze, 2000).

23 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The area of our interest consists of deposits of Upper and Middle Eocene, intrusive bodies associated with these deposits and alluvial marine deposits of the quaternary system (Holocene, Middle and Upper Pleistocene).

Middle Eocene (P₂2) – sediments of this stage have the widest distribution and are represented by a series of sequential strata of thick (2-4.5 km) pyroclasts, their associated bodies and terrigenous sediments of very limited distribution.

In accordance with paleontological materials, thick volcanogenic deposit consists of two stratigraphic layers. The border between these two layers is invisible and they can only be divided in accordance with lithologic features. With this regard, there are four rock- stratigraphic units, known as formations. In different geographic areas the names of these formations vary. However, in order to avoid any confusions, scientists call them as a,b,c and d stratigraphic units.

Lower (First) formation of Middle EoceneP22a – outcrops of this formation are found and mapped in the basins of the rivers Korolistsksali and Kintrishi as well as in the basin of the river Tivnara and its tributaries. It is represented by thin and medium thickness sequences of basalt, andesite-basalt tuffs, tuffy sandstones, tuffy argillites and argillites.

These deposits are the continuations of Paleocene-Lower Eocene terrigenous flysch sediments located below the P22a. In the upper layers they are replaced by volcanogenic rocks.

With its facies, the first formation of the Middle Eocene (a) is clearly divided into three small sub-formations. Of these, the lowest one is represented by the sequences of thin deposits (0.02-0.15m thickness) of pelitic and aleuritic tuffs with basalt composition and tuffaceous sandstones. The overall thickness thickness of the section varies from 150 to 200 m. The middle section is represented by the sequence of thick and medium thickness deposits of tuff sandstones and psammitic-pelitic and basaltic andesite tuffs. The thickness of the layer is 300-500m.

The upper part is represented by similar rocks. The only difference is the presence of thick layers (200-250m) of tuffs (“spotted sandstones”). Thus, the overall thickness of the first formation of the Middle Eocene (a) is 650-1000 meters.

Middle (second) formation of Middle Eocene (P22b).The outcrops of this formation are met in the basins of the rivers Adjaristskali, Kintrishi, Akavrta and their tributaries. In terms of composition of facies, the formation is divided into two sub-formations. The lower sections are represented by patterns of sub-alkali andesite-basalt psammitic tuffs of high and medium density, andesite-dacite tuffs and tufaceous sandstones. Given sediments are weakly adhered 24 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

with each other and create soft relief. The upper section of the formation is composed of sequential layers of basalt, andesite-dacite, deliriteand pseffitic-psammitic tuffs. Given rocks are of high density and create rocky relief (Meskheti range and its surroundings). The total thickness of three stratigraphic units in some sections varies within 800-850 m range and in other sections - within 750-2,500 m range.

Third formation of the Middle Eocene P22c – consists of upper parts of sequentially located various formations and, tuff-breccia and Kintrishi formations. More specifically, the above formation is composed of sequences of massifs and high density rocks of sub-alkali and rarely, carbonate-alkali basalt and andesite-basalt composition. Furthermore, aleurite and psammitic tuffs of the same composition as well as basalt rocks are also met there. All listed layers are met in the basins of the river Charnali, Chorokhi, Matchakhela, Adjaristskali, Akavreta and others. The total thickness of the sediments varies from 0 to 2,000 m.

Fourth (Upper) formation of the Middle Eocene P22d - consists of the upper sections of Chidili and Makhuntseti formations. The formation’s diversity is caused by lithologic diversity. For instance, in Kintrishi and Kheva gorges it is represented by olivian basalts, trachyte basalts, trachyte tuffs ad rarely, by marls. The total thickness of these sediments varies from 1000 to 2,500 m. In the basin of the river Adjaristskali (in the vicinity of villages Makhuntseti and Kokotauri), this stratum is called as Makhuntseti formation and is composed of sheets of large-sized granular tuff sandstones, andesite-dacite and delenite tuffs and the strata of the same composition. The overall thickness of the formation is 0-1,000m.

Upper Eocene P23 – sediments of this stage are distinguished with high diversity of facies and are met in the village Gorjomi and watersheds of the rivers Chvana, Skhalta, Chirukhistskali and Adjaristskali. They are composed of vulcanogenic-terrigenous sedimentary roks. The facies are represented by sequences of aleurolites, aleurolite sandstones and marl shales. These sediments are rich in plant fossils. The thickness of the sediments is 150-300m. The total thickness of the sediments of Upper Eocene makes up 510-1,000m. In Ajara and they have different names, but in fact represent the same formation. The total thickness of sediments is 1,600-3,000m.

Quaternary system (Q) – The deposits of this system are composed of sediments of lower, middle, upper and recent Quaternary stages. They are formed of marine, marine-continental and continental sediments, widespread on the Black Sea coastal zone as well as in the basins of major rivers and their tributaries. The age of sediments varies from lower to upper and recent Quaternary periods and are represented by marine, riverine, deluvial-proluvial and and other sediments.

Middle Quaternary stage (mQII)-Deposits of this stage are represented by marine sediments met only in the coastal zone of the Black Sea. They are composed of carbonate and non- carbonate clays and interbeds of weakly cemented or un-cemented sandstones.Visible 25 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

thickness of the sediments is 40-50 m, invisible (boreholes) – 100-120 m. Fossil fauna is met there.

Upper Quaternary stage (mQIII) – These deposits continue middle Quaternary marine formations and are represented by marine-alluvial section. They are composed of sands with different size grains, loam and rarely carbonate clays and bench gravel. The overall thickness of the stratum is 10-40 m. These sediments are met near the village , city of Batumi, in the southern part of and in the eastern part of Kobuleti. In general, as it was mentioned above, this formation is composed of sands, clays and conglomerates with interbeds of coarse rocks cemented by sand.

Recent Quaternary (Holocene) stage (QIV) - The deposits of this stage are found in the coastal zone of the Black Sea and its surroundings, river gorges and foothills. More specifically, they are represented by: i) recent marine sediments (m) composed of clays and sandstones on river terraces; ii) marine-lake sediments (ml) composed of clay and peat layers; iii) riverine sediments (a) composed of sand and gravel covered with clay; iv) alluvial-proluvial sediments (pd) composed of blocks and clay layers; v) proluvial-deluvial (pd) and other similar sediments.

The overall thickness of the Quaternary deposits varies from 1 to 200 m (Vejini water deposit area).

Intrusive Bodies - There are a number of autonomous outcrops and intrusive bodies detected through gravity magnetometric method. These are vein like bodies of igneous rocks, represented by intrusive bodies of various forms. Large size intrusive bodies are accompanied by apophises and small veins. Outcrops of magma veins are met in areas between Batumi and Sarphi. These are very small size three independent outcrops, with total area ranging between 0.01 and 0.2 km2. The largest is the Charnali intrusive body composed of anarthoclase, oligoclase-labradorites, plagioclase, biotites, amphibolites, pyroxen and other minerals. Other two small-size intrusive bodies are met in the north-east of the municipal center of the Khelvachauri district. They are intruded in the volcanic deposits of middle Eocene stage and are composed of metasomatities of 0.1-0.3 m thickness. The texture is formed of quartz sienite-diorites, plagioclase, potassium feldspar, quartz and biotites.

Keda Intrusive body– is located in the southeast of the Keda district. It is represented as a layer. Its total area is 0.05 km2, is composed of crystals of gabbroids made of medium and large size grains and is weakly weathered. Following minerals participate in its formation: labradorite plagioclase, potassium feldspar, olivene and the secondary minerals.

Merisi Intrusive body– is located in the village Merisi, Keda district. The village is situated in the basin of the river Akavereta, left tributary of the river Adjaristskali. It has sub-elypse forms are latidudally prolonged and directed from the village Octomberi to the village 26 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Silibauri. Its total area is 0.7 km2. It is composed of syenite-diorites, grano-sienites, monsonites and other structural varieties. The given intrusive is relatively transformed compared to other bodies, particularly along the falts. Here it is clayfied and seritized.

Namonastrevi Intrusive body– is located in the village Namonastrevi, Tiknara river basin. Its total area is4.56 km2 and is composed of biotite syenite-diorites, gabbro-monsonites and other petrographic-structural varieties. Adjacent to the Namonastrevi intrusive the Khalati intrusive is met with total area of 2.4 km2 and Satevzia intrusive with total area of 0.45km2 are met. They have almost the same composition as the Namonastrevi intrusive.

1.2.5.2 Geo-morphology

Geomorphologically, Ajara belongs to Ajara-Trialeti Folded System and is directly associated with large morpho-structures formed by recent tectonic movements, volcanic eruptions and erosive-denudative processes. Major morpho-structural ridges of various heights and orientations and their numerous branches, deep narrow canyons, depressions, hills and denudative-accumulative plains with numerous exo-microforms create diverse mosaics in the region’s geo-morphological landscape.

The high energy potential of the region’s relief and the intensity of exogenic processes are directly linked to the recent tectonic motions and transformations in erosion surface, where river gorges and sinking (sub-duction) zones have been undergoing intensive vertical deformations since Late Neocene. It should be noted that these motions are intermittent and non-uniform (differentiated). The clear evidence for this is the presence of flat undulated denudation surfaces, terrace stairs and strong accumulation plains. Other solid evidence is the presence of alluvial sediments of 60m and larger thickness in the beds of the rivers Adjaristskali and Chorokhi. Specifically, near village Vakhuntesti the thickness of the alluvial sediments of the river Adjaristskali is 48 m and that of the river Chorokhi near village Muratlissi – 53 m. The height of the layer is 69 m.

The amplitude of the Ajara-Trialeti uplifting zone reaches 2000-2500m in the western part of the Ajara-Imereti (same as Meskheti) ridge, cut abruptly by the Black Sea depression (same as inter-mountain depression). The highest flat relict surfaces of Miocene series are met at the altitude of 2150-2700 m. Four rows of younger flat surfaces are met at lower absolute altitudes.

Ajara-Imereti uplifting zone to the east is bordered with narrow - sinking zone (so-called southern sub-zone), whose western margin is a part of the subduction slab of the Adjaristskali basin, having sub-meridian orientation. Its direction does not coincide with the orientation of the folds and completely encompasses river Adjaristskali gorge. The formation of the slab has been ongoing since Oligocene-Miocene. It is sunk in the west and is 27 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

open towards the Black Sea, where it is overlaid by the wide and deep subducted mouth of the river Chorokhi.

In the surroundings of the Goderdzi pass the basement of the slab is uplifted at the maximum altitude reaching 1,500 m in height, while to the east it is sunk and merged with depression.

Adjaristskali tectonic slab from the south is bordered with Lazistan and Shavsheti tectonic uplifts, which intersect each other by the antecedent gorge of the river Chorokhi in the Borchkha-Adjaristskali section. Here the depth of the vertical abrasion is 1,500-2,000 m. The amplitude of the recent uplifting is 2,500-2,800 m.

The average velocity of the vertical movements is measured in some places and extrapolated based on historic seismic records. It makes up 2 mm annually for Ajara-Trialeti western part, which accelerates and reaches 3 mm annually at the pick. Similar processes are ongoing in the Gonio-Sarphi section and the remaining eastern part of Ajara. The sinking of the Ajara slab is ongoing with an average velocity of 1.33 mm/y, which is decreased at the mouth of the river Chorophi making up 0.8 mm/y.

Thus, the major morphological units of Ajara region are as follows: Major ridges of Ajara- Mereti (same as Meskheti), Arsiani and Shavsheti, river Adjaristskali depression and Kakhaberi delta-accumulative plain.

The northern slope of the Ajara-Imereti asymmetric ridge is much wider than the southern slope that abruptly falls in the river Adjaristskali gorge. At the same time, the slope located between the coastal zone and foothills together with its morphostructurally distinctive branches (Ajara-Guria, Kobuleti and Chakvi ridges) is gradually lowered and transformed into the hilly relief. In this zone, both Chaudinian and Black Sea marine terrace stairs (same as step terraces) are met from place to place.

Overall, northwest and southern slopes of the ridge forming medium and high mountainous erosive-denudation relief are fragmented by a dense hydrologic network. The average ratio of the fragmentation is 2.02-2.24 km/km2. The overall fall of the river beds varies within 780- 1000 m range and, average inclination - within 32-52.6%.

A distinctive morphological feature of the mountainous Ajara is a widely open fan of the hydrological network confined with Ajara-Imereti, Arsiani, Shavsheti and East Pontid ridges. Geo-morphologically, it is formed as an inter-mountainous depression. The folded structure of the rocks creates a wide sincline of the Ajara-Shavsheti, whose axis coincides with the gorge of the river Adjaristskali. It is characterized by asymmetric forms and typical middle- mountain relief. It is open in the north-east part towards the southeast direction, gradually narrowing down reaching 10-km in widthat the mouth of the river Chorokhi. The absolute altitude of the river beds varies within 100-1000 m and that of the picks – within 2000-2,700 28 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

m. The depression is divided by up to 1000 rivers of different rank, whose total length is 2,165 km. The average ratio of the fragmentation is 1.41km/km2. The majority of rivers is formed on the slopes of the depression and creates fan-like fragments on the north and west expositions of the Arsiani ridge.

Kakhaberi and Kobuleti inter-mountainous accumulation plains are also distinctive geo- morphological structures that are composed of riverine-marine sediments exceeding 300m in thickness on the Khakhaberi valley and reaching 140m in Kobuleti.

Kobuleti plain from the south is confined by Tsikhidziri volcanic cliff and, from the north – by river . The deformation of the plate has been ongoing since the late Holocene. The current rate of the sub-duction is 2 mm/y (Janjgava, 1979). This sinking process has been accompanied by the Quaternary transgressions and accumulation of strong marine and riverine sediments, overlaying both Chaudinian molasses and Middle Eocene volcanogenic rocks. This un-differentiated (uniform) formation is composed of gravel, sand and clay lenses. It should be noted that petrographically, riverine sediments along with Eocene volcanogenic rocks are represented by sediments of Artvini formation clearly indicating on that fact that in Pleistocene and Holocene periods Chorokhi sediments were reaching the Natanebi river mouth.

In Kobuleti structural block, former marine embayment follows the coastal zone in a 10-km distance. Average width is 250-300 m and the height – 7-12m. It represents a relict of the Phanagorian Regression (Egrissic phase, Tsereteli) composed of sand and gravel sediments of 0-19.8m thickness. The layer of cobbles of the the coastal zone, petrographically composed of porphyries, tuff-sandstones, tuffs and granodiorites, gradually narrows down towards the north and disappears completely in the mouth of the river Natanebi. This clearly indicates on the elimination of sediment flows.

Kakhaberi fluvial plain belongs to the Chorokhi-Batumi structural complex (block), which had been subducting during entire Quaternary period. The current rate of the sinking is 0.88mm near the city of Batumi and 1.3 mm in Chorokhi delta area. The differentiated morphogenesis of the structural block has resulted in intensive sediment accumulation and formation of Kakhaberi large accumulation valley composed of strong alluvial-marine sediments with different facies. The nature of these sediments with distinct facial- granulometric textures indicate on frequent change in Chorokhi river regime in the Black Sea hydrodynamic cycle.

Thus, the formation of the primary morphostrucutral units of Ajara relief is preconditioned by active differentiated neotectonic movements and different level of susceptibility of the sediments to erosion-denudation processes. The development of distinct landscapes and climate belts is attributed to such factors. 29 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The diversity of exogenous factors for the development of regional relief is reflected in the region’s morphographic peculiarities. Determining of quantitative and qualitative parameters for such peculiarities is of high practical and scientific importance. The region’s morphography is characterized by high mosaics of the relief, which includes surfaces with diverse inclinations and heights (plains – up to 30 inclination, slightly inclined surface – 3-80, weakly inclined surface – 8-150, moderately inclined surface – 15-250 and sharply inclined surface – 45-650). Percentage share of reliefs with these classifications in overall landscape diversity is as follows: i) surfaces with up to 30 slope – 1,257 km2 (43.34%); ii) surfaces with 3-80 slope _ 133 km2 (4.6%); iii) surfaces with 8-150 slope _ 173km2 (5.96%); iv) surfaces with 15-250 slope - 676km2 (23.13%); v) surfaces with 25-350 slope – 312km2 (10.76%); vi) surfaces with 35-450 slope – 213 km2 (7.34%); vii) surfaces with 45-650 slope – 87km2 (31%); surfaces with more than 650 slope – 61km2 (2.10%). The genesis of flattened surfaces located at different altitudes (pediment, pediplain, etc.) is different.

1.2.6 Geo-dynamic Processes: Landslides, Mudflows and Rockfall

Ajara region with its authentic natural landscape is one of the unique ones in Georgia. It encompasses the entire spectrum of landscape and geographic environment starting from the coastline and ending with the alpine zone, which creates the most favorable conditions for the development of tourism, agriculture and resorts. However, the development is hampered by extreme natural calamities (erosive-abrasive events, landslides, mudflows, rockfall, avalanches) and geo-ecologic conditions leading to emergencies.

This is precisely the reason why the protection of the Ajara population from geologic calamities, retention of arable land and ensuring safety of engineering installations has become the key condition for the sustainable development of the region.

Ajara has a long history of natural geologic processes resulting from the variability of a wide spectrum of anthropogenic and natural factors. (Please see Annex 6)

The high energy potential of the relief – intensive segmentation, steep slopes (within the belt of 30-50% and more) and formation of its primary morphostructural units is a result of active shifts at geotectonic stage and as well, differed susceptibility to erosion-denudation of major rocks. Active development of current exogenic processes fully encompasses middle Eocene, and upper moisten volcano – Pliocene, lower continental, and cover (slope) sediments. Lithological and geochemical composition of slope sediments, engineering-geologic peculiarities and spatial spread fully depends on tectonic disorder of basic rocks, location relief and climatic conditions.

30 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Landslide near Shuakhevi

Two main engineering- geologic complexes are distinguished based on morphologic processes of slope sediments: 1. mountainous eluvial-deluvial clay rocks, and 2. hilly area laterites at 450-600m above the sea-level. The existence of such zones often causes rockfall and mountain slides in many areas of Batumi-Akhaltsikhe highway, on the slopes of the river Mskhalta, Akavreta, Chirukha gorges, and Goderdzi Pass.

Slope sedimentation play significant role in the widespread and complex development of climatic (consistent) landslides and mudflows. They are especially large-scale and powerful over the even surface areas of mountainous Ajara, and their dynamics is defined by the amount of water contained in the slopes and velocityy conversion of physical characteristics of rocks. In such cases, relief morphology creates favourable conditions for the development of groundwater, which in its turn causes rapid deterioration of physical qualities of rocks resulting in landslides or intensification of the existing ones. Clay slope sedimentation usually causes the following types of landslides: sliding, sliding-plastic, plastic, plastic- flowing, flowing.

Climatogenic landslides are developed in the densely populated areas close to hill zones, where weak lateral sedimentation is frequent and it is relatively easier to implement anti- landslide measures. 31 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Collision of Ajara young folds mountain belts with Javakheti region of high seismic activity results in frequent high intensity earthquakes and intensive development of landslide- gravitation processes.

Creation or re-activation of landslides on the territory of Ajara region is mainly caused by the earthquakes of transit character. 1988 earthquake in Armenia intensified mountain slide in the Skalta River valley, which prompted mountain slide of 20 million m³ and buried the most part of the village Tsablana.

Intensification of exogenic processes in Ajara region is also defined by its diverse climate. Climatic conditions cause formation of strong lateral denudation crust in the region; as well as the typical erosion in low and medium mountain belt, and glacial-denudation in high mountain belt.

In the current condition of extremely developed landslides and mudflows, decisive role is played by abnormally high precipitation, which in separate years exceeds average annual rainfall by 200-700 mm, as often as every 3-4 years.

The following types of landslides are typical to Ajara region: consistent, sliding, sliding- plastic, plastic-flowing, gravitational. Such landslides are frequent in the villages of Tsablana, Gorjomi, Dnaispareuli, Chanchkalo, Iakobadzeebi, Stepanishvilebi, Paksadzeebi, Geladzeebi and Chao (Khulo District), as well as Tsinareti, Venrebi, Bazaleti, (Shuakhevi District), Octomberi, Gobroneti, Vedzibni, Namonastrevi (Keda District).

As a result of geologic works carried out in 1980-2005 it was concluded, that 4700 hectares of land in Ajara was considerably damaged and in catastrophic condition, while 5000 hectares was under high risk of potential natural calamities. In various years geologic processes have damaged 120.7 km of highways and 55 bridges in Ajara region, as well as 177.2 km long river sides were washed away, 818 cases of mudflows, 1200 cases of landslides and mountain slides.

The table below gives the list of settlements and engineering installations affected by natural calamities on the Ajara territory.

Table 14. Number of natural disasters affecting human settlements and engineering installations in Ajara Observation Landslide, Transformation Washed away Settlements Highways (km) years mountain slide of high intensity river sides (km) communications mudflows Prior to 1990 379 _ Roads 1982 368 175 1983-86 142 34 39.9 35 Roads 12.6, Bridges - 9 1987-88 43 112 20.4 176 Roads 16, Bridges - 5 1989-91 72 10 181 60 Roads 26.5, 32 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Bridges - 3 1992-95 75 10 44.1 63 Roads 19.4, Bridges - 13 1996 112 2 15.2 _ Roads 8.3, Bridges - 2 1997-98 101 136 20.9 117 Roads 10.9, Bridges - 7 2004-05 241 332 18.6 230 Roads 27, Bridges - 16 Total 1229 817 177.2 738 Roads 120.7, Bridges 55

Especially intensive (0.5-0.7 km damaged area per sq.km.). and widespread is the damage in in the upper section of the river Adjariskhali basin and the sources of the river Skhalta.

Small-scale surface landslides are widespread in hilly belt characterized by lateral spread.

Landslide processes are the least common in lower and middle mountain belt of Keda district. The least number of landslides has been recorded in the front slope mountain areas of Khelvachauri.

Geodynamics of Coastline

Ajara coastline 60 km section represents an unsteady morpho-dynamic system, which greatly influences engineering-geological conditions of densely populated settlements and intensively utilized coastline.

The coastline is of asymmetric shape. It is pointed from South-West to North-East and complicated by the Chorokhi River, Mtsvane Kontskhi and Tsikhisdziri areas protruding into the sea. According to geo-morphologic, hydro-geologic and other conditions, it is divided into Kobuleti-Tsikhisdziri and Batumi-Chorokhi main areas.

Both above-mentioned capes are abrasive, but washout velocity is minimal thanks to high strength and stability of Eocene volcanic rocks. Overall, the shoreline between the capes is abrasive, and the existing space is subject to intensive washout, that is why wave dissipating engineering installations and under water concrete cubes are used for protecting the shore.

Chorokhi-Batumi area, which is permanently subducted, fully covers the Kakhaberi lowland and theChorokhi River delta.

Kakhaberi lowland is built by strong complex of alluvium sea sedimentation, while narrow shoreline – with fine pebble gravels.

The Chorokhi River solid deposits play key role in the formation of the shoreline. It amounted to 18mln/tonnes annually and was mainly settling from the fore slope to inner coastline, north to estuary. 33 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Drastic reduction of the shoreline is being observed in the areas of the village Adlia, Batumi and in the direction of Makhinjauri.

The seashore is subject to catastrophic washout on the territory of the village Adlia. Batumi airport and the territory nearby observatory are the most vulnerable. The average washout rate is 40-45 meters per year on the territory of the village Adlia. Such velocity of the washout is caused by morphological configuration and wave regime of the shore.

Relatively stable is coastline dynamics of the Makhinjauri sub - area. As a result of artificial dumping of inert materials for fortification purposes and partially thanks to inert materials collected by the rivers Korolistskali and Bartskhana, shoreline washout along Makhinjauri coastline is insignificant and constitutes 1-2 meters annually.

It is noteworthy that due to hydro power plants which started operating on the territory of , solid sedimentation build-up from the Chorokhi River has practically ceased. Currently, to limit the washout of Batumi shoreline (Boulevard) and retention of the beach, 130000m3 of materials are being transported annually for fortifying the beach.

1.3 Hydrologic Characteristics of the Pilot Basin

The current shape of relief and its paleo-dynamic nature of development significantly define groundwater spread intensity, genetic characteristics and dynamics, which is reflected in rich surface water resources of the basin consisting of the rivers Chorokhi, Machakhela, Adjaristskali, Skhalta, Chirukhistskali, Korolistskali, Chakvistskali, Kintrishi and Achkva. Brief hydrographic description of these rivers is given below. (Please see Annex 2)

Chorokhi River (Choruk-Nekhr) is one of the major rivers of the Black Sea East coast. It takes origin in Tku-Badagi mountain in Turkey, 20 km South-West mountain Ispir, at 2700 m above the sea level and flows into the Black Sea on the territory of Georgia 6 km South- West Batumi.

The river is 438 km long, while watershed area is 22065.4 km2. 26 km long lower reaches of the river flow on the territory of Georgia. In this section of the river average fall is 780 m, while average inclination –300. Three main tributaries join the river on the territory of Georgia: Machakhelistskali (37 km long), Adjaristskali (90 km) and Charnali (13 km). Watershed area of the Chorokhi River on the territory of Georgia is 1804.8 km2.

The basin has mountainous topography. It consists of the northern slopes of the Shavsheti ridge , western slopes of the Arsiani ridge from the West and southern slopes of the Ajara- Imereti ridge. 10 km long lower section of the basin is situated on Kakhaberi lowland. 34 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Mountainous part of the basin slopes are divided by deep gorges of Machakhelastskali and Adjaristskali tributaries.

Geologiccally the basin is comprised oftuffs, clay shales and young andesite-basalt lavas.. Vegetation is mainly represented by deciduous and coniferous forests, while Kakhabery lowland is used for agricultural cultures.

Chorokhi river

The river gorge from Georgia-Turkish border to the village of Erge is of V-shape. Bottom of the river does not exceed 100-200 m. The section of the river from the village of Erge to Khelvachauri considerably widens and assumes cube shape with a wide bottom (0,3-0,8 km). Below Khelvachauri, over Kakhaberi lowland, the river shape turns trapezoidal (bottom width – 1,0 – 1,5 km), while it is poorly distinguished near the estuary.

The river bed from the state border to the village of Kapandiba is moderately meandering and branches out into 2-3 branches. Below the village of Kapandiba, it becomes intensively meandering with multiple branches. Isles created between the river branches varies from 20- 100 m in width and 100-300 metres in length. They are partly covered with vegetation and grass. Sections of turbulent and slow flow of the river interchange in every 500 m. On the 35 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

territory of Kakhaberi lowland the river bed is very deformed and the river often changes its flow.

Tributary width varies from 50 m (near the village of Maradidi) to 120 m (near the village of Makho), depth 1,5 m -4,9 m, while velocity from 0.7 m/s – 2,5 m/s. Tributary bottom is made of stone and gravel. The sources of the river are snow, rain and groundwater. The river has high water flow in spring and floods are frequent in autumn, while it has a low flow periods in summer and winter seasons. Spring flooding starts in early March, reaches a maximum in May and ends late July. In August and September the river has a low flow, but occasionally it is flooding 4-5 times as a result of heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfalls also cause floods in autumnoften exceeding the spring floods. Occasionally, summer floods coincide with the flooding caused by intensive rains, which result in catastrophic increase in water level. By the end of November the winter low flow period starts, which lasts till March of the following year. 45% of the annual runoff is generated in spring (March-May), 25% - summer (June – August), 17% - autumn (September- November) and 13% - winter (December – February).

Multi-year average runoff of the Chorokhi River at Erge gauging site, where the catchment area equals 22,000km2, is 272 m3/sec, maximum runoff – 3,840 m3/sec (recorded on 8 May, 1942) and minimum runoff – 44.4 m3/sec (recorded on 12 August, 1955). River turbidity varies between 3,700 and 110,000 g/m3 during floods and flash floods. The maximum sediment flow is recorded in May and makes up 3,100 kg/sec, while the minimum sediment flow is recorded in September and makes up 3.0 kg/sec. Ice formation is a very short-term phenomenon. The river Chorokhi is not used for irrigation.

Machakhela River, one of the major tributaries of the river Chorokhi originates in Turkey, at the altitude of 2620 m a.s.l. as a result of convergence of several springs located on the south slope of the mount Mereta (2,662.7 m a.s.l.). It joins river Chorokhi from the right side near the village Machakhevispiri.

Total length of the river is 37 km and catchment area – 369 km2.The upper course of the river is located in Turkey, while middle and lower courses with a total length of 21km – in Georgia.The major tributary of the Machakhela River on the territory of Georgia is Skurdidi River (11 km in length). Other tributaries are no longer than 5-6 km. In the Georgian section of the basin, the catchment area is 114.9 km2.

The basin’s relief is mountainous and is characterized by clear contours. From place to place the height of picks reaches 800-1,000 m above river beds. Steep slopes of the watersheds are heavily fragmented by deep gorges of river branches. Major rocks are covered with mountain-meadow yellowish-brown leached soils. In the river basin, above the altitude of 2,000-2,200 m alpine grassy biomes are met and below this belt – mixed forests. The lower course of the basin is represented by orchards and arable lands. 36 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The river gorge is V-shaped. The width of the gorge is 60-130 m. The slopes of the gorge merge with adjustment ridges. A floodplain is only met at the river mouth. Its length is 5-6 km, width – 40-50m and, height – 0.5-1 m. During the flash floods the flood plain is inundated with 0.3-1m water.

The river bed in a distance of 1.5-2.0 km from the national border is branched and forms 10- m wide and 20-m long pebble islands. The width of the river varies between 10 and 18 m, depth – between 0.4 to 0.8 m and the flow velocity – between 2.5 to 0.5-08 m/sec. The bottom of the river is uneven, covered with large boulders. River banks are composed of non-compact gravel and from place to place are cliffy.

The river is fed by snow, rain and ground waters. The water regime is characterized by spring floods, fall flashfloods, unstable summer low flow and stable winter law flow periods. Spring runoff contributes 35% to the annual water flow, summer runoff – 18%, fall runoff – 28% and winter runoff – 19%. At the Sindieti gauging site, where the catchment area is 365 km2, multi-year average river runoff is recorded at 21.2 m3/sec. At the same site, maximum runoff was recorded on 12 September 1962 and amounted to 430 m3/sec, while the minimum runoff was recorded on 10 February 1950 and amounted to 1.5 m3/sec. During floods and flashfloods the river turbidity varies between 65 and 2000 g/m3, the maximum sediment runoff is recorded in November and amounts to 140 kg/sec, while the minimum runoff is recorded in April and amounts 0.70 kg/sec.

River water is clean, transparent and potable during low waters. No ice phenomenon is recorded on the river. The river is used for hydropower generation and for water mills. It is not used for irrigation. In the past, there were two small-scale local watering 3 ha collective farm lands of Chkhutuneti and Keda.

The Adjaristskali River originates at the 2,435 m, on the western exposition of the northern part of the Arsiani ridge, to the east of the mount Chanchakhi (2,506.7 m) within 1 km distance from it. It flows into the Chorokhi River from the right side, downstream of the village Keda within 1 km distance from it. Total length of the river is 90 km, overall fall 2,397 m, average slope 26.60, total catchment – 1,540 km2, average altitude – 1,400 m. The hydrographic network of the the river basin is composed of 988 rivers with a total length of 2,165 km. Major tributaries are Satsikhur (14 km), Skhalta (29 km), Chikhuristskali (32 km), Chanistskali (21 km) and Akavtreta (19 km).

The borders of the river basin follow the water divides of the ridges of Chakvi, Ajara-Imereti, Arsiani and Shavsheti. The relief is mountainous and very fragmented, the altitude of the water divides exceeds 1,500-2,000 m. The basin geologically is composed of tuffs, sandstones and clay-shales. Young andesite-basalt lava is also met from place to place. Mountainous forest podsolised clay soils dominate within the basin. The largest area of the basin is covered 37 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

with dense mixed forests, which at the tops of the water divides transform into alpine grassy meadows.

The river gorge is V-shaped. The width of the river bed varies from 5-20 to 200-250 m. Steep slopes of the watershed are high and merge with adjustment ridges. From place to place river gorge is represented by cliffs. In the downstream areas the slopes of the river gorge are terraced. The width of these structures varies from 20 to 300 m and the height from 3 to 10 m. The surfaces of the terraces are flattened and planted with crops. Two-sided floodplain with a width of 40-100 m is met in the middle and downstreams. Its height is 0.5-1.2 and over-flooded with 0.3-1.0m water during floods and flashfloods.

The river bed is moderately meandered and branched in middle and lower reaches. Alluvial islands with 10-100 m length, 5-30m width and 0.5-1.0m height are met each 0.5-1 km section. At the water source the river bed is characterized by very steep slopes (100-1150) and cliffs. From place to place waterfalls are met, of which the highest is the one with 12- 13m height. In other sections, rapid and low velocity zones sequence each other in every 100-300 m The width of the river varies from 1-6 m to 40-60 m, its depth – from 0.2-0.8 m to 0.5-1.5 m and the flow velocity – from 1.5-2.0 m/sec to 0.8-1.2 m/sec.

The river is fed by snow, rain and ground waters. Of this, the largest contributor to the formation of the water flow is the snow melting and its share increases towards the river head. The river regime is characterized by spring floods, fall flash floods and summer and winter unstable low waters. Spring’s flow contributes about 50% to the annual water flow, summer’s flow – 17%, fall’s flow- 19% and winter’s flow – 14%.

Multi-year average flow of the Adjaristskali River at Khulo gauging site, where the river catchment is 251 km2, is 8.73 m3/sec, maximum flow - 189 m3/sec (30 October, 1947) and minimum flow – 8.73 m3/sec (20 August, 1949) – 0.25 m3/sec. The maximum of sediment flow was recorded in April 1968 and amounted to 460 kg/sec; minimum flow – in July 1979 and amounted to 0.086 kg/sec.

The river is clean and transparent is potable during low flows. Ice is only formed in the upstream areas and only during very cold winters. The river is used for power generation and irrigation purposes.

River Skhalta originates on the west slope of the Arsiani ridge, from the source located at the altitude of 2,220 m a.s.l. and flows into the Adjaristskali River from the left side near village Buturauli. Total length of the river is 29 km, average slope 590, total catchment – 220.1 km2, average altitude – 1,590 m. The hydrographic network of the the river basin is composed of 142 small tributaries with a total length of 192 km. The symmetric river basin is located between the basins of the rivers Chirukhistskali and Adjaristskali on the west slopes of Arsiani ridge. The mountainous relief is characterized by deep gorges with steep slopes. Highly eroded branches of the Assiani ridge from 2,400-2,500 m fall to 1,300-1,200 m 38 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

towards the gorge of the Ajariststkali River. Geologically, the basin is composed of sandstones, mergels, adnesites, basalts, tuffs and porphyries covered with gray podsolised clayly soils. The vegetation cover is characterized by vertical zoning. The alpine meadows are met the the altitude of 2,000-2,800 a.s.l., which are replaced by dense mixed forests and their under-stories at lower altitudes. The plain areas are transformed into agricultural lands.

The river has a V shape along its entire length. The width of its bed varies from 15-20m to 100-200m. Steep banks of the basin merge with the slopes of adjacent ridges. The terraces are met only in downstream areas. The largest one with 600 m length, 100-150 width and 2.5-3 m height is found upstream of the river mouth within 2.5 km distance from it. The floodplain is formed only in sections from village Khikhadziri to village Vernebi and from village Kvtia tot the river mouth. Its width is 90-100 m and height – 0.4-0.5 m. It is covered with boulders and flooded by 0.3-1.0 m water during floods and flashfloods. The river bed is moderately meandered and un-branched. The width of the river varies between 2-7m to 20- 25 m, depth – from 0.3m to 1.4 m and the flow velocity – from 2m/sec to 0.6 m/sec. The river is fed from snow, rain and ground water. Of these, the largest source is snow melting and rain water. The water regime is characterized by spring floods, summer-fall flash floods and winter instable low waters.

The river is clean and transparent and is potable during low waters. Ice is only formed during very cold winters. The river is used for hydropower generation and irrigation purposes.

Chirukhistskali River originates at the altitude of 2,220 m on the north-east slopes of the Shavsheti ridge and flows into the Adjaristskali River from the left bank near the village Shuakhevi. Total length of the river is 32 km, overall fall 1860 m, average slope 58.10, total catchment – 327.5 km2, average altitude – 1700m. The hydrographic network of the the river basin is composed of 305 small rivers with a total length of 398km. Major tributaries are Modulistskali (11km) and Tbeti (15 km).

The river basin is located on the north slopes of the Shavsheti ridge, whose water divide altitudes vary from 2,300m to 2,800m. The relief is mountainous and fragmented by river tributaries and their deep gorges. Geologically, the basin is composed of sandstones, mergels, basalts, andesites, tuffs, covered by light colored podzolised soils. Vegetation cover is characterized by vertical zoning. At the altitude above 2,000-2,200 m alpine meadows are met, which in lower altitudes are replaced by coniferous and then by dense mixed forests and their understories. The lowlands are used for agricultural purposes.

The river gorge from the source to the mouth has a deep V-shaped form. The width of the river bed varies from 10-15 m to 60-70 m. Steep slopes of the gorge (30-600)merge with the slopes of adjacent ridges. Downstream of the village Tselati two-sided terraces are met from place to place. The width of these relief forms is 20-50 m, at some places – 150-200 m. The height of the terraces is 3-15 m. They are covered with clay soils and near settlements they 39 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

are used for agriculture crop production. Two-sided floodplains are met in the downstream areas. Their width varies from 40-50 m to 70-80 m, height – from 0.5 m to 1.5 m. During floods and flashfloods floodplains are inundated by 0.5-0.7 m water.

The river bed is moderately meandered and mainly un-branched. Fast and slow flow areas sequence each other in every 100-150 meters. From place to place rapids are met. The width of the river varies from 1 to 14 m, depth – from 0.3-05 m to 0.7-1.2 m and, the velocity – from 2.2.1-6 m/sec to 1.0-1.2 m/sec. The river is mainly fed by snow melt and rain water. Groundwaters play a little part in formation of the water flow. The hydrological regime is characterized by spring floods, strong fall flashfloods and unstable summer and winter low waters. The spring runoff accounts for 60% of annual water flow, fall runoff – for 24% and winter runoff – for only 7-8%.

The ice formation is very short-term phenomenon continuing for only 3-10 days is recorded from December through February. The river was historically used for hydropower generation and irrigation purposes.

Korolistksali River originates on the west slope of the Ajara-Imereti ridge, to the west of the mount Chinkadze (1,306.1m) within 04. km distance from it at the altitude of 1,180m. It flows into the Black Sea to the south of the resort Makhinjauri within 1.2 km distance from this settlement.Total length of the river is 13 km, overall fall 1180 m, average slope 90.7‰, total catchment – 49.7 km2. The hydrographic network of the the river basin is composed of small rivers with a total length of 22km.

The river basin is located on the west slope of the Ajara-Imereti ridge between the rivers Chakvistskali and Bartskhana. Geologically, the basin is composed of andesites, basalts and tuffs, covered with clay and red soils. In mountainous areas deep broad leafed forests are met, while downstream of the village Chaisubani the majority of lands is transformed into agricultural and industrial lands.

The river gorge from its source to the village Chaisubani is V-shaped and downstream of the village becomes trapezoidal. The gorge, highly furrowed by small streams and deep gorges has very steep slopes merging with the slopes of adjacent ridges. The width of the river bed is 10-15 met at the river source and 350-400 m to the west of the village Kapreshumi. River terraces and floodplains are found downstream of the village Chaisubani. The height of the terraces is 4-6 m and the width – 50-300 m. Their surfaces are flattened and cultivated for agricultural crop and fruit production. The two-sided alluvial floodplain is inundated by 0.5- 1.0 m level water during floods and flashfloods.

The river bed is moderately meandered and un-branched upstream of the village Chaisubani. Downstream areas are branched creating instable alluvial islands with 100-700 m length, from 40-50 to 150m width and 0.7-1.0m height. During flash floods the islands are 40 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

inandeted by 1.5-2.0 m water. The width of the river varies from 3-5 m to 30-50m, depth – from 0.2 to 0.6 m and the flow velocity from 1.6 m/sec to 0.5 m/sec.

The river is fed by snow, rain and ground waters. The hydrological regime is characterized by weak spring floods and annual flash floods caused by the rains. It has to be noted that the mount Mtirala, characterized by the largest amount of precipitations in Georgia (4,519 mm) is located on the east water divide. The river is utilized by water mills.

Chakvistskali River originates on the south slope of the mount Tirati (1,379.4 m) located on the Kobuleti ridge, at the altitude of 1,300 m and flows into the Black Sea to the south of the village Chakvi. Total length of the river is 23 km, overall fall 1,300 m, average slope 26.6‰, total catchment – 173.2 km2. 496 tributaries of different size with a total length of 337 km flow into the river.

The mountainous relief of the basin below the village Khala transforms into the hilly landscape. The river bed is moderately meandered and unbranched above the village Gorgadzeebi. Downstream of this settlement several islands are formed, which are inundated by about 1 m level water during floods and flash floods. The river regime is characterized by spring floods and flash floods caused by rains during any season of the year. Besides, the water level of flash floods is much higher than that of spring floods. Relatively instable low waters are recorded during summer times. The seasonal flow of the water fluctuates significantly from year to year. In the downstream area of the basin, the ice phenomenon is not recorded. The river is not used for economic activities.

Atchkva River originates as a result of the convergence of various springs flowing on the north-west slope of the mount Ilias Tsikhe at the altitude of 1000 m and flows into the Black Sea near Kobuleti. Total length of the river is 19 km, overall fall – 999 m, average slope 53.6‰, total catchment – 37.9 km2, average height – 156 km. The river has 79 tributaries with a total length of 80 km.

The upstream area of the basin, located on the north-west slope of the Ajara-Imereti ridge is furrowed by tributary rivers and ravines. The middle stream is hilly and the downstream is a plain area. Geologically, the basin is composed of tertiary and quaternary sedimentary rocks, covered with clay mountain-forest leached soils. The vegetation is represented by Colkhic forests.

The river bed is moderately meandered. The river width varies between 2 and 12 m, depth – between 0.2 to 1.5 m and the flow velocity – from 1.1 m/sec to 0.2 m/sec. The river regime is characterized by flash floods during all seasons of the year. Low waters are reported in summer. Ice formation does not occur. The river water is used by mills.

The Kintrishi River originates on the south-west slopes of the Ajara-Imereti ridge, near the mount Khino at the altitude of 2,320 m and flows into the Black Sea, south to Kobuleti 41 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

within 1 km distance from it. Total length of the river is 45 km, average slope 52‰, total catchment – 250 km2, average height – 835 m. The major tributaries and Magalakhevisgele (12 km) and Kinkisha (15 km).

The river basin is characterized by mountainous relief. Geologically the basin is composed of tuffs, and alluvial, deluvial and eluvial sediments. Major rocks are covered with clay soils. 70% of the basin is covered with deep mixed forests. The river bed is meandered and as well, branched below the village Khutsubani. As a result of branching small islands are formed, with a length varying from 50 to 1000 m and the width varying from 50 to 200 m. The width of the river is 1-50 m, depth – 0.2-2m and flow velocity – 1.8-0.7 m/sec.

The river is fed by snow, rain and ground waters. Spring floods and flashfloods during the entire year are specific to the river hydrology. Besides, water level during flash floods is much higher than that during floods. Relatively instable low waters are recorded during summer periods. Seasonal river regime fluctuates greatly from year to year. Ice phenomenon is not recorded at all. The water is used by mills.

1.3.1 Surface Waters

The study of the river runoff of the rivers of the Ajara Autonomous Republic has started since the beginning of the last century. More specifically, in 1912 the first hydrologic observation point was open on the river Kintrishi, Kobuleti, which operated until 1935. In 1940s gauging sites were open on the rivers Chorokhi, Machakhela, Adjaristskali, Chakvistskali, Kintrishi and others. Historical records of hydrological observations are available from 1938 through 1986, though the data are intermittent.

Please see the map of above mentioned hydrological monitoring sites on Ajara rivers in annexes below. It is noteworthy to mention that since 1990s of the last century none of the hydrological monitoring sites measuring the wáter discharge (same as the runoff) have been operational. Limited number of hydrological sites measure only wáter level, which is useless for design of power, irrigation and wáter supply systems.

Major Hydrological Parameters of the Rivers

Based on historical hydrological monitoring data, observations on the major rivers of Ajara have been carried out in different periods and with different durations. Regardless of this, observations took place until 90s of the last century. Official data are only published for the years until 1987. 42 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Average monthly and annual runoff for the multi-year period is given in Table 15 below. Years of observations are also indicated there.

Monthly and annual means for the Chorokhi River are calculated for natural conditions. Currently, the river is regulated and the regime is changed due to large and hydropower plants operating in Turkey.

Table 15. Multi-year average monthly and Annual discharges (m3/sec) for major rivers of Ajara measured at hydrological gauging sites (#14) Hydrological

River Observation I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Years site 1955- Chorokhi Maradidi 84 99 172 349 426 313 166 87 83 99 108 115 175 68

1969- Chorokhi Mirveri 92 115 179 426 552 356 156 90 90 136 133 117 203 80

1930- Chorokhi Erge 134 176 270 560 678 447 219 130 133 193 198 178 278 80

1941- Machakhela Sindieti 14 16 22 35 36 24 17 15 16 22 20 18 21.2 86

1942- Adjaristskali Khulo 4.1 4.9 9.8 25 22 7.4 3.4 2.4 2.8 5.8 6.3 5.5 8.27 86

1937- Adjaristskali Keda 26 33 54 105 95 43 23 17 21 38 39 35 44.1 80

1943- Chirukhistskali Shuakhevi 4.4 5.5 9.4 23 28 14 5.8 3.7 4.4 7.3 7.6 6.2 9.9 86

1940- Chakvistskali Khala 8 9.6 13 16 9 6 6.4 6.9 9.2 13 11 11 9.89 80

1941- Kintrishi Kokhi 9.7 11 14 21 17 10 7.9 7.8 10 15 14 12 12.5 86

Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Maximum (peak) discharges with different return time (same as recurrence intervals) for the same rivers and hydrological observation sites, are given in Table 16 below.

Table 16. Maximum discarges (m3/sec) of the major rivers of Ajara with different return time measured at hydrological gauging sites River Hydrological F Return time τ year 2 Observation km 1000 100 50 20 10 5 site

Chorokhi Maradidi 20500 4305 3105 2845 2350 2040 1730 Chorokhi Mirveri 20900 4345 3135 2870 2375 2060 1745 Chorokhi Erge 22000 4460 3215 2945 2435 2115 1790 Machakhela Sindieti 362 760 495 415 370 310 240 43 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Adjaristskali Khulo 251 305 210 180 145 120 99.0 Adjaristskali Keda 1360 1460 1015 875 690 580 475 Chirukhistskali Shuakhevi 326 340 235 205 160 135 110 Chakvistskali Khala 120 640 445 385 305 255 210 Kintrishi Kokhi 191 790 550 475 375 315 260 Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 гdas.s. ,,saqwyalproeqtis” fondurimasalebi.(State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987; Archives of Georgian Hydroproject Institute)

Minimum discharges of different probability are given in Table 17. These data for the Chorokhi River are not available in any publication. Retrieving daily data and processing multi-year data series will take long time and it is not feasible to go through this exercise in the light of change in the natural hydrological regime of this river.

Table 17. Minimum discarges (m3/sec) of the major rivers of Ajara with Different probability measured at hydrological gauging sites Hydrological F River Observation site km2 Probability, P % 75 80 85 90 95 97 99 Chorokhi Maradidi 20500 ______Chorokhi Mirveri 20900 ______Chorokhi Erge 22000 ______Machakhela Sindieti 362 6.3 5.76 5.14 4.52 3.67 3.2 2.44 Adjaristskali Khulo 251 4.91 4.42 4 3.46 2.83 2.43 1.83 Adjaristskali Keda 1360 6.18 5.82 5.37 4.93 4.27 3.9 3.24 Chirukhistskali Shuakhevi 326 5.19 4.85 4.43 3.99 3.39 3.1 2.73 Chakvistskali Khala 120 16.9 15.8 14.3 13 11.7 10.8 9.84 Kintrishi Kokhi 191 18.7 18.1 17.2 16.2 14.9 14 12.5 Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г da,,Ресурсы поверхностных вод СССР, том 9, Закавказье и Дагестан, выпуск 1, западное Закавказье". Обобщенные материалы наблюдений на реках, озерах и водохранилищах. Ленинград, изд. ,,гидрометеоиздат". 1969 г. (i. State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987; ii. SurfaceWaterResourcesoftheUSSR, volume 9, Trans-Caucasus and Dagestan, first publication, Western Trans-Caucasus.Aggregatedhydrologicaldataforrivers, lakes and reservoirs. Leningrad, publishinghouse “Gidrometizdat”, 1969)

Multi-year average monthly and annual data on sediment flow, are given in Table 18.

Table 18. Multi-year average monthly and Annual sediment flow (kg/sec) for major rivers of Ajara measured at hydrological gauging sites

River Hydrological Years I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual observation site Chorokhi Maradidi 1973-1980 25 33 170 1000 1200 600 150 70 130 130 75 47 300 Chorokhi Mirveri 1930-/-1980 21 42 130 700 1000 570 250 240 87 81 62 63 260 44 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Chorokhi Erge 1969-1980 0.42 0.53 0.55 1.2 0.93 1.1 0.54 0.44 0.54 1.7 0.65 0.57 0.77 Machakhela Sindieti 1954-1980 1.5 1.9 4.4 21 15 5.4 1.6 3.0 1.6 2.5 2.5 2.5 4.8 Adjaristskali Khulo 1969-1980 1.4 3.2 11 38 32 13 3.1 3.9 7.5 12 6.7 4.3 11 Adjaristskali Keda 1974-1980 0.28 0.88 1.9 12 7.0 1.2 0.59 0.42 0.54 1.5 0.95 0.30 2.3 Chirukhistskal Shuakhevi 1964-1980 0.081 0.22 0.22 0.34 0.12 0.18 0.56 0.41 0.41 0.57 0.14 0.53 0.35 i Chakvistskali Khala 1964-1980 0.15 0.29 0.29 0.80 0.48 0.85 0.39 0.84 1.31 0.76 0.50 0.38 0.61 Source: Государственныйводныйкадастр (ОГХ), многолетниеданныеорежимеиресурсахповерхностныхводсуши, том 6, ГрузинскаяССР, Ленинградизд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Granulometry of the sediments carried out at the gauging sites, measuring the granulometric composition of the sediment are given in Tables 19-25, below

Table 19. Granulometric composition of the sediment of the Chorokhi River at Mirveti gauging site Water regime Sediment composition Particle composition (% share of total mass) mm in diameter (size of grains) 1- 0.5- 0.2- 0.1- 0.05- 0.01- 0.005- <0.001 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01 0.005 0.001 Spring flood large 87.7 7.1 3.5 1.7 _ _ _ _ medium 0.9 5.0 14.5 21.2 58.4 _ _ _ fine 0.1 1.4 4.8 14.0 34.9 14.9 16.2 13.7 Fall flash flood large 58.5 27.9 8.4 3.5 1.7 _ _ _ medium 2.8 10.0 26.1 4.9 54.8 1.4 _ _ fine 12.4 2.6 14.2 6.3 28.5 3.6 6.2 26.2 Summer low large 73.5 18.2 4.6 1.3 2.4 _ _ _ water medium ______fine 0.2 1.2 2.6 4.2 26.2 22.0 21.8 21.8 Winter low water large 52.0 39.2 6.4 2.4 _ _ _ _ medium ______fine 2.2 4.3 1.2 12.9 37.4 17.8 24.2 _ Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Table 20. Granulometric composition of the sediment of the Chorokhi River at Erge gauging site Water regime Sediment Particle composition (% share of total mass) mm in diameter composition (size of grains) 1- 0.5- 0.2- 0.1- 0.05- 0.01- 0.005- <0.001 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01 0.005 0.001 Spring flood large 92.9 7.1 ______medium 3.3 8.7 17.8 23.8 46.4 _ _ _ fine _ 0.6 1.0 5.4 49.2 13.0 21.0 9.8 Fall flash flood large 54.8 38.8 6.4 _ _ _ _ _ medium 2.0 7.8 15.2 20.4 54.6 _ _ _ fine 0.2 0.2 0.6 2.1 26.9 23.1 34.8 12.1 Summer low large 57.7 34.4 6.2 1.7 _ _ _ _ water medium 3.2 13.8 14.4 20.1 48.5 _ _ _ fine _ 0.5 2.1 14.7 82.7 _ _ _ 45 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Winter low water large 40.4 30.9 23.1 5.6 _ _ _ _ medium 3.3 15.4 22.0 20.0 39.3 _ _ _ fine _ 1.1 0.1 14.5 46.0 13.5 9.7 15.1 Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Table 21. Granulometric composition of the sediment of the Chorokhi River at Sindieti gauging site Water regime Sediment Particle composition (% share of total mass) mm in diameter composition 1- 0.5- 0.2- 0.1- 0.05- 0.01- 0.005- <0.001 (size of grains) 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01 0.005 0.001 Spring flood large 2.1 51.4 31.6 6.9 8.0 _ _ _ medium ______fine 0.1 2.9 11.4 29.2 40.0 16.4 _ _ Fall flash flood large 2.0 22.7 24.8 27.1 23.4 _ _ _ medium ______fine 6.2 36.2 28.2 15.1 14.3 _ _ _ Summer low large ______water medium 0.4 2.1 4.6 27.9 65.0 _ _ _ fine 25.6 19.1 14.0 24.1 17.2 _ _ _ Winter low water large ______medium 1.6 22.3 18.6 28.3 29.2 _ _ _ fine 2.0 22.7 24.8 27.1 23.4 _ _ _ Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Table 22. Granulometric composition of the sediment of the Chorokhi River at Khulo gauging site Water regime Sediment Particle composition (% share of total mass) mm in diameter composition 1- 0.5- 0.2- 0.1- 0.05- 0.01- 0.005- <0.001 (size of grains) 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01 0.005 0.001 Spring flood large 39.0 13.7 7.4 3.4 36.5 _ _ _ medium 2.5 5.0 10.0 33.0 49.5 _ _ _ fine 0.7 0.1 3.0 13.7 48.4 20.9 12.0 1.2 Fall flash flood large 11.0 9.2 4.5 2.0 73.3 _ _ _ medium 0.7 5.5 14.3 34.8 44.7 _ _ _ fine _ 0.7 2.4 11.1 42.9 20.7 16.4 5.8 Summer low water large 53.7 14.4 5.9 25.3 0.7 _ _ _ medium 1.9 3.7 17.6 21.2 55.6 _ _ _ fine _ 0.8 6.9 8.5 30.7 38.7 9.1 5.3 Winter low water large 13.1 43.2 6.8 4.6 32.3 _ _ _ medium 1.2 6.3 18.3 20.5 53.7 _ _ _ fine _ 1.8 3.5 25.6 53.5 6.2 6.4 3.0 46 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Table 23. Granulometric composition of the sediment of the Chorokhi River at Keda gauging site Water regime Sediment Particle composition (% share of total mass) mm in diameter composition 1- 0.5- 0.2- 0.1- 0.05- 0.01- 0.005- <0.001 (size of grains) 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01 0.005 0.001 Spring flood large 3.4 29.7 25.2 19.2 22.5 _ _ _ medium 0.5 6.4 16.2 16.9 27.6 10.2 8.2 14.0 fine _ 0.2 2.1 7.6 12.4 21.7 26.0 30.0 Fall flash flood large 0.4 16.5 20.1 13.0 50.0 _ _ _ medium ______fine _ _ 0.3 2.7 27.0 16.6 2.0 51.4 Summer low large 0.3 36.1 32.5 24.7 3.4 2.0 0.6 0.4 water medium ______fine 0.6 0.6 1.7 1.0 40.2 14.8 15.9 25.2 Winter low water large 0.7 17.9 36.5 22.6 22.3 _ _ _ medium 0.6 6.2 33.8 32.1 27.3 _ _ _ fine _ 1.4 1.7 5.3 33.8 22.4 13.9 21.5 Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Table 24. ranulometric composition of the sediment of the Chirukhistskali River at Shuakhevigauging site Water regime Sediment Particle composition (% share of total mass) mm in diameter composition 1- 0.5- 0.2- 0.1- 0.05- 0.01- 0.005- <0.001 (size of grains) 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01 0.005 0.001 Spring flood large 44.6 7.8 20.5 13.1 14.0 _ _ _ medium 8.2 20.2 11.0 14.1 46.5 _ _ _ fine _ 0.4 6.3 13.4 45.0 19.9 2.2 12.8 Fall flash flood large 9.7 38.5 21.1 15.6 15.1 _ _ _ medium 1.4 4.1 21.4 40.0 33.1 _ _ _ fine 1.7 7.7 20.6 14.9 55.1 _ _ _ Summer low large 2.1 2.5 6.3 18.9 65.1 5.1 _ _ water medium ______fine 1.3 3.6 16.3 17.2 45.6 8.0 4.4 3.6 Winter low water large 36.4 16.4 14.7 11.7 20.8 _ _ _ medium 5.1 25.6 20.9 11.4 37.0 _ _ _ fine _ 3.5 12.1 15.3 69.1 _ _ _ Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

Table 25. Granulometric composition of the sediment of the Kintrishi River at Kokhi gauging site 47 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Water regime Sediment Particle composition (% share of total mass) mm in diameter composition 1- 0.5- 0.2- 0.1- 0.05- 0.01- 0.005- <0.001 (size of grains) 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.05 0.01 0.005 0.001 Spring flood large 17.4 53.4 4.6 6.2 18.4 _ _ _ medium 0.9 8.2 14.4 20.6 55.9 _ _ _ fine 0.6 1.1 1.3 5.8 30.6 _ 29.4 9.1 Fall flash flood large ______medium 1.0 4.9 7.2 11.2 46.9 9.4 0.2 19.2 fine ______Summer low large 6.3 21.0 18.5 9.7 44.5 water medium ______fine 0.8 1.5 1.6 0.1 17.6 78.4 _ _ Winter low water large 35.2 38.4 12.7 6.1 7.6 _ _ _ medium 1.5 18.4 34.8 23.4 21.9 _ _ _ fine 0.6 0.6 0.9 3.7 40.1 26.5 7.4 20.2 Source: Государственный водный кадастр (ОГХ), многолетние данные о режиме и ресурсах поверхностных вод суши, том 6, Грузинская ССР, Ленинград изд.,, гидрометеоиздат". 1987 г (State Water Cadaster, Multi-year data on the regime of surface waters, volume 6, Georgian Soviet Republic, Leningrad, publishing house : Gidrometizdat, 1987)

1.3.2 Surface Water Uses

Rivers of Ajara have high hydropower potential. Despite this fact main rivers in Ajara have been underutilized. In 1930-ies derivation type Ajaratskali power plant (Atshesi) was launched with the capacity of 16, 0MW. It receives 45 m3/s water from the river Adjaristskali headwork near Batumi-Akhaltsikhe highway, and with the derivation tunnel of 2860 m in length and 3,9 in diameter supplies two turbines installed at the powerhouse. In the same period started operations village Digvani 120 horse power hydro power plant (HPP) on the river Chirukhistkali, and a mini power plants on the river Skhalta. Currently there are following hydro power plants operating in Ajara: Kinkisha HPP (0.74MW) Sanalia HPP (3.0 MW), Achi HPP (1,03 mgwt) and Machala HPP (1,43 MW), which started operating in the village of Kedkeda in 1956.

Currently it is planned to build two new derivation type HPP-s, with the headworks to be located at 235 and 328 m sea.s.l.. These power plants are at the development stage.

The construction of three new derivation type HPP-s is also planned on the Adjaristskali River, namely – Koromi, Shuakhevi and Khertvisi HPP-s, which is being developed by the Norwegian company Clean Energy Invest.

Utilization of hydropower potential of the Chorokhi River is of special significance, which started end of the last century by the construction of the cascade of dams for the creation of reservoirs for power generation. Based on the available data, it is planned to construct 10 dams on the Chorokhi River (Muratli, Borchkha, Derineri, Artvini, Yuzpuli, Arkuni, Axsus, 48 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Gulubagi, Ispiri and Lalula dams), of which Yuzpula will be the highest (223 m high) and Mrtali – the lowest (44 m). The latter is already operational. This has fully regulated natural sedimentation of the river and disrupted its natural distribution. Construction of dams and intensive extraction of inert materials from the river beds on the territory of Turkey and Georgia has sharply decreased alluvial materials production volume and diameter, which has negatively affected both the formation of Adlia-Batumi section of the beach, as well as deep erosion of the Chorokhi River. Construction of dams has practically reduced to nil renewable sources of beach building materials. Considering the above, it is necessary to carry out emergency engineering works for the protection of the Black Sea coast.

Turkish “Ajara Invest” is planning to build three more dams on the territory of Georgia on the Chorokhi River: Kirnatis Kveti 12.5 m high, Khelvachauri I – 12.5 m high, and Khelvachauri II – 11.5 m high. Reservoirs formed as a result of the construction of these dams will serve hydro power stations of the same settlements with the power generation of 34.6, 36.4 and 36.3 MWs respectively.

It should also be taken into consideration that dams of the HPP planned to be constructed on the territory of Georgia will accumulate limited volume of solid sedimentation carried by the tributaries of the Chorokhi River (Ajariskhali and Machakela rivers) from the territory of Georgia, which gain negatively affect the formation of Adlia-Batumi section of the beach.

Black Sea coastal areas of Ajara rivers are not used for irrigation purposes, as agricultural cultures do not require excessive irrigation due to high precipitation. Irrigation systems are installed only in the Adjaristskali River basin, where precipitation is relatively less. According to data from 1988, water from the main rivers of Ajara for irrigation purposes was distributed through 27 irrigation channels, which served 2090.7 ha of agricultural land. Table 25 below shows the list of irrigation systems on the main rivers of Ajara according to 1988 year data, by the sources of water and agricultural land area.

Table 26. Main irrigation systems on the basin Irrigation systems on the main rivers on Ajara territory

Source Irrigation system Irrigated area in hectares

Chorokhi River Akhasheni Farm 3 Chorokhi River Kelvachauri cattle farm 72 Chorokhi River Makho Farm 6 Chorokhi River Kirnati Farm 1 Machakhela River Chukhuneti Farm 1 Machakhela River Keda Farm 2 Acharistskali River Keda Farm 217 Acharistskali River Kvashata-Vaio JSC 137 49 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Acharistskali River Urtio-nenio lands 370 Acharistskali River Ganakhleba JSC 93 Acharistskali River Kartakhi JSC 195 Acharistskali River Beghleti lands 96 Acharistskali River Danisparauli lands 111 Acharistskali River Riketi lands 103 Acharistskali River Octomberi Farm 200 Skhalta River Skhalta lands 26 Skhalta River Kalota lands 71 Skhalta River Tkhinvala lands 26 Skhalta River Skvana lands 49 Chirukhistskali River Shubani Farm 172 Chirukhistskali River Oladauri lands 120 Chakvistskali River Khala Farm 2,5 Chakvistskali River Chaisubani Farm 4,1 Chakvistskali River Chakvi Farm 2,0 Kintrishi River Kobuleti Farm 5,3 Kintrishi River Khutubani Farm 5,8 Source: Saktskalproeqti data, 1988 Based on the same year data, there was a total of 8,646 ha of land irrigated in Ajara, of which 97,0 ha in Kobuleti District, 3,409 ha in Khulo District, 3,403 ha in Shuakhevi District, 1,650 ha in Keda District and 87 ha in Khelvachauri District. 2090.7 ha of this land was irrigated through the main river systems listed above, while 6,555.3 ha – from the tributaries or unnamed ravines. Currently, according to the data of 1 January 2010 of the Department for Highways and Melioration Systems Management of Ajara Autonomous Republic, the Department had 8,482 ha of land, of which 6,963ha is arable land. According to the same Department, Khelvachauri Municipality owns 1836 ha of drainage system land, of which 1093 ha is arable land. Kobuleti Municipality own 3550 ha of drainage systemland, of which 2343 ha is arable land. The Department also owns two irrigation and drainage pump station. Based on 2011 data there are 24 main water users and 44 fish farms; According to the same data, 847,998 thousand m3 of water has been provided for water usage in Ajara, of which groundwater reservoirs provided 6,672 thousand, surface waters – 841,331 thousand m3. Of these, 34,807 thousand m3 of water was used for household and utility purposes, 5,740 thousand for production, 768,175 thousand for hydropower, 3,928 thousand for agriculture and 27,785 thousand m3 – for fish farms.

50 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

1.3.3 Natural Lakes and Reservoirs

Apart from the rivers described above, there are five small natural lakes on the territory of Ajara Autonomous Republic (Black lake, Nurigieli, Ardagani, Small Green Lake and Large Green Lake), as well as and Ispani marshlands. Lake surface area and the volume of water accumulated in themare so insignificant, that there is no information regarding them in hydrologic literature. Laituri marshland is located on the territory of Kobuleti Municipality, in the basin of the Sharistskali River, which is the right tributary of the River, and at the 5-15 m a.s.l.. Laituri marshland area is 1 km2, accumulated water volume – 1.6 mln m3. Ispani marshland is situated east of Kobuleti, 1-8 m a.s.l.. It is 6 m deep with the surface are of 19 km2, and volume of 102 mln m3. Some part of Ispani marshland is dried out, but remains unutilized.

At this point in time, there are no artificial reservoirs operating in Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin, though hydro power infrastructure development projects envisage construction of many reservoirs of this type.

1.3.4 Ground Waters

In accordance with hydro-geological zoning of Georgia (I. Buachidze, 1970), Ajara belongs to the Ajara-Trialeti Folded System and consists of the Fractured Confined Water System of Ajara-Imereti, with a dominated type of fractured ground waters there. Ajara ground waters are contained in Middle Eocene volcanic-sedimentary and vein deposits as well as in alluvial sediments, where they are represented by porous waters. Detailed description of water bearing complexes and horizons (aquifers) is given below. (Please see Annex 7)

Aquifer of the recent marine sediments (mQIV)

Recent marine sediments are spread along the Black Sea Coastal zone as a narrow intermittent line. This water bearing horizon lithologically is composed of oval stones and sandy-stony facies replaced with clays towards the north. The sediments are heterogeneous and are characterized by lithological diversity towards both vertical and horizontal directions. This feature determines the differentiated water-content of the aquifers.

Ground waters of the recent marine sediments have weak mineralization, moderate hardness and hydrocarbonate-calcium-sodium chemical composition. The mineralization increases in the vicinity of the coastal line and makes up 2.6-3.0 g/l, water hardness here is measured at 2-5 mg/equiv. and, water is composed of chlorine and sodium.

51 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The aquifer is primarily recharged by infiltration of atmospheric precipitations and sometimes from waters flowed from bank terraces. The water regime is unstable. The water level varies within 1.7-2.0m and is related to the atmospheric precipitations. High level of ground waters is linked to spring and fall floods and low level – to summer low waters. The aquifer has narrow distribution and low flow rate. Ground waters of the given aquifer are highly mineralized and therefore, are not used for drinking water supply.

Aquifer of recent bog deposits (hQIV)

Ground waters of recent bog deposits are widely spread to the south-west of the Batumi, on the Kakhaberi valley, to the east of Mejinis Tskali and the village Gonio. Lithologically, the aquifer is represented by peat, sands, clayey sediments, clays and loam. The thickness of the aquifer is 50-10 m.

The stratum is completely saturated with water, freely circulating in sands and clayey sediments. Peat and loam are relatively impermeable. The water table is located within 0.3- 4.5 m depth from the land surface. Ground waters are abstracted through wells. Ground waters are characterized by high water table varying within 0.5-2.5 m depth from the land surface. Frequent rainfalls cause raise in water table and soil water logging that leads to the bogging of large areas.

Recent wetland sediments are recharged by atmospheric precipitations and ground waters contained in recent alluvial sediments.

The variation of ground water level of the given aquifer is strongly related to the amounts of precipitations. High water level is recorded in winter time and the lowest level – in spring time. The water is fresh and free flowing (unconfined). It belongs to the hydrocarbonate- calcium or hydrocarbonate-calcium-sodium-magnesium class.

The water has poor potable qualities and in many cases is contaminated. It also has peat odor. Due to the high water table and good permeability of strata, ground water of the recent bog sediments is easily contaminated and therefore, is not used as potable water.

Aquifer of recent alluvial sediments (Holocene alluvial deposits - aQIV)

This water bearing horizon is met in all floodplains and first terraces of the large rivers (e.g. Chorokhi, Adjaristskali, Korolistksali, Kintrishi, etc.).

In the foothills, alluvial sediments overlay Middle Eocene sediments and on the Kakhaberi plain – Upper Quaternary alluvial and marine sediments. This aquifer is composed of alluvial sands, oval stones and gravels. The granulometry of sediments is changed from source to mouth. In the upper and middle courses coarse stones and pebble gravel dominate in the alluvium, while in the lower course as a result of decreased flow velocity heterogeneous sands and granular gravels dominate in alluvial sediments. 52 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The thickness of the alluvial sediments is 5-40m. Water is free flowing. Flow is inclined towards river flow and river banks. Therefore groundwater flow is fan-like. There are lots of wells in the alluvial sediments that abstract water for household consumption. A water table in these wells varies from 0.5 to 5.5m. Water saturation of sediments varies in accordance with the change in their granulometric composition. In pebble gravels and oval stones with granule gravel hydraulic conductivity is 100-150 m/day. In the Kakhaberi valley, artesian wells have the capacity of 10-12 l/sec. Flow rate fluctuate within 0.2-5.0 l/sec range.

By chemical composition, ground waters of alluvial sediments belong to the hydrocarbonate- carbonate-sodium class. Total hardness varies within the range of 0.3-1.4 mg-ekv/l, carbonate hardness – within 0.3-1.2 mg-ekv/l and pH– within the range of 6.5-7.0. Water temperature varies from 12 to 150C. Total mineralization is 0.1-0.3 g/l.

Nearby Khelvachauri center towards Chorokhi several wells with 20-30m depth have been drilled. Their flow rate is 25-30 l/sec. Hydraulic conductivity is 80-120m/day. Average thickness of the aquifer is 36-40m. Water bearing rocks are characterized by high permeability. The average flow rate of the ground water is 15-20 l/sec. Mineralization of the water does not exceed 0.3 g/l. The aquifer is recharged by surface water discharge, atmospheric precipitation and ground waters contained in the rocks adjacent to mountainous areas. One more additional source is ground waters contained in alluvial sediments and major rocks located below these sediments.

The Hydrological regime of the aquifer is closely linked to the fluctuations in the surface water level and the amounts of atmospheric precipitations. Discharge of the aquifer occurs in the form of downward flowing springs, which discharge directly into the Black Sea at the mouth of the river Chorokhi. The dependence of ground waters on the river is demonstrated by the drastic change in water regime of springs flowing from the first floodplain terrace as a result of seasonal variation of the surface water level. During the summer and the beginning of the fall, sources flowing from the first terraces dry up, while the discharge rates of other sources drop sharply. The aquifer provides drinking water to major settlements (Batumi, Khelvachauri, Kobuleti, Chakvi).

Since there is a strong linkage between the aquifer and surface waters, it is possible to increase the water abstraction to a certain level in order to supply settlements with drinking water.

Aquifer of the Upper Quaternary Alluvial-marine sediments (amQIII)

The aquifer contained in above sediments is widely spread in Kakhaberi valley and upper terraces of the major rivers. In particular, they are widely met on the right bank of the river Chorokhi. 53 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Lithologically, the given horizon is composed of pebble-gravel, oval stones and sandy- granule gravel facies. They are cemented by sands, clayey sands, clayey sediments and clays. On the terraces, the laterite denudation zone is developed with an average thickness of 3.0m. Springs flowing out of these sediments indicate about their high water content.The flow rate of these springs is 0.1-0.4 l/sec. The well capacity varies within 0.5-1.0 l/sec, which increases significantly in those areas where terrace deposits are covered with thick deluvial layer.

The water level in wells varies within 1.5-4.01 m. There are numerous artesian wells abstracting water from 1.5-5.0 m to 55-60 m depth. In the Kakhaberi valley, on the right bank of the river Chorokhi Upper Quaternary alluvial-marine sediments are sub-ducted to 80-100 m and are overlaid by Holocene deposits. Sub-ducted sediments contain confined artesian and sub-artesian ground waters, whose piezometric levels vary within -4-5.8m to +1.2m from zero ground. Pressure is created by the 15-20m thickness stratum located between Upper Quaternary and Holocene deposits and composed of oval stones saturated with clayey fills. The capacity of the bore wells varies between 1.0 and 5.4 l/sec. The hydraulic conductivity is 10-25m/day.

The aquifer is recharged by atmospheric precipitations and surface waters and their discharge occurs through the sources located on terrace stairs or through discharge directly into the Black Sea. The ground water regime depends on the amounts of precipitation and the variations in river hydrological regime. The aquifer has a good perspective for drinking water supply. They are well-protected from pollution due to the presence of impermeable clay-clayey layers.

Aquifer of the Middle Quaternary Alluvial-Marine Deposits (am QII)

The aquifer of the Middle Quaternary Alluvial-Marine Deposits is open by boreholes. In the coastal line it is composed of oval stones, weakly cemented conglomerates, sands and clayey facies. In accordance with geophysical data, the thickness of this stratum is 130-150m. The aquifer is located within the 60-95m depth from the land surface. From overlaying horizon it is separated by 20-30m thickness oval stone interbeds cemented by clayey fills.

The ground water is confined with piezometric level varying from -3-4m to +1.2m. The boreholes have the capacity of 0.3-12 l/sec. When the water table is decreased from -1.4m to -3.2m, the capacity is increased from 0.012 l/sec to 7.0 l/sec. Chemically, the ground waters belong to hydrocarbonate, rarely to hydrocarbonate-sulfate-calcium or calcium-sodium classes. Overall salt content is 0.1-04 g/l. The water is characterized by low hardness making up 0.5-1.3 mg/equiv/l. and rarely 5.0, PH is 6-6.5.

The aquifer is recharged by atmospheric precipitation and the surface water (river Chorokhi). The discharge of the ground waters occurs from water bearing rocks located on the terraces. The water is potable and together with ground waters of Upper Quaternary sediments can be used for household consumption. 54 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Water Bearing Complex of Pliocene Sediments (N2)

This water bearing complex has limited distribution. Outcrops of Pliocene sediments are found on both sides of the river Korolistskali. They are composed of conglomerates, sands and sandstones. Ground waters are at large contained in conglomerates and sandstones. Shallow circulation waters are of porous-fractured origin. They are unconfined and are met at 1.5-7.8 m depth. Rarely, the level of their distribution reaches 13.0m.

Spring in the Adjaristskali river basin

Water saturation of the complex is weak and the flow rate varies between 0.001 to 0.1-0.07 l/sec range, rarely it reaches 0.1-0.2 m/sec. The water bearing complex is recharged by atmospheric precipitation and partially, by surface waters. Water discharge occurs in erosive ravines and gorges. The ground water regime varies greatly and depends on the amounts of precipitations. Springs are downward flowing and no group seepage areas are found.

By chemical composition, ground waters belong to hydrocarbonate, calcium-sodium and magnesium class, rarely to hydrocarbonate-sulfate-sodium-calcium class.

Ground waters are fresh with 0.35-0.85 g/l total mineralization, 0.45-0.5 mg-ekv/l total hardness and 5.9-7.4 pH. Waters are non-aggressive. Springs and well waters are used for drinking purposes by households though; they are not used as sources for centralized water 55 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

supply systems due to low flow rates and unstable water regime. Some sources are captured through captation and are used as drinking water.

Water Bearing Complex of the Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene (N13+N21) - the Goderdzi Formation

Given sediments are spread at the sources of the rivers Adjaristskali and Chirukhistskali as a narrow line. The lower part of the water bearing complex is represented by tuffs, tuff- sandstones and tuff conglomerates, while the upper part – by denudated andesite basalts.

Ground waters are contained in breccias of Goderdzi suite and are of porous-fractured origin. They are characterized by shallow circulation. Water discharge and recharge areas mainly coincide with each other. By chemical composition, springs belong to hydrocarbonate- calcium-sodium class, occasionally chlorine content increases. In the Kurlov formulae chlorine ion takes the second place. Total mineralization is 0.1-0.4 g/l and water temperature – 7-80C. Water regime is unstable. Springs have good potable quality though due to a distant location from the settlements they are not used in centralized water supply systems.

A water bearing complex of lava flows located in the upper part of the Upper Miocene- Lower Pliocene sediments is characterized by good infiltration due to the presence of many fractures. This facilitates easy flow of ground waters into weak-fractured tuffogenous rocks located below lava sediments.

The flow rate of ground waters of the water bearing complex is low, making up 0.1-0.2 l/sec. By chemical composition, ground waters belong to hydrocarbonate-calcium-sodium class. Occasionally, chlorine content increases though, it does not take the first place in the Kurlov formulae. Total mineralization makes up 0.08-0.1 g/l (ground waters are extremely fresh) and the water temperature is 7-90C. The complex is recharged by atmospheric precipitation. Water regime of springs is unstable, though they never dry. Springs have good potable qualities, though due to extremely low discharge rates they are not used in centralized water supply systems.

2 Aquifer of Middle Eocene Vulcanogenic Rocks (P2 )

This aquifer is widely spread in Ajara. River gorges of Adjaristskali, Kintrishi and others are composed of igneous rocks of Middle Eocene. The average thickness of the aquifer is 4.0km. Lithologically, the complex is represented by thick layers of lava (volcanic) breccia, tuff and tuff-sands.

The saturation of the stratum varies from place to place. There are sections with high, low and no water content. The run-off modulus per 1km2 is 2.0 l/sec. The water bearing complex is represented by Nagvarevi and Middle Eocene Chidila and Nagvarevi suites. Deposits of both formations are homogenous, though Chidila suite has a higher saturation 56 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

than Nagvarevi suite. There are numerous water sources flowing out of upper parts of Middle Eocene. However, they have low water flow rate varying from 0 to 0.3 l/sec. Along with tectonic faults the flow rate increase from 1.2 to 10.0l/sec.

With its chemical composition the ground water belongs to hydrocarbonate-calcium-sodium class with an total hardness of 0.5-2.4 mg/equiv./l - 5.5-7.7 mg/equiv./l. Water temperature is 7-150C. Overall mineralization is 0.2 g/l-0.3 g/l.

On the territory of Makhinjauri there are several boreholes with a depth reaching the Middle Eocene sediments. The depth of one of them is 1,560m. This well opened three confined aquifers, one at 319.6-365.3m depth and with hydrocarbonate-calcium-sodium composition, 0.4 g/l total mineralization and 200C water temperature; second at 446-572m depth and with sulfate-chloride-sodium chemical composition, 0.35 g/l total mineralization, 0.2 l/sec flow rate and 170C water temperature; third at 1535-1560m depth. Well capacity is 0.35 l/sec, temperature – 190C. By chemical composition, the water belongs to hydrocarbonate-sulfate-chloride-sodium class. Fractured waters contained in above strata have 0-0.2 l/sec flow rates. Waters are hydrocarbonate-calcium-magnesium, extremely fresh with total mineralization of 0.04-0.1 g/l and temperature of 5.5-7.00C.

The aquifer is recharged by atmospheric precipitation and condensation of water vapor in open fractures). Water discharge occurs near river sources through flowing of a number of springs. Forest covered areas are poor is springs. Sources with high discharge rates are found near the tectonic folding (diastrophism) and outcrops of intrusive rocks.

2 Aquifer of the Intrusive Rocks of the Middle Eocene (γp2 )

In Ajara intrusive rocks are represented by separate bodies. Total area makes up 22.0km2. Sediments are represented by sienite-diorites, grano-diorites, quartz monzonits and intrusive bodies. Intrusive bodies are denudated at their surfaces and contain fracture waters with low flow rates. Intrusive bodies play the part of the barriers. Sources generated from Eocene aquifers have relatively high flow rate (0.5 l/sec).

Ground waters are extremely fresh. Total mineralization is 0.06-0.2 g/l, temperature of springs 7-130C depending of the absolute izolines of discharge areas.

By chemical composition, ground waters are hydrocarbonate-calcium, hydrocarbonate- sulfate-calcium-sodium-magnesium or sodium-calcium type.

Deep circulation ground waters of above sediments are poorly studied. Mineral water sources of sulfate-carbonate-sodium-calcium or calcium-sodium class may give some understanding of these ground waters. Springs are characterized by high mineralization (1.1-3.0 g/l).

Ground waters of intrusive rocks are recharged by atmospheric precipitation and condensation of water vapor contained in open fractures. Water regime is unstable. Given 57 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

groundwaters are characterized by a low flow rate. Therefore, they are used for drinking at a limited scale. Separate sources are used for individual consumption.

58 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

CHAPTER 2: HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN

THE PILOT BASIN

59 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

2. HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN THE PILOT BASIN

Introductory note

Below is an analysis of human activities that geographically covers Georgian part of Chorokhi trans-boundary basin, sub-basin of Adjaristskali, a major tributary of the river Chorokhi and some smaller watersheds draining into the Black Sea. This includes a sizable area of Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Georgia, although this area does not totally coincide with Ajara’s administrative boundaries. Nevertheless, such differences are too insignificant to affect the results of the analysis.1 The analysis is mainly based on the data provided by the National Statistics Office of Georgia, various departments of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, as well as on Ajara Regional Development Strategy document. A number of internet resources were also used.

While dealing with Ajara it is important to take into account the fact that unlike other autonomous bodies acknowledged by the Georgian Constitution as well as unlike other autonomous entities existing within the former USSR, this one was established (13 October, 1921) based on Article VI of the Treaty of Kars with a condition that the autonomy would be provided to the local Muslim population. The Ajara’s autonomy proper was formally established on July 16, 1921. Today the status of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara is determined by the Constitutional Law of Georgia “On the Status of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara” (added by the Constitutional Law of Georgia on 20 April 2000).2

Currently Ajara consists of the self-governing city - Batumi (the capital of the Autonomous Republic) and five municipalities – Khulo, Shuakhevi, Keda, Khelvachauri and Kobuleti. The total area of the Autonomous Republic is about 2900 km2.3

2.1. Demography

The total population size of Ajara is 393.7 thousand people (as of January 1, 2012). The population is concentrated in the city of Batumi and 5 municipalities. With its population size, Ajara is currently the sixth largest region of Georgia (among 11) and its capital is ranked fourth among Georgian cities after , and . (Please see Annex 9)

Table 2.1.1.Ajara population size by municipalities (January 1, 2012)

1There are different versions of spelling the name of this autonomy in English. The most wide spread is Adjara, although the official documents use Ajara. Thus in this text this later is formally adopted. 2The Constitution of Georgia, article 3.3. 3The official Ajara government web-site gives the total area as 3000 km2, although we prefer to compose it as sum of respective areas of municipalities and Batumi, which is 2900 km2. This number was also adopted during 2002 population census. 60 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Municipality Thousand Share, % Density, person/km2 1 Batumi 125.8 32.0 1935.4 2 Keda 20.5 5.2 45.4 3 Kobuleti 93.0 23.6 129.2 4 Shuakhevi 22.9 5.8 39.0 5 Khelvachauri 95.6 24.3 262.0 6 Khulo 35.9 9.1 50.6 Total Ajara 393.7 100.0 135.8 Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

This population is rather unevenly distributed between coastal and mountainous parts of Ajara. Coastal area – Batumi proper as well as Kobuleti and Khelvachauri municipalities concentrate 4/5 of the local population, with the rest residing in Keda, Khelvachauri and Khulo. Formally there are just two towns in Ajara – the city of Batumi and the town of Kobuleti (population size of about 20 thousand people in 2011) and 7 small urban settlements, with a total population less than a half of the republic’s urban population. On the other hand, almost entire coastal zone with approx. 50 km length is densely populated and may be considered as part of a single Batumi urban agglomeration, which embraces virtually all municipalities directly adjacent to the capital. The size of the population of the mountain zone increased by 21 % during 1959-2012, while coastal zone population increased by 75 %. The ratio between populations of coastal and mountainous parts of Ajara is constantly changing in favor of the former. In 1959 coastal population outnumbered the mountain population 2.7 times and, in 2012 this ratio increased to 4. On the other hand, the concentration of population in coastal zone took place without depopulation of mountainous zone, a phenomenon, which makes Ajara so different from other parts of Georgia.

There are also considerable differences in population density between coastal and mountainous areas. Khelvachauri municipality, virtually forming Batumi suburbs, has a population density almost twice as high as the Georgian average, while the density in mountainous municipalities is 5-6 times less than in Khelvachauri. Still, these municipalities were traditionally overpopulated and experience continuous immigration, both seasonal and permanent. During recent decades negative environmental factors have been added to the economic factors of migration. Construction of ill planned gas pipelines and large scale illegal logging since 1990 have become predominant factors contributing to major landslides and other adverse phenomena, repeated on an annual basis.

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs of Ajara, total of 9072 families were moved from mountainous Ajara to other parts of Georgia by the government. According to 2002 Census data there were total of 16540 households in three mountainous municipalities. About 55% of this number was registered as migrated elsewhere during some 22 years, which is an extremely high figure bespeaking about unfavourable living conditions for human beings in this part of the autonomy. 61 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Considering that there were approx. 4.5 persons per household on average in these municipalities, total number of migrants might amount to approx. 41 thousand.

3388 2610

1379 853 333 339 170

Households

Figure 2.1.1. Households relocated from Ajara to other regions of Georgia during 1989-2011 Source: Ministry of Health and Social Affairs of Ajara

During the 1990s, like all other parts of Georgia, Ajara experienced a considerable decrease in population size, mainly through outmigration caused predominantly by rapid deterioration of socio-economic conditions. Unlike other Georgian regions, Ajara was not subject to civil unrest and thus, this was not a factor for population outflow here. During a given period, approx. 50 thousand people or about 13% of the region’s current population migrated from the autonomy. Considering the amount of eco-migrants from mountainous municipalities, mentioned in the box above, one can assume that environmental factors played as important role as economic factors in outmigration. This sets Ajara rather apart from the rest of Georgia.

In Ajara, net population loss between two censuses of 1989 and 2002 amounted to 16.4 thousand persons. Of this, 14.9 thousand is attributed to the urban population. Despite this fact, Ajara’s rate of population growth still outpaces the Georgian average (see Figure 2.1.1.). The region’s share of total population size of Georgia constantly grows. By 2012 the growth rate reached 8.8% versus 6.1% in 1959.

62 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

160

150

140

130

120

110

100 1959 1970 1979 1989 2002 2012

Ajara Georgia

Figure 2.1.2.Comparative population dynamics of Ajara and Georgia (1959 = 100) Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

During 2002-2012, Ajara’s population grew by 4.7% or by just about 0.5% annually. This rate itself does not look impressive, but it is 1.4 times higher than that of the national average and the second after the growth rate of Tbilisi, amounting to 8.4% during 2002-2012. Thus, Ajara experienced the lowest population “drip” during 1989-2002 and respectively, it is the only Georgian region, which has recovered its population size of 1989 (see Figure 2.1.3).4 Even the capital – Tbilisi, has not yet recovered from population loss of 1990s, despite its rather impressive growth rate. Such a quick recovery of Ajara’s population might be attributed to both better general socio-economic conditions of the region and higher natural population increase.

120

110

100

90 2002 80 2012

4Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region does not fit into this context since it accommodates very high number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) from . 63 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Figure 2.1.3.1989-2012 Population dynamics by regions of Georgia (1989=100) Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Ajara was always characterized by higher than average natural increase levels mainly due to lingering Islamic traditions of the local population. Today it has the highest natural growth rate in the country, 3.4 times higher than the national average and 1.2 times higher than that of Kvemo- region, characterized by the second highest natural growth rate. This is very impressive achievement, considering that 6 out of 11 regions have negative natural growth rate. The only municipality in Georgia, which has the natural growth rate higher than Ajara is , region populated almost exclusively by Muslim Azeris – 6.86‰. Batumi is characterized by the highest natural growth rate in the country – 10.2‰. This particular phenomenon may largely accounted to the fact that Ajara is rather small and in majority of cases it is easier to give birth to a child in the capital with its much better health- care facilities, rather elsewhere in the region.

8 6.2 5.3 6 3.8 4 1.8 1.65 2 0.76

0 -0.25 -0.67 -0.86 -2 -1.62 -4 -3

-6

-8

-10 -8.8

Natural Increase ‰

Figure 2.1.4. Population natural growth rate by regions of Georgia, 2011 Source: Calculations based on “Demographic Conditions in Georgia, 2012” by the National Statistics Office

As a result, the share of working age population in Ajara is slightly higher than Georgian average. According to 2002 census data, it made up 65.4% versus 64.6%- the national average. Moreover, the region’s population age is lower than national average. The share of the population above working age was 10.6% in 2002, while in Georgia it was 16.5% on average. Correspondingly, the share of the population group under age 15 was also 64 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

noticeably higher than the country’s average, making up 24% in Ajara versus 18.9% in Georgia.

Table 2.1.2. Sex-age distribution of population of Ajara, 2002 Population groups Male,% Female, % Total, % Below working age 12.41 11.63 24.03 Working age 32.65 32.77 65.43 Above working age 3.10 7.43 10.54 Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Unemployment rate in Ajara is 18%, which is 2.9 percentage points higher than the Georgian average. This is the second largest figure in the country after Tbilisi – 29.3%. On the other hand, such statistics should be treated with care, since in Georgia, everyone who possesses agricultural land is automatically considered as employed, even if he/she does not derive any income from such ownership. Such approach definitely inflates employment levels towards predominantly agricultural regions, while Tbilisi and Ajara are characterized by much higher than average unemployment rates. This explanation describes the existing situation more accurately (see Table 2.1.3). In general, the higher is the ratio of self- employed people to hired employees, the lower is the unemployment rate and vice versa.5

Table 2.1.3. Distribution of population with age 15 and older by economic status and regions of Georgia, 2011

Kakheti Tbilisi Kartli Kvemo Ajara Samegrelo Imereti* Remaining regions** Georgia Active population (labor force), 195.0 437.4 144.1 195.5 189.3 211.0 370.4 216.6 1959.3 thousand persons, of which: Employed 177.6 309.4 131.2 177.2 155.3 176.2 336.1 201.2 1664.2 Hired 41.8 251.2 35.0 54.4 56.8 44.5 101.8 46.4 632.0 Self-employed 135.8 57.3 96.2 122.5 98.1 127.7 233.6 154.1 1025.4 Not-identified worker 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.2 0.4 4.0 0.7 0.7 6.8 Unemployed 17.4 128.0 12.8 18.3 34.0 34.8 34.3 15.4 295.1 Population outside labor force 82.7 361.6 59.6 108.8 94.1 87.6 161.4 90.0 1045.9 Unemployment rate,% 8.9 29.3 8.9 9.4 18.0 16.5 9.3 7.1 15.1 Economic activity rate,% 70.2 54.7 70.7 64.2 66.8 70.7 69.6 70.6 65.2 Employment rate,% 64.0 38.7 64.4 58.2 54.8 59.0 63.2 65.6 55.4 *Includes - and Kvemo-Svaneti. ** Samtskhe-Javakheti, Guria, -Mtianeti Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

5Samegrelo is an exception here too and again due to high share of IDPs among the local population. 65 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

In Ajara in 2011 155.5 thousand people were employed, of which 56.8 thousand or 36.6% of all employed were hired. According to Ajara Regional Development Strategy, in 2010 the average annual number of employed in business sector made up 31 847 persons. Of this amount, 18% were employed in manufacturing, 17% in health care, 15% in trade and 12 % in construction. Together these 4 sectors accounted for 61% of all employed in the business sector (see Figure 2.1.5.). Agriculture is represented by just about 4% of all employed in this sector. In the same year the number of unemployed in Ajara reached 32.5 thousand persons, i.e. it was higher, than the number of employed in the business sector. This fact quite well illustrates the actual level of economic development of the region, since the business sector, the main driver of such development, is clearly too small to perform such function successfully.

6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

Figure 2.1.5. Employment in Ajara business sector by activity, 2010, persons Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

2.2. Overview of economic activities in the basin

Economic activities in Ajara are mostly concentrated in Batumi and can be traced since incorporation of this region into the in 1878. Batumi was granted the urban status in 1878 and its port given rights of free economic zone (PortoFranco). Thanks to such status Batumi has attracted foreign investments and eventually has become an important transportation and economic development hub for the entire South Caucasus region. This 66 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

function was further strengthened by the construction of Baku-Batumi railway and especially petroleum pipeline, which was the longest pipeline in the world at the beginning of 20-th century and supplied Baku oil to world markets. By that time, Batumi attracted such leading global investors as Rothschilds, Siemens and like, the regional branch of the Bank of England was also situated in Batumi.

During the Soviet period (1921-1991) geographical location of Ajara was dramatically altered. It was virtually isolated from the outside world and turned into a dead end in the south-eastern corner of the Black Sea. Moreover, the large part of its territory directly adjacent to Turkey was a closed zone.

Regardless of the fact that Batumi has retained its leading port and oil terminal functions, it has lost the role of regional development hub and the status of free economic zone. On the other hand, the Soviet authorities were committed to the policy of regional development aimed at the maximization of local economic functions in order to safeguard full employment of population. Within the framework of such policies Ajara has become a multi- functional industrial zone, with 67 enterprises and 19.2 thousand personnel in 1988. Batumi, for instance, has acquired Petroleum Refinery (1928-1932), the largest enterprise even built in Ajara. Industrial sector of Batumi, besides petroleum refining, has been represented by 5 enterprises manufacturing machinery and equipment for food industry, various electric appliances for household and industrial application, small tonnage ships (including the cutters with hydrofoils). There have been also pharmaceutical, furniture, leather and footwear, garment and various food, beverages and tobacco manufacturing enterprises. Batumi has been the 4th largest industrial center of Georgia, after Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Rustavi. It has produced 78% of commodity output of Ajara and has provided employment to 83.4% of industrial employees.6 13 enterprises located in Kobuleti municipality have produced 14% of commodity output of the autonomy and have provided employment to 1.9 thousand persons (10% of all employed in industry).

Ajara agriculture has been specialized in production of subtropical crops. At the end of the Soviet period it produced 70 thousand tonnes of tea leaves, more than 200 thousand tonnes of various citrus, 2500 tonnes of tobacco annually. It also produced 15.3 thousand tonnes of milk and dairy products, 24.8 ml. eggs, 4.8. thousand tonnes of meat, etc.7 Regardless of the above, both industrial and agricultural specializations of the local economy have only met the needs of closed-loop Soviet consumer market and could not stay competitive after collapse of the . Inefficiency of the local economy was also augmented by the chaos of 1990s, when Ajara functioned as semi-independent, isolated entity hardly subject to the central Georgian government rule. During this period its economy deteriorated rapidly

6საქართველოს სსრ რეგიონების სოციალურ–ეკონომიკური განვითარება. სტატისტიკური კრებული, თბილისი, საქ. სსრ სტატისტიკის სახელმწიფო კომიტეტი, 1989, გვ. 83. 7საქართველოს სახალხო მეურნეობა. სტატისტიკური წელიწდეული 1988. თბილისი, გვ. 274. აჭარა ციფრებში. მსოფლიო ციფრებში. სტა- ტისტიკური კრებული, ბათუმი, 2002, გვ. 50–51. საქართველოს სსრ რეგიონების სოციალურ-ეკონომიკური განვითარება. სტატისტიკური კრებული, თბილისი, 1989. გვ. 144–161. 67 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

and the vast majority of its industrial enterprises suspended their operations. By 1995, the number of employees in industry halved to 10 thousand, of which many were only formally registered as employed; by 2001 it further reduced to 4 thousand. In manufacturing during 1995-2001 the number of employees dropped from 2026 to just 427. Batumi refinery, the largest enterprise of autonomy ceased functioning in 1999. Its share of local industrial output dropped from 69.5% in 1998 to zero in 1999.8

Agriculture has undergone similar transformations, although there has been a significant difference. The segment of agriculture oriented to a single Soviet market and functioning within the system of collective farms, has become almost obliterated, while the production of goods for local markets by individual farmers has not been hit so hard. For instance, tea production has almost disappeared after dropping to 6 thousand t in 1995 and 1936 t in 2001. Citrus production dropped to 40 thousand t in 1995, although slightly increased to 46 thousand in 2001. Tobacco production dropped almost 5 times. On the other hand if in 1989 there were registered 134.2 thousand heads of various cattle, this number reduced to 122.7 thousand in 2001; egg production dropped from 24.8 ml. in 1989 to 18.6 ml. in 2001.9

After the regime change in Georgia in 2003 and de facto subordination of Ajara to the central authorities, this region, especially Batumi, received a kind of preferential treatment by the Georgian government and personally by the president Saakashvili. Batumi has obviously developed as a kind of showpiece of Georgian success, sometimes even referred to as a summer capital of Georgia. Batumi today is mostly being developed predominantly as a tourist centre with strong bias towards gambling.

More specific results of various sectors of economic development are provided in appropriate parts of this report. Speaking in more general terms, Ajara today is one of the most rapidly developing regions of Georgia. (Please see Annex 3)

One of the main problems associated with writing reports on the socioeconomic development of any region of Georgia, is the absence of appropriate information or its unreliability. For instance, we have requested and received data on household expenses and consumption in Ajara, but after careful consideration have decided not to use this information in this report, since it has looked highly doubtful. Moreover, it has been impossible to gather any official information on investments in Ajara. The Ministry of Finance and Economy of the autonomy on its official web-site (http://www.mofea.ge/index.php?m=1) advertises the whole range of data related to the local economic development, including various versions of investment data analysis, but no appropriate link is actually working, or at best provides absolutely unrelated information (e.g. Under the title “Priorities of the Government of Ajara Autonomous Republic for the years 2012-2015” a commentary by Bill Clinton is given on the status of the US in Georgia). The last available economic review on Ajara by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia date back to 2009 and is also of doubtful quality (http://www.economy.ge/upload-file/pdf/Adjara.pdf).

8op. cit. 2003 წ.,გვ. 35. აჭარა ციფრებში, მსოფლიო ციფრებში. სტატისტიკური კრებული. ბათუმი, 2002. 9აჭარა ციფრებში, მსოფლიო ციფრებში, სტატისტიკური კრებული, ბათუმი, 2002, გვ. 52. 68 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

According to the last available data, gross regional product in Ajara in 2010 amounted to approx. USD 773.6 ml. or 6.6% of Georgian GDP. This is the 4th largest regional product in Georgia after Tbilisi, Imereti, Racha-Lechhumi and Kvemo Svaneti and Kvemo Kartli regions.10 Ajara generates approx. 16% of Tbilisi regional product, about 62% of combined value of Imereti, Racha-Lechhumi and Kvemo Svaneti as well as 90% of Kvemo Kartli product. In 2010, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region produced a little less than Ajara (by some 1.5%), although it’s starting position in 2006 was considerably better than that of the former (by 24%). Regional product grew in Ajara by an impressive 87% during 2006-2010, which is the best result among Georgian regions, higher than the Georgian GDP growth for the same period – 76%.

9,000.0 8,000.0 7,000.0 6,000.0 5,000.0 4,000.0 3,000.0 2006 2,000.0 2007 1,000.0 2008 0.0 2009 2010

Figure 2.2.1. Comparative change in regional product by regions of Georgia, 2006-2010, mill. GEL Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

The per capita regional product was approx. USD 2 000 of just about ¾ of the Georgian average (USD 2623). Comparison of per capita regional products to a large extent smooths over differences of nominal regional product and presents a pretty different picture (see Figure 2.2.2.). If the largest nominal regional product of Tbilisi in 2010 exceeded the smallest - Guria 22 times, for per capita value this difference was reduced to 2.5. Per capita regional

10Georgian statistics in this case counts Imereti, Racha-Lechhumi and Kvemo Svaneti as one region. 69 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

product for Ajara was the third largest in Georgia, approx. 48% of Tbilisi and 80% of combined Shida Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti value.11

Shida KarTli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti

Kvemo KarTli

Samtskhe-Javakheti

Samegrelo-Zemo SvaneTi

Kakheti

Imereti, Racha-Lechhumi and Kvemo Svaneti

Guria

Ajara

Tbilisi

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500

Regional Product per capita

Figure 2.2.2. Per capita regional product by regions of Georgia, 2010, thousand USD Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Disaggregation of Ajara regional product by types of activities clearly sets it aside from other Georgian regions. Here the share of all types of services is very high as compared to other types of activities, especially agriculture and industry. This is explained by the fact that the autonomy is purposefully developed as a service provider with a focus on the tourism sector. It is also characterized by the highest share of construction among all regions, where construction provides 1-2, maximum up to 4-6% of regional product. Only in Tbilisi it reaches the comparable share of 9%. This clearly pinpoints these two regions as the most dynamically developed in the country, even if in case of Ajara investments in a new construction are not yet fully reflected in various available economic indices. The high share of public administration has also to be mentioned though; this is typical to virtually all Georgian regions where this share sometimes goes up as high as 19-20%.

11 It is quite probable that this index for Ajara is higher than that of Shida Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti separately and the autonomy actually generates the second largest per capita regional product in the country. 70 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Agriculture, hunting Processing of Industry and forestry; fishing products by 6% 5% households Other types of 4% services 22% Construction Health and social 10% work 9% Education 6% Trade; repare of Public Transport and motor vehicles and administration Communication personal and 16% 8% household goods 14%

Figure 2.2.3. Structure of Ajara regional product by types of activity, 2010 Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Since regional product data series are too short to make a correct analysis of its growth trend we have attempted to analyse the production growth rate by regions where data series start from 1999. In accordance with these data, Ajara has been definitely the lowest point of production generation (after suspension of Batumi oil refinery work). The autonomy has not been characterized by a production value growth rate higher than that of other regions. While during 1999-2011 this value grew in Georgia on average 6.8 times, in Ajara it grew just 3.8 times. To compare, for Tbilisi it increased 9 times, for Kvemo Kartli – 8 times.

71 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

1,000.0 900.0 800.0 700.0 Georgia 600.0 Tbilisi 500.0 Ajara 400.0 Imereti 300.0 Kvemo Kartli 200.0 100.0 0.0 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

Figure 2.2.3. Production value growth trend by leading regions of Georgia, years 1999-2011 Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

2.3. Agriculture, irrigation

According to 2002 census data, approx. 55% of all working persons in Ajara were employed in agriculture. Unfortunately no appropriate data is available for a later period, although there is no indication that this share could be substantially reduced, especially in mountainous part – Keda, Shuakhevi, Khulo. On the other hand, just 5% of regional product was generated in agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2010. There is a strong discrepancy between the number of people employed in this sector of the economy and the sectoral output. Actually, like the rest of Georgia the large part of agriculture is represented by subsistence economy, when people produce very little or no marketable products and mostly rely on barter within their communities.

Often people, who are occupied by agricultural production on a daily basis do not even consider this as a proper employment and if directly asked, prefer to state that they are unemployed.12All above pose a real problem for future regional development, since the strong focus on tourism development cannot be considered as a viable option to solve the unemployment issue in a short to medium run.

12Sustainable Development and Policy Center (SDAP) within the framework of Integrated Natural Management in Watersheds (INRMW) program carried out survey of households in Racha, Kakheti and Samegrelo in 2011 and 2012 and often received such answer to the question of employment. There is no reason to believe that situation in Ajara differs from these regions of Georgia. 72 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Ajara is predominantly mountainous country, thus the territory available for agricultural development here is relatively small. 80% of the region is occupied by mountains, 15% by foothills and only 5% comes to the lowlands. Of the total area of the autonomy, 72 862 ha (of about 25% of total) is occupied by various agricultural lands. More specifically, 15 899 ha is occupied by permanent crops, 12 045 ha – by arable land and 44918 ha – by pastures (see Table 2.3.1. and Figure 2.3.1. below).

Table 2.3.1. Agricultural land use in Ajara ha % of total Arable land 12 045 16,5 of which: Land under annual crops 10 309 14,1 Fallow land 1736 2,5 Land under permanent crops 15 899 21,8 Pastures 44 918 61,6 of which: Meadows 7 159 9,8 Pastures 37 759 51,8 Total 72 862 100 Source: Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara

Land under annual crops Fallow land 14% 2%

Land under Pastures permanent 52% crops 22%

Meadows 10%

Figure 2.3.1. Structure of agricultural land uses in Ajara Source: Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara 73 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Leading sectors of agriculture in Ajara are represented by citrus and fruit growing, vegetable growing, animal husbandry. Other traditional and supporting sectors are represented by: viniculture, annual crop production, tea production, apiculture, tobacco growing, etc.

Citrus growing is the leading sector of agriculture, producing 80% of citrus in Georgia. Citrus plantations occupy 5 200 ha in Khelvachauri and Kobuleti municipalities. Almost all citrus production (up to 95%) is represented by tangerine. Production in 2010-2011 amounted 46.2 thousand t, i.e. formally it has not changed since 2001 and is a little bit more than it was in 1995, the midst of post-Soviet transformation crisis. The citrus production is subject to wild fluctuations. According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara, annual production in this sector, depending on weather conditions varies up to 2.5 times towards both, growth or reduction (see Figure 2.3.2.). In 2009-2011 such yield reached 105 thousand tons and, in 2011-2012 – 71.4 thousand tons.

120000

100000

80000

60000 Citrus, th. tn.

40000

20000

0 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012

Figure 2.3.2. Citrus production in Ajara, 2006-2012, thousand tons Source: Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara

This branch of agriculture is also characterized by very low yield. The same Ministry of Agriculture claims that there are 22 800 citrus farmers in Ajara, which means that on average one such farmer may produce 2, maximum 5 tons of citrus depending on the year. The major part of citrus produce (70-80%) is exported, mainly to former Soviet republics. used to be the main destination of such export, although recently it has been replaced by Azerbaijan. Approx. 170 legal entities and individual entrepreneurs participate in citrus export. Of these just 4 companies provided more than half of it, of which Ltd Skhalta – XII was responsible for about 40% of all exports.

74 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Tea plantations formerly occupied approx. 5616 ha, 63% of which were located in Kobuleti, 35% in Khelvachauri and the rest in Keda. In 2011, only 9% of these lands were productive, the rest is weed infested and generally unfit for cultivation. In 2011 Ajara produced just 602 t of tea leaf, which is just about 0.86% of the average Soviet era production. Although there is nothing unexpected in such developing trend, since large scale tea production in Georgia was possible only within the closed Soviet economic system and as such it is pretty un- competitive in the global market. Indigenous tea is currently un-competitive even on the local Georgian market. 8 local processing factories managed to supply just 12 t of tea to Georgia proper and exported 164 t black and green tea together with 722 t tea bricks in 2011.

Viniculture is of a symbolic importance for Georgia, thus it is mentioned as a separate item in any report dealing with agriculture in Ajara even if this region produces just about 0.8% of grape in Georgia. All kinds of cultivated area under grapes have been reduced from 500 ha in 1980s to just 177 ha in 2011 with 1340 t annual production, primarily in the Keda municipality (about half of cultivated area and 35 to 50% of output depending on the year).

The area under annual crops (mainly corn and beans) is rather restricted. In 2011 corns occupied 5876 ha, soy and beans – 246 ha. Ajara produces about 5% of all annual crops in Georgia.13 In 2011 Ajara reported to produce 12 095 tons of corn, or just 2.05 t per ha, which is pretty low compared to the world average of 5 t/ha. Corn is produced in all municipalities, with Keda being the largest producer with producing 3785 tons of output annually. Ajara also produced 467 tons of beans, which is also produced in all municipalities with Kobuleti and Khulo producing about 62% of the total amount.

Ajara claims to produce 14% of vegetables and potato in Georgia. According to annual reports of the Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara, the autonomy produced 9477 t of vegetables in 2010 and 11 250 t in 2011. It also produced 49 700 t of potato in 2010 and 59 411 t in 2011.14 The problem is that the National Statistics Office of Georgia in its Annual Yearbook, 2011 (p. 169) states that Ajara produced just 11.6 thousand t of potato in 2010, i.e. there is more than 4 fourfold difference. Vegetable production did not even earn the separate line in the appropriate table.

Produced vegetables satisfy just 10-15% of the local demand. This shortage is forecasted to double with the further development of tourism and resort infrastructure. Recently commercial greenhouse vegetable production was initiated by two companies. Sens Selection produced approx. 30 t of lettuce and 500 kg of “cherry” tomatoes in 2011 at its 3500 m2 greenhouse in Gonio, Khelvachauri municipality. Ikon Group invested USD 5 million from Turkey and in 2009 into its approx. 4 ha greenhouse in Salibauri, Khelvachauri municipality. This is the largest investment of this kind in Georgia. It produced approx. 50t of tomatoes in 2011.

13http://www.moa.ge/uploads/2011-clis-angarishi.pdf 14http://www.moa.ge/uploads/2010%20Report%20of%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Agriculture%20of%20Ajara%20A.R..pdf; http://www.moa.ge/uploads/2011-clis-angarishi.pdf 75 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The same consideration applies to fruit. Land under fruits occupied 4 420 ha in 2011, of which 3 242 ha or 73% was productive. Fruit plantations are situated in all local municipalities, including Batumi, although about 2/3 of all are located in Kobuleti and Khelvachauri municipalities. While the productive area under fruit is rather stable, the annual output also fluctuates considerably depending on weather conditions. Ajara claimed to produce approx. 8% of all fruit in Georgia, this is about 12 693 tons in 2010 and 10 753 tons in 2011, of which 35% were represented by pomes and 22% by drupes. According to National Statistics Office, Ajara produced 5.7 thousand t of fruit in 2010 (op. cit. p 170). This makes up approx. 4.5% of all fruit production in Georgia.

Ajara claims to provide about 10% of total cattle in Georgia. In 2010 livestock heads here reached 110.3 thousand and 109.4 thousand in 2011. Of these 68% were located in three mountainous municipalities of Keda, Khulo and Shuakhevi. Again National Statistics Office gives the number of livestock in 2010 as 79.3 thousand (op. cit. p 171).

On average, Ajara produces 2-2.5 thousand tons of meat per annum. 80% of meat production also comes from Keda, Khulo and Shuakhevi. It claimed to produce 54 760 t of milk and dairy products in 2010 and 54 615 in 2011. As in the case of cattle, 64% of milk production also comes from Keda, Khulo and Shuakhevi. Meat production almost doubled in 2007 as compared to previous years and more or less stabilized since then, while milk production remains relatively stable since 2004 according to the local Ministry of Agriculture, or is declining, according to the National Statistics Office.

The discrepancies in reporting of Ajara agriculture production volume, mentioned above are problematic, painting two conflicting pictures regarding the condition and the development of agricultural sector in the Autonomous republic, which in its turn, makes it impossible to see the actual situation properly, not mentioning its analysis.

Apiculture has recently emerged as a noticeable sector of agriculture. Up to 2006 this region produced approx. 86 tons of honey annually. Since then its production quadrupled and reached 359 tons in 2011, of which more than a half – 190 t is produced in Kobuleti.

On the contrary, poultry farming is obviously declining. The number of poultry in Ajara reduced from 364.3 thousand in 2004 to 128.5 thousand in 2011 or 2.8 times, while number of eggs produced dropped from 17.4 million to 10.7 million in 2011, or 1.6 times.

5 local mills processed 56.1 thousand tons of wheat in 2011 producing 36.3 thousand tons of wheat flour. Among other foodstuff producers Ministry of Agriculture in its year 2011 Annual Report also singles out:

 Ltd Khelvachauri Bread – bread production; 76 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

 Ltd Batumi Brewery – beer production;  Ltd Kotauri – mineral water;  Ltd Batoil – vegetable oil;  Ltd Sista Georgian Product – dairy products;  Ltd Adjarian Tobacco – raw tobacco material;  Ltd Citro – fruit juice;

In addition Ministry funded 6 investment projects were completed in 2011, namely:

 Ltd Jeoloki – spagetti and pasta factory in Batumi;  Ltd Ajara Wine house – wine production in the village of Adjaristskali ;  Ltd Nusret Georgia – cattle farm in the village of Satchino;  Ltd V & T Agro – 1 ha total area greehouse in the village of Gvara;  Ltd Naziri and Co – tea processing factory in the village of Mejinistskali;  Ltd Aktivebis Martvis Qartuli Industriuli Jguphi – citrus processing enterprise in Kobuleti.

During 2006-2011 total of USD 61.6 million were invested in the local agro-industrial sector and 20 different positions and 7543 work places were created. More detailed information is provided in table 2.3.2.

Table 2.3.2. Investments in agriculture in Ajara in 2006-201115

2006-2007 2008 2009 2010-2011

Sectors

USD USD USD USD

Million Million Million Million

Persons Persons Persons Persons

employed employed employed employed

Flour 8.01 425 5.70 188 1.57 175 0.56 287 Production Fruit 11.25 1051 0.68 369 0.11 403 0.31 273 Production and Processing Vegetable 0.34 - 3.23 107 9.46 342 Production Total 20, 47 2112 17.21 1663 5.77 1975 18.19 1793 Total investments in 1006-2011 61.64 Source: Ministry of Agriculture

Ajara cannot satisfy its needs in basic agricultural produce and is heavily dependent on import. In 2011 the autonomy imported 293.6 thousand tons of agricultural and food staff worth of USD 175.9 million, while exported 23.7 tons worth of USD 25.6 million. Thus, the negative

15Only summary investments of USD 10 mill and more are included as separate items. 77 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

balance of the agricultural produce sale amounted to USD 150.3 million. In monetary terms import exceeds export 6.9 times (see Table 2.3.3.).

Table 2.3.3. Agricultural export and import in 2008-2011

2008 2009 2010 2011

) ) ) )

USD USD USD USD

tons tons tons tons

Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount

Thousand Thousand Thousand Thousand

change, % change, % change, % change, % change,

Million ( Million ( Million ( Million ( Million

Import 175.3 80.5 -36 185.8 68.8 6 215.0 104.4 16 2963.6 175.9 37

Export 39.5 6.8 2 43.0 12.8 9 43.7 16.0 1.6 23.7 25.6 -45 Source: Ministry of Agriculture

Main import items were – wheat – 99.5 thousand tons, vegetables – 65.9 thousand, fruit – 16.8 thousand and vegetable oil – 15.8 thousand tons. Sugar, potato and onions were also important import items.

Since coastal lowland and mountainous zones of Ajara are characterized by pretty different climatic conditions, lands in the autonomy are in need of both irrigation (mountain municipalities) and drainage (coastal areas). Department of Roads and Land Reclamation is in charge of irrigation systems in Khulo, Keda and Shuakhevi municipalities and drainage systems in Kobuleti and Khelvachauri municipalities. As of January 1, 2010 in Ajara were registered total of 8482 ha of irrigated lands, of which 6963 ha was represented by agricultural lands.

Total of 1836 ha of the drainage network area was registered in Khelvachauri municipality, of which 1093 ha were agricultural lands. In Kobuleti municipality there were total of 3550 ha of drainage network area, of which 1093 ha were agricultural lands.

Ajara mainly uses inflows to Adjaristskali for irrigation purposes, which is represented by regulated rivers, streams and other flows. Headworks of these flows are mainly primitive, non- engineered structures, made of piled up stones. These heads are usually damaged during floods and often need repair a number of times per season. Irrigated areas are usually located in mountainous zone and are supplied with water by lift irrigation.

There are total of 235.9 km of shared use irrigation channels, which supply with water 1888 ha of agricultural land. Total of 498.5 km of local channels are used to irrigate 4978 ha of land. Two irrigation and one drainage pumps are used by the Department of Roads and Land Reclamation for this end. 78 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

2.4. Water abstraction and wastewater discharge

According to the year 2011 data, the total use of potable water in Ajara amounted to 34 807 thousand m3, which is 4 571 thousand m3, or 11.6% less than in the previous year 2010. Total water abstraction amounted to 847998 m3, which is on the contrary, 13.5% more than in the previous year (data on the year 2011 water use in provided in Table 2.4.1.)

Table 2.4.1. Water use in Ajara in 2011 (thousand m3)

Water Abstraction Water Use Water Discharge

Water Of which: Total Of which: Total* Of which Consumer Total

River Sea

-

and and

Public Public

supply

Surface

facilities

(domestic (domestic

Fish Farms Fish

communal)

Hydropower Hydropower

Village water water Village

Underground

Industrial Collector Drainage

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 Batumi 42394 3922 38472 40876 32527 5439 2910 - - 24781 22453 2328 - 2 Kobuleti 8223 2314 5809 7473 1544 62 - 2140 2213 1514 1551 1551 -

3 Khelvachauri 159894 436 159458 159604 210 226 - 153662 856 4650 188 188 -

4 Keda 629707 - 629707 628207 95.0 5.0 - 606485 116 21506 80.0 80.0 -

5 Shuakhevi 6896 - 6896 6346 90.0 - - 5888 253 115 72.0 72.0 -

6 Khulo 889 - 889 839 341 8.0 - - 490 - 278 278 -

7 Total Ajara 847998 6672 841331 843345 34807 5740 2910 768175 3928 27785 26950 24622 2328

* Wastewater discharge from HPPs is not included in total figure Source: Ministry of Environment Protection

Changes in water use were mainly defined by the sharp growth of hydro power water use, by some 99 268 thousand m3, i.e. 14.8%. Water use by fish farms also grew by 2 601 thousand m3. Water use by industry increased most dramatically - almost six fold, from 962 thousand m3 to 5 740 m3. At the same time, there was a significant drop in water use by rural areas from 6 913 thousand m3 in 2010 to 3 928 thousand m3 in 2011. Hydropower was the main consumer of all water, at 91% of all consumed water in 2011. This share has remained almost constant since 2010, when it accounted for 89.5% of all consumption.

Of the total water abstraction in 2011, about 8% was provided by groundwater sources and the rest from surface water sources. In 2010 the share of groundwater was much lower at 79 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

1.3% of the total. The main sources of ground fresh water in Ajara are Chorokhi and Kintrishi filtrates, which are used to supply Batumi and Kobuleti population with potable water. In addition, there are 90 active wells which mainly provide water for industrial purposes. As of the year 2010 – 5 826 thousand m3 were abstracted from Chorokhi filtrates and 2 671 thousand m3 from Kintrishi filtrates. Independent water users also abstracted 840 thousand m3 of groundwater. 92.1 % of all abstracted groundwater was used for domestic and communal water supply and the rest - 771 thousand m3 – for industrial needs.

The capital of the Autonomous Republic is the main consumer of both potable and industrial water. In 2011 it consumed 94.7% of all industrial water and 93.4% of potable water. All the rest of urban and rural settlements together consumed just about 6208 thousand m3, or just 19% of Batumi water consumption. Even this simple comparison displays the problems of water supply of Ajara population and communal services, especially in its mountainous regions.

According to Ajara Regional Development Strategy16 (pg. 12) there are 137 large and small water treatment facilities in the autonomy, with the total designed capacity of 92 849 m3. Of these one provides biological treatment, whilst others – mechanical.

Catchment basins of Ajara rivers (especially small ones) are densely populated, which negatively affects these rivers. Population often uses protection areas around water sources as landfills. Such facts were elicited within protected zones of rivers – Mejinistskali, Korolistskali, Bartskana. Enterprises located along these rivers also routinely violate the existing environmental norms.

Until recently water supply remained a serious problem for Batumi as well. Even if running, water there was visibly unclean, contained plenty of dash and was hardly safe for consumption. To tackle this problem Government of Georgia and German Reconstruction Credit Bank (KfW) signed an agreement in 2006 on “Rehabilitation of Communal Systems in Batumi”. The first stage of the project received the funding of 17 079 thousand Euros. The second stage started in 2008 with 45 000 thousand Euro financing. The ongoing third stage started in 2010 with 44 000 thousand Euro contribution. Duration of the current phase of the project is 60 months.

Overall the project envisages:  First stage – rehabilitation of water supply and sewage systems in old Batumi as well as central components of the whole system (pumps and like);

16 Regional Development Strategy of Ajara Region,Ajara, Batumi, 2011

80 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

 Second stage – rehabilitation of water supply and sewage systems in the remaining parts of Batumi as well as creating sewage systems for the villages located south of the city, building water treatment facilities in order to reduce pollution of the Black Sea;  Third stage - rehabilitation of water supply and sewage systems in the parts of Batumi, which were not covered by the first and second stages of the project; modernization of water supply in three villages near Batumi (Chakvi, Mtsvane Kontskhi and Makhinjauri) through their inclusion in Batumi water supply system and building ecologically safe decentralized sewage systems.

As of today the first two stages of the project are basically complete and the major part of Batumi is supplied with safe water. Although in case of torrential rain water supply discontinues as it had been the case earlier. At the same time, all three stages of construction of water treatment plant in Adlia were completed in August 2012, which serves Batumi (Only Batumi? Information in the chapter 3 is different – to be clarified) with a design capacity of 200.000 PE and 5 700 m3. The plant is to apply the following treatment processes: screening, grid chamber, mechanical treatment and sludge stabilization in anaerobic ponds, biological treatment in trickling filters designed for BOD removal, final sedimentation, discharge into the Black Sea via a sea outfall, mechanical sludge thickening and solar drying. The cost of this component of the project is 17 000 thousand Euro. Completion of this water treatment plant may be the most important component of the rehabilitation project since the level of pollution of the Black Sea near Batumi remained dangerously high for decades, which negatively affected tourism business. Better informed people preferred to travel to Sarpi on Georgian-Turkish border in a search for a clean sea.

Kobuleti Water Supply Rehabilitation project was also implemented in 2007-2012.17 It envisaged improvement of the water delivery services in Kobuleti, including reconstruction of the sewerage system of Kobuleti and a sewerage pump. The project was implemented by the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia through Millennium Challenge Georgia Program financing. According to the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, overall project budget is approx. USD 24 million.

After the completion of the both projects described above, the population of the most part of the Ajara coastal zone will be supplied with safe potable water and pollution of the Black Sea will be concurrently minimized.

Effluent discharges which turn up in water reservoirs amount to 4 154 tons (2010), of which:  organic pollutants – 562 t (13.5%);  suspended articles – 1 505 t (36.2;  petroleum products – 14.7 t (0.4%);

17Expected to be completed at the end of 2012. 81 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

 other waste products (chlorides, sulfates, ammonia, etc.) – 2 075 t (49.1%);

Since this data was collected before the launch of Adlia water treatment plant operation, one may presume that the amount of the discharged pollutants will be reduced considerably.

2.5. Industry and mining

Like agriculture, industry and mining play relatively insignificant role in formation of Ajara regional product. In 2011 it amounted to just 6% of the regional product. This share remains virtually unchanged during the recent decade, except for 2009, when it reached 8.1%.

According to National Statistics Office of Georgia as of January 1, 2012 there were 419 large, medium and small industrial enterprises registered in Ajara. Of these are registered in:  manufacturing – 397;  mining – 17;  electricity, gas and water supply -5.

In 2011 production value of industry in the Autonomous Republic was USD 143.4 or 3.8% of the total production value in Georgia. Ajara was the sixth largest region in Georgia by this indicator (see Figure 2.5.1.). Turnover in industry amounted to USD 1192.5 million.

3812.8

1485.2 943.4 388.3 274.9 143.4 44.8 124.1 115.0 8.6 169.7 88.7

Figure 2.5.1. Production value in industry by regions of Georgia, year 2011, USD million Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia 82 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Both production value and turnover in industry have been steadily growing since 1999, when the National Statistics Office of Georgia started the appropriate data series. Production value increased approx. 9 times during this period, although the real growth started since 2006, when production increased 1.8 times as compared with the previous year and then again increased 1.5 times in the following year followed by 1.6 times rise in 2011. Turnover generally followed this trend, although more smoothly (See Figure 2.5.2.).

154 143.4

102.7 92.9 87.1 89.2 71.7 72 72.3 64.5 55.8 42.5

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Production value Turnover

2.5.2. Production value and turnover in industry, in Ajara, in 2006-2011, USD million Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

6437 persons were employed in industry in 2011. This is virtually the same number, which was in 1999, although it relatively decreased for several years in the past decade. Ajara differs in this respect from the majority of Georgia’s regions where the number of industrial sector employees significantly decreased. This trend was observed in 6 regions out of ten. The only exception was the Georgian capital, where industrial employment rose 1.3 times.

91% of all the employed in this sector work in manufacturing. 41% of all the employees are occupied in the production of textile and textile goods as well as production of food products, beverages and tobacco – 31%.

83 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

3000.0 2540.4 2500.0 2000.0 1238.7 1500.0 1000.0 540.4 194.5 170.1 500.0 82.3 20.8 56.7 83.3 3.2 30.1 31.4 0.0

Investment

Figure 2.5.3. Investment in fixed assets in industry by regions of Georgia, 2006-2011, USD million Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Ajara is not considered as the region where industrial development is a priority, hence overall investment in this sector is rather small compared to some other regions, especially Tbilisi and Imereti, Kvemo and Shida Kartli. On the other hand it is much higher than investment in agriculture, especially if one considers that considerable part of such investments were actually invested in the industry, but claimed by both sectors (see for instance investments in flour production to the amount of USD 14.3 million, table 1.3.3.). Data reliability is an issue in this case as well. According to Ajara Strategic Development document (Figure 6.6, p. 159) investments in the industry in 2006-2011 amounted to USD 135 million or 1.64 times higher than provided by the National Statistics Office. Of this, USD 79 million was invested in 2010 and 2011. Such difference is too large to be ignored easily. On the other hand independent verification of this data is not possible. (Please see Annex 3)

2.6. Hydropower generation

Ajara is situated within the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali Basin and sub-basin district and therefore possess huge, mainly untapped hydro resource potential. The estimated total potential installed capacity of Ajara rivers is 1000 MW and annual electricity generation - 8760 million kWh.18

18Overview of Energy Sector in Ajara Ministry of Finance and Economy of Ajara A.R.2011, http://batumiinvest.ge/presentations/Energy.pdf 84 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The estimated potential installed capacity (P) for the smaller rivers on the territory of Ajara municipalities is 243.9 MW, with an annual electricity generation (E) - 1276.7 m kWh.19 All the Ajara hydropower potential is currently utilized by one medium capacity and 4 small hydro power (MHP) plants (see Table 1.7.1.). These HHPs together cover just 9% of Ajara’s electricity consumption.

Table 2.6.1. Small hydro power potential of Ajara rivers Municipalities Installed Capacity – P Annual electricity generation – MW Em kWh Kobuleti 88.2 586.3 Keda 18.7 96.8 Shuakhevi 70.4 363.7 Khulo 43.3 79.3 Khelvachauri 23.3 150.6 Total Ajara 243.9 1276.7 Source: Hydro Energy Technical Potential Cadastre of Rivers of Georgia

Table 2.6.2. Hydro Power Plants of Ajara, year 2011 Qualified Enterprise HPP name Rated Capacity Electricity Sold MW kWh JSC “Energo-pro Georgia” Atshesi 16 62 344 000 Ltd "Bakuri" Machakhelahesi 1.6 n/a20 Ltd "Zahesi" Kinkishahesi 1.4 n/a Ltd "Sanalia" Sanaliahesi 5 2 687 000 Ltd "Georgian International Energy Achihesi 1 n/a Corporation" Source: The Electricity System Commercial Operator, ESCO

The State Program “Renewable Energy 2008” ‐ (Georgian Government Decree #107 April 18, 2008) on the approval of the new rule to facilitate the construction of renewable energy sources in Georgia –“is aimed at facilitating the construction of renewable energy sources by means of attracting the investments”. 21

Since adoption of this program, the Government of Georgia and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR), must pay special attention to the utilization of renewable resources, especially hydro resources.

19Overview of Energy Sector in Ajara. Ministry of Finance and Economy of Ajara A.R.2011, http://batumiinvest.ge/presentations/Energy.pdf. 20HPP of this size are not included into ESCO statistics separately. Ajara Strategic Development Document claims to provide the appropriate information, but the problem is (see Table 2.4, p.102) that it provides HPP capacity in square tons and generation in million kW tons, which makes these data highly doubtful. 21 http://www.esco.ge/files/decree_107_final.pdf 85 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

In order to attract foreign investors the GoG proposes to work with them on Build-Own- Operate (BOB) principle, which means that:

 All new power plants are totally deregulated;  No generation license is needed for HPP under 13 MW of capacity;  No tariff is set for the newly built HPPs –the investor is free to choose the market and the price;  There is no special fee for connection to the grid;  Free third-party access is allowed to the grid;  No license is required to export and no tariff set;  During the first 10 years of the power plant operation, during the winter season of each year during three months, the electricity produced by the power plant for domestic consumption shall be on a tax-free (deregulated) tariff basis, and/or by means of the guaranteed power purchase agreement (PPA) agreed upon in advance with ESCO in which the tariff is determined according to the legislation in force.22

Within the framework of “Renewable Energy 2008” State Program there were agreements signed ensuring construction of 43 HHP in various parts of Georgia with the total installed capacity of 2 142 MW, annual generation of 8 831 GW/h and total estimated investment of USD 3 441 578 830.23 The latest deadline for the completion of construction of some of these HHPs is 2017. Analysis of actions of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Georgia with regard to construction of HHPs may lead to conclusion that it became obsessed with the idea of maximizing hydro power capacity in the country and simply attempts to cram as many HHPs as possible into every available river disregarding all concomitant circumstances – whether social, economic or ecological.

In the framework of such policy, number of HPP construction projects within Ajara are being planned and implemented (see Table 1.7.2.).

Table 2.6.2. Planned HHP projects in Ajara Name of Company Installed Annual Estimated Construction HPP Capacity Generation Investment start- MW GWh USD million completion

Khelvachauri 1 Achar Energy 36.4 153.9 57,2 01.01.2012- 2007 Ltd 31.12.2016 Khelvachauri 1 Achar Energy 34.6 167.7 69,6 2007 Ltd

22http://www.menr.gov.ge/en/4494, Energy Sector of Georgia, February 2010, Energy_sector_Geo.pdf

23This is one of versions of information provided by MENR, since the list is constantly updated. http://www.menr.gov.ge/en/4758 86 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Kirnati Achar Energy 34.6 173.2 69,2 2007 Ltd Shuakhevi Adjaristsqali 175 2013-2016 HPP(Adjaristskali Georgia LLC Cascade) Koromkheti HPP Adjaristsqali 150 500-1200 350-650 2015-2019 (Adjaristskali Georgia LLC Cascade) Khertvisi HPP Adjaristsqali 65 2017-2020 (Adjaristskali Georgia LLC Cascade) Machakhela 1 Machakhela 28 132 53 01.03.2013- HHP Ltd 01.09.2016 Machakhela 2 Machakhela 27 130 50,9 HHP Ltd Kintrishi Hydro 5 30 8 25.03.2012- Development 25.07.2014 Company Source: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Georgia, http://www.adjaristsqali.com

According to the Memorandum (01.07.2011) concluded between LTD "Achar Energy 2007" and ESCO, Georgian Government Ltd "Energy Trans" - the company “Achar Energy 2007” was given the right to use the potential of the river Chorokhi. According to the project Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report, construction of HPP cascades is planned on the lower part of the river Chorokhi, namely on the last 21 km section, between 21 and 53 levels a.s.l.24 The project envisages construction and operation of a 3-step, riverbed type cascade (Kirnati, Khelvachauri I and Khelvachauri II), with a total capacity of 105.7 MW.

On each step of the cascade reinforced-concrete dam, reservoir, power house, substation and other infrastructure will be installed. For functioning of the first step of the cascade (Kiranti HPP) only river Chorokhi water will be used, namely water from Muratli HPP (Muratli HPP conducts 180 m3/sec or 360 m3/sec water)25, and second and third steps will use the river Acharistskali and the river Machakhelistskali water, together with the river Chorokhi.

According to the agreement (10.06.2011) between "Clean Energy Invest" AS (Norway) and Georgian Government, Ltd "Energy Trans" Ltd, "Georgian State Electrosystem" (ESCO), Clean Energy through its subsidiary Adjaristskali Georgia LLC acquired the right for the development of the Adjaristskali Hydro Project. 26

24“Achar Energy 2007” Ltd, Project on Construction and Operation of HPP Cascades on the river Chorokhi Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report, Executor “Gamma Consulting” Ltd, Director Vakhtang Gvakharia,2011 25This HPP is part of cascade in Turkey 26http://cdm.unfccc.int/filestorage/_/1/KR4XUOTBHQ9SJVINE2183MZ0LGYP6A.pdf/PDD-Adjaristsqali%20Hydro%20Project-1-29- 06.pdf?t=Yzl8bWNydmNufDBhkxLMIXZTyZlC__SAxBPXhttp://www.adjaristsqali.com/upload/Adjara_Scoping_Report_REV%20B%20FINAL%20DRAFT_v2. pdf 87 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The project includes Shuakhevi HPP, Koromkheti HPP and Khertvisi HPP. The detailed information of each step project is briefly discussed below:

 Shuakhevi HPP project: installed capacity of the HPP will be 175 MW. The project envisages construction of two dams with reservoirs and one weir on the river Adjaristskali, on the river Skhalta and on the river Chirukhistskali. Diversion is planned through diversion tunnels. The main power unit will be installed near Shuakhevi, in particular in the upper part of the confluence of the river Adjaristskali and Chvanistskali;  Koromkheti HPP project: installed capacity of the HPP will be 150 MW, which will include one dam and reservoir on the river Acharistskali (in the lower part of Shuakhevi power unit), one low-threshold dam on the river Chvanistskali and weir on the river Akavreta. The water transportation is considered by the diversion tunnels.  Khertvisi HPP project: according to the project the installed capacity of the HPP will be 65 MW. The project includes the construction of a dam and a reservoir on the Adjaristskali River and of the weir on the Machakhelistskali River. The water will be transported by diversion tunnels. The power unit construction is planned on the right bank of the Chorokhi River.

As of today it is still unclear whether all three HHPs will be built, or only the first two. According to the project, the HPPs cascade is envisaged for peak production of the electricity. The cascade will operate with maximum load during the periods of high demand of the electricity, when the prices are high in the Republic of Turkey.

The amount of generated electricity depends on the current water resources. Accordingly, the operation of the HPPs at the full capacity will be available all day long during the flood periods, while during the shallow water periods the water will be gathered in the daily regulation reservoirs (in this period the HPPs will not be supplied with the water) and the peak generation will be conducted during the peak demand on electricity in Turkey.

After the implementation of these ongoing and potential projects the total installed capacity of all HPP in the region should reach 490.6-555.6 MW or 49-56 % of the potential installed capacity; accordingly annual generation may become 1 286.8-1 986.8 GWh or 15- 22.7 % of potential generation. These HHPs are now at various stages of implementation.27 In addition, two more potential HHP projects are under consideration. One is Merisi, on river Akavreta, with installed capacity 11.5 MW and annual generation 56.72 GWh and the other – Skhalta (river Skhalta), installed capacity 5.3 MW and annual generation 29.04 GWh.28

http://www.adjaristsqali.com/files/ESIA%20Adjaristskali%20HPP%20Cascade%20Book%20I.pdf 27http://www.menr.gov.ge/en/4758, Current projects 28http://hpp.minenergy.gov.ge/index.php?lang=eng 88 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Mid and long- term outlook seems impressive, although it is also obvious that Ajara cannot utilize this potential, the major part of which will be used elsewhere, although Ajara will bear all potential negative ecological impact. For instance from the very beginning, 60% of the energy generated by the Chorokhi River cascade (Kirnati, Khelvachauri I and Khelvachauri II) will be earmarked for the sale to Turkey.

83% of the energy produced by Adjaristskali Cascade HHPs will also be supplied to Turkey. On the other hand, the logic behind the decision to install 9 HHPs within the relatively small, densely populated territory, which in addition is considered as a tourism center, is rather doubtful. Even more so, if one considers the fact that Adjaristskali Cascade HHPs are to be constructed in addition to already existing HHP on the same Adjaristskali.

Furthermore, there are well founded concerns that implementation of these projects will have the lasting negative effect, especially on the formation of the Black Sea coastal line. Today 80% of Chorokhi solid sediment runoff is caught by Chorokhi cascade constructed in Turkey. Afterwards no such sediments will reach the Black Sea, with all the associated consequences. In addition, local environmental NGOs highlight the fact that such large scale construction will further accelerate degradation of natural habitats, will have especially negative influence on river fish, including species list in the Red Book. They also warn against the negative impact on the general state of natural tourist attractions and as well as local climate with accompanying adverse weather phenomena, which will in turn negatively impact tourism in Ajara.

2.7. Waste disposal

Waste disposal in Ajara, as everywhere in Georgia poses a serious threat to local environment. On average approx. 300 000 m3 of solid waste is disposed here annually, although this is very approximate data, since the amount of waste delivered to landfills is not properly registered and is calculated based on volume of garbage trucks and the number of vehicle runs per week. (Please see Annex 10)

To alleviate the waste disposal problem, the Ajara Solid Waste Management (SWM) Project was formally launched in 2009 with the total financing of 7 million Euro provided by EBRD and SIDA. In accordance with the project documentation it envisaged the following activities:

As the first stage, the construction of a new regional sanitary landfill in Chakvi in accordance with the EC Directive on landfills 1999/31/EC was envisaged. Apart from the landfill, it envisaged construction of relevant buildings, weigh-bridge, drainage collection and treatment system, sorting and storage facilities for recyclable wastes, temporary storage of hazardous waste mixed in the municipal waste and as well, purchase of vehicles necessary for 89 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

the operation. Methane capturing system was planned to be constructed after 3-5 years of the landfill operation. It was suggested to operate and maintain the landfill through a separate landfill Management Company. Initially, the Government of Ajara was consideredas an owner of the new landfill company.

Old landfills (controlled waste disposal sites) not meeting minimum sanitary and environment standards in Batumi and Kobuleti were planned to be closed and remediated.

The new landfill had to serve coastal region, including the city of Batumi and towns Kobuleti and Khelvachauri.29 The second stage of the project included improvement of waste disposal services in mountainous Ajara.

Table 2.7.1. Landfills in Ajara, year 2012 Landfill Start of End of Share of Vehicle/ Vehicle Landfill Year of Location Operation, Operation, Household day Capacity Managem Existing Data year year Waste, % , ent m3 Batumi 1965 active 95 20-25 16-40 open 2000-2011 Kobuleti 1 1960 2007 25 10-12 7,5-32 open 2001-2007 Kobuleti 2 2007 active 35 10-15 7,5-32 open 2007-20011 Keda 1990 2010 15 1 5 open 1993-2010 Shuakhevi 1990 2010 12 1 5 open 1990-2010 Khulo 1 1989 2010 12 1-2 5 open 1989-2010 Khulo 2 2001 active 60 2 5 open 2002-2011 “Beshumi” Source: Directorate for Environment and Natural Resources of Ajara AR

Regardless of the fact that the government of Ajara received project financing in 2009, due to the resistance of the local population and environmental organizations even the first stage of the project was not implemented. Discussions about the location of a new landfill are ongoing and controlled waste disposal sites in Batumi and Kobuleti are still operational.

2.8. Fish farms

Available information about fish farms in Ajara is scarce/absent. The Ministry of Agriculture simply reports that Ajara possesses unique conditions for breeding Black Sea Salmon and brown River Trout. Until 1990s there were about 15 trout farms in the autonomy producing 20 thousand tons of fish annually. Today fish production does not exceed 2 500 t, which

29FEASIBILITY STUDY AND PROJECT PREPARATION. Environmental Impact Assessment –Executive Summary for EIA Environmental Impact Assessment. Stockholm 2008-11-17, Project No. 1989177 www.ebrd.com/pages/project/eia/36538eng.pdf 90 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

satisfies just 35% of the local market demand. 30 There are between 90 to 100 fish farms in the region, the largest four of which are specialized at production of up to 600 t of American trout. (Please see Annex 11)

2.9. Transportation and navigation

Transport contributed about 5.2% to Georgian GDP in 2011. This sector (together with communications) also accounted for 1-2, maximum 3% of regional products. There were just three exceptions – the capital Tbilisi (19%), Samegrelo- Zemo Svaneti (19%) and Ajara (8%). Of these, the latter two have higher shares primarily due to the location of two leading Georgian sea ports – the largest one – in Samegrelo and the second largest – Batumi in Ajara.

Batumi port has been operational since 1878. For more than a century it is specialized as export port for transportation and transit of oil products and dry cargo. It is a transportation hub that brings together sea, rail, road and pipeline transport modes.

In February 2008, “Batumi Industrial Holdings” subsidiary company of JSC “KazTransOil”, acquired the right of long-term management of Batumi Sea Port (49 years), as well as purchased Batumi Oil Terminal. From 80 to 90% of port’s total turnover is a crude oil and oil products as well as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This is the only terminal on the Caucasian-Black Sea coast used for handling LPG. About 70% of total turnover of dry cargo is general cargo.

The territory of the port is 22.2 ha. Of this, open storage territory is 1.64ha. The number of the staff is 726; Number of berths (same as docks) – 11. Currently the port owns oil berths (Berths No.1, No.2, No.3 and CBM-conventional buoy mooring), container terminal (berths No.4, No.5), railway ferry terminal, dry cargo terminal (berths No.6, No.7, No.8, No.9) and the passenger terminal (berths No.10, No.11).31 Since November 2007, the Container Terminal, Ferry Bridge and General Cargo berth No.6 have been operated by BICT, a subsidiary body of International Container Terminal Services Inc., a Philippine based company.32

30http://moa.ge/ge/index.php?page=show&sec=29 31http://www.batumiport.com/eng/index.php

32http://www.bict.ge/home. In addition to the main functions, close location to Turkish border makes BICT an ideal cargo reloading point from trucks to wide gauge (1520mm) railroad carriages for transit to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, etc.

91 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Batumi is the focal point of the Eurasian transportation corridor (TRACECA) – the European Priority project to provide transportation communication from to the and farther to Asia. It starts in Bulgaria, Ukraine and and, through the Black Sea reaches the ports of Poti and Batumi. Railway, automobile and pipeline routes connect it to the Caspian Sea and farther to the countries of Central Asia-Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, and through these to Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan, and reaches the boundaries of and Afghanistan. (Please see Annex 4)

7000 6102 6001 5879 6000 5722 5038 5155 5000

4000

3000

2000

1000 101 157 117 155 155 154 154 153 153 57 57 54 54 46 46 0 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 2009 2010 2011 Transit Import Export

Oil and oil products Liquefied petroleum gas Total turnover

Figure 2.9.1. Turnover of Batumi oil terminal, years 2009-2011, ths.tones Source: Batumi Oil Terminal

92 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

23383 25000 22059 2019420984 20000

15000 8401 10000 7917 4945 3680 5000 3019 90 0 2008 2009 2010 2011

Import Export Transit

Figure 2.9.2. Turnover of Batumi container terminal, years 2008-2011, TEU33 Source: Batumi Container Terminal

653 700 600 512 530 423 432 432 500 397 394 382 400 316 255 246 300 200 100 0 2008 2009 2010 2011

Import Export Transit

Figure 2.9.3. Dry cargo turnover - Batumi port, 2008-2011, th.t Source: Batumi Sea Port, Ltd

The above figures show that the results of the recent activities of the Batumi sea port are rather mixed. First, the amount of oil and oil products’ transit (i.e. the main function of the port) has been steadily declining. Second, container turnover has recovered well since a

33Twenty-feet equivalent unit. Port container traffic measures the flow of containers from land to sea transport modes, and vice versa, in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a standard-size container. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IS.SHP.GOOD.TU. Transit of containers is not indicated separately since 2010.

93 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

“deep dip” (approx. 4.5 times) following the 2008 war. Thus, the port has been steadily turning into the important regional container transportation hub. Dry cargo turnover as a whole has also surpassed 2008 figures, although fluctuations here have not been as pronounced as in case of containers. Dry cargo turnover now surpasses figures of 2002, the lowest point in the turnover almost 5 times.

In addition to the above leading functions, Batumi provides passenger transportation. In 2001 it provided transportation to approx. 21 590 persons, which is almost 1.8 times the figures for 2008. Major direction for passenger trips is Turkey, and Ukraine. Batumi – Sochi (Russia) destination is served by two local companies - "Express Batumi" Ltd. and "Irakli 2008" Ltd., while Ro-Ro ferries Varna (Bulgaria) – Illichievsk (Ukraine) –Batumi is provided by “UBG” Ltd (Ukraine). Approx. 4/5 of all passengers have traveled between Batumi and Sochi. As a result of tourism development, 5 cruise ships with a total of 2030 visitors stopped over Batumi in 2011.

Batumi International Airport is the second international airport in Georgia. Its new terminal has been in operation since May, 2007. With a total area of 4 256 m2, it is capable of handling 600,000 passengers a year. It is located in a 2 km distance from Batumi, south from the city and in a 20 km distance from Georgian-Turkish border. Due to such location it serves as a domestic and international airport for north-eastern Turkey (Artvin). It is managed by TAV Airport Holding (Turkey) and is a hub for “Fly Georgia” company. In 2011, the airport handled 134 000 passengers that is 51% more than the figure of previous years. Approx. 84% of these passengers were international travellers. Ajara railroad line (34 km) provides transportation of oil and oil products as well as dry cargo to Batumi port. The amount of cargo transported by railway has dropped significantly (by approx. 20%) since 2008. On the other hand, tourism development has led to a sharp increase in passenger transportation, by some 30% reaching 1,061,813 persons. Although this railway serves domestic passenger transportation, thanks to a high demand from Armenian visitors special trains are arranged from Yerevan during summer months.

The Department of Roads and Land Reclamation of Ajara has in its possession 2 959 km of highways, including 205 km of asphalt-concrete (approx. 7% of total), 1025 km of crushed stone cover and 1729 km of earth (dirt) roads. Modern roads are located factually only along the seaside and connect municipality centers with Batumi. There are also one 657 m long tunnel and 430 bridges.

There are 64 village communities with approx. 350 villages in addition to urban settlements in Ajara. Thus, the commuter traffic is the most intensive here. This traffic is served by 600 buses on a daily basis, carrying 48 000 passengers along 240 routes, on average. Ajara also serves interurban and international bus routes. Interurban bus routes connect the autonomy with all regions of Georgia, while international destinations include mainly Turkey, Greece 94 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

and Armenia. The number of passengers served by the organized traffic has been constantly growing. More specifically, it reached 18,794,000 in 2011, of which 96% were inter-Ajara passengers.

20000 18794 1793818306 17354 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 711 669 734 1061 2000 8 11 22 23 81 71 91 133 0 Sea Railway Air Automobile

2008 2009 2010 2011

Figure 2.9.4. Passenger traffic in Ajara, years 2008-2011, thousand persons Source: Ministry of Finance and Economy of Ajara

Ajara is especially important from the automobile transport development standpoint, since the 121 km existing -Poti–Sarpi road is a key highway and international transit route in Georgia. Today it is extremely overloaded, passes through heavily built residential and tourist areas of Batumi and Kobuleti, is characterized by poor road and travel conditions, especially for international transit traffic which in fact is mixed with the dense urban traffic passing through the narrow streets. Recently constructed 4 lane road tunnel near Makhinjauri does not alleviate this situation. 95 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

In response to the existing situation, the Government of Georgia with the financing of Asian Development Bank has started implementation of Ajara bypass road.34 As a result of carrying out this project, Batumi and Kobuleti will be relieved from transit traffic altogether and no freight traffic will be allowed into settlement located along the Black sea coast. This bypass is going to be located to the east of Batumi and Kobuleti and consist of two parts – Kobuleti (Choloki-Makhinjauri) bypass and Batumi bypass. Kobuleti bypass is already under construction. It is a 12.4 km long section, starting from village Natanebi in Guria and ending in Makhinjauri, passing through 20 villages. Modernization of Chakvi -Makhindjauri 2 line road (with a length of 3 km), to 4 lines highway is also under way. (Please see Annex 4)

2.10. Forestry

The Directorate for Environmental and Natural Resources of Ajara provides the following data on its web-site35  Forests occupy 65% of the whole territory of Ajara, which is much higher than the Georgian average – 39%;  Total forest fund amounts to 191 604 ha, of which 13 693 ha belongs to state natural reserve, 15 807 ha is a natural park, 1 991 ha – forests of potable water catchment areas, 12 422 ha – protective forest areas around settlements, 5 869 – river/water reservoir protection zone forests, 128 070 ha – soil protection and water regulation forests.

The most part of the local forests – 61% grow within 1000-2000 m above sea level. More than half of forests occupy 31o and steeper slopes. On the other hand, information provided in Ajara Strategic Development is not exactly the same. Total forest area in Ajara is approx. 162 104 ha, i.e. approx. 55.9% of the whole territory of autonomy is covered with forests.36 Of this 45 237 ha with 16.72 mill m3 of stock was represented by conifers, while 114 592 ha with 22.52 mill m3 of stock was represented by broadleaf trees (see Table 1.11.1 for distribution of forest resources by municipalities). 136 790 ha is subject to Forestry Agency of Ajara – legal entity of the public law, subordinated to Directorate for Environmental and Natural Resources of Ajara.

34http://www.georoad.ge/?que=eng/projects&info=1627. MINISTRY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE OF GEORGIA, ROADS DEPARTMENT’ Road Corridor Investment Program.Kobuleti Bypass Road, Kobuleti-Batumi Section and Batumi Bypass Road Design Project.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT. Section 2 :Kobuleti Bypass Road (km 12+400 ~ km 31+259). FEBRUARY 2012

35http://garemo-adjara.gov.ge/ge/forest/ 36Probably special water protection and other similar forests are excluded from this data, in which case it can be stated that this is information about forest resources. 96 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Table 2.10.1.Distribution of forest resources in Ajara by municipalities, in 2011 Area, ha % of total Stock, m3 % of total Kobuleti 23790,8 14.7 5 512 300 13.0 Khelvachauri 23470,8 14.5 3 764 100 8.9 Keda 37679,5 23.2 11 977 900 28.4 Khulo 39980,3 24.7 13 954 400 33.0 Shuakhevi 37182.2 22.9 7 034 600 16.7 Total 162103.6 100.0 42 243 300 100 Source: Directorate for Environmental and Natural Resources of Ajara

Ajara underwent a process of intensive deforestation during 1990s and up to 2004, although the real extent of the process has hardly ever been properly evaluated and quantified. At least no appropriate data or document is available for further analysis. Data on forest resources in Georgia was provided back in 1999 in book titled “Natural Resources of Georgia and Problems of Their Utilization”. The publication provides data on the State-owned forest resources of Georgia, Ajara included (p. 538), which amounted to 187 726 ha in 1983. This figure more or less corresponds with the same type of data provided in Ajara Strategic Development document. Based on this assumption we may very cautiously assume that Ajara might have lost approx. 25.6 thousand ha of forest during 30 years.

On the other hand, logging by population was not an option here for years. According to Ajara Strategic Development such logging (dubbed “social logging”) was again allowed in 2011. It is regulated by the Decree #242 of August 20, 2010 of the Government of Georgia “On the Approval of Forest Use Procedures”.

119 928 m3 firewood were allocated for logging in Ajara , of which 71 181 m3 or 59.4% were actually procured (see table 1.11.2.). The main reasons why the allocated wood is not appropriate is that the majority of such lots are very hard to access (far from settlements, roads, situated on steep slopes, etc.), plus it is very difficult to remove logs and transport them. To alleviate this situation 13.2 km access roads were built in Ajara in 2011, although this clearly was not enough. On the other hand, as experience of analyzing forestry sector activities in the other parts of Georgia shows, it is rather risky to rely on the data provided by forestry authorities both on the local and federal level. This sector is the subject of constant controversy, notoriously corrupt and mismanaged.

Table 2.10.2. Logging harvest in Ajara, in 2011 Allocated (m3) Procured (m3) Procured as % of allocated Kobuleti 10 766 8 035 78 %

Khelvachauri 19 805 12 408 62 %

97 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Keda 24 693 14 453 58 %

Khulo 25 828 14 928 57 %

Shuakhevi 38 737 21 378 55 %

Total 11 9828 71 181 59 %

Source: Directorate for Environmental and Natural Resources of Ajara

2.11. Tourism

Under the administration of President Saakashvili, Ajara was purposefully developed as a tourism hub of the South Caucasus region, as least partly in order to compensate the loss of Abkhazia tourism and recreation zone. Almost 44% of private investments were made in Ajara’s tourism sector in 2011. On the other hand, local climatic conditions do not especially encourage recreation in this area. Ajara is characterized by humid subtropical climate. Annual precipitation in the Black sea coastal area reaches 2 700 mm. Only July and August are characterized by an adequate weather conditions for recreation. Still as a result of persistent government policies parts of a coastal zone have recently undergone a visible makeover, especially Batumi, which now possesses a totally redesigned downtown and 7 km long seaside boulevard. A number of world class hotel operators were either already established their presence in Batumi (Sheraton for instance) or these hotels are under development (Kempinski Hotel Batumi). Donald Trump also decided to build his trademark Trump Tower in Batumi – the only such project in the region.

In order to provide further incentive for tourism development the Government of Georgia in 2011 established “Free Tourist Zone in Kobuleti, which consists of 11.3 ha of development area with 30 hotels. Special provisions for this zone include:  Free Hotel Master Plan  No Profit and Property taxes for 15 years  Fully provided engineering utility networks and corresponding outdoor infrastructure such as electricity, gas, water and new roads.  Investment range of hotels is anticipated at 1-3 million USD.

According to 2011 data, a total of 1 319 513 visitors were registered in Ajara, which is 35% higher than in 2010 and 42.8% higher than in 2006. Of these, about 64% were domestic and the rest – international visitors. These visitors made up 17% of all foreigners, who came to Georgia in 2011. 88% of these people visited Batumi and Kobuleti municipalities. Almost half 98 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

– 48% of all visitors in Ajara came from Turkey. Armenia provided approx. 22%, Azerbaijan – 12%, – 6, Ukraine – 2% of visitors.

Local hotels’ capacity grew by 87% in 2011 as compared to 2006. They are able to accommodate a total of 51.1 thousand persons. Out of this capacity, more than 80% is provided by family type facilities. It was anticipated to add 4 000 more places in the hotel sector in 2012. The average annual utilization level of these facilities is only about 16.6%, with 52.6% at the peak of the season in July-August. In Batumi visitors were served by 126 public catering facilities, in Kobuleti – 120, of which 90 were functioning only during high season.

In 2010 Department of Tourism and Recreation of Adjara carried out marketing research, which led to the following major conclusions:

 The majority of visitors to Ajara were people in the age group of 20-29 (43.3%) and 30-39 (32.7%).  The vast majority of visitors in almost all age groups (more than 85%) came to Ajara for recreation. In 40-55year old age group, business visitors made only about 15%, which is considerably higher than in any other age group.  56% of visitors stayed in Ajara for 1- 5 days. Such period was especially popular among Turkish visitors – 76%. Armenians mostly favored 5-10-day (36%) and 10-20- day long stays (32%).

Thus, whatever the government plans were for Ajara tourist development, it actually is formed as a low end recreational area for mainly local visitors, who cannot afford the better quality Turkish or other European resorts.

2.12. Trends in human activity

The existing trends in human activity in Ajara are described in detail in the above parts of the report. As to the future development trends, they are rather difficult to foresee after change of the government in Georgia in October 2012. New administration is openly averse to many activities and plans of the previous one and may amend or altogether cancel many of such. Still at least we may assume that the general trend of constructing HPPs will continue with all the pending negative consequences for the local environment, especially for the Black Sea coastal zone. Other main economic functions like transportation, agriculture and industry will be furthered, although exact details are still to be seen. The major changes will undoubtedly affect tourism sector development, which was the top priority for the previous administration. 99 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

CHAPTER 3: PRESSURES AND IMPACT ANALYSIS IN THE PILOT BASIN

100 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

3. PRESSURES AND IMPACT ANALYSIS IN THE PILOT BASIN

Introduction

The present chapter describes anthropogenic pressures37 and impacts38 on surface and ground waters. This assessment is based on the EU Water Framework Directive and is made through application of special methods or logical instruments that are adjusted to specific tasks and circumstances. All these approaches and tools are based on the processing and analysis of water monitoring data or represent GIS models that allow for revealing directly or indirectly pressures and impacts on water resources. Unfortunately, in Georgia monitoring data are scarce and outdated. Therefore, we have only applied general tools and approaches that have allowed us to extrapolate findings received through the given analysis. Apart from this, we have used all available data and information, including empirical data, experts’ judgment and modelling.

In terms of structure, the chapter 3 is divided into four major parts and is grouped in accordance with the following topics:

 Diffused sources of pollution  Point sources of pollution  Water abstractions and flow regulation  Physical and morphological changes of water objects

The table below reflects interrelation between driving forces and water objects in the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali basin. This matrix has helped identify potential pressures. For determining the linkages we have used different types of information that is described in more detail in following chapters. In general, this analysis is based on experts’ judgment and critical analysis.

Table 3.1. Linkages of major driving forces with water objects of the pilot river basin Driving forces Water Body Category Rivers Lakes Coastal/Transitional Groundwater Pollution Household x x Industry (operating, historical) x x Agriculture x x

37 Changes in water objects caused by human activities are regarded as “pressures” 38 Side effects disturbing the ecological balance of water objects caused by anthropogenic pressures are called as “impacts” 101 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Aquiculture /fish farming x Forestry Impervious areas Mines, quarries Dump, storage sites x x Transport x Alteration of hydrologic regime Abstraction (agro, industry, household) x x Flow regulation works Hydropower works x x Fish farming x Cooling Flow enhancement (transfers) Morphology (changes in) Agricultural activities x Urban settlements x Industrial areas x x Flood protection x Gravel /Sand extraction x x Navigation Biology Fishing/angling Fish/shellfish farming x Emptying ponds

3.1 Water Abstractions and River Flow Regulation 3.1.1 Drinking and Industrial Water Abstractions

In accordance with 2011 data, of total water abstractions, about 8% accounted for groundwater abstractions and 92% for surface water abstractions.

Chorokhi and Kintrishi River filtrates are characterized by abundant water resources. They are used for drinking water supply to the cities of Batumi and Kobuleti. In 2010, total of 5,826 thousand m3 was abstracted from the Chorokhi River filtrates and 2,671 thousand m3 – from the Kintrishi River filtrates. An independent water user consumed 840 thousand m3 of ground water. Of total ground water abstractions, about 92.1% was used by local users and communal services. 102 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Batumi is a major drinking and industrial water user. This is supported by 2011 data, where Batumi used 81% of the region’s total water, abstracted for drinking purposes. The rest of the water users, both urban and rural together consumed 6208 thousand m3 or 19%. This indicates the presence of serious problems with the drinking water supply to Ajara population, particularly to the people living in mountainous regions.

The second largest water user is the city of Kobuleti. It should be also noted that Batumi water supply system abstracts water from Chakvistksali and Korolistskali intake facilities, while that of the city of Kobuleti – from the filtrates of the Kintrishi River. Stemming from this, we can conclude that the rivers utilized by major water users are under the certain pressure. This issue needs further detailed investigation. (Please see Annex 11)

Under the conditions of intensive water abstarction, the river flow, including its volume and velocity changes. The decrease in the water quantity leads to the destruction of the integrity of natural ecosystems and reduction of biodiversity. Unfortunately, water monitoring in the pilot river basin and in the entire Ajara region is carried out only at a few gauging sites. This does not allow for comprehensive assessment of the current status of water quantity (discharge) and quality. Therefore, for the purpose of this study we have used data obtained through field observations and available in the archives.

The Korolistskali River is fed by snow, rain and ground waters. The water regime is characterized with weak summer floods and year-round flash floods caused by heavy rains. The mount Mtirala (1,381,9m), located on the eastern water divide of the river is known for the highest values of annual precipitations – 4,519mm.

Regardless of this, average annual flow of the Korolistskali River is 0.76 m3/sec, regulated through water abstraction for drinking and industrial water uses at a rate of 0.4 m3/sec. From this data we can conclude that average annual flow is decreased by 52% as a result of water abstractions, clearly indicating on the pressures and impacts on the Korolistskali River.

103 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Chakvistskali water supply station

A similar situation exists in the Chakvistskali River Basin. However, the river has much higher water flow and more stable seasonal run-off than the Korolistskali River. More specifically, the multi-year average flow of the Chakvistskali River is 9.89 m3/sec, while the designed capacity of the intake facility is only 1.15 m3/sec. Stemming from this, the Chakvistskali River only loses 11.6%, which is a sanitary norm. However, when minimum river discharge goes as low as 1.172 m3/sec, the losses in the Chakvistkskali River may reach 66.8%. This may have serious impacts on the riverine ecosystems.

Unfortunately, there are no reliable water quantity monitoring data for the Korolistskali and Chakvistskali Rivers. Therefore, we have used experts’ judgment and logical analysis.

Changes in water temperature. Regardless of the strong dependence of the water temperature on natural factors such as: flow velocity, air temperature, algae presence, water turbidity, shade, inflow of ground waters, this parameter significantly depends on the total river flow and natural regulation. Stemming from this, decrease in water flow in the excess of the sanitary norm, leads to the change in water temperature affecting the biological and chemical characteristics of the river. This may also result in destruction of zoo- and phytoplankton that will ultimately negatively impact aquatic biota and ecosystems. More 104 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

specifically, as a result of the change of water temperature the following effects are expected to occur:

 Change in DO concentration  Change in water pH  Change in algae and phytoplankton blooming periods  Alteration of the structure of the habitats of aquatic fauna  Alteration of the species composition, structure and diversity

Alteration of sediment flow. Fine sediments of the river, indicated by suspended solids that get into the water as a result of the erosion of river banks, determine the water turbidity or the water transparency. Changes in water flow lead to the alteration of river sedimentation that directly impacts physical parameters of the river. Water turbidity has an impact on the river bed and bank erosion, algae blooms, changes in water level leading to the alteration of water temperature. In addition, water turbidity affects the absorption of the sunlight by water that has a strong impact on aquatic ecosystems. With an increase in sunlight penetration, photosynthesis is intensified leading to algae bloom and propagation.

 Suspended solids absorb the heat that leads to the decrease in water temperature and the increase in DO.  Decrease in suspended solids results in activation of riverbed erosion processes that affects the habitats of benthic organisms.

3.1.2 Water Abstraction for Irrigation

In the Black Sea Coastal Zone of Ajara, the rivers are not used for irrigation purposes. Agricultural lands here are watered by rainfall owing to the high amount of atmospheric precipitations. Small-scale irrigation systems are only present in the Adjaristkali River Basin, where atmospheric precipitations are relatively low.

Irrigation water abstracted from the Adjaristskali River and its tributaries, is supplied to the local population to water fields of corn and kidney beans, orchards, vineyards and pastures. The average irrigation water volume for corn fields is 700m3/ha.

Existing irrigation water supply systems are very difficult to control and there are a number of illegal canals (underground pipes, rubber hose pipes, etc.) there. Due to the absence of hydrotechnical structures on the river, water polluted with various chemical substances return to the river through the soil seepage/leakage. Water abstractions occur mostly in the middle section. Here, due to the relevant flow gradient and fall, irrigation water flows by gravitational force and waters small-size agricultural lands. 105 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

As it was mentioned above, due to specific climate conditions of the region only a small area of state-owned agricultural lands was irrigated during the Soviet period. Currently, the majority of the canals are damaged and collective farms are submitted to individual farmers. It is not economically viable to rehabilitate these systems. Thus, irrigation water use does not represent a significant pressure on water resources in the pilot river basin; though some of the rivers still fall under the high risk category taking into consideration a summary effect of various pressures. For instance, the Chakvistskali River that undergoes the pressure from abstraction for drinking water is also impacted by irrigation water use.

3.1.1 Water Abstractions and Flow Regulation for Hydropower Generation

Rivers flowing in the Ajara Autnomous Republic have high hydropower potential, which is not fully utilized. In 1930s of the last century, derivation type Adjaristskali hydropower plant (“Atshesi”) with 16.0MW installed capacity was put into operation. The HPP withdraws water amounting to 45 m3/sec from the intake facility located on the Adjaristskali River, close to Batumi-Akhlatsikhe road. From the intake structure, water is delivered to two turbines located in the power house, through a 2,860m long and 3.9m diameter derivation tunnel. 106 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Derivation type Adjaristskali hydropower plant “Atshesi”

During the same period, a new 120 horse power capacity hydropower plant on the Chirukhistskali River, village Dvani and a very small capacity hydropower plant on the Skhalta River were put into operation.

Currently, the following HPPs operate in Ajara: i) Kinkisha (0.74 MW installed capacity); ii) Sanalia (3.0MW installed capacity); iii) Achi (1.03 installed capacity) and; iv) Machakhela (1.43 MW installed capacity), located in the village Kedkedi and operational since 1956.

It is planned to construct two derivation type HPPs, their intakes will be located at 235m and 328m above sea level respectively. These HPPs are currently being designed. Furthermore, It is planned to construct three new derivation type HPPs on the Adjaristskali River: Shuakhevi, Koromi and Khertvisi. They are being designed by Norwegian company “Clean Energy Invest”.

Most likely, the derivation type HPPs will not exert significant pressures on the Adjaristskali River. However, they should be taken into consideration as risk factors. In accordance with Adjaristskali Georgia, LLC, it is planned to start construction activities in 2013. Below is given the description and analysis of potential pressures of planned Shuakhevi, Kromkheti and Khertvisi HPPs. 107 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Shuakhevi HPP

 Abstraction and the return of high volumes of water in the lower course of the river may cause the morphological alteration of the river and the loss of microorganisms. However, it will not impact spawning habitats;  There is a risk of impeding the fish up stream movement in the waters of the Adjaristskali River and its tributaries. The flow velocity is estimated at 1.5 m/sec that will create a barrier to the movement of some fish species. However, this will depend on the dissipation of the flow velocity in the receiving waters.

Pressures on the river hydrology in the lower reaches may be considered as significant and ecological impacts may be considered as moderate.

Overall, Shuakhevi HPP will significantly reduce river discharge in upstream and downstream areas of the river that will have a negative impact on fish populations and in general, on aquatic ecology.

Koromkheti HPP

The discharge of the high volume of the outlet water may hinder fish movement. Currently, the flow velocity is estimated at 4-5 m/sec that will impede fish migration. However, this will depend upon the variation of flow velocity as well as upon the local and seasonal hydrological conditions.

Stemming from above, we may draw a conclusion that Koromkheti HPP will have a significant hydrological impact on water bodies unless adequate measures are carried out to mitigate negative impacts on fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

Khertvisi HPP – The Adjaristskali River

In accordance with the report of Adjaristskali Georgia, LCC, significant reduction of average minimum discharge of the river is expected to occur. Most of the time (from June to March) this value will be 5.2 m3/sec with few exceptions (flash floods). Spring floods will be maintained until May and will decrease significantly afterwards. Thus, pressures and impacts on river hydrology will increase that will negatively affect fish and other aquatic biota.

Khertvili HPP – The Chorokhi River

108 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Potential hydrological changes cannot be assessed owing to the absence of water discharge data for the Chorokhi River that is regulated from the Turkish side. Apart from this, it is planned to construct a number of dams at the section of the Machakhela River confluence. There is no data on these dams and, potential hydrological changes in the Chorokhi River are unknown. Thus, it is impossible to identify likely hydrological changes of the Chorokhi River at the point of the Machakhela River confluence, until the operation of a new HPP. Taking into consideration the high sensitivity of this section of the river due to the presence of internationally protected species, the pressures should be considered as significant. Existing driving forces, their pressures and impacts are summarized in the table below:

Table 3.2. Existing driving forces and their pressures and impacts caused due to water abstraction and flow regulation Driving Forces Location Pressure Impact

DO concentration is changed; Water pH is changed; Algae and phytoplankton blooming Change in water period is changed; Structure of habitats of temperature aquatic species is changed; Species structure, composition and diversity is changed

Water abstractions for Korolistksali; drinking, Chakvistskali; industrial and Adjaristksali hydropower Sunlight penetration is increased resulting in water uses an intensification of photosynthesis and, algae bloom and propagation; Heat is Change in absorbed by suspended solids resulting in sediment flow reduction of water temperature and increase of DO; Suspended solids are reduced causing activation of river bed processes and ultimately, alteration of benthic organisms. Increase in Alteration of composition of floodplain and nutrient aquatic vegetation concentrations

109 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

3.2 Diffused Sources of Pollution

Agriculture is one of the major sources of diffuse pollution due to intensive use of fertilizers that results in soil contamination by various pollutants. Two main parameters are associated with diffused sources of pollution: phosphorus and nitrogen. These substances end up in rivers and lakes as a result of natural water circulation. It has to be noted that in the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin, agriculture is not the only source of diffuse pollution. Other important sources are transportation and controlled waste disposal sites (landfills).

3.2.1 Agriculture

There are about 70,000 farms in Ajara. Agricultural lands are good for growing tea, citrus, corn, potatoes and tobacco as well as for livestock grazing. In high mountainous regions of Ajara, including Khulo and Shuakhevi municipalities due to a harsh climate, the major branch of the agriculture is sheep raising, followed by potato growing. Tobacco is also produced in small quantities.

In , the major agriculture activity is potato production. In accordance with 2004 data, potatoes were grown on the land area of 1,167 ha and a total of 25,000 tons of output were produced. Cornfields and tobacco plantations occupy the largest areas of arable lands. Other agricultural activities are orchardry and apiculture (beekeeping). There are 49,000 cattle and 6,000 sheep and goats in Khulo municipality. Summer pastures occupy about 16,000 ha.

Agriculture is a leading economic sector in Shuakhevi municipality. Major crops are corn, potato, kidney beans, vegetables and fruit. Orchardry and pomology are well-developed in Keda municipality. People pick blackberries and grow tobacco and grapes. They are also engaged in animal husbandry and apiculture.

In Khelvachauri municipality, major cultures are tea and citrus. Animal husbandry is also well-developed. High mountainous regions are short of land resources due to high population density. In accordance with the local government, on average, an individual farmer holds 0.25-0.75ha farm land.

Khulo, Shuakhevi and Keda municipalities are highly susceptible to natural disasters, particularly to landslides and soil erosion, induced by human activities such as overgrazing, and deforestation. Landslides and soil erosion directly result in the loss of arable lands and pastures. Land scarcity, erosion processes, steep slopes of mountains are the limiting factors for agriculture development. Small areas of cultivated lands, low capacities of Agri- 110 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

industries, obsolete technologies, absence of subsidies and unpredictable market add to these limiting factors.

In Ajara, each average household owns 4-5 heads of cow and several heads of sheep or goat. One household farm hardly meets the subsistence needs of the family and as well, the needs of its livestock. Given land cultivation is the major source of income of mountain communities, they face serious poverty issues. Therefore, migration to other regions of Georgia is a common pattern. Stemming from above, we can draw a conclusion that agriculture is very weakly developed in the region thus, having practically no impact on surface and ground water bodies.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of data we cannot estimate the concentration of nutrients in the rivers of the pilot basin drained from agricultural lands. Though, it should be noted that in the upstream area of the basin ecosystems, the biodiversity is in good condition, indicating the satisfactory current ambient water quality.

3.2.2 Solid Household Waste

As of 1 January 2012 there are two landfills operating on the territory of the pilot basin as licensed by the government bodies. However, none of them respond to environmental and planning requirements. Landfills are of open type and unregulated, as they are not fenced and protected from trespassers. Both landfills occupy a total of 23.0 hectares of land.

Part of the Kobuleti landfill used for waste disposal consists of two sections and geomorphologically corresponds to coastline plains. One of the waste disposal sections is located on the right bank of the Cholokhi River, at its utmost proximity, while the other is a kilometer away from the center of Kobuleti, extended over flat terrain. The landfill has been operating since 2007 on the territory of the former Choloki cattle farm and occupies 2.0 hectares of land. (Please see Annex 9)

On the territory of Keda Municipality, solid household waste was collected only from the population of Keda, where the total number of residents was 1,500 persons based on 2012 data. 111 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Batumi landfill

Along with this, in Shuakevi Municipality the waste was collected and disposed in the landfill for 800 residents of Shuakhevi, and for 2,000 residents of Khulo settlement of Khulo Municipality.

Keda, Shuakhevi and Khulo municipal landfills serving small towns were situated in the gorge of the Adjaristskali River till 1 May 2012 and covered 1.0 hectares of land.

Batumi landfill (also serving the population of Khelvachauri Municipality) has been operating since 1965 and is more than 45 years old. It covers the area of 19.2 hectares, and is situated in Adlia settlement, Batumi, on the right bank of the Chorokhi River, in its water protection zone.

It should be noted that although landfills are not operational (please see the Waste Disposal map for the details), they still represent the sources of diffuse pollution, as the household and industrial waste that had been collected for years now produce harmful substances, which drain down to the Chorokhi and Adjaristskali Rivers through atmospheric precipitation and ground waters. Regretfully, to prove this assumption it is impossible without conducting chemical analysis of the water samples from the Adjaristskali and Chorokhi Rivers. However, we can speculate that in the conditions of high precipitation, due to steep terrain and utmost proximity to the river, seepage does occur.

3.2.3 Roads and Transport

There are two major highways crossing over the territory of the pilot basin, the first one is the highway of international significance running along the coastline in the lower course of the basin, whilst the second one is of national significance, running along the entire 112 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Adjaristskali River. Based on socio-economic data, Ajara region is overloaded with transit movement, however, the volume of pollutants produced by vehicles and leaked into the soil as well as its chemical composition is unknown.

However, according to the expert judgments, some concentration of Cadmium Cd (diesel) and Lead Pb (petrol) could be identified by roadside of major rivers. Hence, we can assume that this type of diffusive contamination could also be taking place in the Adjaristskali River and the Black Sea area. Chemical analysis of the river water could prove the existence of such pollution, however such testing has not been conducted yet. (Please see Annex 4)

Water is considered chemically contaminated if the concentration of toxic chemicals contained in it is higher than in the environment and has negative biological effects on living organisms. Among the potential toxins in the downstream area of the pilot basin are substances like nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals and metalloids. As a rule, these substances infiltrate the water from landfills, agricultural areas and highways. It should also be noted that environmental pollution along the highways as a result of human activities should be high as well, exceeding the norms set by the Georgian legislation.

Based on expert opinion, the following linkages have been identified showing pressures and impacts from diffused sources of pollution, as described in the table below.

Table 3.3. Possible pressures and impacts of diffused sources of pollution

Driving forces Location Pressure Impact

Adjaristskali Agricultural Changes in the composition and Agricultural production; River; fertilisers condition of algae Solid household waste; Chorokhi Roads and transport; River; Black sea coast Leachates from the landfills Survival, reproductive and competition Roadside heavy capacities of the organisms are metal changed

113 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

3.3 Point Sources of Pollution

There is only one Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) operating on the territory of Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin and Ajara Autonomous Republic in general. It is situated near the village of Adlia and serves Batumi, Gonio, Sparti and Kvariati areas. On the one hand, the population of these towns/villages constitutes 38.5% of the total basin population, which means that a major part of the sewage is being treated and its pressure on the environment has been reduced since 2012. However it should also be noted that the remaining 61.5% comes on the other coastline and mountainous areas, where treatment facilities are not in place and waste water is discharged directly into the sea, ground surface or streams.

It is added by the waste water from small farms and enterprises and all of the above factors together create pressures, which are difficult to quantify, as there are no water and soil quality controls carried out on the territory of the basin.

The sole source of water quality data is the Laboratory of the Ajara Agriculture Ministry in Batumi, which provided the data on the water testing results for the past one year period. The majority of water samples were taken by the laboratory from the coastline areas and covers information on the wastewater discharged by various enterprises. Please see the Table 3.4. Based on this data, it became possible to identify point sources of industrial and communal pollution, as well as resulting pressures and impacts.

Table 3.4. Main point sources of pollution in the pilot basin # Suspended Total Total Location pH solids mg/l Nitrogen Phosphate BOD5 COD mg/l mg/l 1 Gonio (enterprise) 8.8 40 18 0.6 28 130 2 Batumi (Cleaning and sanitation) 9 50 12 1.5 23 105 3 Khelvachauri industrial zone 8.6 27.1 2.2 0.1 10 24.1 4 Khelvachauri (Food industry) 8 12 8 0.5 12 30 5 Chakvi (Tourist recreation zone) 8.5 30 10 0.6 20 90 6 Kakhaberi (Batumi International Airport) 8.1 15 0.2 0 8 16 7 Keti water supply system 8.5 70 12 1.6 45 160 8 Shuakhevi water supply system 8 75 14 2 43 180 9 Khulo water supply system 8.5 45 16 2.4 45 160 11 Gonio (Tourist infrustructure) 10 20 18 2 28 125 12 Batumi (Trade infrustructure/fish market) 5.1 20 4.5 1 28 127 13 Territory around the ariport 8.5 27.1 5 0.2 16.3 60.5 14 (Enterprize) 8.5 45 17 0.4 28 100 15 Makhinjauri (Railway station) 8 10 0.4 0 4 9 114 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

16 Makhinjauri (Enterprise) 8 10 0.2 0.02 10 20 17 Adjaristskali (Enterprise) 8 40 5.8 0.8 25 60 18 Batumi (Enterprise) 9 15 2.7 0.09 30 70 19 Adlia (Cleaning and sanitation) 9 40 9 1 18 40 20 Batumi (Cleaning and sanitation) 8.5 17 9 1 20 80 21 Khelvachauri (Food industry) 8.5 30 1.5 0 8 20 Source: Directorate of Environment and Natural Resources of AJara AR; Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture of Ajara AR, 2012

It should also be noted that based on the Batumi example, sewage, despite the operation of WWTP, still pollutes sea waters, as the wastewater treatment facilities are not fully operational and biological treatment mechanisms are not yet in place. Hence, it could be concluded that sewage poses moderate pressure on the coastal waters. (Please see Annex 3)

Table 3.5. Quality of effluent discharges in the Adlia WWTP Location BOD COD Suspended Solids Total Nitrogen Total Phosphate pH mg/l mg/l mg/l Adlia WWTP (inflow) 40 155 50 20 2 7.3 Adlia WWTP (outflow) 20 100 10 10.5 1 7.1 Source: Laboratory of the Ajara Autonomous Republic Ministry of Agriculture

In the rest of the coastline towns and resorts, sewerage systems are not equipped with treatment facilities and hence, the wastewater flows directly into the sea, which itself causes high pressure on the local sea ecosystem.

There are dozens of fish farms operating on the territory of the pilot basin (mainly breeding trout). For example, there are over 50 small, medium and large fish farms in the Keda Municipality for breeding Rainbow (or salmon) Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)). Breeding this type of fish is extremely difficult, as the quality of water in terms of physical and chemical composition, should be equal to that of streams and tributaries, where water is abstracted from. There is a constant inflow and outflow of the water in the fish farms, as their territory is limited, the quality of water at the wastewater discharge points change insignificantly. In addition, it should also be noted that this type of fish farms do not use herbicides or other chemicals, as is the case in some other fish farms operating pond systems in other parts of Georgia. Hence, the water outflows from the fish farms do not pose significant pressures on the water ecosystems. (Please see Annex 10)

In conclusion it can be stated that point sources of pollution in the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin are mainly linked to water pollution from the food industry and sewerage systems. The latter increases the concentration of various pathogenic microorganisms and bacteria in the water, which contributes to increased consumption of oxygen in water and the amount of food substances. This process stimulates algae bloom, which further increases 115 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

the consumption of oxygen in water as a result of the algae decline and rotting. This further reduces the concentration of oxygen in the water. Against this backdrop, the water ecosystem is subject to great pressure, which often results in the loss of biodiversity and degradation of species.

Table 3.6. Point pollution pressures and impact Driving forces Location Pressure Impact

Sewerage Adjaristskali River; Waste water; Altered composition and condition of algae; system, food Chorokhi River; organic waste Survival, reproductive and competition industry Kintrishi River; from the food capacity of organisms is changed; Black sea coastal industry waters

Increased water nutrients Fish and intervertebrate decline Reduced levels of oxygen in water

3.4 Physical and Morphological Changes of Water Objects

Physical or morphological changes of water objects in the Machakhela-Adjaristskali pilot basin, are mainly associated with hydropower plants, regulating dams, extraction of sand and gravel and fish-farms.

Firstly, one should consider derivation type hydro power plant on the Adjaristskali River (“Acharhesi”) located within the area of the pilot basin. Its installed capacity is 16.0 MW. Its headwork installed near Batumi-Akhaltsikhe highway extracts 45 m3/sec water and supplies it through 2860 m. long and 3.9m diameter derivation tunnel to two turbines installed in the powerhouse. The HPP was launched in 1940s, hence it lacks fish-friendly constructions. Ecologically, it practically divides the Adjaristskali River into two parts, which is negatively affecting the river ichthyofauna and the entire water ecosystem.

In the same period, 120 horse power HPP of the village Digvani on the Chirukhistkali River and the mini HPP on the Mskhalta River were also put into operation on the territory of the Ajara Autonomous Republic. Currently, there are the following HPPs operating in Ajara: Kinkisha HPP (0.74 MW capacity), Sanalia HPP (2.0 MW), Adjaristskali HPP (1.03 MW) and Machakhela HPP (1.43 MW), which has been operating in the village of Kedkeda since 1956. The majority of these HPPs do not generate electricity, though the constructions are in place and they put some pressure on the river ecosystems. For example, similar to Adjaristskali 116 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

HPP, Machakhela HPP has small dam, which in low flow period becomes a barrier to fish migration.

Apart from HPPs in the pilot basin, there are also concrete river bank reinforcement structures for flood protection (please see the Energy and Infrastructure Map for the details), which, like HPP dams negatively affects water ecosystems.

For ensuring protection of populations and to maintain their resilience, fish and other water organisms require movement between water habitats, which are linked to very long distances.

Regulation of the river flow with flood control engineering structures (levees, dikes, etc.) or water reservoirs create physical barriers or physical difficulties for water organisms, which in most cases causes decreases in the number of populations or even complete extinction. The example of this is some of the species from the pilot basin, such as Black sea salmon, migrating from the sea to the source of the Adjaristskali River for spawning, which is of vital importance for the preservation of these species. Hence, the reduction of their population can cause degradation of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Construction area in the Chorokhi River

Consequently, planned and already existing levees and dams in Machakhela-Adjaristskali River Basin represent significant pressure on the water and coastline ecosystems. 117 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Such type of pressures in the pilot basin have the following impacts:

. Fragmentation of habitats and fish populations . Degradation of reproduction and biodiversity . Reduced nutrition for terrestrial species depending on the water ecosystems

In addition to flood control engineering structures and water reservoirs there are multiple fish farms in the pilot basin. Based on the data available, the latter does not represent a barrier to water species, as the ponds are built outside water objects and are linked to streams and rivers through small channels or water pump pipes. Hence, fish farm ponds do not affect water objects.

Along with the other driving forces in the Chorokhi-Ajaratskali pilot basin, extraction of sand and gravel (please see the Industry Map for the details) is also very important factor for environmental impact, since such economic activity is widespread on the river banks of Ajara. (Please see Annex 3)

Over-extraction of sand and gravel for industrial purposes from the river beds causes degradation of the entire river, as the physical reduction of alluvial sediments constituting the river bed causes not only bank erosion, but also deepening of the river beds, widening of its estuary with the sea, causing significant hydro-morphological processes.

Apart from hydro-morphological changes, over-extraction of sand and gravel also poses threat to engineering installations, bridges and roads running along the river banks, as well as to the system of ground waters consumed by the local population.

Over-extraction of sand and gravel also negatively affects aquatic and riparian ecosystems, which are under significant pressure due to river bed degradation and instable banks. These processes can have a cumulative effect of biodiversity degradation and disruption of the entire river ecosystem balance. Considering the above, the process of sand and gravel extraction can be divided into 3 parts according to its negative pressures:

Physical

Large-scale extraction of inert materials (please see the Industry map for the details) causes changes in the form of the river bottoms and beds, which results in the following impacts: 1. Erosion and washing out of river banks; 2. Flooding of nearby territory and installations; 3. Upstream erosion, caused by the increased steepness of the slopes and flow velocity; 4. Change in downstream river bank formation (sedimentation), deteriorating structure and habitats of the riverbed.

118 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Water quality

Poor planning (which is frequent in the pilot basin), improper ore mining and extraction process results in uncontrolled spilling of silt and fuel-lubricants (from mechanized installations). As a result, water quality deteriorates and water ecosystem is negatively affected.

Ecological

Extraction of the sand and gravel causing heavy damage to the river substrate, water turbidity and destruction of riparian vegetation, results in negative ecological consequences which are expressed in the following impacts: reduced area of habitats, reduced light and nutrition for water species and primary production caused by increased amounts of suspended solids.

It should be noted that hydro-morphological changes in the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin is one of the most widespread and significant factors affecting the environment, which is visually formulated in the following table.

Table 3.7. Pressures and impact caused by hydro-morphological changes Driving forces Location Pressure Impact

River flow Fragmentation of habitats and fish fragmentation by populations; Reduced reproduction Hydro power; dams/levees and genetic biodiversity; Reduced Water regulation; nutrition for terrestrial species dependent on the aquatic species;

Bank erosion; Adjaristskali, changes in the river Chorokhi, bed structure Increased sediment flow and water Korolistskali, through turbidity Kintrishi accumulation of sediments Extraction of sand and gravel Changes in the physical and Salt water intrusion into ground chemical waters composition of water Damaged water Reduced coastal and benthic substrata habitats.

119 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

3.5 Conclusion

In the given chapter we have tried to describe and analyze athropogenic pressures and impacts on the surface and ground waters of the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali pilot basin. It is noteworthy that despite the scarcity and the inaccuracy of monitonring data,we have still managed to identify significant pressures and resulting impacts. Certainly, analysis and evaluation were based on experts’ opinion and historic data, which did not allow for deeper analysis of hydrologic and socioeconomic developments taking place in the pilot basin. However, it should be noted that the narrative part is enriched with cartographic data, which allowed for better assessment and understanding of the linkages between natural and human environment. Finally, we hope that more information will be available in the future, which would allow for more opportunities of better assessments and deeper analyses of the Chorokhi-Adjaristkali pilot basin.

Driving Forces Location Pressure Impact Significance

DO concentration is changed; Water pH is changed; Algae and phytoplankton blooming Change in water period is changed; Structure not significant temperature of habitats of aquatic species is changed; Species structure, composition and diversity is changed

Sunlight penetration is increased resulting in an Water Abstractions for Korolistksali; intensification of drinking, industrial and Chakvistskali; photosynthesis and, algae hydropower water uses Ajaristksali bloom and propagation; Heat is absorbed by suspended Change in solids resulting in reduction significant sediment flow of water temperature and increase of DO; Suspended solids are reduced causing activation of river bed processes and ultimately, alteration of benthic organisms.

Increase in Alteration of composition of nutrient floodplain and aquatic not significant concentrations vegetation 120 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Agricultural Changes in the composition not significant Adjaristskali fertilisers and condition of algae Agricultural production; River; Chorokhi Solid household waste; River; Black sea Roads and transport; Leachates from coast Survival, reproductive and the landfills competition capacities of the not significant Roadside heavy organisms are changed metal

Altered composition and condition of algae; Survival, reproductive and not significant Adjaristskali competition capacity of Waste water; River; Chorokhi organisms is changed; Sewerage system, food organic waste River;Kintrishi industry from the food River;Black sea Increased water nutrients not significant industry coastal waters Fish and intervertebrate not significant decline Reduced levels of oxygen in not significant water

Fragmentation of habitats and fish populations; River flow Reduced reproduction and fragmentation genetic biodiversity; Reduced significant by dams/levees nutrition for terrestrial species dependent on the aquatic species;

Bank erosion; changes in the Hydro power; Water Adjaristskali river bed regulation; Extraction of and Chorokhi Increased sediment flow and structure significant sand and gravel Rivers water turbidity through accumulation of sediments Changes in the physical and Salt water intrusion into chemical not significant ground waters composition of water

Damaged water Reduced coastal and benthic significant substrata habitats.

121 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

CHAPTER 4: MONITORING IN THE

PILOT RIVER BASIN

122 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

4. MONITORING IN THE PILOT RIVER BASIN

In accordance with Georgian legislation, the state water resources monitoring is a common system of regular observation and information on water quantity and quality in water objects and effluent discharges. Its aim is to acquire information on the state of the water and its objects, its interrelation with the surrounding natural and built-in environment, assessment of hydropower potential of water resources and rivers, prognosis of harmful impacts on water resources (e.g. Floods, mudflows, landslides, pollutant discharges), etc.

Unfortunately, in the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali Pilot Basin, surface and ground water monitoring is carried out at a limited scale, regardless of the fact that this territory is covered by the Environmental Pollution Monitoring Laboratory of the Black Sea Monitoring Division, functioning within the auspices of the National Environment Agency (NEA) under the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Georgia (MoE). Apart from this, with a request of the Ajara Department on Environmental Natural Resources the laboratory of the Ajara Agriculture Ministry conducts monitoring of effluent discharges from industrial facilities.

4.1 Surface Water Quality Monitoring 4.1.1 Water Quality Monitoring and Existing Relevant Infrastructure

Currently, there are 6 surface water observation sites operated within the Chorokhi- Adjaristskali Pilot Basin. These sites are located on the following rivers: 1) Kintrishi (one site located in the town Kobuleti, near the river mouth; the second site was located in the middle course of the river within a 12-km distance from the river mouth; was abollished in 2007); 2) Korolistskali (1 site located in 0.23 km distance from the river mouth); 3) Kubistskali (1 site located within the boundaries of the city of Batumi by the river mouth); 4) Bartskhana (1 site located in a 2.8 km distance from the river mouth; the second was located within Batumi near the river mouth; was abolished in 2007); 5) Chorokhi (1 site located within 1.5km distance from the river mouth); 6) Adjaristskali (1 site located in town Keda within 38km distance from the river mouth; the second site was located in town Khulo; was avolished in 2006). These sites are operated by the NEA, MoE of Georgia (please see map of monitoring network enclosed).

As it was mentioned above, in addition to the NEA water quality monitoring sites there is a Laboraty of the Ministry of Agriculture, established in 2006 on the basis of the biological laboratory of the same Ministry. In 2009, the Laboratory received an official accreditation. It is noteworthy to mention that the infrastructure of the given laboratory was renovated in 2009 and it was granted the accreditation in the analysis of organoleptic, chemical and biological parameters of water. 123 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

The state surface water quality monitoring program within the Chorokhi-Adjaristskali Pilot Basin is carried out on the major rivers and their tributaries, predominantly near Black Sea coast. Samples are taken 12 times a year and in separate cases, 6 times a year. Sample chain- of-custody procedures follow ISO or other international standards.

4.1.2 Methodology for Assessment of Surface Water Quality

Surface water quality data are double-checked, approved, archived and then published to the broader public. Data processing is carried out in a way to meet the needs of various organizations and monitoring objectives.

Below is presented a table that shows the water quality monitoring infrastructure and methodologies of existing water quality laboratories functioning in Georgia.

#1 Laboratory: Atmospheric Air, Water and Soil Quality Analysis Laboratory (NEA, located in Tbilisi, marked as “Tbs” in the table below) #2 Laboratory: Environmental Pollution Monitoring Laboratory (Located in Kutaisi and marked as “Kts”) #3 Laboratory: Black Sea Monitoring Laboratory (Located in Batumi and marked as “Btm”)

It should be mentioned that the labs 1 and 3 carry out regular monitoring of surface water quality in the pilot river basin.

Table 4.1. Water quality infrastructure and methodology of existing water quality laboratories

CAN BE PARAMETERS ANALYSIS ANALYSED

Method Equipment Detection № Parameter (group) Yes/No (number, Unit (method, brand, model) limit title) GENERAL CONDITIONS Thermal conditions MULTI-PARAMETER zond/ Oxi 330i/340i 1 Water temperature Yes Germany (Tbs) [oC] Multi Probe System YSI 556 MPS (Btm) 124 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Oxygenation conditions MULTI-PARAMETER zond/ Oxi 330i/340i (EPA [mg 2 Dissolved oxygen (O2) Yes Germany (Tbs) 2540)1998 O2/l] Analyzer (Btm) Nutrient conditions Nitrogen / organic [mg 3 nitrogen N/l] ION Chromatograph ICS 1000, Dionex (Tbs) Nitrite (NO ) ISO 10304-1 [mg 4 2 Yes KFK2 (Kts) 0.0079 :2007 N/l] SKALAR SANplus ANALYZER (Btm) ION Chromatograph ICS 1000, Dionex (Tbs) Nitrate (NO ) ISO 10304-1 [mg 5 3 Yes KFK2 (Kts) 0.0045 :2007 N/l] SKALAR SANplus ANALYZER (Btm) Spectrophotometer pecord 205 (Tbs) ISO 10304-1 [mg 6 Ammonium (NH ) Yes KFK2 (Kts) 0.0001 4 :2007 N/l] SKALAR SANplus ANALYZER (Btm) [mg 7 Total phosphorus P/l]

ION Chromatograph ICS 1000, Dionex (Tbs) ISO 10304-1 [mg 8 Ortho-phosphates (PO ) Yes KFK2 (Kts) 0.023 4 :2007 P/l] SKALAR SANplus ANALYZER (Btm) Salinity MULTI-PARAMETER EPA2520- 9 Total mineralization zond/ Cond. 330i/340i 1998; ISO 788- [mg/l] Germany (Tbs) 1985;

ION Chromatograph ICS Chloride (Cl) 1000, Dionex (Tbs) ISO 10304-1 10 0.0143 [mg/l] titrimetric (Kts) :2007 titrimetric (Btm)

ION Chromatograph ICS Sulphates (SO ) 1000, Daionex (Tbs) ISO 10304-1 11 4 0.0095 [mg/l] KFK2 (Kts) :2007 KFK2 (Btm) 125 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

MULTI-PARAMETER EPA2520- [µS/cm 12 Conductivity zond/ 1998; ISO 788- Cond. 330i/340i ] Germany (Tbs) 1985; Acidification status pH 330i/340i Germany/ pH C2701-8 13 pH Yes France (Tbs) [-] Digital pH Meter DPH-2 (Btm) OTHER PARAMETERS Spectrometer Specord Biochemical oxygen 205 (Tbs) 14 ISO 5815 demand (5 days, BOD5) Dissolved Oxygen Analyzer (Btm) Chemical oxygen titrimetric (Tbs) 15 demand (COD), permanganate titrimetric (Btm) Chemical oxygen titrimetric 16 demand, potassium method dichromate

2+ AAS Analyst200, Perkin Total iron (Fe and Elmer (Tbs) 17 Fe3+) ISO 8288 9 [µg/l] AAS Analyst600,

Perkin Elmer (Btm)

AAS Analyst200, Perkin Manganese Elmer (Tbs) 18 ISO 8288 1,6 [µg/l] AAS Analyst600, Perkin Elmer (Btm)

19 Odour (20 oC and 60 oC) organoleptic [point]

[grade 20 Colour ISO 7887 ] 21 Phenols [µg/l] TRACE METALS 22 Cadmium (Cd) [µg/l] AAS Analyst200, Perkin Lead (Pb) Elmer (Tbs) 23 ISO 8288 68 [µg/l] AAS Analyst600, Perkin Elmer (Btm) AAS Analyst200, Perkin 24 Mercury (Hg) [µg/l] Elmer (Tbs) 126 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

AAS Analyst200, Perkin Nickel (Ni) Elmer (Tbs) 25 ISO 8288 100 [µg/l] AAS Analyst600, Perkin Elmer (Btm) AAS Analyst200, Perkin Copper (Cu) Elmer (Tbs) 26 ISO 8288 3 [µg/l] AAS Analyst600, Perkin Elmer (Btm)

AAS Analyst200, Perkin Zinc (Zn) Elmer (Tbs) 27 ISO 8288 2 [µg/l] AAS Analyst600, Perkin Elmer (Btm) Source: NEA, MoE of Georgia

4.1.3 Selection of Criteria for Chemical Substances and their Analysis

Currently, there is no single regulation in Georgia, setting the list of water quality components and parameters to be measured by the state water quality monitoring services. Therefore, NEA approved the monitoring program, including the list of physical-chemical components and parameters each year. The list is presented in table 2 below.

Table 4.2. The List of physical-chemical elements and criteria parameters for water quality monitoring

ROUTINELY frequency COULD BE CANNOT BE PARAMETERS explanation MONITORED [# year] MONITORED MONITORED

№ Parameter (group) Tbs Kts Btm GENERAL CONDITIONS Thermal conditions 1 Water temperature X X X 12 Oxygenation conditions

2 Dissolved oxygen (O2) X X X 12 Nutrient conditions Kjeldahl nitrogen / organic 3 - - - nitrogen

4 Nitrite (NO2) X X X 12

5 Nitrate (NO3) X X X 12

6 Ammonium (NH4) X X X 12 127 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Lack of 7 Total phosphorus X methodology

8 Ortho-phosphates (PO4) X X X 12 Salinity 9 Total mineralization X X X 12 10 Chloride (Cl) X X X 12

11 Sulphates (SO4) X X X 12 12 Conductivity X X 12 Kutaisi Lack of equipment Acidification status 13 pH X X X 12 OTHER PARAMETERS Biochemical oxygen 14 X X X 12 demand (5 days, BOD5) Chemical oxygen demand 15 - - - X - Btm (COD), permanganate * on demand only; Chemical oxygen demand, 16 X - - * X modern equipment potassium dichromate is needed 17 Total iron (Fe2+ and Fe3+) X X X 12 * temporary 18 Manganese X* - X* 12 X - Kts disruptions at Tbs and Btm labs 19 Odour (20o C and 60o C) X X X 12 20 Colour - X - 12 X-Tbs/Btm Lack of equipment; Need for new 21 Phenols X - - On demand X methodology support * temporary TRACE METALS * disruptions at Tbs and Btm labs 22 Cadmium (Cd) - - X 4 Kts - no need to 23 Lead (Pb) X X 4 measure 24 Mercury (Hg) - - - Kts - no need to measure; Tbs - new 25 Nickel (Ni) X - X equip. is needed; Btm - equip. fixing is needed 128 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Kts - no need to measure; Tbs - new 26 Copper (Cu) X - X equip. is needed; Btm - equip. fixing is needed

Kts - no need to measure; Tbs - new 7 Zinc (Zn) X - X equip. is needed; Btm - equip. fixing is needed

ORGANIC MICROPOLLUTANTS No need to measure in Kts and 28 1,2-Dichloroethane - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbilisi No need to measure in Kts and 29 Alachlor - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbilisi No need to measure in Kts and 30 Aldrin - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbilisi 31 Anthracene X - - 4 32 Atrazine X - - 4 No need to measure in Kts and 33 Benzene - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs 34 Benzo(a)pyrene) X - - 4 35 Benzo(b)fluoranthene X - - 4 36 Benzo(g,h,i)perylene X - - 4 37 Benzo(k)fluoranthene X - - 4 No need to measure in Kts and 38 C10-13-chloroalkanes - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 39 Carbontetrachloride - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs 40 Chlorfenvinphos X - - 4 No need to measure in Kts and 41 Chlorpyrifos - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs 129 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

No need to measure in Kts and 42 DDT total - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 43 Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 44 Dichloromethane - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 45 Dieldrin - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 46 Diuron - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 47 Endosulfan - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 48 Endrin - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs 49 Fluoranthene X - - 4 No need to measure in Kts and 51 Hexachlorobenzene - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 52 Hexachlorobutadiene - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 53 Hexachlorocyclohexane - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 54 Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 55 Isodrin - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs 130 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

No need to measure in Kts and 56 Isoproturon - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs 57 Naphthalene X - - 4 No need to measure in Kts and 58 Nonylphenol - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 59 Octylphenol - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 60 para-para-DDT - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 61 Pentabromodiphenylether - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 62 Pentachlorobenzene - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 63 Pentachlorophenol - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 64 Simazine - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 65 Tetrachloroethylene - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 66 Tributyltin compounds - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to Trichlorobenzenes (all measure in Kts and 67 - - - X isomers) Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 68 Trichloroethylene - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs 131 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

No need to Trichloromethane measure in Kts and 69 - - - X (Chloroform) Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs No need to measure in Kts and 70 Trifluralin - - - X Btm; lack of solutions in Tbs Source: NEA, MoE of Georgia

4.1.4 QA/QC Systems

The Depatement on Environmental Pollution Monitoring is in charge of implementation of the state water quality monitoring program. Respectively, it is also responsible for establishing and developing the quality management system.

Currently, there are few normative documents in Georgia that are used by the laboratories for the analysis of surface water quality samples. The Handbook on the Quality Management is a major part of this documentation (it was developed in 2010-2011). It sets up the structure of the quality management in line with ISO/IEC 17 025 standard. It also contains several detailed documents, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), methods of calibration, staff qualification, training needs as well as audit quality requirements. Regardless of the presence of official documentation on the quality management system, many components of this system are not applied in practice (e.g. quality control techniques and procedures, internal and external audit, training plan, etc.). NEA mostly uses ISO or other international standards and methodologies for sampling and laboratory analysis. Quality control procedures for sampling are not included in the Georgian Handbook for Quality Management. However, in practice, certain measures are usually carried out. Unfortunately, there is no national water quality testing laboratory established in Georgia. Therefore, the quality of testing is not assured nationwide.

Table 4.3. Surface water quality standards Water for the Water for Parameter Abstraction of Water for Fish Recreation Drinking Water I category II category 1 2 3 4 5 Suspended Solids, B* + 0,25 B* + 0,75 B* + 0,25 B* + 0,75 mg/l

no visible change in 20 no visible change in no visible Colour no visible change cm column 20 cm column change 132 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

1 conditional unit by 5- 1 conditional unit by no detectable no detectable Odour, taste unit scale 5-unit scale change change

<28oC in maximum change in maximum change in < 20oC in summer, Temperature, oC summer, <8oC summer - 3o increase summer - 3o increase <5oC in winter in winter

pH 6,5 - 8,5 6,5 - 8,5 6,5 - 8,5 6,5 - 8,5

Total Dissolved Solids, Ratio is set in 1000 _ _ mg/l according to “taste”

Dissolved Oxygen, mg >4 >4 >6 >6 O2/l

BOD, mg O2/l 3 6 3 6

COD, mg O2/l 15 30 _ _ Total coliform 100 in 1 l sample 100 in 1 l sample _ _ bacteria Ammonium (as N ), NH4 0,39 0,39 0,39 0,39 mg/l

Aluminium (Al), mg/l 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5

Barium (Ba), mg/l 0,1 0,1 2,0 2,0

Beryllium (Be), mg/l 0,0002 0,0002 0,0002 0,0002

Boron (B), mg/l 0,5 0,5 10,0 10,0 Arsenic (As), mg/l 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05 Vanadium (V), mg/l 0,1 0,1 0,001 0,001 Mercury (Hg), mg/l 0,0005 0,0005 0 0 Wolfram (W), mg/l 0,005 0,005 0,0008 0,0008 Zinc (Zn), mg/l 1,0 1,0 0,01 0,01

Cadmium (Cd), mg/l 0,001 0,001 0,005 0,005

Cobalt (Co), mg/l 0,1 0,1 0,01 0,01 Caprolactam, mg/l 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 Manganese (Mn), 0,1 0,1 0,01 0,01 mg/l

Molibden (Mo), mg/l 0,25 0,25 0,012 0,012

Nitrites (NO2), mg/l 3,3 3,3 0,08 0,08

Nitrates (NO3), mg/l 45,0 45,0 40,0 40,0

Nickel (Ni), mg/l 0,1 0,1 0,01 0,01 Iron (Fe), mg/l 0,3 0,3 0,005 0,005 133 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Selenium (Se), mg/l 0,001 0,001 0,0016 0,0016 Copper (Cu), mg/l 1,0 1,0 0,001 0,001

Sulphates (SO4), mg/l 500 500 100 100

Antimony (Sb), mg/l 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05

Thallium (Tl), mg/l 0,0001 0,0001 0,0001 0,0001 Titanium (Ti), mg/l 0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 Lead (Pb), mg/l 0,03 0,03 0,1 0,1

Tellurium (Te), mg/l 0,01 0,01 0,0028 0,0028

Phosphorus element. 0,0001 0,0001 0 0 (P), mg/l Fluorides (F), mg/l 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,05 Chlorides (Cl), mg/l 350,0 350,0 300,0 300,0 Chromium (Cr-Y!), 0,1 0,1 0,001 0,001 mg/l

Cyanides (CN), mg/l 0,1 0,1 0,05 0,05

Ethylene (CH =CH ), 2 2 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 mg/l Synthetic Surface Active Substances 0,1 0,1 0,1 0,1 (Detergents), mg/l Methanol (CH OH), 3 3,0 3,0 0,1 0,1 mg/l Oil products, mg/l 0,3 0,3 0,05 0,05 Formaldehyde 0,05 0,05 0,01 0,01 (HCHO), mg/l Acetone (CH ) CO, 3 2 2,2 2,2 0,05 0,05 mg/l Butyl alcohol 0,1 0,1 0,03 0,03 (CH3)3COH, mg/l Phenols (C H OH), 6 5 0,001 0,001 0,001 0,001 mg/l Source: NEA, MoE of Georgia

134 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

4.2 Hydromorphological monitoring 4.2.1 Hydromorphological Monitoring in the Pilot River Basin

In accordance with available information, the Hydrometeorological Department of the NEA, MoE carries out regular hydrological observation at 6 gauging sites within the Pilot River Basin. Data are collected on water level and temperature. Unfortunately, hydro- morphological information is very limited and it is gathered only under specific hydropower or hydrological projects.

4.2.2 Methodology and Observation Frequency

Regardless of the fact that regular hydromorphological monitoring is not carried out in the Pilot River Basin, below we present a table with monitoring parameters and observation frequency.

Table 4.4. Hydrological and hydromorphological monitoring parameters in the plot river basin

ROUTINELY frequency COULD BE CANNOT BE PARAMETERS explanation MONITORED [# year] MONITORED MONITORED

RIVERS Quantity and dynamics of water flow Monitored routinely at 5 hydrological 1 Water discharge X 20-30 X stations, none of which are located in the pilot basin Monitored routinely at 5 hydrological 2 Current velocity X 20-30 X stations, none of which are located in the pilot basin Could be measured in Groundwater table 3 - X coordination with GW height monitoring River Continuity Number and type of No need for barriers and monitoring this 4 X associated provision parameter due to the for fish passage river types in Georgia River depth and width variation 135 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Measured before and 5 River cross-section X 2 after the high water seasons 6 Water level X 730 Structure and substrate of the river bed Could be monitored in Particle size of the case of appropriate 7 X river bed substrate equipment and funding Could be monitored in Presence of coarse case of appropriate 8 X woody debris equipment and funding Structure of the riparian zone Not required by current regulations; Length of the riparian 9 X possible to do when zone measuring river cross- sections Not required by current regulations; Width of the riparian 10 X possible to do when zone measuring river cross- sections Not required by Continuity of the current regulations; 11 riparian X possible to do when zone measuring river cross- sections Not required by current regulations; 12 Ground cover X possible to do when measuring river cross- sections Source: NEA, MoE of Georgia

4.2.3 Hydromorphological Monitoring and Quality Control Elements

Below we present the table that contains the list of equipment and methods used for hydrological monitoring in the Pilot River Basin. The equipment is pretty outdated; in many cases needs calibration and sometimes; replacement with modern equipment.

136 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

Table 4.5. Hydrological monitoring methods and equipment used in the pilot river basin

PARAMETERS MESUREMENTS

Equipment № Parameter (group) Мethod (№, title) Unit (method, brand, model) Current meter (non- Calculation of area 1 Water discharge m3/sec calibrated) by velocity 2 Water level Scale Surveying points cm 3 Sedimentation rate 4 Precipitation Precipitation gage mm 5 Air temperature Thermometer C0 6 Air humidity Hygrometer % Source: NEA, MoE of Georgia

4.3 Groundwater Monitoring

In accordance with Georgian Legislation, the Department of the Geological Risk Management together with the Engineering Geology Division, under the NEA, MoE are in charge of the ground water monitoring, which has not been carried out since 1990s of the last century neither in the Pilot River Basin nor elsewhere in Georgia. Ground water monitoring points and relevant infrastructure do not exist at all. Historical data are available in the archives of the State Geological Information Fund. This information is old (e.g. dated back to Soviet period) and exists only on paper (as hard copies).

4.4 Biological Monitoring

In the Pilot River Basin, similar to other parts of Georgia, hydrobiological monitoring of surface waters is not carried out. Even during the Soviet period, hydrobiological observations were conducted only by scientific-research institutes within the frameworks of concrete studies. However, it should be mentioned that the Black Sea Monitoring Laboratory of the NEA, which in the past had a status of independent scientific-research institute has a vast experience in the marine and fresh water hydrobiological monitoring on the territory of Ajara.

Currently, Black Sea Monitoring Division and its Biological Laboratory of Ajara Autonomous Republic carry out regular water quality monitoring of coastal waters. It is planned to 137 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

introduce hydrobiological monitoring in this laboratory in the near future. For this, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive training program in order to harmonize existing methodologies and practices with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive on Hydrobiological Monitoring.

The tables presented below contain information on methodologies for assessment and classification of biological components as well as on biological sampling frequency.

Table 4.6. Sampling frequency and methodology for biological monitoring ROUTINELY frequency SAMPLING METHOD PARAMETERS MONITORED (yes/no) [# year] (number, title) 1 benthic invertebrate fauna yes* 4 2 phytoplankton yes* 4 3 phytobenthos yes* 4 4 macrophytes yes* 4 5 fish fauna yes* 4 other (specify in the next rows) 6 zooplankton yes* 4 Source: NEA, MoE of Georgia * Monitoring is carried out only in coastal waters of the Black Sea

Table 4.7. Methodology for classification and assessment of biological components METHOD PARAMETERS (number, Composition Abundance Biomass other title) benthic 1 X X X Shannon invertebrate fauna 2 phytoplankton X X X 3 phytobenthos X X X 4 macrophytes X X X 5 fish fauna X X X other 6 zooplankton Source: NEA, MoE of Georgia

138 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

5. ANNEXES (MAPS)

ANNEX 1. GENERAL MAP

ANNEX 2. HYDROLOGY

ANNEX 3. INDUSTRY MAP

ANNEX 4. INFRASTRUCTURE MAP

ANNEX 6. GEOMORPHOLOGY MAP

ANNEX 7. GROUNDWATER AQUIFERS

ANNEX 8. PROTECTED AREAS

ANNEX 9. POPULATION MAP

ANNEX 10. WASTE DISPOSAL SITES

ANNEX 11. FISH FARMS

ANNEX 12. MONITORING NETWORK

1 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia ANNEX 1

2 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

ANNEX 2

3 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia ANNEX 3

4 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

ANNEX 4

5 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

ANNEX 5

6 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia ANNEX 6

7 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

ANNEX 7

8 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia ANNEX 8

9 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia ANNEX 9

10 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia ANNEX 10

1010

11 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia ANNEX 11 1010

141 River Basin Analysis in The Chorokhi - Adjaristskali pilot basin, Georgia

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY

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