Development of Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami- Debeda River Basin in Georgia

Home , Algeti National Park, Bolnisi Municipality, Dmanisi Municipality, Kizilajlo, Pambak (river), Trialeti Range

European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+): Results 2 and 3

ENI/2016/372-403

DEVELOPMENT OF DRAFT RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR KHRAMI- DEBEDA RIVER BASIN IN GEORGIA

Version 1.10; November 2020

Responsible EU member state consortium project leader

Alexander Zinke, Umweltbundesamt GmbH (AT) EUWI+ country representative in Georgia

Zurab Jincharadze Responsible international thematic lead expert

Yannick Pochon, IOWater (FR) Responsible Georgian thematic lead expert

Mariam Makharova, MEPA

Authors

Sophie Akhobadze, REC Caucasus Ana Rukhadze, REC Caucasus Eliso Barnovi, REC Caucasus Keti Jibladze, REC Caucasus Maia Zumbulidze, REC Caucasus

Disclaimer: Over the past few years, Georgia and the five other Eastern Partnership countries have demonstrated their will- ingness to align their water sector policies and practices with the European Union (EU) and other international Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Moreover, as part of its commitments under the Association Agreement (AA) signed with the EU, Georgia is aligning its national water policies and strategies with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).

This document, the “draft Khrami-DebedaRiver Basin Management Plan2020” has been developed in the framework of the EuropeanUnion-funded programme “European Union Water Initiative Plus” (2016-2021). This is the first draft River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) forthis river basin. Georgian experts, with the support of experts from the Environment Agency Austria and French International Office for Water,worked together with stakeholders of the water sector at national and basin levels to draft this RBMP. This draft RBMP contributes to the implementation of basin principles and integrated water resources management approaches in the country. However, it does not claim to meet all requirements of the EU WFD. This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of, or sovereignty over, any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries, and to the name of any territory, city or area.

Imprint

Owner and Editor: EU Member State Consortium Umweltbundesamt GmbH Office International de’l Eau (IOW) Spittelauer Lände 5 21/23 rue de Madrid 1090 Vienna, Austria 75008 Paris, FRANCE

Responsible IOW Communication officer: Chloé Dechlette [email protected] November 2020

CONTENTS

Executive Summary ...... 12 Introduction and background ...... 12 Main water management issues ...... 14 Delineation of SWBs and GWBs ...... 15 Significant pressures and impacts ...... 16 SWBs risk assessment ...... 17 GWBs risk assessment ...... 17 Environmental objectives and priorities ...... 17 Economic analysis ...... 19 Programme of measures (PoMs) - Summary of key measures ...... 20 Implementation strategy and expected outcomes ...... 20 1 Characterization of the river basin district ...... 22 1.1 Surface water bodies (SWBs)...... 33 1.1.1 Methodology for delineation of SWBs ...... 33 1.1.2 Identification and delineation of SWBs ...... 34 1.2 Groundwater bodies (GWBs) ...... 37 1.2.1 Methodology for delineation of GWBs ...... 37 1.2.2 Identification and delineation of GWBs ...... 38 2 Pressures and impacts of human activities ...... 40 2.1 Significant water management issues for point source pollution ...... 41 2.1.1 Water quality ...... 45 2.1.2 SWBs under significant pressures and impacts from point source pollution ...... 46 2.2 Estimation of diffuse source pollution ...... 49 2.3 Estimation of quantitative pressures on SWBs and GWBs ...... 56 2.4 Analysis of hydromorphological pressure ...... 58 3 Protected Zones ...... 61 3.1 Water protection zones ...... 62 3.2 Protected areas ...... 64 3.3 Drinking water abstraction ...... 67 4 Water bodies status and risk analysis ...... 70 5 Surface water Monitoring ...... 73 5.1 Current surface water monitoring situation ...... 73

5.2 Monitoring improvement ...... 74 5.2.1 Chemical Monitoring ...... 75 5.2.2 Hydrobiological Monitoring ...... 77 5.2.3 Hydromorphological Monitoring ...... 78 5.3 Monitoring Costs ...... 78 5.4 Monitoring results ...... 79 5.4.1 Chemical Status ...... 79 5.4.2 Ecological status ...... 79 5.4.3 Hydro-morphological Status ...... 81 6 Groundwater monitoring ...... 82 7 Environmental objectives ...... 84 7.1 Environmental objectives for SWBs ...... 84 7.2 Environmental objectives for Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWBs)...... 85 7.3 Environmental objectives for protected areas ...... 86 7.4 Environmental objectives for GWBs ...... 87 8 Economic analysis ...... 88 8.1 Economic weights by relevant water users ...... 88 8.2 Economic analysis of Programme of Measures (PoMs) ...... 95 8.2.1 Environmental benefits ...... 97 8.2.2 Present value of PoMs ...... 97 8.2.3 Affordability analysis ...... 98 8.2.4 Assessing the final implication of PoMs ...... 98 8.2.5 Financing the PoMs ...... 99 9 Programme of measures ...... 100 9.1 Basic measures ...... 102 9.2 Supplementary measures ...... 105 9.3 Selected measures (Basic, Supplementary) ...... 107 9.4 Programme of measures for surface water monitoring ...... 113 9.5 Programme of measure for HMWBs ...... 113 9.6 Programme of measure for GWBs ...... 114 10 Summary of strategies, programmes, plans and projects ...... 115 11 Public consultation...... 116 11.1 The first consultation ...... 116 11.2 The second consultation ...... 118 12 List of competent authorities ...... 120 12.1 Procedure of elaboration, review and approval of river basin management plans ...... 120 12.2 Responsibilities of competent authorities ...... 121 12.3 Contact points and procedures ...... 121

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

13 Glossary ...... 122 14 References ...... 124 15 Annex I General characteristics of the river basin ...... 128 15.1 Annex I. Tables ...... 128 15.2 Annex I. Figures ...... 135 16 Annex II Significunt pressures and impacts ...... 149 16.1 Annex II. Tables ...... 149 16.2 Annex II. Figures ...... 160 17 Annex III Protected zones ...... 164 17.1 Annex III. Tables ...... 164 18 Annex IV Risk assessment ...... 165 18.1 Annex IV. Tables ...... 165 19 Annex V Surface water monitoring ...... 167 19.1 Annex V. Tables ...... 167 19.2 Annex V. Figures ...... 173 19.3 Annex V. Procedure for the selection of operational monitoring sites ...... 174 19.3.1 Surveillance monitoring ...... 174 19.3.2 Operational monitoring ...... 175 19.3.3 Investigative monitoring ...... 177 20 Annex VI Groundwater monitoring ...... 178 20.1 Annex VI. Tables ...... 178 20.2 Annex VI. Figures ...... 183 21 Annex VII Environmental objectives ...... 184 21.1 Annex VII. Tables ...... 184 22 Annex VIII Economic analysis ...... 192 22.1 Annex VIII. Tables ...... 192 23 Annex IX Programme of Measures ...... 197 23.1 Annex IX. Tables ...... 197

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List of Tables Table 1 Protected areas in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 26 Table 2 Operating, projecting and under construction HPPs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 28 Table 3 System A. Rivers and Lakes ...... 33 Table 4 River types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 35 Table 5 Lake types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 35 Table 6 List of groundwater bodies of Khrami-Debeda valley aquifer...... 38 Table 7 Main drivers and pressure for water bodies in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 40 Table 8 Main characteristics of municipal sewerage systems and treatment plants ...... 42 Table 9 Approved MAD norms for pollutants, RMG copper ...... 44 Table 10 Approved MAD norms for pollutants, RMG gold ...... 44 Table 11 Diffuse pressure sources in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district ...... 49 Table 12 Polluted area against agriculture (crop production) non-point source pollution pressures ...... 50 Table 13 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Khrami- Debeda RBMP – 1x per RBMP cycle ...... 76 Table 14 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Khrami- Debeda RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle ...... 76 Table 15 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Khrami-Debeda RBDMP – 1x per RBMP cycle ...... 77 Table 16 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Khrami-Debeda RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle ...... 77 Table 17 Ecological Status of SWB based on the new ESCS for macroinvertebrates ...... 80 Table 18 Fresh Water Use for Drinking Water Supply Purposes in Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 88 Table 19 Water abstraction and water losses for UWSCG (2016-2018) ...... 89 Table 20 Water Abstraction for Industrial Purposes in Khrami-Debeda River Basin ...... 90 Table 21 Water abstraction for agricultural purposes within the Khrami-Debeda river basin (Including Fishery) ...... 91 Table 22 Water abstraction by GA in Khrami-Debeda river basin and irrigated land area ...... 92 Table 23 Hydropower plants in Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 93 Table 24 Wastewater discharge in Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 93 Table 25 Type of Discharged Water in Khrami-Debeda River Basin ...... 94 Table 26 Water Use by Sectors in khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 94 Table 27 Indirect and Environmental Costs of Basic Measures ...... 96 Table 28 Share of water related operation costs in GVA (2018) ...... 98

Annex I. Table 1 Meteorological observation posts/station in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 128 Annex I. Table 2 Climatic characteristics according to observations made by the meteorological observation posts/station in 2008-2017, source: National Environmental Agency ...... 128 Annex I. Table 3 Fish species found in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 128 Annex I. Table 4 Distribution of forests by municipalities, source: National Forestry Agency of Georgia ...... 129 Annex I. Table 5 Percentage distribution of forest areas managed by LEPL National Forestry Agency of Georgia by slope gradient, source: National Forestry Agency ...... 130 Annex I. Table 6 Timber resources in the forests managed by the National Forestry Agency in Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Tsalka, Bolnisi and Dmanisi municipalities according to the forest fund inventory data (January, 2003) ...... 130 Annex I. Table 7 Volume of wood harvested in forests managed by LEPL National Forestry Agency of Georgia by municipalities (m3) ...... 130 Annex I. Table 8 Population density by municipalities ...... 131 Annex I. Table 9 IDP data ...... 131 Annex I. Table 10 Ethnic composition of Kvemo Kartli population ...... 132

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Table 11 Distribution of the region’s population aged 15 and up by level of economic activity (in thousands), according to 2014 General Census ...... 132 Annex I. Table 12 Average agricultural land area operated by farms according to land use type (ha), based on 2014 Agricultural Census ...... 133 Annex I. Table 13 Farms in Kvemo Kartli region according to 2014 Agricultural Census...... 133 Annex I. Table 14 Livestock and poultry population in Kvemo Kartli ...... 133 Annex I. Table 15 GVA in Kvemo Kartli by type of economic activity (current prices, in GEL) ...... 134

Annex II. Table 1 Wastewater discharges into surface water bodies of the Khrami-Debeda rivers basin ...... 149 Annex II. Table 2 BOD5, NH4, NO3, NO2, PO4, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and mineralization ...... 150 Annex II. Table 3 Categorisation of Surface water bodies under point source pollution pressures ...... 151 Annex II. Table 4 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 153 Annex II. Table 5 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure ...... 155 Annex II. Table 6 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure ...... 156 Annex II. Table 7 SWBs under significant diffuse pollution from illegal landfills ...... 156 Annex II. Table 8 Water abstraction pressure sources in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 157 Annex II. Table 9 SWBs under significant abstraction/ flow diversion pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 157 Annex II. Table 10 SWBs under significant hydromorphological pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 158

Annex III. Table 1 Locations of drinking (surface) water abstraction ...... 164

Annex IV. Table 1 Risk assessment result ...... 165

Annex V. Table 1 Hydro-morphological sampling sites including hydromorphological status ...... 167 Annex V. Table 2 Current water quality monitoring sites in rivers of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ... 167 Annex V. Table 3 Complete list of SWB “at risk” in the Khrami-Debeda ...... 168 Annex V. Table 4 Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in rivers of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 169 Annex V. Table 5 Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in lakes (reservoirs) of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 169 Annex V. Table 6 Proposal for operational monitoring sites in rivers of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 170 Annex V. Table 7 Overview of parameters in the chemical monitoring in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 170 Annex V. Table 8 Actual capacities of the Laboratories for measuring the priority substances that are listed by the EU WFD and associated directives for surface water monitoring ...... 170

Annex VI. Table 1 List of monitoring stations ...... 178 Annex VI. Table 2 List of boreholes sampled during field expedition ...... 178 Annex VI. Table 3 List of Boreholes selected by literature for future monitoring ...... 179 Annex VI. Table 4 Characterisation of groundwater monitoring well MST_41-Qvemo Bolnisi ...... 179

Annex VII. Table 1 Environmental objectives for SWBs at risk ...... 184

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Annex VIII. Table 1 Share in Gross Value Added within the Khrami-Debeda River Basin by sectors .. 192 Annex VIII. Table 2 Gross Value Added within the Khrami-Debeda River Basin by Sectors (mln. GEL, real GVA) ...... 193 Annex VIII. Table 3 Costs of Supplementary Measures ...... 193 Annex VIII. Table 4 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-Year Period (in GEL) ...... 194 Annex VIII. Table 5 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-Year Period (in EUR) ...... 194 Annex VIII. Table 6 Present Value of The Investment Costs of Basic Measures for the first period ..... 195 Annex VIII. Table 7 Present Value of Operation Costs of Basic Measures (for the first period) ...... 195 Annex VIII. Table 8 Present Value of Supplementary Measures (for the first period) ...... 195 Annex VIII. Table 9 Expenditures by municipalities in 2018 ...... 196 Annex VIII. Table 10 Compare Operation Costs and Revenues of Water Supply Companies After Implementing PoM ...... 196

Annex IX. Table 1 Measures for water bodies at risk in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 197 Annex IX. Table 2 Programme of measures (PoMs) to be implemented in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 205

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

List of Figures Figure 1 Physical map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 23 Figure 2 Hydrographic network of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 31 Figure 3 Delineation of SWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 35 Figure 4 Delineation of GWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 39 Figure 5 Map of the preliminary risk assessment against point source pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 48 Figure 6 Map of the polluted areas against agriculture (crop production) non-point pressures ...... 51 Figure 7 Map of the preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure ...... 52 Figure 8 Map of the preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure ...... 54 Figure 9 Map of illegal landfills (by waste volume) in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district ...... 55 Figure 10 Map of water abstraction locations in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 57 Figure 11 Map of SWBs affected by hydromorphological pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ... 59 Figure 12 River water protection zones in Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 63 Figure 13 Special conservation areas in Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 65 Figure 14 Special protection areas (SPAs) for birds in Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 66 Figure 15 Abstraction of drinking water in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 68 Figure 16 Risk assessment of SWB in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 72 Figure 17 Recommended monitoring sites for water quality monitoring in rivers and lakes (reservoirs) of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 75 Figure 18 Preliminary ecological classification of SWB in the Khrami-Debeda river basin...... 80 Figure 19 Share of Drinking Water Abstraction (households) in Total Water Abstraction by Municipalities (2015-2017) ...... 89 Figure 20 Number of Water Abstractors Belonging to the Construction Sector in Khrami-Debeda river basin and share in water abstraction (among the registered individual Surface water abstractors) ...... 90 Figure 21 Area of Irrigated Land in Khrami-Debeda river basin by GA (thousands hectare) ...... 92 Figure 22 Investment Costs of basic measures by sector ...... 95 Figure 23 Allocation of Investment Costs of Basic Measures ...... 99 Figure 24 Programme of Measures (graphical abstract) (Giakoumis & Voulvoulis, 2019) ...... 100 Figure 25 The measures selected during the 1st implementation cycle for the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 108 Figure 26 Programme of measures (PoMs) in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 110 Figure 27 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sector in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 111 Figure 28 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sub-basin in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 112 Figure 29 Graphical representation of a global satisfaction after attending the workshop ...... 117 Figure 30 Graphical representation of the main interesting points of the workshop ...... 117

Annex I. Figure 1 Distribution of average annual temperature in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 135 Annex I. Figure 2 Distribution of average annual precipitation in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 136 Annex I. Figure 3 Hydrogeological map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 137 Annex I. Figure 4 Soil map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 139 Annex I. Figure 5 Vegetation map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 141 Annex I. Figure 6 Protected Areas in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 142 Annex I. Figure 7 Distribution of population by Kvemo Kartli municipalities (%) ...... 143 Annex I. Figure 8 Vegetation map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 144 Annex I. Figure 9 Fishpond map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 145 Annex I. Figure 10 Industry map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 146 Annex I. Figure 11 Tourist attraction map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 147 Annex I. Figure 12 Irrigated area in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 148

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Annex II. Figure 1 Locations of discharge points of sewerage systems and locations of the state monitoring points (NEA) ...... 160 Annex II. Figure 2 Location of discharge points of RMG copper and RMG gold and locations of the state monitoring points within this area (NEA) ...... 161 Annex II. Figure 3 Locations of legal landfills in the Khrami-Decbeda river basin ...... 162 Annex II. Figure 4 Quality monitoring points (NEA 2017-2018) in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 163

Annex V. Figure 1 Surface water quality monitoring sites of NEA in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ... 173 Annex V. Figure 2 Left: Relative proportion of ecological status classes of SWB in the Khrami-Debeda river basib; Right: Relative proportion of different classes of classification confidence. Lakes (1 natural) not included ...... 174

Annex VI. Figure 1 Location of monitoring stations in the Khrami-Debeda river basin ...... 183

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Abbreviations

AMSL ...... Above Mean Sea Level AWB ...... Artificial Water Body BOD ...... Biological Oxygen Demand CIS ...... Common Implementation Strategy COD ...... Chemical Oxygen Demand EPIRB ...... Environmental Protection of International River Basins ESCS ...... Ecological Status Classification System DO ...... Dissolved Oxygen EU ...... European Union EUWI+ ...... European Union Water Initiative Plus EQS ...... Environmental Quality Standards GEP ...... Good Ecological Potential GVA ...... Gross Value Added GWB ...... Groundwater body HMWB ...... Heavily Modified Water Body HPP ...... Hydroelectric Power Plant IDPs ...... Internally Displaced Persons IOWater/OIEau .... International Office for Water, France MAC ...... Maximum Allowable Concentration MAD ...... Maximum Admissible Discharge MEPA ...... Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture MPC ...... Maximum permissible concentrations on Approval of Technical Regulations for Pro- tection of Drinking Water Pollution in Georgia NEA ...... National Environment Agency O&M ...... Operation and Maintenance PoM ...... Programme of Measures RBD ...... River Basin District RBMP ...... River Basin Management Plan RBSP ...... River Basin Specific Pollutants SPA ...... Special Protected Area SWB ...... Surface Water Body SWMCG ...... Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia TPH ...... Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons UBA ...... Umweltbundesamt GmbH, Environment Agency Austria UWSCG ...... United Water Supply Company of Georgia WFD ...... Water Framework Directive

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Good water quality is vital to the well-being of the society, economy and environment. The rivers and lakes are the sources of the drinking water. By protecting the water quality, public health will be protected. By improving and preserving the aquatic environment, the natural heritage will be preserved. The Khrami-Debeda river basin management plan (RBMP) was prepared by Rec Caucasus Georgia in the frame of European Union Water Initiative+ (EUWI+) within EU-funded project. It outlines the approach to protect the rivers and lakes in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. It addresses the water quality challenges. Simultaneously it benefits from a strong and integrated approach to public consultation and engagement. It seeks to implement the basic and supplementary measures on a prioritized basis, where necessary during its implementation phase from 2021 to 2026. With effective implementation of the Khrami-Debeda RBMP the water quality will be improved in this basin. Changes in agricultural approaches and improvement of urban waste water treatment will lead to reduce pollution pressures. It will ensure that all stakeholders are working together with a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes. This executive summary outlines the key aspects of the Khrami-Debeda RBMP. It provides: - A brief introduction and background to the Khrami-Debeda river basin - An outline of the main issues in the Khrami-Debeda river basin - Summary information on delineation of SWBs and GWBs - Summary information on the significant pressures and impacts - A list of environmental objectives - An outline of the key basic and supplementary measures - A summary of the expected outcomes, based on the proposed measures and implementation plans

Introduction and background

Khrami-Debeda river basin district covers the Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Tetritskaro, Tsalka, and Marneuli (only partially) municipalities. It also covers a small part of Borjomi Municipality (Samtskhe-Javakheti Region), where the river Khrami originates from. The survey area of the Khrami-Debeda within Georgia is 5.186 km2. The Khrami-Debeda (on the territory of Georgia) river basin has a continental climate. There is mountain steppe climate in the uplands with short summer and cold winter. In the lowland, winter is cold, while summer is warm and long. The Khrami-Debeda (on the territory of Georgia) river basin has a continental climate. There is a mountain steppe climate in the uplands with short summer and cold winter. Average annual precipitation ranges from 377.7 mm (Bolnisi) to 954.2 mm (Bakuriani). The average temperature varies from 0.3°C to 20.3°C. There are high mountain ridges and volcanic uplands in the upper reaches of the Khrami river basin and Marneuli alluvial plain in the lower reaches. The terrain is rugged by numerous tributaries. The eastern slope of the Javakheti ridge, the Chochani, Gomareti, and Dmanisi volcanic plateaus, their adjacent Kviri- keti, Shorsholeti and Shindlari massifs and canyon-like gorges of the rivers Khrami, Chochiani, Jujiani, and Mashaveras Grma, located in the southern part of the basin, are noteworthy from the orographic viewpoint. The accumulative plain of Marneuli is located at a height of 270-400 m. It includes the lower reaches of the rivers Algeti, Khrami, Mashavera, and Debeda. Iagluja Upland (approximate length - 17 km, width - 10-11 km) is also located in Marneuli Municipality.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

From the geological point of view, the Khrami-Debeda river basin is constructed by volcanic rocks (basalt, andesite, granites), which generate a wide range of folds of different directions. Quartzites, sandstones, conglomerates, limestone, marls, and other rocks are also involved in the geological structure of the basin. The high mountain areas of the Khrami-Debeda river basin (> 2000-2300 m) are covered with subalpine meadows and steppe elements, while the rest of the basin, including the heads of the Khrami and its tributaries are covered with alpine steppe vegetation with the lower limits passing by the towns of Tsalka and Dmanisi. A significant part of the middle reaches of the Khrami-Debeda river basin is covered with spruce, oak and hornbeam forests. There are 23 fish species found there, including CiscaucaIsian spined loach and trout, red-listed in Geor- gia.

25.4% of the Khrami-Debeda river basin consists of forests, 20.2% - meadows and steppes, which are used as mowing lands and pastures. In the table below is given data on land cover in the Khrami-Debeda river basin.

Kvemo Kartli belongs to the low and medium risk category in terms of development, reactivation, and emergence of hazardous geological processes. Topographic features of the territory, frequent heavy rainfalls, strong wind, and sometimes inappropriate agricultural practices trigger different types of soil erosion. Soils are mostly depleted because of insufficient application of organic and non-organic fertilizers, lack of crop rotation, damaged irrigation system, and wind belts.

Population of Kvemo Kartli numbered 423.986 people of whom 39% lived in cities and settlements, while 61% lived in villages. The population density was 67 people per km2. Population density is the highest in Marneuli Municipality. Natural population increase was observed in all the municipalities except Tetrits- karo. Agriculture plays an important role in Kvemo Kartli’s economy, its share in the region’s gross value added (GVA) being 19%. 122.316 ha of agricultural land is operated by farms, out of which 50.087 ha is cropland, 2.098 ha is land under permanent crops and 70.043 ha is mowing lands and pastures. The average area of agricultural land operated by farms in Kvemo Kartli exceeds the average nationwide figure (1.37 ha) and makes 3.7 ha. Fish farms are developed rather well in Kvemo Kartli region: there are 22 fish farms there, including 9 operating farms, producing altogether 35.5 tons of fish. Tsalka reservoir is used for fish farming according to a special license. About 10-80 tons of fish is produced every year, mostly Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and smaller quantity of Caucasian scraper (Capoeta capoeta).

There are 9 small and medium-sized HPPs operating in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Construction of 13 hydroelectric power plants are being planned, of which 3 are already under construction.

The region is rich in mineral resources and has a developed mining industry, producing ferrous and non- ferrous metals, ferroalloys, and industrial minerals. Madneuli mine produces gold, copper, barite, and complex ore. The mine uses open-pit production method.

Natural and geographic conditions, cultural, historical and natural monuments of Kvemo Kartli make it rather attractive for tourists. Tourists can visit settlements dated by the 1st millennium BC, such as the famous ancient settlement in Dmanisi. Bolnisis Sioni (5th century AD – Middle Ages), Tsugrugasheni (Mid- dle Ages), Pitareti church (13th century AD), Manglisis Sioni (14th century AD), the ancient fortress of ruins of Samshvilde and Birtvisi fortress are the main tourist attractions.

With regard to protected areas (PAs) this basin encompasses a big share of the PAs of Georgia to protect biodiversity and natural as well as cultural landscapes and monuments for conservation, recreation, science and traditional land use.

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Main water management issues

A number of challenges were identified during the development of the Khrami-Debeda RBMP which leads to deterioration of water quality and water scarcity problem. The main issues identified are presented below:

Deterioration of water quality - Only municipal centres (Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Tsalka) in the Khrami/Debeda river basin have a sewage system. Rural areas are not covered by centralized sewerage systems at all. There is no sewerage treatment facility in the river basin. It is planned to build a sewerage treatment facility in Marneuli which will receive sewage waters from Marneuli and Bolnisi. 1 281.198 m3 (77% of discharged water) untreated wastewater (sewage water) was directly discharged into the river basin in 2017. - The main issue of the Khrami-Debeda river basin is the water contamination caused by the re- lease of industrial wastewater from Madneuli ore mining and processing enterprise. The content of Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Cobalt, and Nickel in the soil of Kazreti area, grounds of the Kazretula and Mashavera rivers, also, waters in the Mashavera and Pholadauri river basins exceeded by many times the limited permissible concentrations. Despite some recent measures taken in this regard, the contamination of the Kazretula, Mashavera, and Pholadauri rivers re- mains an acute issue, which must have been caused by the perennial contamination from Mad- neuli enterprises. - Diffuse pollution caused by mineral fertilizers, pesticides, and manure from the agricultural sector. For impact assessment of diffuse source pollution, there is no available data on the usage of these substances, which is the issue in this regard. In the Khrami-Debeda river basin, the area affected by diffuse agricultural (crop production) pollution source constitutes 111399 ha. Whereas 63 959 ha is possibly polluted. - Disposal of municipal/solid waste directly into the streams due to weak waste collection and disposal management system (especially plastic waste) - Absence of drainage water management systems on the existing landfill. At present, there is no sanitary regional landfill within the Khrami-Debeda basin, which meets the standard of EU Landfill directive with the system of leachate water collection and treatment in place

Disturbance of environmental flow and geo-morphological modifications

- Poor condition of the irrigation systems resulting in huge water losses from the system (50%); The poor quality and insufficiency of internal irrigation systems of internal irrigation systems (the lack of dripping irrigation, windbreaks). - Increasing water consumption for the hydropower sector (69% of water taken in 2016). In total, there are 9 small and medium-sized HPPs and the construction of 14 HPPs n the pipeline. - 15 water-facilities are threatened due to hydro-morphological modifications in the Khrami- Debeda river basin. Hydromomorphological modifications are mainly caused by disturbance of flow.

Unsustainable use of water resources

- Incomplete legislative framework, institutional arrangement and basin management legislation – the new Framework Law on Integrated Management of Water Resources has not been adopted and respective institutional set up in not in place, including local water basin councils;

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

- The absence of surface- and groundwater quality control and hydrological monitoring networks. Out of 9 hydrological stations existing in the 90s, only 1 of them is operational. As for the water quality monitoring, there are only 4 stations in the Khrami basin and 1 station in the Debeda basin. - Water scarcity - According to water use planning, there is an increasing trend of water demand from energy, irrigation and water supply systems) and there is no forecast and water distribution system for the cumulative loading on the river basin - Weak water quality control/monitoring system, including Biological monitoring (A biological monitoring system is currently being developed; The restoration of groundwater monitoring system started several years ago; There exists no detailed data on the use of pesticides and fertilizers; There is no monitoring of water facilities pollution with pesticides). - Lack of data on water resource utilization. There is no complete annual data on water collection and water discharge, which is significant to assess the impact and implement priority measures. - The absence of modern standards and methods of designing hydro-technical structures (unclear norms for maintaining ecological consumption in the rivers, which can cause conflict between water major water consumers and endanger ecosystems).

Delineation of SWBs and GWBs

Identification, delineation and typology of water objects within the Khrami-Debeda have been implemented according to the analysis of the selected rivers as well as of surface water objects‟ identification, delineation, and classification methodology elaborated for the EU Water Framework Directive. Surface “water bodies" are discrete sections or parts of water bodies, which differ from each other in specific natural characteristics, the nature of the impact of human activity, or any other significant and distinguishable parameters (Sall et al, 2012). The process of delineation and definition of surface water bodies consists of the division of water bodies into sections and parts according to the (agreed) parameters and criteria. 347 surface water bodies(SWBs) are identified in the Khrami-Debeda basin, all of which has a unique code. Also, each surface water object was differentiated according to the types of the System-A typological classification of WFD.

Delineation of basin areas have been implemented by means of the geo-informational technologies, where only two variables have been applied - digital elevation model (STRM 30) and digital hydrological network with 1:25,000 resolution original scale data-sheets, based on Soviet topographical maps. In addition, these images (raster data) and vector datasets have been geo-rectified and corrected on the basis of most recent satellite imagery of high intelligibility. As a result of the abovementioned application, 291 units of different types of rivers have been identified in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Except for rivers, 2 reservoirs have been also typologically marked out in the Khrami-Debeda basin (Tsalka Reservoir – type V and Algeti reservoir - type I) and 1 lake (Bareti Lake – type III).

It was significant to carry out the delineation of GWBs and to use the appropriate methodology for this process. The selection process of groundwater bodies was carried out under the guidance of “CIS guideline document #2”. In addition, a number of workshops, training and skype conferences were organized during the timeframe of the project. It is important to point out that the reports on the previous geological and hydrogeological studies have been processed, furthermore, the existing maps have been digitized. Based on all the data obtained, 12 aquifers were identified, which are in direct contact with the surface eco-system. Under three types of ground water, types were assigned three groups: porous -P; Karst-k; Fractured-F. Consequently, from these aquifers groundwater bodies were delineated. The delineation process has been done according to the river basins.

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Significant pressures and impacts

Regarding the policy document on Key Issues under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and considering the Khrami-Debeda river basin background analysis, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the water experts, the main drivers and various types of pressures for SWBs and GWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district have been specified. Significant water management issues for point source pollution of SWBs are the following: - Urban waste water discharges - Industrial waste water discharges Other discharges into the surface water recipient as for example (e.g. legal landfills, contaminated sites, etc.)

It is important to present in detail diffuse pollution pressures and relevant main drivers in the framework of the Khrami-Debeda river basin district. Lack of data to represent different types of pressures and impacts of diffuse pollution is an issue in Georgia including the Khrami-Debeda river basin district. It is important to point out that the main driver for causing pressure from diffuse pollution in this basin is agriculture. Furthermore, the illegal landfills that are located in this river basin basin are also considered to be a source for diffuse pollution pressure.

Significant water management issues for diffuse pollution of SWBs are the following: - Agriculture - crop production - Agriculture - animal livestock - Illegal landfills

Regarding GWB, it is significant to point out that diffuse pollution particularly affects those aquifers that are directly linked to the earth’s surface. By analyzing existing water use patterns in the Khrami-Debeda river basin, it would be concluded that the energy sector, irrigation sector and domestic water supply sector are the leaders among consumptive water users. The main drivers of water abstraction pressure in this basin are irrigation systems, hydropower plants, drinking water supply, fish farming, sand/gravel extraction. Excessive water abstraction pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin associates with the major drivers such as agriculture, urban development, industry, etc. The pressures and impacts of human activity analysis subdivided the hydromorphological pressure types into hydrological regime changes, river continuity and river morphology and for those types, pressure and risk criteria were defined. In order to analyse hydromorphological alterations and impacts of human activity, it is necessary to identify the pressures and assess the impacts. Pressures on river hydrology and morphology are human activities which have adverse consequences on water bodies. Hydrological flow changes - Water abstraction – river stretches impacted by insufficient environmental flow - Impoundments/reservoir effects/backwater - Hydropeaking

Longitudinal river and habitat continuity interruption - Interruption of river continuity and fish migration routes

Morphological alterations - Changes in the overall nature-like morphological condition of rivers

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Since the techniques for describing and assessing surface water morphology are not well developed in Georgia, the determination of pressures on morphology is mainly based on expert judgment.

SWBs risk assessment

Regarding the main drivers and pressure types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin and analyzing pressure and impact on surface water bodies (SWBs) the risk assessment has been done. Regarding pressure analysis and impact assessment, the final risk assessment was carried out. Considering all pressure types and their impact on SWBs, 45 SWBs “at risk” and 165 SWBs “possibly at risk” were identified. Afterwards, based on the expert judgment the status of 4 surface water bodies has been changing from “not at risk” to “possibly at risk” category.

GWBs risk assessment

Regarding the risk assessment of groundwater bodies, it is important to outline that nitrate concentrations at the 2 monitoring sites of NEA’s groundwater monitoring network in the Khrami-Debeda river basin do usually not exceed the maximum permissible concentration for drinking water of 50 mg/l. At 1 of 4 wells that is not part of NEA’s monitoring network, but which was used to fill gaps in the coverage of that network during the EUWI+ field survey in 2018, the nitrate concentration was 44 mg/l. The concentrations of pesticides were below the limits of detection, the values of heavy metals were several orders of magnitude below the MPC at all 4 sites sampled during the EUWI+ field survey in 2018.

The quantitative characteristics such as discharge of artesian aquifers at the monitoring sites of NEA’s network are mostly stable. However, there is a large number of privately and irregularly drilled wells that cut through several water-bearing layers in an attempt to maximize abstracted water. This can have a negative impact on qualitative and quantitative characterizations of groundwater bodies.

Groundwater monitoring in Georgia was resumed in 2013 by the Geology Department of national Envi- ronmental Agency. Since then, the state monitoring network has been expanding every year. However, the number of monitoring water points is not enough so far to characterize all groundwater bodies and assess existing risks according to the EU Water Framework Directive. Therefore, the groundwater monitoring network is being improved further.

Environmental objectives and priorities

Setting environmental objectives aim to achieve good ecological and good chemical status for all surface water bodies and good quantitative and chemical status for all groundwater bodies; prevent deterioration of water status and ensure sustainable water management. In order to set environmental objectives, there is a need to consider the outcomes of the pressure-impact analysis, the risk assessment and monitoring results in case if it is available. Environmental objectives for SWBs - In order to define environmental objectives, it is necessary to have reference conditions and ecological and chemical status classification systems for SWBs. Previously there was no ecological and chemical status classification of SWBs in Georgia, it was not possible to set

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out reference conditions. During EUWI+ and Ecological Status Classification System (ESCS) for macroinvertebrates was established and reference conditions and class boundaries for this quality element were defined. Where biological data was insufficiently available, environmental objectives which stand for improvement of the ecological status of SWBs were defined considering the water body’s risk status and types of risk factors such as point source pollution, diffuse source pollution, hydromorphological pressure. Considering all the above mentioned factors, the following environmental objectives have been elaborated: - Surface water bodies at risk – urban waste water (sewerage) discharges: To improve water quality against organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus other pollutants by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility - Surface water bodies at risk – Industrial (mining) waste water discharges: To improve water quality against sulphate, heavy metals and other pollutants, by reducing untreated waste water discharges from industry sector - Surface water bodies at risk – Industrial (sand-gravel extraction) waste water discharges: To improve water quality by reducing concentration of weighted portions and untreated waste water discharges from industry sector - Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (crop production) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies - Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (animal livestock) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies; improving manure management - Surface water bodies at risk – Illegal landfills waste water discharges: To improve water quality by regulating the illegal landfills - Surface water bodies at risk – Excessive water abstraction for irrigation; HPPs; Public water supply To improve the hydromorphological status of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems - Surface water bodies at risk – Hydromorphological alteration To improve hydromorphological status of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing plan form/channel pattern changes, altered riparian habitats, bed and bank fixation, protecting the environmental flow (e.g. low flow, variable flow, etc.), assuring river continuity After defining environmental objectives for all pressure types, appropriate environmental objectives were assigned to all surface water bodies at risk. Environmental objectives for Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWBs) - 12 HMWBs have been identified and designated in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. In this process, it is necessary to set out the appropriate objectives for HMWBs. According to paragraph 3.1.1 of Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) guidance No.41, in order to be a heavily modified water body, a water body must be: - Physically altered by human activity - Substantially changed in character - Designated under Article 4(3)

1 Sources: https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/f9b057f4-4a91-46a3-b69a-e23b4cada8ef/Guidance%20No%204%20- %20heavily%20modified%20water%20bodies%20-%20HMWB%20(WG%202.2).pdf

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

As mentioned above HMWBs are required to achieve “good ecological potential” (GEP) and “good chemical status”. GEP ensures slight changes in the values of the relevant biological quality elements at “Max- imum Ecological Potential“ (MEP) which represents the maximum ecological quality that could be achieved for an HMWB2. Since the good ecological potential (GEP) is the environmental quality objective for HMWB, risk of failure of the ecological objective for HMWB is assessed against GEP. According to WFD CIS Guidance Document No.4 the following steps are needed to be taken in order to establish GEP: - The establishment of the good ecological potential for HMWB is based on the biological quality elements which are derived from MEP - Identification of the hydromorphological conditions in order to support the achievement of the GEP values for the biological quality elements, in particular the achievement of the values should be for those biological quality elements which are sensitive to hydromorphological alterations. - The values for the general physico-chemical quality elements at GEP are to support the achievement of the GEP biological values, as well as they ensure the functioning of the ecosystem - GEP requires compliance with environmental quality standards established for the specific synthetic and non-synthetic pollutant quality elements

In order to achieve GEP for the HMWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district it is crucial to improve hydromorphological quality elements such as hydrological aspects, continuity, and morphology. Thus, an environmental objective for HMWBs in this basin would be set up in such a way: To improve hydromorphological state (hydrological regime changes, river continuity, morphological alterations) of a water body by maintaining adequate environmental flow.

Environmental objectives for GWBs - The environmental objectives for groundwater bodies have been defined which are the following: - WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(1): prevent or limit input of pollutants into GW; prevent deterioration of GWB status - WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): achieve good status (chemical and quantitative) - WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): reverse significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations due to human activity Additional data is needed for making clear statements about chemical and quantitative status of groundwater bodies in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. This implies the expansion of groundwater monitoring network, identification of new sampling sites within different groundwater bodies and continuous planned monitoring. It is also necessary to develop structured methods to aggregate chemical and quantitative groundwater monitoring data over time and across an entire groundwater body into reliable assessments of groundwater status and of risk not to achieve good status.

Economic analysis

2 WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 4 Identification and Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies WFDCIS Guidance No 37, 2020: Steps for defining and assessing ecological potential for improving comparability of Heavily Modified Water Bodies

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- An economic analysis of the water use – describing main water users and contamination of water bodies. - Tendencies the development of the further human activities within the particular river basin. - Assessment of the cost recovery principle –considering all the costs of the water services, including environmental and resource-related expenses.

Economic analysis of water use gives the decision makers the possibility to understand the socio-economic value of water. On one hand provides information about the water abstractors (e.g. which sectors are the main water abstractors), and which sectors contribute mostly in the deterioration of water quality (e.g. which sectors are responsible for water pollution). On the other hand, by analyzing the value added generated by each sector in the economy it makes it possible to understand how effectively the water is used and who should be contributing – and how much – to water management costs.

Programme of measures (PoMs) - Summary of key measures

In order to design measures to mitigate the impacts from above mentioned water management issues, a wide range of the measures (basic, supplementary) was proposed which consider all issues and pressure types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Even though funding is limited and appropriate consents are sometimes missing, 49 measures (41 basic and 8 supplementary) could be selected during the 1st implementation cycle. The basic measures such as renovation /construction of a sewerage systems were found to target the point source pressures coming from the urban wastewater discharges. Also the basic measures have been selected in order to reduce point source pollution coming from industry-mining. Diffuse source pollution (crop production, live stocking) has been targeted by the measures such as setting buffer strips and hedges, build vermikompost (producing bio humus). With regard to excessive water abstraction by irrigation systems, the measures have been selected which targeting rehabilitation of the main channel of Khram-Arkhi, Tsminda Giorgi irrigation system, Megoroba channel, Arakhlo irrigation system, etc. The supplementary measures have been selected to target waste water discharges, pollutions coming from agriculture, water abstraction issues via the provision of information and through educational campaigns, training, publicity campaigns. Furthermore, in order to improve water quality in this river basin the following supplementary measures have been selected: To propose investigative monitoring - investigation and monitoring of sand-gravel enterprises (investigation of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions); Monitoring of illegal landfills (to be executed by the municipalities), imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management; Setting up the sanitary protection zones (to be carried out by the municipalities). Moreover, with regard to climate change the supplementary measure has been selected which is related to conducting research to assess current and possible climate change impacts on water bodies.

Implementation strategy and expected outcomes

The implementation strategy focuses on ensuring full implementation of the existing measures through the relevant national authorities and, where these measures are not sufficient to meet the objectives of the WFD, on implementing targeted supporting measures. The implementation structures will ensure effective and coordinated delivery of measures. Based on the information set out in the Plan, it is expected to achieve the following over the period to 2026:

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

- Renovation /construction of the water and wastewater systems- construct pumping stations, reservoirs, transmission main and internal network, sewage collector in Marneuli municipality - Rehabilitation /construction of sewerage system in Bolnisi municipality - Collection of waste water, Construction of pumping station and releasing to closed technological cycle in Bolnisi municipality - Design and construction of chemical (from mining) wastewater treatment plant in Bolnisi municipality - Setting buffer strips and hedges (Establishment of 3m buffer strip) in Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Bolnisi and Dmanisi municipalities - Build vermikompost (producing bio humus) in Tsalka municipality - Rehabilitation of Didi Iraga irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Megobroba channel - Rehabilitation of Mtisdzira Javakhi irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Tsminda Giorgi irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Avralo-Gumbati irrigation system - Rehabilitation of Arakhlo irrigation system - Measures against filtration on the Kazreti main channel - Rehabilitation of Dmanisi-Gantiadi irrigation system

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1 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RIVER BASIN DISTRICT

Khrami-Debeda river basin covers the Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Tetritskaro, Tsalka and Marneuli (only partially) municipalities. It also covers a small part of Borjomi Municipality (Samtskhe-Javakheti Region), where the river Khrami originates from (see Figure 1). The survey area of the Khrami-Debeda within Georgia is 5.186 km2. The River Khrami with its water source from the stream located on the southern slope of the Trialeti ridge represents the right tributary of the Mtkvari river. It is called “Qtsia” In the upper part. Debeda (Berduji, Sagimi) - a river between Armenia and Georgia, originates from the Dseghi (891 m), the confluence of the rivers Pambak and Dzoraget. On the territory of Georgia, it comes out near the village of Sadakhlo and joins the river Khrami from the right side. Basin area 4.1 km2. In the upper part, the basin is represented by the high ridges and volcanic valleys, while in the lower part - the Marneuli alluvial plain.

Climate - The Khrami-Debeda (on the territory of Georgia) river basin has a continental climate with the rare intrusion of air masses from the west and low precipitation. Air masses typically move in from the east during the cold season, causing cloud formation and insignificant precipitation. The level of precipitation is several times higher on the eastern slopes of the mountain ranges and in the river gorges. Pre- cipitation deficit is typical for the region, especially in the cold season and in July-August. Winter is cold, while summer is warm and long here. Average annual precipitation ranges from 377.7 mm (Bolnisi) to 954.2 mm (Bakuriani) (see Annex I. Figure 1). There are several climate zones in the region, depending on the altitudes. Thus, there is a mountain steppe climate in the uplands with short summer and cold winter and semi-dry mountain climate with very short summer on the Samsari, Javakheti and Trialeti ridges (the highest points). Average temperature varies from 0.3°C to 20.3°C (see Annex I. Figure 2).

There are 3 meteorological observation posts and one station in the Khrami basin. The observation posts measure maximum and minimum air temperature and atmospheric precipitation (rain, snow) 2 times a day (03UTC-15UTC), while the meteorological observation station monitors air and soil temperature, atmospheric precipitation (rain, snow), clouds, air humidity, wind, atmospheric pressure, and atmospheric phenomena. The observations are made 8 times a day (18UTC-21UTC-00UTC-03UTC-06UTC-09UTC- 12UTC-15UTC) (see Annex I. Table 1 and Annex I. Table 2).

Topography - There are high mountain ridges and volcanic uplands in the upper reaches of the Khrami river basin and Marneuli alluvial plain in the lower reaches. The terrain is rugged by numerous tributaries. The eastern slope of the Javakheti ridge, the Chochani, Gomareti and Dmanisi volcanic plateaus, their adjacent Kviriketi, Shorsholeti and Shindlari massifs and canyon-like gorges of the rivers Khrami, Cho- chiani, Jujiani, and Mashaveras Grma, located in the southern part of the basin, are noteworthy from the orographic viewpoint.

Accumulative and denudation topography caused by erosion is found in the western section of the crest of the Loki ridge and on its northern slope. The main dividing ranges of the erosional valleys – the offshoots of the Armenian ridge – are oriented northward. These are the Bolnisi and Poladauri ridges, stretching to the right lower reaches of the River Mashavera. The Didveli Plateau is situated at the height of 500-800 m. It starts in the west, at Khrami’s junction with its tributary Torne, and stretches for 18-19 km eastward, gradually lowering and ending near village Nakhiduri (Arukhli), where it joins the Marneuli Plain.

The accumulative plain of Marneuli is located at the height of 270-400 m. It includes the lower reaches of the rivers Algeti, Khrami, Mashavera and Debed. Iagluja Upland (approximate length - 17 km, width - 10-11 km) is also located in Marneuli municipality.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 1 Physical map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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The Tetritskaro Plateau extends from the south slopes of the Gomeri Ridge south-eastward and west- ward. We should also mention the Bedeni Ridge, which serves as a water divide for the rivers Algeti and Khrami. The highest point of the ridge is Mount Bedena (1875 m). Out of the offshoots of the ridge, the most significant is the Gomeri Ridge. It starts at the eastern end of the Bedeni Ridge, first moving south- eastward and then turning to the east. There is conical mountain Sameba on the crest of the Gomeri Ridge.

In the northern part of Tetritskaro Municipality, there is the Trialeti Range, formed by strongly folded middle Eocene volcanic rocks. The longitudinal Samsari Ridge is formed by neogenic and quaternary andesitic, dacitic-andesitic, basaltic and dolerite volcanic sequence, tuff-breccia and tuff.

The northern part of the Javakheti Ridge is located in Tsalka municipality. The peaks of the ridge are formed by mountains Dalidagi (2661 m), Biketi (2277 m), Chikiani (2415 m) and others. Dalidagi and Chikiani are divided by Tikmatashi mountain pass (2150 m).

Another significant orographic unit is the closed depression of the Tsalka Plateau. From the north the depression is fenced by the middle section of the Trialeti Ridge, from the west it borders on the northern part of the Samsari Ridge, and from the south - on the Javakheti Ridge. The heights of the Tsalka Plateau range between 1500 m and 1900 m.The Chochiani lava plateau is also situated in Tsalka municipality. The plateau is separated from the south-east part of the Tsalka depression by the Dashbashi Canyon and occupies the right bank of the Khrami River.

Geology - From the geological point of view, the Khrami river basin is constructed by volcanic rocks (basalt, andesites, granites), which generate a wide range of folds of different directions. Quartzites, sandstones, conglomerates, limestone, marls and other rocks are also involved in the geological structure of the basin. There are modern deposits developed on the lowlands (pebbles, sand, loam and clays). In the construction of the Javakheti Range, lavas of dolerite-basaltic and andesite-basaltic composition of the lower Mivene-upper Pliocene and lower Pliocene-upper Pleistocene age. Choliani, Gomareti and Dmanisi plateaus, developed to the east from the eastern slopes of the Javakheti Range, are constructed mainly by the dolerite lavas of Quaternary age and partly by the continental clays, sands and lake sediments of the same age. Loqi ridge is constructed by the volcanic rocks of Eocene age (tuffs, tuffo-brec- cias etc.), granites of Paleozoic and volcanic layers of Jurassic ages. At the basis of Marneuli lowland is developed layers of slightly dislocated clays and sandstones, which are covered by the Quaternary sediments (pebbles, conglomerates, sands and clays). Iagluja plateau is constructed by the conglomerates, clays and sandstones of Neogene age. Bedena ridge is constructed by volcanic sediments of Cretaceous age and lavas of Quaternary and Neogene age. Tsalka plateau is represented by the dolerite lavas of Neogene age and lake-river sediments. Chochiani plateau is represented by andesite-basalts of Pleisto- cene age and crossed by the canyons of river Khrami and its right tributary. Hydrogeological structure of the region is responsible for the high saturation of young lava sheets on the basis of which there are strong streams of fractured groundwater in the contact with the crystal rocks and sedimentary deposits of Mezo-cainozoic age. The discharge rate of mentioned waters reaches several m3/sec. By chemical composition waters are hydrocarbonate-calcium type and suitable for drinking. According to the hydrogeological zoning, on the territory of Khrami-Debeda river we observe: Porous- fractured waters of the west part of Marneuli-Gardabani artesian basin; Fractured and fractured -karstic pressured water systems of Trialeti and Tbilisi; Fractured groundwater of the east part of Akhalqalaqi lava Plato; Fractured groundwater of East slope of Javakheti Range (see Annex I. Figure 3).

Soil - Diversity of soils in the Khrami-Debeda river basin results from complex orographic and biological conditions. According to FAO soil classification system, soil types found in the basins are as follows: primitive soils – Leptosols (1); mountain-forest-meadow soils – Humic Cambisols (3); Brown-forest weakly unsaturated soils – Eutric Cambisols (4); Chernozems - Chernozems (5); Raw Humus Calcare- ous soils - Rendzic Leptosols (6); Cinnamonic soils - Eutric cambisols and calcic cambisols (7); Meadow

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Cinnamonic soils - Calcaric Cambisols and Calcic Kastanozems (8); Grey Cinnamonic soils - Calcic Kastanozems (9); Meadow Grey Cinnamonic soils – Calcic Vertisols (10); alluvial soils – Fluvisols (11); saline soils – Solonchaks and Solonetz (15) (see Annex I. Figure 4).

Vegetation - The high mountain areas of the Khrami-Debeda river basin (> 2000-2300 m) are covered with subalpine meadows and steppe elements, while the rest of the basin, including the heads of the Khrami and its tributaries, are covered with alpine steppe vegetation with the lower limits passing by the towns of Tsalka and Dmanisi. A significant part of the middle reaches of the Khrami-Debeda river basin is covered with spruce, oak and hornbeam forests. Downstream, the forests become thinner and in the lower part of the middle reaches change to thorny shrubs with forest elements. The lower section of the basin, including the Khrami and its tributaries, is mainly covered with steppe vegetation in combination with Tkhmeli floodplain forests (see Annex I. Figure 5). A large portion of the Khrami-Debed river basin is covered with agricultural fields with fragments of strongly transformed natural vegetation composed of secondary steppe, meadow-steppe and secondary Shibliaks formed by Jerusalem thorn (Paliurus spina-christi), oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), plains bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum), Volga fescue (Festuca valesiaca, F.ovina), and feather grass (Stipa pulcherrima). Vegetation of the oriental hornbeam and Georgian oak forests, prevailing in the foothills at the height of 800-1200 m, is represented by field maple (Acer campestre), Caucasian pear (Pyrus caucasica), common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), field elm (Ulmus minor), Caucasian hackberry (Celtis caucasica), hornbeam (Carpinus caucasica); and shrubs: blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), buckthorn (Rhamnus pallasii), Iberian spirea (Spiraea hypericifolia) and others. The forest has disturbed structure and is not regenerating because of a strong human impact.

Higher, at 1200-1600 m there is a Georgian oak and oriental hornbeam (Quercus iberica+Carpinus caucasica) forest formation with inclusions of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), maple (Acer laetum), occa- sionally Caucasian oak (Quercus macranthera), and Norway maple (Acer platanoides). The oak and hornbeam forest have maintained its structural and ecosystemic integrity, but human impact is still evident from the low rate of regeneration.

Meadow vegetation is of a secondary origin, mostly occurring in the areas formerly covered by forests. It is mainly formed by polydominant meadow grass communities, dominated by: grasses - Agrostis planifo- lia, variegate, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata; herbs - Al- chemilla arythopoda, Centaurea salicifolia, Gentiana gelida, Geranium sylvaticum, Zeontodon hispidus, Zotus caucasicus, Ranunculus caucasicus, Trifolium ambiguum, T. canescens, Scabiosa caucasica and others. Succession of meadow vegetation is caused by lasting human impact and goes toward xerophyt- ization.

Strongly degraded fragments of arid light forest, hemixerophytic shrubs and steppe vegetation cover the river terraces. The fragments of the arid light forest are formed by Caucasian hackberry (Celtis caucasica), Georgian maple (Acer ibericum), wild pistachio trees (Pistacia mutica) and pears (Pyrus).

Floodplain forests in the valleys of the Khrami, Karabulakhi and Mashavera are strongly degraded fragments mainly formed by alder (Alnus barbata), white willow (Salix alba) and black poplar (Populus nigra) - hemixerophytic shrubs and steppe vegetation landscape. Semi-desert vegetation covers relatively small areas and is formed by Artemisia fragrans, Limonium meyeri, Salsola nodulosa, Salsola dendroides and others.

Protected areas - The Khrami-Debeda river basin includes the following protected areas: Algeti National Park, the natural monuments of Dashbashi, Samshvilde and Birtvisi canyons, and Ktsia-Tabatskuri Man- aged Reserve, located in the upper reaches of the Khrami (where the River Khrami is called Ktsia) (see Table 1).

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Table 1 Protected areas in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Name of PA Area (ha)

Algeti national Park 6822

Dashbashi Canyon Nature Monument 538

Samshvilde Canyon Nature Monument 405

Birtvisi Nature Monument 514,8

Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve 22 000

- Algeti National Park is situated at 1100-2000 m, covering the southern slopes of the eastern part of the Trialeti range in the Algeti Valley. The national park was founded as a state reserve in 1965 in order to conserve Oriental spruce and Caucasian pine forests. In 2007, Algeti received its current status as a national park. The River Algeti with its numerous tributaries and ravines crosses the park.

- Dashbashi Canyon Nature Monument is a canyon-like gorge, cut by the River Khrami in the volcanic rocks of the Dashbashi upland. The 8-km-long canyon is situated longitudinally at the height of 1100-1500 m and is remarkable for its rich biodiversity.

- Samshvilde Canyon Nature Monument is situated at a height of 548-605 m. An important historical monument - Samshvilde ancient site - is located in the canyon.

- Birtvisi Nature Monument is located in the Algeti river gorge. It is known for Birtvisi Fortress – a historical monument of the 11th century AD.

- Ktsia-Tabatskuri Managed Reserve is situated at the volcanic upland in Javakheti. The reserve was founded in 1995. There are many small and big lakes in the reserve of which Tabatskuri is the most remarkable. There are also many historical monuments there.

The protected areas are managed by the Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia. The abovementioned protected areas (excluding Birtvisi) incorporated in Emerald Network (see Annex I. Figure 6).

Ichthyofauna - The surface water bodies in the Khrami-Debed river basin are rich in fish fauna. There are 23 fish species found there, including CiscaucaIsian spined loach and trout, red-listed in Georgia (see Annex I. Table 3) Forest - occupies 21.7% of the territory of Kvemo Kartli, which is the lowest figure among the regions of Georgia. Forest fund area is 143,200 ha of which 134,600 ha are covered with forest (Annex I. Table 4). Kvemo Kartli forests being under the authority of the National Forestry Agency and managed by Kvemo Kartli Forestry Service are divided in two parcels: Algeti (Gardabani-Marneuli, Tsalka-Tetritskaro) and Sioni (Dmanisi, Bolnisi), which in their turn are divided into 15 and 12 forestries respectively (see Annex I. Table 5).

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

The forests in Borjomi Municipality are managed by Samtskhe-Javakheti Forestry Service and consist of one parcel - Borjomi-Bakurian. Furthermore, timber resources in Kvemo Kartli forests amount to 15178.4 thousand m3 (see Annex I. Table 6). According to the National Forestry Agency, between 2014 and September 2018, timber output in Kvemo Kartli Region and Borjomi Municipality amounted to 200.192 m3 and 106.233 m3 respectively (see Annex I. Table 7).

Population - The population of Kvemo Kartli numbered 423,986 people of whom 39% lived in cities and settlements, while 61% lived in villages (see Annex I. Figure 7). The population density was 67 people per km2. Population density is the highest in Marneuli Municipality. The natural population increase was observed in all the municipalities except Tetritskaro (see Annex I. Table 8 and Annex I. Figure 8). We can assume that the decline in Tetritskaro is caused by migration. However, because of the migration, the total population of the region decreased in 2002-2016. As compared to other regions, a natural population increase is observed in Kvemo Kartli, meaning in the long run that the region will have to meet increasing demands for social infrastructure, social services, and new jobs.

According to the 2014 Population Census, there are 13.251 IDPs (9393 IDP families) in the region, which is 2.4% of the region’s population and 5% of all IDPs in Georgia (see Annex I. Table 9). There are 73.600 pensioners and social allowance beneficiaries in Kvemo Kartli, which is 14.4% of the region’s population and is less than the average countrywide figure (19.05%). Most of the subsistence allowance beneficiaries are 40-60 years of age, which is clear evidence of the critical unemployment level in the region. There are 6.805 people with disabilities in Kvemo Kartli, of whom 36.5% (2.483 people) receive the subsistence allowance. The ethnic composition of the Kvemo Kartli region population is as follows: Georgians – 44.7%, Azerbai- janis – 45.1%, Armenians – 6.4%, Abkhazians, Ossetians, Russians, Greeks, Ukrainians and Kurds – 3.8%. The unemployment level is 14.1% (see Annex I. Table 10).

According to official data for Kvemo Kartli region, 195,500 people living there are economically active, the unemployment level is 9.4% and the activity level is 64.2%, while employment level is 58.2% (see Annex I. Table 11). It should be noted that the official data fail to reflect the actual employment level because they count people engaged in agricultural activities as self-employed. One part of the self-employed cannot be categorized as fully employed, because of low incomes and short average annual duration of their activity.

Agriculture - Agriculture plays an important role in Kvemo Kartli’s economy, its share in the region’s gross value added (GVA) being 19%. Over the last 5-7 years, the sectoral structure of agriculture has remained almost unchanged, except for the increased number of farmers engaged in livestock breeding and decreased interest in grain-growing. Several farmers’ associations have been formed in the region in the given period. However, the lack of modern agricultural equipment and poor condition of the irrigation system impede the cultivation of lands that need irrigation. Despite this, the area of uncultivated lands does not exceed 5% thanks to the high culture and traditions of agricultural production.

122.316 ha of agricultural land is operated by farms, out of which 50.087 ha is cropland, 2.098 ha is land under permanent crops and 70.043 ha is mowing lands and pastures (see Annex I. Table 12). Average area of agricultural land operated by farms in Kvemo Kartli exceeds the average nationwide figure (1.37 ha) and makes 3.7 ha.

According to 2014 Agricultural Census, there were 73.392 farms registered in Kvemo Kartli, including 72.936 households and 456 legal entities (see Annex I. Table 13).

The leading agricultural sectors are potato growing, vegetable farming, tobacco farming, viniculture, essential oil plant production and beef stock farming. n 2014 and 2017, 2.3-4.8 tons of all types of mineral fertilizers were used in the agricultural sector in Kvemo Kartli, including 2.0 – 4.7 tons of nitrogen fertilizers. This is 8.6-4.9% of the total amount of mineral fertilizers used countrywide in 2014 and 2017 respectively. The fertilizers were mainly used for croplands. The area of fertilized lands under annual plants ranged between 5.1 thousand ha (2017) and 9.2 thousand ha (2016). The average annual use of fertilizers per

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hectare of croplands was 0.45-0.80 tons (in 2014-2017), which almost equals the countrywide consumption of fertilizers in the given period. In 2014-2017 in Kvemo Kartli, 4.7-6.7 thousand hectares of croplands were treated with pesticides. However, data on pesticide consumption are unavailable.

There are 148,800 heads of cattle in Kvemo Kartli. The region produces 2100 tons of meat and 103.200 tons of milk (according to 2017 data of the National Statistics Office). A majority of local farmers own 2-3 cows and sell about 30% of produced milk. Medium-sized cattle farms own 10-25 cows and mainly sell cheese, meat and live cattle. They also produce maize and wheat for domestic use. Big cattle farms have 40 and more heads of cattle and sell 95% of their production (see Annex I. Table 14).

It should be noted that in summer, pastures in Dmanisi Municipality are overcrowded with cattle owned by farmers from Marneuli, Bolnisi, Gardabani, Sagarejo and Tetritskaro municipalities, which certainly causes overgrazing and degradation of the pastures. In 2017, the region produced 3 641.900 heads of poultry and 13 800 tons of poultry meat.

Fish Farms - Fish farms are developed rather well in Kvemo Kartli region: there are 22 fish farms there (see Annex I. Figure 9), including 9 operating farms, producing altogether 35.5 tons of fish. Tsalka reservoir is used for fish farming according to a special licence. About 10-80 tons of fish is produced every year, mostly Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and smaller quantity of Caucasian scraper (Capoeta capoeta).

Hydropower Generation - There are 9 small and medium-sized HPPs operating in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Construction of 13 hydroelectric power plants is being planned, of which 3 are already under construction (see Table 2).

Table 2 Operating, projecting and under construction HPPs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Existing Design Planned and under construc- Design capacity (MW) capacity tion Hydro Power Generation N HPPs Projects (MW)

1 Khrami 1 112.80 Chapala 0.43

2 Khrami 2 110.00 Oro 1.12 (former Zemo Orozmani

3 Dashbashi 1.26 Khrami 1.13

4 Algeti 1.25 Kizilaglo 4.10

5 Mashavera 1.25 Nakhidura 9.04

6 Debeda 3.20 Kvemo Orozmani 0.63

Marneuli 0.25 Kvemo Orozmani 4.20 7 1931

8 Mekvle 1.00 Kvemo Orozmani 4.02

9 Kazreti 2.00 Zemo Karabulakhi 1.03

10 Khrami 3 16.07

11 Khrami 4 14.97

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

12 Khrami 5 19.89

13 Mashavera 2 4.15

Industry and Mining – In 2016, gross value added (GVA) of Kvemo Kartli was GEL 2348.7 mln (9.6% of the country’s GVA). Industry has the biggest share (41%) in Shida Kartli’s GVA structure, the share of agriculture is only 19%, while trade and services make 7% and 8% respectively3 (see Annex I. Table 15). The economic diversification level is high in the region. The region’s GVA per capita is GEL 3.503, exceeding the average GVA (GEL 3.340) of other regions of Georgia (except Tbilisi) by 4.9%.

Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline and South Caucasian Gas Pipeline cross Gardabani, Marneuli, Tetrits- karo and Tsalka municipalities of Kvemo Kartli.

It should be noted that the largest enterprises of Kvemo Kartli (including Gardabani Thermal Power Plants, Rustavi Metallurgical Plant and "Russian Azot") are located in Gardabani and Rustavi, which are not part of the Khrami-Debeda river basin.

According to the self-governing bodies located in the Khrami-Debeda river basin, the main industries are: mining in Bolnisi and agriculture in Dmanisi, Tetritskaro, Marneuli and Tsalka, among which are: Ltd “Poul- try Georgia” – “Koda” (poultry meat and egg production), Ltd “Tsintskaro” (diary production), Ltd “Vita Product” (Milk processing facility), also perlite processing facility in Tslaka. Since 1975 gold and copper is being extracted in Bolnisi.

Madneuli mine, producing gold, copper, barite and complex ore, is located in Bolnisi region, 80 km south- east from Tbilisi. The mine uses open-pit production method. Its annual estimated output capacity is 12.000 tons of ore. Gold and silver reserves in Madneuli amount to 49.000 and 94.000 ounces. Building and facing stones mined in the region are of strategic importance (see Annex I. Figure 10).

The region is rich in mineral resources and has a developed mining industry, producing ferrous and non- ferrous metals, ferroalloys and industrial minerals. There are more than 200 mostly unexploited deposits of ferrous, non-ferrous and precious metals, chemical and ceramic raw materials, hydro-mineral and fuel resources there.

The region produces high-quality basalt and tuff that are in high demand at the domestic and international markets. According to experts, amounts of these minerals are rather rich. Kvemo Kartli also produces copper, wolfram, nickel, iron, zinc, sulphate, manganese, marble, gypsum and limerock. Exploitation of Darbazi and Pitareti kaolin deposits, adular metasomatites and Bektakari quartzite and production of ce- ramics, glass and porcelain can also pay an important role in the region’s industrial sector. Light stone, gravel and breakstone are found in Dmanisi and Tsalka volcanic deposits. Development of lithographic stone deposits in Algeti, Gomareti and Akhkalapa could be highly efficient from economic viewpoint. The Algeti deposit is the biggest deposit in the Caucasus.

The region is very rich in gypsum, which can become an important source of income if used efficiently. Building and facing stones, including the rarest Bolnisi tuff and Sadakhlo marble-like limestone, also have strategic importance for the region’s economy.

Tourism - Natural and geographic conditions, cultural, historical and natural monuments of Kvemo Kartli make it rather attractive for tourists. The most promising tourist sectors are ecotourism, educational tourism, agro-tourism, health tourism and others. Tourists can visit settlements dated by the 1st millennium BC, such as the famous ancient settlement in Dmanisi. There are more than 650 historical sites in Kvemo Kartli, of which 300 are included in different tourist routes.

Tourists can visit settlements dated by the 1st millennium BC, such as the famous ancient settlement in Dmanisi. Bolnisis Sioni (5th century AD – Middle Ages), Tsugrugasheni (Middle Ages), Pitareti church (13th

3 It should be noted that Kvemo Kartli economic data include the data on Gardabani Municipality (with Gardabani heat and power plant) and the city of Rustavi. But for these territorial units, agriculture would have been the main economic activity in the Khrami-Debed river basin.

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century AD), Manglisis Sioni (14th century AD), the ancient fortress of ruins of Samshvilde and Birtvisi fortress are the main tourist attractions. The quality of service and tourist infrastructure fails to meet the current standards and needs improvement (see Annex I. Figure 11). There is one resort town – Manglisi – and several resort zones in Kvemo Kartli region, able to host up to 10,000 tourists a year. The resort zones are located in all municipalities, but tourist infrastructure fails to meet the current standards and needs improvement. The shortage of hotels and guest houses is one of the main problems for the region’s tourist sector. Among the main impeding factors of tourism development are: inaccessibility of sites and monuments; shortage/lack of catering facilities; lack of information stands near tourist spots; lack of sanitary and hy- gienic infrastructure (including eco-toilets and waste containers); lack of a single database of tourist maps, trails and sights; shortage/lack of transport means (fixed-route taxis, four-wheelers); shortage of information materials (booklets, promotional videos, posters); low level of awareness among young people; low level of services.

Disaster Risks - Unlike many other regions of Georgia, Kvemo Kartli belongs to the low and medium risk category in terms of development, reactivation and emergence of hazardous geological processes. Topo- graphic features of territory, frequent heavy rainfalls, strong wind, and sometimes inappropriate agricultural practices trigger different types of soil erosion. Soils are mostly depleted because of insufficient application of organic and non-organic fertilizers, lack of crop rotation, damaged irrigation system and wind belts. Hydrographic Network - The study area of the Khrami-Debeda basin is 5 186.6 km2, the total lengths of the rivers are 2 373.2 km. There are several small lakes and the Tsalka reservoir in the river basin. Figure 2 represents the hydrographic network of the Khrami-Debeda river basin. The River Khrami with its water source from the stream located on the southern slope of the Trialeti ridge represents the right tributary of the Mtkvari river. It is called “Qtsia” In the upper part. Main characteristics of Krami river: Length of the river: 201 km; The water sours: 2422 m; The water mouth: 254 m; Catchment area: 8340 km2 (including the basin located in Armenia); The average altitude of the basin: 1517 m; Difference between head and source: 2167 m; Frequency of the rivers‟ net: 1.78 km/km2. The maximum water discharge of the river Khrami is the spring period, specifically in April and May. The flow of the river is the smallest in winter. Also, shallow water is common for the remaining periods of the year, however, the situation periodically changes at the expense of spring and autumn floods. Average annual discharge of the river Khrami near the observation station “Red Bridge”; 1950-1995 years - 3.36 L/sec per 1 square km (was reaching maximum 15 L/sec per 1 square km in the upper part of the river). Average annual discharge of the river Khrami near the observation station “Red Bridge”; 1950-1995 years - 53.5 m3/sec. Water balance near the Station “Red Bridge”; 1950-1995: Precipitation – 2.862 mill m3, evaporation – 1.815 mill m3, water discharge – 1.047 mill m3, underground water discharge – 457 mill m3. The river is fed by the waters of the snow-rain and the groundwater. The river Khrami does not freeze. The lower part of the river is used for irrigation. Major tributaries of the river Khrami are the river Korsuchai, the river Karabulakhi, the river Aslanka, the river Chivchava, the river Mashavera, the river Moshevani, the river Bolnisi, the river Talaverchai, the river Shulaverchai, the river Debeda, the river Algeti. The River Mashavera (Chapali) - Derives as a result of merging of the two rivers – Sarpdere and Nazi- klichi and represents the right tributary of the Qtsia-Khrami river. Its main tributaries are Sarprede (19 km), Nazalchiki (12 km), Kamarlo (18 km), Mamutli (21 km), Karaklisa 913 km), Moshevani (25 km), Ukangoro (13 km), Geta (22 km), Bolnisi (42 km) and Talaverchai (17 km). The river net of the river Mashavera is symmetrical. It is joined with all the tributaries in the mountainous part of the basin, up to the village Qvesha. In the lower flow, for about 27 km it does not have any tributary, except for the river Bolnisi. Lots of irrigation canals flow out from the river. As for its tributary Talaverchai, does not reach the confluence because it is totally used for irrigation.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 2 Hydrographic network of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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The River Debeda - With its water source on the eastern slope of the Javakheti ridge at 2091 m altitude, represents the left tributary of the river Qtsia-Khrami. The river Debed is trans-boundary and comes inside of the Georgian borders in the territory of Kartli, in the Marneuli region. The river‟s length – 178 km, basin area – 4.100 km2, average discharge nearby the village Sadakhlo – 29.7 m3/sec. Floods occur on the river in springs, low-level waters – in winter and autumn. The river is used for irrigation purposes.

The River Algeti - flows in Tetri Tskaro and Marneuli municipalities. Its water source is on the southern slope of the Trialeti ridge, near the Kldekari rocks (at 1900 meters above sea level). The river length – 108 km, basin area – 763 km2. In the upper part, the river streams to the south-east in the deep, woody gorge and in the narrow and rocky gorge starting from village Tbilisi, then, near Marneuli comes out on the plain and near village Kesalo joins Mtkvari river to the right. Feeds on the waters of rain, snow and groundwater. Approximately 45% of annual runoff is made from rain water, 25% - from snow and 30% - from underground waters. Floods normally occur in spring time and at the beginning of summer, level of water in other seasons is lower. The minimum amount of flow occurs in October. Almost 48 % of the annual runoff occurs in spring, 32% - in summer, 12% - in winter and 8% - in autumn.

Tsalka reservoir - Filling source – river Khrami; Filling Type – bed; Dam height – 33 m, the length of the reservoir – 14 km; The longest width – 3.5 km; average width – 2.4 km; The deepest width – 25 m; The water surface area – 33.6 km2; the total water amount – 312 mill m3; useful – 293 mill m3.

Algeti Reservoir - is located in the Kvemo Kartli side of Tetritskaro municipality. The water area of the reservoir is 65 mill m3, useful area – 60 mill m3, length – 3.7 km, width – 0.4 km. The Algeti river flows into the reservoir. It operates 1.1 megawatt hydroelectric station. Algeti reservoir started operation in 1983. Its water is used to supply the Tbisi-Kumisi irrigation system. Besides, it provides water to the villages: Jorjiashvili, Asureti, Borbalo, Koda, Marabda, etc. 6 ha land was irrigated in 2007.

Kvemo Kartli branch of Georgian Amelioration Ltd. manages the following irrigation systems in the Khrami-Debeda river basin: Zeda Arkhi, Iirasani, Kazreti, Dmanisi-Gantiadi, Mtisdzira-Javakhi, Khram Arkhi, Agmashenebeli, Vaziani-Iberia, Akhali Sadakhlo, Gamarjveba, Tsminda Ninos Arkhi, also lift irrigation systems, supplying water to Kvemo Kartli municipalities (see Annex I. Figure 12). Average annual water intake of the irrigation systems is 256 mln m3, while the projected irrigation area is 35.683 ha.

Groundwater resources - Georgia has significant fresh groundwater resources, which are naturally of drinking water quality. Detailed hydrogeological surveys show that Georgia’s natural fresh groundwater resources amount to 573 m³/s. In the Khrami-Debeda river basin 12 aquifers are in contact with surface ecosystems and need to be protected and managed.

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is a comprehensive piece of legislation that sets out clear quality objectives for all waters in Europe. In order to make the implementation of the Directive, and the compliance checking of its quality objectives, the concept of “water bodies” has been introduced as the key units to which a number of the Directive’s requirements are related. The Water Framework Directive ‘water environment’ includes rivers, lakes, transitional waters, groundwater and coastal waters out to 1 nautical mile (12 nautical miles for chemical status, i.e. for territorial waters).

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

1.1 Surface water bodies (SWBs)

1.1.1 Methodology for delineation of SWBs

As mentioned above, for the implementation of the EU WFD and the compliance checking of its quality objectives, the concept of “water bodies” has been introduced. Therefor for assessing the ecological status of surface waters and planning and implementing program of measures, rivers and lakes were divided into discrete volumes, or surface water bodies (SWBs). SWBs are discrete sections or parts of water bodies, which differ from each other in specific natural characteristics, the nature of the impact of human activity, or any other significant and distinguishable parameters (Sall et al, 2012). The process of delineation and definition surface water bodies consists of the division of water bodies into sections and parts according to the (agreed) parameters and criteria. Each surface water body is subject to regular assessment of status and measures for improving and maintaining the status of water bodies. Delineation and identification of surface water bodies consisted of division of water bodies into sections and parts according to agreed parameters and criteria. More specifically, the process involved identification of the location and boundaries of surface water bodies and initial characterization in accordance with the methodology described below:

 The SWBs within the river basin/sub-basin were identified as falling within either one of the following surface water categories -rivers, lakes, or as heavily modified surface water bodies  For each surface water category, the relevant SWB within the river basin/sub-basin was differentiated according to a type. These types are defined using system A of the WFD (see Table 3)  SWBs within the river basin/sub-basin were differentiated by the relevant ecoregions in accordance with the geographical areas. The River Basin District under this review belongs to the 24th ecoregion (the Caucasus)  SWBs were differentiated by surface water body types according to the descriptors set out in Table 2 below

Table 3 System A. Rivers and Lakes

Fixed typology RIVERS LAKES Descriptors Descriptors Ecoregion 24 (Caucasus) 24 (Caucasus) Type Altitude typology Altitude typology  high: >800 m  high: >800 m  mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m  mid-altitude: 200 to 800 m  lowland: <200 m  lowland: <200 m Size typology based on catchment area Size typology based on surface area  small: 10 to 100 km2  0.5 to 1 km2  medium: >100 to 1 000 km2  1 to 10 km2  large: >1 000 to 10 000 km2  10 to 100 km2  very large: >10 000 km2  >100 km2 Depth typology based on mean depth  <3 m

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 3 to 15 m  >15 m Geology Geology  calcareous  calcareous  siliceous  siliceous  organic  organic

Each water body (of the river basins/sub-basins) was differentiated according to the appropriate geographical ecoregions. The Khrami-Debeda river basin belongs to Ecoregion 24 (Caucasus). All rivers with a catchment basin over 10 km² were considered for the purpose of establishing and identifying surface water bodies. However, as an exception, rivers with catchment areas smaller than 10 km² were also categorized into individual water bodies with respect to their significance. It should be mentioned, that most of the small rivers have been included in larger catchment basins. Establishment of SWBs was based on types of water bodies in natural (reference) conditions. The type of the water body in natural conditions, depending on the set of natural properties of the SWBs or their parts, was identified for each surface water body. Identification of the types of rivers is based mainly on geographical and morphological character. For the coding of the delineated water bodies the international hydrological coding system has been used, known as the Hack's main streams or Gravelius order (Zavoianuet al, 2009), the river streams ranking based on a concrete hierarchy of tributaries. Each delineated water body in the Khrami-Debeda river basin obtained a unique identifier using the following format: XxxYZZ, where Xxx is the first 3 letters of the river name; Y is the order of the river:

 0 - Denotes order of the main river flowing to the sea  1 - Order of tributary of the main river  2 - Order of tributary following the 1st order river  3 - Order of tributary following the 2nd order river

ZZ - Is the sequential amount of water objects by the given order. Therefore, as an example, the Waterbody “Khr101” corresponds to the river Khrami, a 1st order river, 01st water body.

In order to avoid an endless division of surface water bodies, all small rivers/tributaries were united and joined under the most important river code. However, some exceptions still exist were made by expert judgment and taking into account the importance of the rivers.

1.1.2 Identification and delineation of SWBs

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

The type of water body depends on the set of the natural properties of the water body or its parts. Identi- fication of the types of rivers is mainly based on geographical and morphological properties. Based on the parameters altitude, geology and catchment area, 14 river types were identified in the Khrami-Debeda river basin (see Table 4). In addition, with the parameter mean depth and surface area, 3 lake types were identified see Table 5). For an optimal typological differentiation of a water body, the length of a river ≤10 km was used as the lower threshold (as required by the WFD). Similar to the coding of surface water bodies, a few exceptions were made by expert judgment.

Table 4 River types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Table 5 Lake types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Delineation of basin areas has been implemented by means of the geo-informational technologies, where only two variables have been applied - digital elevation model (STRM 30) and digital hydrographic network with the 1: 25,000 resolution original scale data-sheets, based on the Soviet topographical maps. In addition, these images (raster data) and vector data-sets have been geo-rectified and corrected on the basis of the most recent satellite imagery of high intelligibility. As a result of the abovementioned application, 291 units of different types of rivers have been identified in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Except for rivers, within Khrami-Debeda river basin, there have been identified 2 reservoirs (Tsalka Reservoir – type V and Algeti reservoir - type I) and 1 lake (Bareti Lake – type III) (see Figure 3). Figure 3 Delineation of SWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

1.2 Groundwater bodies (GWBs)

1.2.1 Methodology for delineation of GWBs

Georgia has significant fresh groundwater resources. Detailed hydrogeological surveys, conducted at the beginning of the 90s, show that Georgia’s natural fresh groundwater resources amount to 573 m³/s. The resources have rather uneven geographical and administrative distribution.

It was significant to carry out the delineation of groundwater bodies and to use the appropriate methodology for this process.

The selection process of groundwater bodies was carried out under the guidance of “CIS guideline document #2”. In addition, a number of workshops, training and skype conferences were organized during the timeframe of the project. It is important to point out that the reports on the previous geological and hydrogeological studies have been processed. Furthermore, the existing maps have been digitized. As mentioned above, based on all the data obtained, 12 aquifers were identified, which are in direct contact with the surface eco-system. Consequently, from these aquifers groundwater bodies were delineated. The delineation process has been done according to the river basins.

All hydrogeological horizons have been analyzed in their geological boundaries as an independent body with a particular chemical and quantitative status. Also, their possible hydraulic connection with other horizons and similar anthropogenic interactions have been explored. Furthermore, the existence of different types of (agricultural, industrial, and other) anthropogenic pressure on groundwater bodies and their nature, which could have become the cause of their unification or separation of groundwater bodies have been considered. For example, even though the groundwater bodies of Khrami and Debeda basins belong to the same type of porous waters, they were separated as types of independent bodies. This is primarily conditioned by their different recharge and formation areas, with different climatic and hydrochemical properties. In particular, Porous-type Groundwater aquifer type unites is suitable for drinking water. They differ with regard to mineralization. Furthermore, some groundwater bodies are developed the fractured type of groundwater bodies here, with similar pressure and hydrochemical composition. Thus, the unification of them in one fractured type of groundwater bodies is expedient. The karstic groundwater bodies are represented in the separated type by the groundwater body of sporadically saturated carbonate deposits of upper Cretaceous age. It is characterized by intensive saturation and low mineralization, suitable for drinking waters.

Almost for all groundwater bodies the vertical zonality have been observed, which implies the existence of two and more sub-aquifers. As a rule, the upper layer is a zone of intensive circulation, with relatively low mineralization and high-water saturation, and lower layers are characterized by gradual in-crease of mineralization and reduction of water saturation. In addition, upper layers are more active in contact with the surface ecosystem and therefore under ecological pressure. Thus, the upper layers of these groundwater bodies should be considered as independent sub-bodies.

For Khrami and Debeda basins, as being under anthropogenic pressure bodies can be considered the first ten meters (from the surface) of porous waters where the pollution can be caused by uncontrolled drilling wells and numerous kinds of diffuse pollutions. It is significant to mention that the above mentioned assumption should be taken into consideration in the process of organizing the network of monitoring stations.

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1.2.2 Identification and delineation of GWBs

As mentioned above 12 groundwater bodies were identified in the Khrami-Debeda river basin, which are in contact with surface ecosystems. In these groundwater bodies, which need to be protected and managed under the Water Framework Directive, 12 bodies of 3 types were delineated (see Table 6). Coding of groundwater bodies has been implemented. The first letter stands for groundwater body - G. The second – for groundwater types. In particular, were assigned three types: porous -P; Karst-K; Fractured-F; They were given the following codes: Khrami-K and Debeda-D. Also, each body was given four-digit digital code.

Table 6 List of groundwater bodies of Khrami-Debeda valley aquifer

Hydrogeological # Type of GWB GWB name GWB Code

1 Porous - KhraAlu GPK0024

(GPK) KhraProl GPK0025

KhraElu GPK0026

KhraLoMio GPK0028

2 Karstic KhCaCr GKK0031

(GKK) KhVoCr GKK0032

3 Fractured KhrPli GFK0027

(GFK) KhUpPli GFK0029

KhraEoc GFK0030

KhBay GFK0033

KhLey GFK0034

KhPz GFK0035

The following porous groundwater bodies of the Khrami and Debeda basins belong to the first type (ab- breviated code GP): the Aquifer of modern alluvial deposits of floodplain and valley-side of rivers Khrami, Mashavera and Debeda, (groundwater body code GPK0024); Artesian aquifer of modern and upper quaternary age aluvial-proluvial and lake sediments (GPK0025); Sporadically saturated deposits of modern aluvial-deluvial, deluvial-proluvial and proluvial-deluvial sediments, (GPK0026) and Aquifer of lower Plio- cene- upper Miocene age sediments (GPK0028). The second type of karstic groundwater bodies (GK) is represented by sporadically saturated carbonate stratum of upper Cretaceous sediments (GKK0031). It is characterized by intensive saturation and low mineralization, suitable for drinking water. The third

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin and most widespread type are fractured groundwaters (GF), which include the following groundwater bodies of similar hydrochemical and pressure properties: Sporadically saturated lava formations of upper Pliocene-Quaternary age (GFK0027); Sporadically saturated volcanic deposits of lower Pliocene- upper Miocene age sediments, (GFK0029); Sporadically saturated massive and coarse grained piroclastolices of middle Eocene and Paleocene sediments (GFK0030); Aquifer of volcanic stratum of upper Cretaceous, (GFK0032); Aquifer volcanogenic stratum of the Bayosian stage (GFK0033) and Sporadically saturated sediments of Leyas deposits (GFK0034). Aquifer of Paleozoic age sediment (GFK0035). In the upper active circulation zone, these groundwater bodies contain low mineralized water, suitable for drinking water. Figure 4 presents the delineation of GWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin.

Figure 4 Delineation of GWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

It is important to highlight that groundwater delineation gives the possibility to plan, utilize and protect- groundwater resources, ensure their sustainable development by organizing automated the monitoring system, which enables to perform quantify and qualitatively control on the groundwater resources.

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2 PRESSURES AND IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires the identification of the significant pressures and drivers present in the River Basin District (RBD). These compliance indicators are used to record the most likely impacts leading to the failure of water bodies to reach good status/potential as a result of the sum of those pressures. According to the EU Reporting guidance, v 4.9,2015 there are the following pressure types: point pressure; diffuse pressure; abstraction pressure; physical alteration; other pressure. These pressures refer to the corresponding main drivers such as urban development, industry, agriculture, etc.4 Regarding the policy document on Key Issues under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and considering the Khrami-Debeda river basin background analysis, also in cooperation with the Ministry of Envi- ronment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the water experts, the main drivers and various types of pressure for SWB in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district has been specified (see Table 7). As for the groundwater, the table shows index of potential pressure on groundwater.

Table 7 Main drivers and pressure for water bodies in the Khrami-Debeda river basin N Pressure Main Driver (s) Surface water Groundwa- ter River Lake

1.1 Point-Urban (Munici- Urban development + + pal)waste water

1.2 Point-Industrial waste water Industry + +

1.3 Point-Municipal landfills Urban development +

2.1 Diffuse-Agricultural(crop Agriculture + + + production; animal live stocking) 2.2 Diffuse-Other (Illegal landfill) Urban development, Agri- + + + culture, Industry

3.1 Abstraction/Flow Diversion - Agriculture + + + Agriculture (for irrigation) 3.2 Abstraction/Flow Diversion - Urban development + + + Public Water Supply

3.3 Abstraction/Flow Diversion - Industry + + Industry 3.4 Abstraction/Flow Diversion - Energy – hydropower + + HPP

4 See: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/facts_figures/guidance_docs_en.htm

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

3.5 Abstraction/Flow Diversion - Aquaculture + + Fish farms 4.1 Physical alteration- Altered Aquaculture, Urban devel- + riparian habitats; opment, Industry, Flood protection 4.2 Physical alteration- Altered Aquaculture, Urban devel- + sediment continuity and/or opment, Industry, Flood dynamics protection 4.3 Physical alteration- Aquaculture, Urban devel- + Bed/Bank fixation opment, Industry, Flood protection 4.4 Physical alteration- Aquaculture, Urban devel- + Changed planform/channel opment, Industry, Flood pattern protection 4.5 Physical alteration- Im- Aquaculture, Urban devel- + + poundment / reduced flow opment, Industry, Flood velocity, storage protection 5.1 Hydrological alteration- Low Aquaculture, Urban devel- + + flow opment, Industry, Flood protection 5.2 Hydrological alteration- Re- Aquaculture, Urban devel- + duced flow velocity opment, Industry, Flood protection

5.3 Hydrological alteration- Vari- Aquaculture, Urban devel- + + able flow opment, Industry, Flood protection

As mentioned above there are the pressure types such as point source pollution, diffuse source pollution, water abstraction, hydromorphological alteration in the Khrami-Debeda river basin.

2.1 Significant water management issues for point source pollution

In order to identify water management issues and their relevance to the Khrami-Debeda river basin, the IMPRESS methodology as well as findings of the study “the Characteristics of the Khrami-Debeda river Basins, available Annual database of Actual Water Use of MEPA (2017), the result of State Monitoring and SWFS have been used. According to IMPRESS methodology, in particular guidance document on Pressure-Impact Analysis and Risk Assessment, pressures related to point source of pollution of surface water are the following:  Urban waste water discharges  Industrial waste water discharges  Other discharges into the surface water recipient (e.g. legal landfills, contaminated sites, etc.)

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Wastewater discharges into surface water bodies- According to the annual database on Actual Water Use (2017 year) developed under MEPA, from consumptive water users 1 669.218m3 wastewater was discharged directly into surface waters of the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Out of the total volume of wastewater discharged, 1 279.998 m3 was untreated wastewater, 400.020 m3– treated water. For more details, please refer to Annex II. Table 1.

Municipal wastewater discharge – Untreated wastewater discharges mostly were accounted to the sewage networks of small towns of the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Within the pilot basin, centralized sewerage systems are developed in the municipal centres of Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Tsalka. None of the village settlements are served by centralized sanitation systems. In the 2017 amount of discharged wastewater from the Sanitation sector into to the surface water bodies of the basin amounted to 1 120.598m3 in total. None of the sewerage network in the basin has the operational treatment plant, however construction of a completely new and modern urban wastewater treatment plant is planned in Marneuli, this treatment plant will receive municipal wastewater from Bolisi and Marneuli cities. From sewerage networks untreated wastewater is discharged to rivers Mashavera, Khrami and Algeti (see Annex II. Figure 1). The number of enterprises discharging wastewater into centralized sewerage systems is very low. Ac- cordingly, wastewater mainly consists of the following pollutants: BOD, COD, nitrates, phosphates. Cal- culated amounts of pollutants generated in the municipal wastewater are presented in Table 8 below.

Table 8 Main characteristics of municipal sewerage systems and treatment plants P.E. con- Name of settlement State of the municipal nected to Pollution load (calculated by with Sewerage Sys- wastewater treatment sewerage p.e), g/d tem plant system Does not exists, UWSCG Marneuli Ser- BOD-147,060; COD-294,000; Construction is planed in 2451 vice Center Ntot-26961 Ptot-4902 near future

UWSCG Dmanisi Ser- BOD-113,520; COD-227,040; Does not exist 1892 vice Center Ntot-20812; Ptot-2784

UWSCG Tetritskaro BOD-46260; COD-92520; Ntot- Does not operate 771 Service Center 8481; Ptot-1542

UWSCG Tsalka Ser- BOD-16080 COD-32160; Ntot- Does not exist 268 vice Center 2948; Ptot-536

In total exists 3 treatment plant, one in Kaz- UWSCG Bolnisi Ser- reti, two in Bolnisi. All BOD-303600; COD-607200; 5060 vice Center treatment facilities are Ntot-55660; Ptot-10120 amortized and do not operate

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Industrial wastewater discharges - Main pollution problem in the Khrami-Debeda river basin comes from copper and gold mining companies of RMG (Rich Metal Group): JSC RMG Copper and LTD RMG Gold. The RMG is the largest enterprise in Georgia and Caucasus region, engaged in mining activities. The company is located in Bolnisi municipality. JSC RMG Copper and LTD RMG Gold produce the copper concentrate and gold Dore alloys (half-fabricates) by open mining and processing copper and gold containing ores. Since the introduction of RMG to the industrial market, certain arrangements have been carried out in the field of environment. New structure of health, safety and environment service have been established. Company has developed a new environmental policy. Chemical laboratory of the company has been equipped with modern express analysers for determining heavy metals, cyanides and sulphate ions composition in water and air.

The JSC RMG Copper discharges wastewater in the river Kazretula nearby confluence to the river Mashavera and the river Poladauri. The wastewater produces from quarry drainage waters and waste rock dumpsites, this waters includes sulphate hydrous solutions of heavy metals that are stipulated by hydro geological specifications of the deposit and microbiological factors developed over the deposit.

Pollution sources of surface waters: Drainage water from tailing dump - About one year ago discharge of drainage waters from tailing dump site was carried out in the river Kazretula, nearby confluence of the Mashavera river, with flow rate of 250 m3/hour, 2190000m3/year. According to a database of MEPA on actual water use, in 2017 by the RMG Copper was discharged 629.95 kg copper, 1022.2 kg Zinc, 554.04 kg Iron, 1046534 kg Sulphates.

For current time above mentioned discharge point is not existing, in order to prevent discharge of drainage water from tailing dump, by the company was arranged drainage water collection reservoir and pumping infrastructure, which ensures the collection of drainage water and its pumping back to the tailing dump. Accordingly, drainage water from tailing dump flows in close cycle without discharge to river Karzretula.

Acid mine drainage water purification and copper extraction are carried out by means of cementation technology. Further lime is added to the purified water which maintains acidity level and transferring of remaining sulphate-ions into insoluble admixture. Then the mentioned solution is pumped into the tailings dam. Later this water is used as backwater for the technological process of the copper plant. However, state of the rivers Kazretula and Mashavera (section of the river after a confluence of the river Kazretula) is still a problem due to discharges of drainage water during last years, but it should be mentioned that ongoing activates of the company will improve situation gradually.

Storm drainage waters from waste (empty) rock dumpsite - At the territory of the LTD RMG Copper located four waste rock dumpsite. “Acid” mine drainage water from #1 and #2 from waste rock dumpsite mainly is used in technological process of the company, in particular, collection of acid mine drainage water is carried out 50 000m3 reservoir (where is also pumped acid waters from the territory of the carrier), from the reservoir collected water flows to technological process.

To avoid diffuse pollution of the river Kazretula from drainage waters generated during heavy rains at the territories: of the waste rock dumpsite #2 (a small part of the drainage waters, which are not entering the 50 000m3 reservoir) and of the carrier pathway and from the territory of the enterprise, by the company was been arranged three stage settling cascade, where collected waters are neutralized by lime and discharging in the Kazretula river (see Annex II. Figure 2).

According to the issued Environment Impact Permit, wastewater discharge form above mentioned discharge point should be carried out in compliance with approved values of the Maximum Allowable Con- centrations of Pollutants in Discharged Waters (MAD). According to this document, approved limit of drainage (from tailing) wastewater flow is 17.1 m3/hour, 10.620 m3/year, discharge conditions of pollutants should not be exceeded to parameters indicated in Table 9 below.

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Table 9 Approved MAD norms for pollutants, RMG copper

NN Ingrediens Allowable concentrati- Approved MADs ons mg/l g/hour t/year.

1. Copper 7.06 340 2. 98

2. Zinc 1.0 250 2.19

3. Iron 0.63 157.5 1.38

4. Mangannum 0.001 0.25 0.0022

5. Cadmium 921.5 230375 2018.1

6 Sulfates 6.5-8.5

7 pH

8 Dissolved Oxygen >4

The waste rock dumpsite #3 and #4 can be assessed as the main source of pollution of the river Poladauri (Khachinchai). During several years unorganized drainage storm water from the dumpsites without any treatment flows to nearby ravines and eventually flows to the river Poladauri (historical pollution). It should be noted that in the near future the company intends to prevent water pollution from these pollution sources.

The LTD RMG Gold. Extraction of cold is conducted Sakdrisi deposit, which is located in 5-6 km from Madneuli mine and 0.5-3.5 km from the enriching factory. Gold Dore alloys (half-fabricates) is produced by leaching of cold containing ores. Water use on the site is fully localized. Main drain pond has been designed and constructed in such a way to admit two times more than average maximum amount of two month-rainfall (215mm), or 430mm precipitation. The water use cycle on the site is fully localized. The capacity of the Main drain pond ensures collecting two times more than the average maximum amount of two month-rainfall (215mm), or 430mm precipitation.

In the case of extremely high precipitation drainage water can be overflowed from the pond, but the prob- ability of contamination of the environment is very low due to a very low concentration of cyanide in this water. Source of wastewater is produced at the territory of the LTD RMG Gold is quarry waters.

Discharge of wastewater is carried out in the river Mashavera. According to issued Environment Impact Permit, wastewater discharge should be carried out in compliance with approved values of the Maxim Allowable Concentrations of Pollutants in Discharged Waters (MAD). According to this document, approved limit of drainage (from tailing) wastewater flow is 257.8 m3/hour; 296920m3/year, discharge conditions of pollutants should not be exceeded to parameters indicated in Table 10.

Table 10 Approved MAD norms for pollutants, RMG gold N Ingrediens Allowable concentrati- Approved MADs ons mg/l g/hour t/year 1. Copper 9.0 2320.2 2.672 2. Zinc 9.0 2320.2 2.672 3. Iron 17.4 4485.72 5.166

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

4. Manganum 0.521 134.314 0.155 5. Cadmium 0.003 0.773 0.0009

6. Sulfates 4627 1192841 1373.8 7. Suspended solids 58.1 14978.2 17.25

According to a database of MEPA on actual water use, in 2017 by the RMG Gold was discharged 253.67 kg copper, 95.48 kg Zinc, 115.05 kg Iron, 46714 kg Sulfates. Despite the fact that the wastewater from RMG Copper and RMG Gold is treated to follow standards of MAD approved by MEPA, pollution of rivers Kazretula, Mashavera and Poladauri is still a problem, the cause of this problem is historical pollution from RMG which comes from past years and existing discharges of drainage water from waste rock dumpsites. Other industries - According to the database on actual water use developed under MEPA except for maiming company in the basin operates sand and gravel processing enterprises. The main pressure from this activity is connected to pollution by suspended solids. Wastewater from these enterprises is conducted to rivers Khrami, Debed and Mashavera. Due to insufficient information on the exact locations of these enterprises, for this stage, it is difficult to identify delineated water bodies under pressure. Pollution from municipal Landfills - In the Khrami-Debeda river basin, the landfills are managed by the LTD Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia (SWMCG). The landfills are operating in Marneuli (v.Kizilajlo), Bolnisi (v. Andreevka), Dmanisi (Near City of Dmanisi), Tetritskaro, Tsalka (see Annex II. Figure 3). The landfills of Tetritskaro and Tsalka is closed since the 2016 year, solid wastes of these cities are being transported to the Marneuli landfill. Even though the closing and upgrading measures, which have been carried out by the SWMCG, when it took over the existing landfills in the region, have contributed to overall improvements, leachate and landfill gas emissions are still serious problems. The high organic content of the household and household-like waste, its moisture content together with the anaerobic conditions in the landfill bodies lead to the formation of leachate and landfill gas (which consists of methane that contributes to a much larger extend to climate change than CO2). The leachate infiltrates into the ground causing pollution of the soil and groundwater (with POP and other organic components, heavy metal and salt). None of the landfill is equipped with collection system (drainage system) of leachates and storm water and treatment plant and do not have point discharges into surface waters. According to the spatial data provided by the SWMCG, none of above mentioned landfills are located near surface water object, consistently this sources of pollution are identified as diffuse source (for surface and ground water bodies) of pollution rather than point sources of pollution.

2.1.1 Water quality

Within the Khrami-Debeda river basin the national monitoring network (by NEA) covers the rivers Mashav- era, Khrami, Debed, Mashavera, Kazretula, Poladauri and Algeti. In total 13 permanent monitoring points are located in this river basin (see Annex II. Figure 4).

There are 4 water quality monitoring stations in the Khrami river basin (Tsiteli Khidi, Imiri, Nakhiduri, and Khramhesi), while only 1 station (Sadakhlo) is located in the Debeda river basin. The stations are managed by the National Environmental Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Pro- tection of Georgia. They do not conduct systematic monitoring, making it difficult to assess the situation with water quality.

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The above stations measure the following physical and chemical parameters: pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), the content of nitrite, nitrate, ammonia nitrogen, phosphates, sulphates, iron, zinc, copper, lead, and manganese, electric conductivity, and mineralization. Monitoring of concrete organic substances, such as PAH, PCB, pesticides and others, is not conducted within the framework of the National Water Quality Monitoring Program.

The following ten components have been chosen to demonstrate the trends: BOD5, NH4, NO3, NO2, PO4, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and mineralization. Annex II. Table 2 (see Annex II) shows results of water monitoring in the river Khrami and the river Debeda in 2013-2017. The table shows the minimum and maximum concentrations of these substances in the given period. Furthermore, it presents that BOD exceeded the MPC. Ammonia nitrogen often exceeded the MPC as well, while heavy metal concentrations were within the norm.

The continuous monitoring of water in the Khrami and Debeda rivers showed no significant change in water quality during the last 5 years, however, ammonia often exceed the MPC, which might be caused by the uncontrolled discharge of untreated wastewater in the rivers.

2.1.2 SWBs under significant pressures and impacts from point source pollution

Following the identification of key driving forces and water management issues, possible point source pollution pressures and impacts were assigned and tentative geographical locations of driving forces/pressures identified, by using the IMRESS driving force-pressure-impact screening matrix. During this analysis, data from the SWFS (2018) that were conducted under the EUWI+ project along with datasets from the National Environmental Agency (surface water monitoring programme) have been used. As a result of the screening exercise, it was detected that typical water management issues related to the point sources of pollution mainly come from urban wastewater discharges. According to the annual database on Actual Water Use, 2017 (MEPA), main industrial activities in the basin are processing of construction materials and wine production, but due to incomplete database and weak information about locations of the discharge points, it is difficult to cover a full picture of pressures from the industrial sector by delineated SWBs. As it is described above, due to the current conditions of the legal landfills (managed by the SWMCG) located in the basin, pressures from them cannot be identified as point source of pollution. Calculation of pressure indicator for untreated wastewater from settlements For assessment of pressure indicator and preliminary risks for untreated wastewater was used Analysis of Pressures and Impacts, and Assessment of Risks. In the document threshold values and criteria to grade water bodies into risk categories “not at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “at risk” were established. This Guidance Document is based on the requirements and principles of Water Framework Directive and IM- PRESS (Impact/Pressure) Working Group Guidance Document. According to this methodology the pressure indicator describes the untreated urban wastewater load (from the settlements (villages, cities) where canalisation is built without waste water treatment plant) in relation to the annual minimum flow. Dww expresses the dilution of wastewater in a river water body. The pressure indicator helps to categorise the (raw) wastewater loads and rank them according to the magnitude of the expected impact on water status. Priority ranking and the classification of hot spots may be based on this indicator combined with information on the size of the impacted river stretch and the magnitude of the pressure. The indicator can be calculated to analyse pressures according to the following equation:

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Dww = L/Qmin,r 5 The load equivalent (L) is discharged at a distinct location (point source) to the river. The total load equivalent shall be expressed as calculated dimensionless number L, using either the number of connected inhabitants or – in case of loads are given - population equivalents The criteria to assess the risk regarding an identified pressure untreated wastewater is the following:  Dww> 1.5- At risk  1 < Dww< 1.5- Possibly at risk  Dww <1- Not at risk

Based on the experts’ judgment and spatial analysis of key drivers and related pressures ,10 SWBs were identified as undergoing pollution pressures from untreated municipal wastewater and drainage wastewater from RMG mining company. In particular, the water bodies: Alg117; Mas214; Mas 211; Mdn302; Mas 213; Kha301 were preliminary assessed as ‘at risk’ and the water bodies: Mas 202; Chv205; Khr111; Mas 210 –as ‘possibly at risk’. Figure 5 below shows the result of the preliminary risk assessment against point source pollution (urban wastewater). While the result of the calculation based on the above mentioned methodology can be seen in Annex II. Table 3.

5 Dww: Specific wastewater discharge into the respective river water body (dimensionless) ; L:Total (dimensionless) load equivalent originating from waste water discharge into the river in terms of organic matter as BOD5 or COD; or nutrient load, in terms of Ntot or Ptot; or number of inhabitants connected to the sewer system ; Qmin,r: Minimum annual flow of the river [l/s]

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Figure 5 Map of the preliminary risk assessment against point source pressure in the Khrami- Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

2.2 Estimation of diffuse source pollution

Diffuse pollution would be considered as a major pressure on the water environment in general and specifically in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Since Kvemo Kartli is an agricultural region, agriculture has been identified as a significant pressure in river and lake water bodies that are located in the Khrami- Debeda river basin district. Diffuse pollution from agriculture also presents potential pollution source for groundwater bodies. The diffuse pollution from agriculture and other rural activities is crucial in this basin. Impacts are evident in all catchments but are most prevalent in the areas where there are poorly drained soils and subsoils. Regarding agriculture activity, the main pathway causing pressures are: Nutrient loss from agriculture (by surface runoff, soil erosion, etc.); Pesticide loss; Sediment loss (by soil, bank and riverbed erosion) and possible impacts are: Modified ecosystem; Toxicity and Smothering of bed respectively. It is important to present in detail diffuse pressures and relevant main drivers in the framework of the Khrami-Debeda river basin district. Lack of data to represent different types of pressures and impacts of the diffuse source of pollution is an issue in Georgia including the Khrami-Debeda river basin district. It is important to point out that the main driver with the potential for causing pressure from diffuse pollution in this basin is agriculture (i.e. crop production, animal live stocking and grazing). Over the years all types of mineral fertilizers have been used in the agricultural sector in this region. The fertilizers were mainly used for croplands. The average annual use of fertilizers per hectare of croplands was 0.45-0.85 tons (in 2014-2017), which almost equals the countrywide consumption of fertilizers in the given period of time. It is important to highlight that 4.7.-6.7 thousand hectares of croplands were treated with pesticides, but data on pesticide consumption is not available. Animal live stocking is another diffuse pressure source in this basin, because the agricultural fields such as dairy and beef stock farming, sheep breeding are leading sectors in Kvemo Kartli region. According to the National Statistics Office data (2017) there are 148,800 heads of cattle in Kvemo Kartli. 2,100 tons of meat and 103,200 tons of milk were produced in the region. The local farmers mainly own 2-3 cows, while medium-sized cattle farms own 10-25 cows and mainly sell cheese, meat and live cattle. Furthermore, the illegal landfills that are located in this river basin would be considered as a diffuse source pollution pressure. In terms of GWB diffuse pollution especially vulnerable is the first aquifer complex on earth’s surface. Table 11 shows diffuse pressure sources and the main drivers which are linked to SWBs in the Khrami- Debeda river basin.

Table 11 Diffuse pressure sources in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district

Water body cate- Clarification on pressures gory Pressure Main Driver(s) River Lake Agricultural Agriculture + +

Other- (i.e. landfill and Any driver/Other + Pollution from illegal landfills waste sites)

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In order to analyze pressure agriculture crop (plant) production, the indicator- likelihood for diffuse pollution (EU EPIRB, 2013)6 has been used, which describes the likelihood of diffuse pollution including typical agricultural contaminants, such as nutrients from fertilizers, pesticides and other plant protection products, It uses a general variable for nutrients from fertilizers, pesticides and other protection products, This indicator can be calculated by the following equation7: Sagri = Aagri/AWB, where Sagri : Share of the agricultural area in a given water body catchment [-]; AWB: Catchment area of the respective water body [km2]; Aagri: Area used for intensive/industrial agriculture in the respective catchment. For common agriculture pressure indicator total area of permanent crop and arable lands were used as the numerator of the equation. Afterwards, the threshold criteria have been set for defining water bodies “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk”:  Sagri > 0.65- At risk  0,35 < Sagri < 0.65- Possibly at risk  Sagri <0.35- Not at risk

Table 12 and Figure 6 below show the area (km2) against agriculture diffuse pollution pressure respectively . Table 12 Polluted area against agriculture (crop production) non-point source pollution pressures

Polluted area Possibly pol- Not polluted area luted area

Arable land / Perma- 111 399 ha 63 959 ha 14 777 ha nent crop

6 Environmental protection of international river basins (EPIRB): Improves water quality in the trans-boundary river basins of the wider Black Sea region and Belarus. Countries covered: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine 7 Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia- USAID Governing for Growth (G4G) in Georgia

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 6 Map of the polluted areas against agriculture (crop production) non-point pressures

Based on pressure and impact analysis the preliminary risk assessment has been elaborated. In the assessment stage water bodies “at risk”, “possibly at risk” or “not at risk” with help of available impact data have been identified. Since the crop production is the leading sector in the Khrami-Debeda river basin and all types of mineral fertilizers are used in this sector, it has significant impact on water bodies in this basin. 72 water bodies have been graded into risk category “at risk”, while 112 water bodies are

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classified as “possibly at risk”. Figure 7 and Annex II. Table 4 (see Annex II) present the result of the preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure. Figure 7 Map of the preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (crop production) pressure

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Furthermore, animal livestock diffused source pollution pressure indicator (EU EPIRB, 2013) has been calculated. It describes the likelihood of diffuse pollution with typical pollutants stemming from animal live stocking, such as nutrients (with potentially toxic (e.g. NH4) or chronic effects (e.g. PO4) that can impact on biological quality elements and organic matter with potentially negative effects on riverine oxygen regime)8. The following formula has been used to calculate this indicator: Ihus = Ue/AWB, where Ihus: Indicator for animal livestock [LU/ha]; Ue: Animal livestock unit for grazing livestock and others (e.g. pigs, different poultry species), that is calculated as livestock unit (LU)9 multiplied by animals number averaged over the whole year for the water body; AWB: Catchment area of the respective water body [ha]. In order to assess the risk regarding an identified pressure Likelihood Diffuse Pollution (Animal livestock- ing - Ihus = Ue/AWB) (EU EPIRB, 2013) the following risk (threshold) criteria have been set up:  Ihus >1 - At risk  0,3 < Ihus < 1 - Possibly at risk  0 < Ihus < 0.3 - Not at risk

Regarding the risk criteria, the preliminary risk assessment has been performed. 12 water bodies have been specified as “at risk”, while 31 water bodies have been rated as “possibly at risk”. Figure 8 below and Annex II. Table 5 (see Annex II) show the result of the preliminary risk assessment against animal livestock diffused source pollution pressure. Analyzing available data, also after discussion with the experts and key stakeholders, the project team decided to consider the illegal landfills in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district as diffuse source pollution pressure. The indicator was calculated by ratio of landfill area [m2] to the catchment area of the respective water body [m2]. Due to lack of data availability and having a gap in the methodology with respect to this issue the further investigation will be needed to categorize water body “at risk” due to such pressure. For the final risk assessment, it was important to identify SWBs under significant pollution pressure (see An- nex II. Table 6). Regarding the illegal landfills’ location and information on their waste volume (m3) in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district, a map of illegal landfills has been created (see Figure 9). More than 150 illegal landfills are located in this basin. Somet of the landfills has more than 500 m3 waste volume, that would cause adverse consequence for the water bodies (see Annex II. Table 7).

8 Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia- USAID Governing for Growth (G4G) in Georgia; This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Deloitte Consulting LLP 9 Source: http://adlib.everysite.co.uk/adlib/defra/content.aspx?id=000IL3890W.198AWLDOHJ69F3

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Figure 8 Map of the preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 9 Map of illegal landfills (by waste volume) in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district

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2.3 Estimation of quantitative pressures on SWBs and GWBs

By analyzing existing water use patterns in the Khrami-Debeda basin, it would be concluded that the energy sector, irrigation sector and domestic water supply sector are the leaders among consumptive water users. The main drivers of water abstraction pressure in this basin are irrigation systems, hydropower plants, drinking water supply, fish farming, sand/gravel extraction. Excessive water abstraction pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin associates with the major drivers such as agriculture, urban development, industry, etc. (see Annex II. Table 8). According to the water consumption database (MEPA, 2017), 1028.79 million m3 water was used by HPPT, while irrigation sector was consumed 231.60 million m3, 171.02 million m3 and 19.94 milliom m3 water was used by production need and public water supply sector respectively. It should be highlighted that water abstraction for irrigation is significant in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district. There are about 30 irrigation systems in this basin. Some of them are permanent set irrigation systems such as Imirasani, Debeda, Bagrati, Khramarkhi, Dmanisi-Gantiadi, etc. The permanently irrigated area is 56485 ha in the basin. The significant amount of water abstraction volume has the following irrigation systems: Khramarkhi, Akhali sadakhlo, Imirasani, Zeda arkhi, Aghmashenebeli, Lejbadini and Bagrati. Furthermore, energy sector can be considered as an important water user in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. There are six hydropower plants (Algeti, Kazreti, Khrami1, Khrami2, Dashbashi, Debeda) in this river basin. Their locations are linked to water abstractions from surface water bodies. Water abstraction for drinking water is another pressure in this river basin. It refers to groundwater and surface water. Water abstraction includes the pumping of groundwater from the wells, drainage, while water abstraction from surface water is related to headwork, which is located on the water body. Figure 10 shows water abstraction locations and their usage. After analyzing available data on surface water abstraction in the Khrami-Debeda river basin, pressure analysis and impact assessment have been performed and the water bodies (Kha303, Mas213, Khr120, Khr114, Khr110, Deb202, Khr129, Deb201, Mas215, Khr134, Mas209, Riv305, Khr130, Kak301, Khr103, Asl205, Kuc401, Bor204, Khr111) under significant abstraction pressure have been defined (see Annex II. Table 9). It is important to highlight the locations and volume (31.71 million m3, MEPA, 2017) of water abstraction from ground sources in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district. Location and volume of water abstraction from groundwater bodies in the Khrami-Debeda basin is worth mentioning. Water abstraction from groundwater bodies includes regulated as well as unregulated water abstraction - pumping groundwater from bore-holes, springs capping, etc. It should be mentioned that there are a lot of irregular/unlicensed groundwater abstractions in the Khrami-Debeda river basin.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 10 Map of water abstraction locations in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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2.4 Analysis of hydromorphological pressure

Under the pressures and impacts of human activity analysis the hydromorphological pressure types were subdivided into hydrological regime changes, river continuity and river morphology and for those types, pressure and risk criteria were defined. In order to analyse hydromorphological alteration and impacts of human activity, it is necessary to identify the pressures and to assess the impacts. Pressures on river hydrology and morphology are human activities which have adverse consequences on water bodies. Hydrological flow changes  Water abstraction – River stretches impacted by in-sufficient environmental flow  Impoundments/Reservoir Effects/Back water  Hydropeaking

Longitudinal river and habitat continuity interruption  Interruption of river continuity and fish migration routes

Morphological alterations  Changes in the overall nature-like morphological condition of rivers

For identification of hydrological pressure, the following descriptors are considered: Natural flows (relate to water bodies); Impoundments (nature of the structure such as dam/weir, etc.); Abstraction (maximum daily and the maximum annual rate of abstraction); Discharge data (a measure of total annual quantity). Since the techniques for describing and assessing surface water morphology are not well developed in Georgia, the determination of the pressure on morphology mainly based on expert judgment. It is important to point out that pressures on river morphology include impounding and bank reinforcement. Aa a result of a desk review of preliminary studies, following the thematic and geographic scoping of key drivers/water management issues, pressures and impact related to hydromorphological elements of the river, further pressure-impact assessment has been conducted at the water body level and the following water bodies under significant hydromorphological pressure have been identified: Alg117, Deb202, Mas214, Khr108, Khr110, Khr111, Khr112, Khr113, Riv305, Khr130, Khr131, Khr109, Mas215, Mas216, Mas213, Alg113, Alg116, Alg112, Alg111, Alg110, Alg109, Deb201, Khr115, Khr116, Khr117, Khr118, Khr119, Psh301, Khr114, Mdn302, Kal302, Kau301 (see Annex II. Table10). Regarding specific pressures on morphology and hydrology of the rivers, a map of SWBs affected by hydromorphological pressures has been created (see Figure 11).

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 11 Map of SWBs affected by hydromorphological pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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In order to summarize pressure and impact analysis that has been made for water bodies in the Khrami- Debeda basin, it is necessary to outline the significant drivers and pressures which affect water bodies in this basin. It would be concluded that pollution from agriculture can be considered as an issue of concern in the Khrami-Debeda basin since agriculture is the cause of severe problems such as water pollution. It is logical since the average annual use of fertilizers per hectare of croplands almost equals the countrywide consumption of fertilizers. It should be noted that more than 5 thousand hectares of croplands (2014- 2017) were treated with pesticides. Pollution from industry and urban development is another issue of concern. An extensively reported issue category in the basin is pollution from mining industry and urban wastewater. The rivers in the Khrami-Debeda river basin are mainly polluted with following substances: Sulfates and heavy metals from mining industry; organic and biological substances from untreated urban wastewater, as well as by the landfills. The main reasons for problems with this issues are following: Historical Pollution (till 2018- 2019) - drainage water was discharged from tailing dump and from waste rocks dumpsites and existing pollution sources - unorganized (diffuse pollution) drainage discharges from waste rock dump sites of the mining company; the sewer and treatment facilities are not sufficiently developed, accordingly discharges of untreated wastewater into small streams and rivers leads to problems. The locations where industrial (mining company) drainage wastewaters and untreated sewerage from sewerage system are discharged into the water bodies of the Khrami-Debeda river basin can be considered under significant pressure. Also it would be pointed out that sand-grave extraction may lead to water pollution (high concentration of weighted portions) by untreated discharged in the water bodies. Thus, it requires further research. Furthermore, excessive water abstraction can be considered as an issue of concern, it is linked to irrigation systems, hydropower sector and public water supply. Hydrological and morphological alterations can be considered as one of the pressure in the Khrami- Debeda river basin, which cause a change in the flow regime, variable flow, platform/channel pattern changes, altered riparian habitats, etc. Moreover, dams, barriers, hydrotechnical constructions for flood protections refer to habitat continuity interruption in this basin.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

3 PROTECTED ZONES

The EU WFD Reporting Guidance recalls that "according to the WFD, the level of protection should be maintained through the inclusion of the designated areas as Protected Areas under WFD". According to Article 6 and Annex IV of the EU WFD, Member States shall ensure the establishment of a register or registers of all areas lying within each RBD which have been designated as requiring special protection under specific Community legislation for the protection of their surface water and groundwater, or for the conservation of habitats and species directly depending on water, including the protection of Natura 2000 sites and economically significant aquatic species. The EU WFD and other related legal documents consider separately protected areas because they need extra protection for conservation of habitats and/or species, or they are distinguished as important to be protected based on other reasons covered by the Community legislation (e.g. abstraction of drinking water, bathing waters, economically significant species(fish, shell), vulnerable zones (nitrates from agriculture), sensitive areas (nutrients from waste water treatment plants), etc. – the WFD Article 6)10. The EU WFD considers protected areas as areas that need extra protection. This directive would be considered as a fundamental tool for implementation of all water-related EU Directives, also it is a platform for coordination of activities on the realization of other Community legal instruments and global initiatives. It is important to outline that the EU WFD requires protected areas registration, which includes the details on related water bodies. The register should cover the areas identified by WFD and/or other related EU Directives. The following types of protected areas would be distinguished:  Water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water;  Areas designated to protect economically significant species (areas protected under Freshwater Fish Directive 2006/44/EC; Shellfish Directive 79/923/EEC);  Areas important for the protection of habitats and /or species where the maintenance or improvement of the status of water is an important factor in their protection (NATURA 20001, sites under Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC);  Bathing waters (areas protected under Bathing Water Directives 76/160/EEC and 2006/7/EC);  Nutrient sensitive areas (areas protected under Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC; Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC)

Within the Khrami-Debeda river basin, the related national legislation in Georgia (as a non-EU country) is not (fully) harmonized with the EU standards. Some of the above mentioned EU Directives are not applicable in the case of the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Thus, in the case of the Khrami-Debeda river basin management plan (RBMP), the modified approach in dealing with protected areas should be used, having different national standards for the delineation of protected areas. According to the Law of Georgia on Water, the protection zones such as water protection zones (territory, which borders to aquatic area water body and a special regime is established for the utilization of this territory for domestic purposes, as well as for use of natural resources and other economic activities. Also, coastlines of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the Black Sea, as well as alienation lines of main and other channels belong to water protection zones), sanitary protection zones (the area, which is located around the source of underground or surface drinking water and a special regime is established for the utilization of this territory for domestic purposes, as well as for use of natural resources and other economic activities) are defined. In order to protect water resources from pollution, there is some limitation regarding the certain activities within these zones. Furthermore, some activities within water protection zones shall be implemented as determined by the legislation of Georgia.

10 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

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3.1 Water protection zones

According to Article 19 (Water protection zone)11 of Law of Georgia on Water, river, lake, reservoir riparian, isolation zones of main and other canals, as well as other zones provided under legislation shall fall under water protection zones. The activities (such as the construction works, works for deepening beds and blasting works, the extraction of useful minerals, the forest cutting, drilling, etc.) on water bodies and within water protection zones shall be implemented as determined by the legislation of Georgia. Based on Article 20 (River water protection zone)12 of Law of Georgia on Water, the river water protection zones would be defined. The water protection zone of a river shall be its adjacent territory, where a special regime is established to protect water resources from pollution, littering, fouling and depletion. This zone may include its dry bed, adjacent terraces, natural elevated and steep riversides, as well as gullies directly adjacent to riversides. The width of a river water protection is defined based on the length of a river, it shall be measured in metres from the edge of a riverbed to both sides under the following procedure:

 10 metres - in the case of a river up to 25 kilometres long  20 metres - in the case of a river up to 50 kilometres long  30 metres - in the case of a river up to 75 kilometres long  50 metres - in the case of a river over 75 kilometres long

Figure 12 shows the river water protection zones in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. The protection zones are defined considering the above mentioned conditions. The refinement of those delimitation of protection zones is still an on-going process in Georgia.

11 Law of Georgia No 494 of 25 March 2013 - website, 05.04.2013 12 Law of Georgia No 3007 of 26 December 2014 - website, 12.01.2015

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 12 River water protection zones in Khrami-Debeda river basin

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3.2 Protected areas

According to Article 6 of the EU WFD, the areas which are distinguished as needing special protection must be identified. Areas designated for the protection of habitats or species where the measures aimed to preserve or to improve the status of water bodies are an important factor for their protection (Natura 2000 sites under Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC). The association agreement between Georgia and the European Union, signed on 27 June 2014, includes obligations regarding the implementation of the following two EU directives relevant for the conservation of biological diversity13:

 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora  Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds

Based on the association agreement Georgia is obliged to establish a network of Emerald and Special Protection Areas (SPA) and to initiate priority management measures within four years after signing of the association agreement. There are 5 special areas of conservation (habitats) in the Khrami-Debeda basin. All of them such as Algeti, Dashbashi canyon, Gardabani, Ktsia-Tabatskuri and Samshvilde protected areas already belong to the Emerald network14. The map below shows special conservation areas in this basin (see Figure 13). Furthermore, there are two (Lower Mtkvari Valley and Tabatskuri Lake) Special Protection Areas (SPA) for birds in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district. In order to support the biodiversity protection service of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Ilia State University has implemented a project for identifying candidate Special Protected Areas for Birds (as future Emerald sites), performing baseline study for each individual candidate SPA15. Regarding this project, the selection process is divided into two stages. Firstly, all potential sites are selected by applying the respective stage1 criteria. Afterwards, these areas are considered further using one or more of the judgments in stage2 for selection the most suitable areas in number and size for SPA classification. Thus, stage2 supports a consolidation process where the suite of sites selected at stage1 is refined, delineations are adapted and the best combination of sites would be chosen. Considering above mentioned the selection criteria, SPAs for birds have been selected. Special protection areas for birds which are located in the Khrami-Debeda river basin are shown in Figure 14.

13 Special Protection Areas (SPA) for birds in Georgia- http://aves.biodiversity-georgia.net/

14 The Emerald network is a network of nature protection areas to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats of Europe, which was launched in 1989 by the Council of Europe as part of its work under the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats or Bern Convention that came into force on 1 June 1982. 15 Special Protection Areas (SPA) for birds in Georgia- http://aves.biodiversity-georgia.net/

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 13 Special conservation areas in Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Figure 14 Special protection areas (SPAs) for birds in Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

3.3 Drinking water abstraction

Drinking water abstraction - According to the EU WFD, water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water belong to one of the types of protected areas (zones) that should be registered. Water used for abstraction of drinking water is one of the major targets of protection. When such waters are identified, Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for each pollutant must be established (Simić et al. 2015). The Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) defines water for human consumption as all water either in its original state or after treatment which is16:

 Intended for drinking, cooking and food preparation or other domestic purposes;  Used in any food production business for the manufacture, processing, preservation or marketing of products or substances intended for human consumption unless the competent national authorities in relation to drinking water quality are satisfied that the quality of water has no influence, directly or indirectly, on the health of consumers concerned  Updated safety standards (WHO), empowering of authorities and consumers, managing drinking water in a more sustainable way (water loss, increased confidence in drinking water, circular economy)

As it was previously discussed, the national legislation related to protected areas in Georgia (non-EU country) is not fully harmonized with the EU standards. Thus, the modified approach in dealing with protected areas would be applied. It is important to identify the areas used for the abstraction of drinking water (groundwater, surface water)., at the same time having in mind data availability (i.e. lack of data, data are not systematized, etc.). Regarding Law of Georgian on Water, sanitary protection zones should be existing at all drinking water sources. In order to preserve water that is supplied for drinking and domestic purposes, for medical and health resort needs, sanitary protection zones shall be formed under the legislation of Georgia. It is important to mention that a utility-type water supply system, existing or under construction, or an industrial- use water supply system (used or may be used to supply water to the population) must have a water- supply sanitary protection zone of the surface and ground water bodies from which a water supply system is fed. A water-supply sanitary protection zone would be divided into 3 zones such as The first zone (a strict regime zone); The second zone; The third zone, each of them having a special regime. Mostly all municipality centers of the Khrami-Debeda river basin have central water supply systems. Some of them have been already rehabilitated, some are still under the process of rehabilitation. It is important to point out that there is a decentralaised drinking water supply in the rural areas of the river basin. Protecting groundwater from diffuse pollution and from over-abstraction is particularly important for this decentralised supply, also because in these situations the water often is not treated before consumption. The table showing the locations of drinking (surface) water abstraction can be found in Annex III. Table1, while Figure 15 presents the areas designated for drinking water abstraction. The definition of protection zones of drinking water abstraction is still an ongoing issue. Thus, at this moment it is not possible to collect data necessary to define drinking water abstraction zones. Regarding this issue, further efforts will still be necessary.

16 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-drink/legislation_en.html

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Figure 15 Abstraction of drinking water in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

It should be concluded that according to the Law of Georgia on Water, the protected zones such as water protection zones, river water protection zones, sanitary protection zones are defined. In order to protect water resources from pollution, there is some limitation regarding the certain activities within these zones. Furthermore, some activities within water protection zones shall be implemented as determined by the legislation of Georgia. Water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water have been identified in the Khrami-Debeda river basin, that plays a significant role in water resources protection. As well as the areas important for the protection of habitats and species have been defined, the improvement of the status water in these areas is crucial for their protection (sites under Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC). It is important to outline that the following directives are not applicable in the case of the Khrami-Debeda river basin:

 Areas designated to protect economically significant aquatic species (areas protected under Freshwater Fish Directive 2006/44/EC; Shellfish Directive 79/923/EEC)  Nutrient sensitive areas (areas protected under Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC)  Bathing waters (areas protected under Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC)

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4 WATER BODIES STATUS AND RISK ANALYSIS

After identifying the main drivers and pressure types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin and analyzing pressure and impact on surface water bodies (SWBs) and groundwater bodies (GWBs), the preliminary risk assessment has been done. Regarding pressure analysis and impact assessment the final risk assessment was carried out. The main point source pollution pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin is related to industrial wastewater discharges, particularly to copper and gold mining companies of RMG (Rich Metal Group): JSC RMG Copper and LTD RMG Gold. It has a significant negative impact on the rivers Kazretula, Mashavera and Foladauri. Regarding pressure-impact analysis and preliminary risk assessment 3 surface water bodies were ranked as “at risk” while only 1 surface water body as “possibly at risk” from industrial wastewater discharges. In order to identify SWBs “at risk” under point source pollution pressure (urban wastewater discharges) the following pressure indicator was used: the ratio of untreated wastewater to annual minimum flow, showing river dilution capacity17. As well as impact indicators, including physico-chemical, (common physic-chemical parameters, including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, DO saturation, BOD, nutrients, salinization, specific etc. and priority substances – heavy metals,) and hydrobiological quality parameters has been considered. Based on the result of pressure indicator calculation and regarding specific numerical thresholds surface water bodies have been assigned the risk categories such as “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk”. 3 surface water bodies were ranked as “at risk”, while 3 surface water bodies were defined as “possibly at risk” from urban wastewater discharges. For risk assessment for diffuse agricultural (pressure: crop(plant) production; animal live stocking) pollution source two pressure indicators such as the ratio of area used for intensive/industrial agriculture in the respective catchment to catchment area of the respective water body18 and the ratio of animal livestock unit for grazing livestock to catchment area of the respective water body19 were used respectively. The results of pressure indicators (for diffuse agricultural pollution sources) calculations were used to grade the water bodies into risk categories “at risk”, “Possibly at risk” and “not at risk”. It should be highlighted that a quite amount of surface water bodies (80 water bodies) were ranked as “at risk” and 112 water bodies as “possibly at risk” from diffuse agricultural pollution. This is related to the fact that agricultural sector plays a significant role in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. For identification of SWBs under significant quantitative pressure (water abstraction) the main drivers such as agriculture, industry, urban development was specified since the energy sector, irrigation sector and domestic water supply sector are the leaders among consumptive water users in this basin. Regard- ing the data which was obtained from various data sources was integrated and analyzed, also considering

17 Pressure indicator: Dww = L / Qmin,r , where Qmin is river minimum flow; Dww – specific wasterwater discharge into the specific river and L - Total (dimensionless) load equivalent originating from wastewater discharge into the river 18 Pressure indicator: Sagri = Aagri/AWB, where • Sagri : Share of agricultural area in a given water body catchment [-]; Catchment area of the respective water body [km2]; Aagri: Area used for intensive/industrial agriculture in the respective catchment 19 Pressure indicator: Ihus = Ue/AWB, where Ihus: Indicator for animal livestock [LU/ha]; Ue: Animal livestock unit for grazing livestock and others (e.g. pigs, different poultry species), that is calculated as livestock unit (LU) multiplied by animals number averaged over the whole year for the water body; AWB: Catchment area of the respective water body [ha]

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin the local stakeholder’s consultation 19 surface water bodies were graded into “At risk” category from water abstraction. Under the pressures and impacts of human activity analysis the hydromorphological pressure types were subdivided into hydrological regime changes, river continuity and river morphology and for those types, pressure and risk criteria were defined20. As a result of a desk review of preliminary studies, following the thematic and geographic scoping of key drivers/water management issues, as well as regarding experts judgment the risk assessment has been made against hydromorphological pressure indicators. 33 surface water bodies were ranked as “at risk”, while 22 surface water bodies were assigned “possibly at risk” category from hydromorphological pressures. Considering all pressure types and their impact on SWBs, the risk assessment has been performed and as a result 45 SWBs “at risk” and 165 SWBs “possibly at risk” were identified. Afterwards, based on the expert judgment the status of 4 surface water bodies has been changing from “not at risk” to “possibly at risk” category. Considering pressure-impact analysis and risk assessment of SWBs, a map of risk assessment in the Khrami-Debeda river basin has been created which presents SWBs ranked as “at risk”, “possibly at risk” and “not at risk” categories (see Figure 16). Regarding the risk assessment of groundwater bodies, it is important to outline that nitrate concentrations at the 2 monitoring sites of NEA’s groundwater monitoring network in the Khrami-Debeda basin do usually not exceed the maximum permissible concentration for drinking water of 50 mg/l. At 1 well that is not part of NEA’s monitoring network, but which was used to fill gaps in the coverage of that network during the EUWI+ field survey in 2018, the nitrate concentration was 44 mg/l. The concentrations of pesticides were below the limits of detection and the values of heavy metals were several orders of magnitude below the MPC at all sites sampled during the EUWI+ field survey in 2018. The quantitative characteristics such as discharge of artesian aquifers at the monitoring sites of NEA’s network are mostly stable. However, there is a large number of privately and irregularly drilled wells that cut through several water-bearing layers in an attempt to maximize abstracted water. This can have negative impact on qualitative and quantitative characterizations of groundwater bodies. Groundwater monitoring in Georgia was resumed in 2013 by the Geology Department of national Envi- ronmental Agency. Since then, the state monitoring network has been expanding every year. However, number of monitoring sites is not enough so far to characterize all groundwater bodies and assess existing risks according to EU Water Framework Directive. Thus, it is better to specify GWBs as ‘possibly at risk’ and ‘unknown status’ in order to protect them in the future. Therefore, the groundwater monitoring network is being improved further.

20 Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia /USAID governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia

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Figure 16 Risk assessment of SWB in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

5 SURFACE WATER MONITORING

Development of the state policy in the sphere of water protection and use as well as the adoption of legislative acts concerning water use and protection and control is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. Implementation of water monitoring and assessment of the water quality of inland and coastal waters, as well as provision meteorological and geo-morphological observations, and maintenance of respective records is responsibility of National Environment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture (MEPA). The Hydro-Meteorological De- partment of NEA is responsible for the hydro-morphological monitoring. Monitoring results, the measurements of the surveillance and/or operational monitoring are used to define the status of water bodies while results are compared to the respective environmental objectives set. The monitoring of surface water bodies in Georgia will include measurements of chemical, hydrobiological, physico-chemical and hydro-morphological parameters.

5.1 Current surface water monitoring situation

The surface water monitoring in the Khrami-Debeda RBD used to focus on water quality. The existing water quality network is not divided into surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring as foreseen in the WFD. Up-to-date data on water quality in the RBD is scarce and incomplete because of an ineffec- tive water quality monitoring network. The National Environment Agency (NEA) currently maintains 4 stations for water quality monitoring in the Khrami basin (Red Bridge, Imiri, Nakhiduri, Khrami HPP), and 1 station on the Debeda River at Sadakhlo. Since there is no regular monitoring, there is currently no information about the general situa-tion of water quality. The monitoring is carried out either monthly or quarterly (Mikeladze & Geladze, 2019), and several additional sites were investigated at specific surveys during EPIRB and EUWI+ project. Until now, no monitoring of standing waters (Lake Bareti, 2 reservoirs) has been carried out in the Khrami-Debed RBD. Within the framework of the National Water Quality Monitoring programme mainly physico-chemical and microbiological parameters are analysed. Monitoring of concrete organic substances, such as for e.g. TPH detergents and others, is conducted in some rivers within the framework of the National Water Qual- ity Monitoring Program. Georgia established maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) to assess SWB. (Resolution of the Government of Georgia №425 December 31, 2013, Tbilisi, on the Approval of the Technical Regulation on the Protection of Surface Waters from Pollution of Georgia) for the assessment of surface water bodies (SWB). MAC’s include chemical and microbiological parameters such as for e.g. heavy metals and organic contaminants (TPH, detergents etc.). Currently there is no regular hydrobiological monitoring. However, hydrobiological surveys have been carried out during EU-funded projects in the recent years21. The surveys focused on the biological quality element (BQE) macro-invertebrates. A WFD compliant Ecological Status Classification System(ESCS) 22 for macro-invertebrates was developed during the EUWI+ project.

21 https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/653-georgia-surface-water-survey-report-2018?fromsearch=1; and https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/830-georgia-surface-water-survey-report-2019-eng?fromsearch=1 22 https://www.euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/1115-georgia-definition-of-reference-conditions-and-class- boundaries-in-rivers-of-georgia-for-the-bqe-benthic-invertebrates-eng?fromsearch=1

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5.2 Monitoring improvement

Distinct surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring will be designed and carried out based on the pressure analysis and risk assessment. A proposal for monitoring sites was discussed at a regional workshop on 18th and 19th November 2019 and thereafter. The network comprises of 7 river and 2 lake surveillance sites, and 5 operational monitoring sites (see Figure 17). Surveillance and operational monitoring sites were selected based on the procedure outlined in the EUWI+ (Schaufler et al., 2020) monitoring development plan. The number of sites in this network is not exhaustive and the addition of further sites is recommended if the need arises. Additionally, investigative sites will be implemented if the need arises as outlined in the EUWI+ guidance on investigative monitoring (Hohenblum et. al., 2020). A strong interaction with related stakeholders in the RBD is recommended as investigative monitoring might unveil sensitive conditions and facts. Results of investigative monitoring can make it necessary to react to a specific situation to mitigate a pollution source. In particular, an investigative monitoring is being carried out at ten sites in the RB. For more information on Georgian monitoring networks, surveillance, operational, investigative monitoring, and how to select sites see the Georgian Surface Water Monitoring Development Plan (Schaufler et al., 2020), and the Report on Surface Water Monitoring in the Khrami-Debed RBD (Wolfram et al., 2020).

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 17 Recommended monitoring sites for water quality monitoring in rivers and lakes (reservoirs) of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

5.2.1 Chemical Monitoring

To further converge towards the EU Water Framework Directive, monitoring of parameters required regarding both specific pollutants and priorities substances, especially considering the pressure and risk analysis of the river basin is necessary. This should include, among others, substances emerging from domestic and industrial wastewater, especially from mines, and tailing dams (see Annex V.Table 7 and Annex V.Table 8). Regarding monitoring frequency of surveillance sites, it is recommended to sample all chemical parameters 12 times over the course of one year in rivers, once within the 6-year RBMP cycle. In lakes, general physico-chemical parameters, River Basin-Specific Pollutants (RBSP) and priority substances should be sampled 6 times over the course of one year, once within the 6-year RBMP cycle (see Table 13). In case of the operational sites, it is suggested to sample general physico-chemical parameters 12 times in rivers and 6 times in lakes over the course of one year, twice within the 6-year RBMP cycle (see Table

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14). In case of point source or diffuse pollution, suspected priority substances and RBSP should also be sampled (Rivers 12x and Lakes 6x, twice per RBMP cycle).

In lakes, the chemical sampling of general physico-chemical parameters shall be carried out along a vertical depth profile of six depths from surface to bottom. For priority pollutants in surveillance monitoring and specific pollutants in operational monitoring, 2 sampling depths (epilimnion and hypo-limnion) are considered sufficient.

Table 13 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Khrami-Debeda RBMP – 1x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

General Physico- Chemical Parameters 12x within the selected Rivers River Basin-Specific year of the RBMP cycle Pollutants To be executed Chemical Priority Substances within any of the Surveillance 6 years of the Monitoring General Physico- RMBP cycle Chemical Parameters 6x within the selected Lakes River Basin-Specific year of the RBMP cycle Pollutants

Priority Substances

Table 14 Recommended chemical monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Khrami-Debeda RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

General Physico- 12x within the selected Chemical Parameters year of the RBMP cycle

Rivers River Basin-Specific -* pollutants To be executed Chemical Priority Substances -*- within any 2 Operational years of the 6 Monitoring General Physico- 6x within the selected years RMBP Chemical Parameters year of the RBMP cycle cycle

Lakes River Basin-Specific -* Pollutants

Priority Substances -*

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

* If the risk assessment finds the SWB to be affected by point source or diffuse pollution, chemical analysis of the suspected substances should also be conducted. – Rivers: 12x; Lakes: 6x.

5.2.2 Hydrobiological Monitoring

Surveillance and operational monitoring sites shall be the same as for the chemical monitoring. Like in the projects of previous years, monitoring will concentrate on the Biological Quality Element (BQE) macroinvertebrates. This BQE shall be investigated at all of the surveillance and operational monitoring sites. In addition, phytobenthos will also be included at operational monitoring sites, in order to enhance the dataset for developing a WFD compliant classification method. Lakes and reservoirs will be investigated by monitoring phytoplankton. Chemical and biological data should be jointly interpreted and therefore preferably sampled on the same occasion. The monitoring of the remaining biological quality elements for both rivers and lakes will be postponed until the next RBMP. Based on data from the EUWI+ project a new WFD compliant ESCS23 was developed recently, which shall become the basis for the ecological classification in the future monitoring. Regarding monitoring frequency of surveillance sites, it is suggested that BQE, benthic invertebrates and phytobenthos should be sampled once per RBMP cycle in rivers. In lakes, phytoplankton is recommended to be sampled 6 times over the course of one year, but once within the RBMP cycle (see Table 15) While for the operational sites it is recommended that BQE, benthic invertebrates and phytobenthos to be sampled twice per RBMP cycle in rivers. In lakes, phytoplankton is recommended to be sampled 6 times over the course of year, twice within the RBMP cycle (see Table 16).

Table 15 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at surveillance sites according to the Khrami-Debeda RBDMP – 1x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

Benthic Invertebrates 1x within the selected Rivers To be executed Hydrobiological year of the RBMP cycle Phytobenthos (diatoms) within any of the Surveillance 6 years of the Monitoring 6x within the selected RMBP cycle Lakes Phytoplankton year of the RBMP cycle

Table 16 Recommended hydrobiological monitoring frequency at operational sites according to the Khrami-Debeda RBMP – 2x per RBMP cycle

Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

Rivers Benthic Invertebrates

23 Source : https://www.euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/1115-georgia-definition-of-reference-conditions- and-class-boundaries-in-rivers-of-georgia-for-the-bqe-benthic-invertebrates-eng?fromsearch=1

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Quality Elements / Monitoring SWB Group of Parameters Frequency:

Hydrobiological 1x within the selected To be executed Phytobenthos (diatoms) Operational year of the RBMP cycle within any 2 Monitoring years of the 6 6x within the selected years RMBP Lakes Phytoplankton year of the RBMP cycle cycle

5.2.3 Hydromorphological Monitoring

Hydromorphology is a supporting element according to the WFD, which comes into effect when differen- tiating between good or high ecological status. While previous hydromorphological description was carried out at single sites, the new monitoring shall cover the whole river network. A sampling campaign in 2019 was the starting point of hydro-morphological mapping in the whole Khrami-Debeda river basin24. During the next RBMP cycle, the dataset needs to be increased through additional surveys. As most large rivers in Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions are transboundary (Alazani, Iori, Ktsia-Khrami, Debeda), it is necessary to open at least five additional hydrological stations in the regions (water level and discharge). Concerning the quantitative hydrological network, several new hydrological stations are necessary in addition to the only operating observation point at the river Mashavera. It is planned to restore 4 hydrological stations, where water levels and discharge will be measured (Ktsia/Khrami at Edi- kilisa, Ktsia/Khrami at Dagheti, Ktsia/Khrami at Red Bridge, Debeda at Sadakhlo). Concerning standing waters, it is proposed to monitor water level at Lake Bareti as well as on two reservoirs.

5.3 Monitoring Costs

Following estimations represent the costs of the whole six years of an RBMP cycle. As mentioned above, the 9 surveillance sites will be investigated once per cycle (chemical monitoring 12x / year; hydrobiological monitoring in rivers 1x / year, and lakes 6x / year), and the 6 operational monitoring sites will be sampled twice over the six-year period (same annual frequency). Taking into account the survey costs of 2018 and 2019 in the EUWI+ project an approximate cost estimation of the surface water monitoring in the Khrami-Debeda RBD can be calculated. Considering sampling and analyses of general physico-chemical parameters and all BQE (benthic invertebrates, phytobenthos, phytoplankton) for the proposed surveillance and operational monitoring sites will cost around 28,000 € in this RBMP cycle. The estimation for the monitoring of priority pollutants has lower confidence, as the costs were calculated based on a fraction of costs per parameter in Austrian surface water monitoring. Another assumption was that the number of analyzed parameters is 15. Nevertheless, the rough cost estimate is for priority pollutants is around 32,000 € to 50,000 €. The true costs will vary, depending on the number and kind of analyzed parameters.

24 https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/824-georgia-hydromorphological-assessment-report-2019- eng?fromsearch=1

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

5.4 Monitoring results

5.4.1 Chemical Status

Based on pressure data, the rivers Khrami, Debeda and their tributaries are mainly polluted with organic substances, biogenic substances from untreated wastewater, as well as by legal and illegal dumping sites, drainage and storm water, and water used in copper and gold mining, which causes the main pollution problem in the RBD. Industrial wastewater discharge significantly affects the water quality, especially from copper and gold mines in Bolnisi. For example, near copper deposits, studies of the Kazretula River have shown that concentrations of copper, zinc, cadmium and sulphate ions exceeded the allowed.

5.4.2 Ecological status

According to the WFD, the assessment of the ecological status is based on hydrobiological data and ecological status classification systems (ESCS). Supporting elements are physico-chemical, hydro-morphological parameters and specific pollutants. A WFD compliant ESCS25 for macro-invertebrates in rivers was introduced by EUWI+ in 2020. An assessment of the SWB of the Khrami-Debeda RBD was fascilitated. The assessment is either based on biological information when enough data was available, or on pressure data, and risk assessment (see Figure 18). Table 17 below presents ecological status of SWBs based on the new ESCS for macroinvertebrates. With increasing data from surveys in the future, more and more SWB will be assessed with higher confidence supported by biological data. More detailed information can be found in the monitoring report. Intercalibration exercises and evaluation of the ESCS should be conducted. Additional classification systems for the remaining BQE need to be developed. For the HMWB reservoirs, no classification of the ecological potential is available yet.

25 https://www.euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/1115-georgia-definition-of-reference-conditions-and-class- boundaries-in-rivers-of-georgia-for-the-bqe-benthic-invertebrates-eng?fromsearch=1

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Figure 18 Preliminary ecological classification of SWB in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Table 17 Ecological Status of SWB based on the new ESCS for macroinvertebrates

Category of SWB Code Sub-Basin River Name Ecological Status confidence

GE_Alg111 Algeti Algeti 2 A GE_Alg117 Algeti Algeti 3 A GE_Deb201 Khrami Debed 2 A GE_Deb202 Khrami Debed 2 A GE_Khr103 Khrami Ktsia 3 A GE_Khr113 Khrami Khrami 2 A GE_Khr119 Khrami Khrami 2 A GE_Khr129 Khrami Khrami 2 A GE_Khr130 Khrami Khrami 2 A GE_Kld202 Khrami Kldeisi 1 A GE_Mas201 Khrami Mashavera 1 A

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Category of SWB Code Sub-Basin River Name Ecological Status confidence

GE_Mas203 Khrami Mashavera 1 A GE_Mas209 Khrami Mashavera 2 A GE_Mas213 Khrami Mashavera 3 A GE_Mas216 Khrami Mashavera 3 A

5.4.3 Hydro-morphological Status

The hydro-morphological status was assessed at 10 sampling sites in the Khrami-Debed RBD (with 5 point system in accordance with the requirements of the WFD), are based on the assessment of parameters (more detailed information can be found in the monitoring report). Hydro-morphological sampling sites including hydro-morphological status with the first survey results26 can be found in Annex V.Table1. To summarize, human anthropogenic interference is felt in the studied river basins. Due to the construction of irrigation systems and hydropower plants, river basins have changed significantly from their natural state.

26 https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/824-georgia-hydromorphological-assessment-report-2019- eng?fromsearch=1

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6 GROUNDWATER MONITORING

The National Environmental Agency is responsible for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of fresh groundwater in Georgia. By 1965, 573 searching and exploration wells had been drilled in the basin alone and studies and hydrogeological tests were carried out on the groundwater regime. From 1990 to 2013, centralized hydrogeological exploration and monitoring works hadn’t been carried out. In 2013, the Department of Geology of the National Environmental Agency resumed monitoring of fresh groundwater in Georgia with the support of the Czech Development Agency. Gradually, new stations have been added to the monitoring network, including springs (on the territory of Autonomous Republic of Adjara), with support of EU-financed EPIRB project. NEA currently monitors 56 monitoring stations (mainly wells) in the entire territory of the country. Out of these 56 monitoring stations, 2 are located in the Khrami-Debed basin. Both are boreholes and equipped with automatic data logging equipment. This equipment continuously records and transmits several key quantitative and qualitative parameters:

 Water flow;  Water temperature;  pH;  Electric conductivity;  Total dissolved solids (TDS). In addition to this continuous data collection, NEA conducts chemical and bacteriological analysis of water samples from both monitoring sites twice per year. NEA manages and analyses the data from these monitoring sites and prepares information bulletins twice a year based on the hydrogeological monitoring results. The monitoring frequency could be adapted to the risks of anthropogenic contamination and over- abstraction at each site, and the set of analysed parameters should be expanded flexibly, in line with the risk-based approach of the Water Framework Directive (also see below). The bulletins are public and accessible to all interested parties. NEA’s database for groundwater could be improved and automatically linked to the new portal of the Environmental Information and Education Center under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. The current monitoring network does not yet cover all groundwater bodies of the Khrami-Debeda basin, and the network is not yet adequately representative in those groundwater bodies that do have monitoring sites. It is necessary to monitor all groundwater bodies to understand the impacts of anthropogenic pressures on groundwater, as stipulated by the Water Framework Directive. The number of monitoring water sites is not yet enough to characterize all groundwater bodies and assess existing risks. According to requirements of EU Water Framework Directive, each groundwater body should have at least one monitoring site. Common Implementation Strategy for Water Framework Directive, recommends to have at least three points, but more points might be necessary to reflect the results of anthropogenic impact on its natural conditions. In order to improve groundwater monitoring network, EUWI+ supported NEA to conduct three rounds of additional field works (the 2018, 2019 and 2020 EUWI+ surveys) to new sampling sites which could be added to the monitoring network to improve its coverage, NEA assessed 4 such existing wells in the Khrami-Debeda Basin Area, and collected and analysed samples from these wells. There is a certain limit to the potential usefulness of the existing monitoring data for informing decision- making on the protection and use of the groundwater resource. However, as mentioned above, the existing data is not enough for making clear statements about chemical and quantitative status of groundwater bodies in the Khrami-Debeda RBD. On the one hand, significant gaps remain in the monitoring network and need to be filled, the monitoring frequency could be adapted to the risks of anthropogenic contamination and over-abstraction at each site, and the set of analysed parameters should be expanded flexibly,

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin in line with the Directive. On the other hand, the age of the existing wells and their precise technical characteristics (construction, lithology, water content per horizon, etc.) are often not known, which lowers the reliability of the produced data. Analysing one well costs around 1,700 EUR. The average construction cost per additional well is estimated at 7,000 EUR, but greatly depends on depth. A similar amount would be needed for washing and rehabilitating an existing site in case the analysis shows that one of the two wells in the network is not actually suitable and should be replaced. How- ever, moving existing boreholes is currently not possible due to budget constraints. The installed logging equipment is estimated at 9,000 EUR per piece, for a total of 16,000 EUR per additional monitoring well when assuming that NEA installs logging equipment at each well. The construction cost for each additional spring capture is estimated at 2,000 EUR. 12 additional monitoring sites will be necessary to meet the minimum requirement of the Water Framework Directive of one monitoring site per groundwater body. Assuming that out of these 12 additional sites, 10 will be springs and 2 will be wells, then the necessary investment would sum up to 55,000 EUR. To limit the number or required additional sites, some groundwater bodies in the Khrami-Debeda basin could be merged when the RBMP of the next cycle is under preparation. This is possible where the newly merged groundwater bodies would still allow a meaningful assessment of its risk of not achieving good status and its actual status in case of such risk, as where they would also still allow the design, implementation and assessment of effective protection measures. The sampling and chemical analysis per sample, including all main ions, heavy metals and a set of standard pesticides costs around 170 EUR. Sampling and analysis of a reduced set of parameters costs around 80 EUR. The overall costs of these analyses can be reduced by following the risk-based approach of the Water Framework Directive. In this approach, a large set of parameters is analysed at a large number of monitoring sites at least once every six years (i.e. once per RBMP cycle) in what is called surveillance monitoring. Based on the results, a reduced number of parameters is analysed at a reduced number of sites, focusing efforts where needed the most. When adding 12 additional monitoring sites for those groundwater bodies that are not yet covered by the network, and maintaining the slightly denser existing network at certain groundwater bodies, the sampling and analysis of the full parameter set would cost approximately 2,300 EUR per monitoring cycle. If the full set of parameters is only analysed one in six times, while the reduced set is analysed the remaining fixed times, then the average cost per monitoring cycle drops to around 1,400 EUR. To turn the monitoring data into usable information for decision-making, structured methods that aggregate chemical and quantitative monitoring data into reliable assessments of chemical and quantitative status and of risk of not to achieve good status, still need to be developed. Several groundwater bodies in the Khrami-Debeda basin are transboundary with Armenia. It is very important to establish monitoring sites for these transboundary groundwater bodies. There should be mutual agreement for a monitoring program with common standards for information exchange and joint assessment of groundwater body status.

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7 ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a range of different environmental objectives for the water environment. An objective setting process is required to enable decisions to be made about which of these environmental objectives are applicable to particular bodies of water. The environmental objectives of the WFD are set out in Article 427. Setting environmental objectives aim to achieve good status for all water bodies; prevent deterioration of water status and ensure sustainable water management. In order to set environmental objectives, there is a need to consider the outcomes of the pressure-impact analysis, the risk assessment and monitoring results in case if it is available. According to Article 4 of the EU WFD environmental objectives are specified for SWBs, HMWBs, AWBs, GWBs and the protected areas. The following goals are to be achieved:  Good ecological/chemical status of surface water bodies  Good ecological potential and good chemical status of HMWBs and AWBs  God chemical/quantitative status of groundwater bodies  Achievement of standards and objectives set for protected areas in Community legislation

7.1 Environmental objectives for SWBs

Regarding the EU WFD ecological status is defined as the high, good, moderate, poor and bad classes considering all ecological elements for each of the surface water categories. For the overall ecological assessment, the quality elements such as hydrobiological, hydromorphological, physico-chemical elements have to be considered. It is important to point out that biological quality elements play a crucial role in defining of SWBs’ ecological status. Accordingly, physico-chemical and hydromorphological parameters are significant since they are used to define biological quality elements. In order to define environmental objectives, it is necessary to have reference conditions and ecological and chemical status classification system for SWBs. Since there is no ecological and chemical status classification of SWBs in Georgia, it is not possible to set out reference conditions. However, refernce conditions and an ESCS for benthic invertebrates was developed, but the same needs to be done for the other BQE. Therefore, environmental objectives which stand for improvement of the ecological status of SWBs were defined considering the water body’s risk status and types of risk factors such as point source pollution, diffuse source pollution, hydromorphological pressure. As mentioned above environmental objectives aim to improve water bodies’ ecological and chemical status by eliminating (where it is possible) or reducing risk factors. According to these risk factors, the following environmental objectives have been elaborated in the Khrami-Debeda river basin:

 Surface water bodies at risk – urban waste water (sewerage) discharges: To improve water quality against organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus other pollutants by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility  Surface water bodies at risk – Industrial (mining) waste water discharges: To improve water quality against sulphate, heavy metals and other pollutants, by reducing untreated waste water discharges from industry sector

27 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

 Surface water bodies at risk – Industrial (sand-gravel extraction) waste water discharges: To improve water quality by reducing concentration of weighted portions and untreated waste water discharges from industry sector  Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (crop production) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies  Surface water bodies at risk – Agricultural (animal livestock) activities: To improve water quality by reducing organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies; improving manure management  Surface water bodies at risk – Illegal landfills waste water discharges: To improve water quality by regulating the illegal landfills  Surface water bodies at risk – Excessive water abstraction for irrigation; HPPs; To improve the hydromorphological status of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems  Surface water bodies at risk – Hydromorphological alteration To improve hydromorphological such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing plan form/channel pattern changes, altered riparian habitats, bed and bank fixation, protecting the environmental flow (e.g. low flow, variable flow, etc.), assuring river continuity

After defining environmental objectives for all pressure types, appropriate environmental objectives were assigned to all surface water bodies at risk (see Annex VII.Table1).

7.2 Environmental objectives for Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWBs)

12 HMWBs have been identified and designated in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. In this process, it is necessary to set out the appropriate objectives for HMWBs. According to paragraph 3.1.1 of Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) guidance No.428, in order to be a heavily modified water body, a water body must be:  Physically altered by human activity  Substantially changed in character  Designated under Article 4(3)

Generally speaking, the changes to the hydromorphology need to be long-term and alter the morphological and hydrological characteristics in order to represent a substantial change in the character of a water body. As mentioned above HMWBs are required to achieve “good ecological potential” (GEP). GEP ensures slight changes in the values of the relevant biological quality elements at “Maximum Ecological Potential“ (MEP) which represents the maximum ecological quality that could be achieved for an HMWB29. Since the good ecological potential (GEP) is the environmental quality objective for HMWB, risk of failure of the ecological objective for HMWB is assessed against GEP.

28 Sources: https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/f9b057f4-4a91-46a3-b69a-e23b4cada8ef/Guidance%20No%204%20- %20heavily%20modified%20water%20bodies%20-%20HMWB%20(WG%202.2).pdf 29 WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 4 Identification and Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies

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According to WFD CIS Guidance Document No.4 the following steps are needed to be taken in order to establish GEP:  The establishment of the good ecological potential for HMWB is based on the biological quality elements which are derived from MEP  Identification of the hydromorphological conditions in order to support the achievement of the GEP values for the biological quality elements, in particular the achievement of the values should be for those biological quality elements which are sensitive to hydromorphological alterations.  The values for the general physico-chemical quality elements at GEP are to support the achievement of the GEP biological values, as well as they ensure the functioning of the ecosystem  GEP requires compliance with environmental quality standards established for the specific synthetic and non-synthetic pollutant quality elements

In order to achieve GEP for the HMWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district it is crucial to improve hydromorphological quality elements such as hydrological situation, continuity and morphology. Thus, an environmental objective for HMWBs in this basin would be set up in such a way: To improve hydromorphological state (hydrological regime changes, river continuity, morphological alterations) of a water body by maintaining hydrological environmental flow.

7.3 Environmental objectives for protected areas

According to Article 4 WFD, along with the environmental objectives for SWBs, groundwater, there is the environmental objective in the WFD that set out for protected areas: Achievement of standards and objectives set for protected areas in Community legislation. It is important to point out that in case of protected areas, where more than one of the objectives relates to a given water body, all objectives must be achieved. Therefore, some areas may require special protection under more than one Directive or may have additional (surface water and /or groundwater) objectives and all the objectives and standards must be met. It is significant to achieve compliance with the standards and objectives set for each protected area. Since drinking water protected areas (zones), special areas of conservation and special protection areas (for birds) have been specified in the Alazni-Iori river basin district, consequently the objectives for these protected areas were identified. According to the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) the general objective of this directive is to protect the health of the consumers and to make sure the water is wholesome and clean. The specific objectives for drinking water protected areas (zones) are:

 To set quality standards for drinking water quality from the tap (microbiological, chemical parameters) and drinking water must be healthy and clean  To ensure that under the water treatment regime applied, the drinking water produced meets the requirements of the Drinking Water Directive  To ensure necessary protection in the area with the aim of prevention of deterioration in water quality  Regular monitoring of drinking water quality and providing consumers with up-to-date information on their drinking water quality

The objectives for special areas of conservation (habitats) is to protect and where necessary improve the status of the water bodies in order to achieve the conservation objectives that have been established

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin for the protection or improvement of the particular natural habitat type or species 30. Thus the site should contribute to the maintenance or improvement of the favorable conservation status. The objectives for special protection areas for birds is to protect and improve the water status to the level necessary to achieve the conservation objectives which are defined for the protection/improvement of the site for ensuring that it contributes to the survival and reproduction of birds31. It is important to highlight that where a protected area forms part of a water body or where a water body lies within a protected area, the WFD general status related objectives apply in addition to the conservation objectives. The objectives for sensitive areas is to protect the environment from the adverse effects of urban waste water discharges and also waste water discharges from industrial sectors. It is crucial to ensure that discharges from urban waste water treatment plants meet the appropriate emission standards set out in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)32. Since areas designated to protect economically significant aquatic species (freshwater fish waters, shellfish waters), as well as nutrient sensitive areas and bathing water are not applicable in the case of the Khrami-Debeda river basin, thus, the objectives for these protected areas have not been set out.

7.4 Environmental objectives for GWBs

The environmental objectives for groundwater bodies have been defined which are the following:  WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(1): prevent or limit input of pollutants into GW; prevent deterioration of GWB status  WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): achieve good status  WFD Art. 4(1)(b)(2): reverse significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations due to human activity

Additional data are required, which implies expansion of groundwater monitoring network, identification of new water points within different groundwater bodies and continuous planned monitoring.

30 Habitats Directive- Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 31 Birds Directive- Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds 32 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment

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8 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirements, economic aspects of water resource management should be integrated into the water policy of member states. The requirements for economic analysis include:  An economic analysis of the water use – describing main water users and contamination of water bodies.  Tendencies the development of the further human activities within the particular river basin.  Assessment of the cost recovery principle –considering all the costs of the water services, including environmental and resource-related expenses.

Economic analysis of water use gives decision makers the possibility to understand the socio-economic value of water. On one hand, provides information about the water abstractors (e.g. which sectors are the main water abstractors), and which sectors contribute mostly in the deterioration of water quality (e.g. which sectors are responsible for water pollution). On the other hand, by analyzing the value added generated by each sector in the economy it makes it possible to understand how effectively the water is used and who should be contribute – and how much – to water management costs.

8.1 Economic weights by relevant water users33

Drinking water supply - The Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture does not report the municipal abstraction of water disaggregated by the purpose of its abstraction (i.e. drinking water, irrigation, hydropower etc.). However, the data is available for the water use on municipal level disaggregated by different sectors. According to the data from MEPA, abstraction of water for drinking water supply purposes accounts for a limited share of the total water abstraction in the Khrami-Debeda River basin. In the period 2015-2017 the share of fresh water use attributable to drinking water supply purposes is estimated to have ranged between 5% and 8% of total water abstraction in the basin, following an increasing trend over these three years. The share of Khrami-Debeda river basin in the drinking water use in the whole country has been increasing over the years and reached 6% in 2017 (see Table 18). Table 18 Fresh Water Use for Drinking Water Supply Purposes in Khrami-Debeda river basin

2015 2016 2017 Fresh water use for drinking water supply purposes (mln. m3) 14.87 22.92 19.49

Share in total abstraction (excluding hydropower) in the basin 5.11% 7.55% 7.55%

Share in total drinking water use in Georgia 3.90% 5.20% 6.25% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

At the municipal level, over the last three years, Bolnisi and Dmanisi where the two municipalities in which the share of drinking water use (out of total water abstraction in the municipality) was the largest, while Tetritskaro and Tsalka municipalities were characterized by the lowest shares (see Figure 19).

33 Based on the purposes of this sub-chapter analysis for the abstraction of water for the hydropower production purposes will be provided separately. Thus, water abstraction for hydropower is removed from all of the other calculations.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 19 Share of Drinking Water Abstraction (households) in Total Water Abstraction by Municipalities (2015-2017)

4,00% 3,50% 3,00% 2,50% 2,00% 1,50% 1,00% 0,50% 0,00% Bolnisi Dmanisi Tetri Tskaro Marneuli Tsalka

2015 2016 2017

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data The United Water Supply Company of Georgia (UWSCG) is responsible to deliver drinking water to the households living in the municipalities of the Khrami-Debeda river basin, mostly in urban areas but in some rural areas as well (rural areas in Tetritskharo and Dmanisi municipalities). In other rural areas local municipalities are responsible for drinking water supply. In 2018 UWSCG abstracted more than 23 mln m3 of water for drinking water supply purposes (100% of the water was abstracted from ground water sources). Water losses are extremely high, ranging between 76% and 90% of the abstracted water over the last three years. Water losses mostly occur due to the leakages in the system. The share of water losses declined in 2018 (to about 76% of total water abstracted) because of the rehabilitation of the water supply systems in the region (see Table 19).

Table 19 Water abstraction and water losses for UWSCG (2016-2018)

2016 2017 2018

Total water abstraction (mln. m3) 27.57 23.96 23.20 Water losses (mln. m3) 21.62 18.08 17.66 Share of water losses (out of total abstraction) 78.42% 90.23% 76.25% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on UWSCG data

Industry - According to the data from MEPA, in 2017, 4mln. m3 of fresh water were used for industrial purposes within the Khrami-Debeda river basin. This represents 2% of the total water abstraction of the country for this purpose. Similarly, industrial purpose also represents only 2% of total water abstraction in the basin (see Table 20). Fresh water use for industrial purposes decreased by 11%, from 5 mln. m3 to 4.3 mln. m3 over the period 2015-2017. However, the share of water abstraction for industrial purposes remained relatively stable with respect to 2015 (from 1.65% to 1.67%). In absolute terms industrial water abstraction has decreased over the last three years, while total Gross Value Added (GVA) produced by this sector has increased. This happened mainly due to the fact that increase in the industrial sector was mostly driven by less water intensive industries such as manufacturing and construction.

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Table 20 Water Abstraction for Industrial Purposes in Khrami-Debeda River Basin

2015 2016 2017

Fresh water use for industrial purposes (mln. m3) 4.81 4.43 4.30

Share in total abstraction (excluding hydropower) in the basin 1.65% 1.46% 1.67%

Share in total fresh water use for industrial purposes in Georgia 1.36% 1.69% 1.74%

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

Unfortunately, data about water consumption by sectors is not available. However, there are companies operating on the market who are registered34 as individual surface water abstractors at MEPA. According to the data in our possession, the main surface water abstractors in the region (among individual surface water abstractors) are construction companies (including road construction), agriculture and auto-service providers (such as car washing). The number of registered water abstractors, as well as the volume of water abstracted by them, has been increasing over the years. Looking at independent surface water abstractors, we can easily see that the construction sector takes the largest portion, almost half, of the surface water withdrawn in the basin (see Figure 20)35.

Figure 20 Number of Water Abstractors Belonging to the Construction Sector in Khrami-Debeda river basin and share in water abstraction (among the registered individual Surface water abstractors)

60 70%

50 60% 50% 40 40% 30 30% 20 20%

10 10%

0 0% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Number of Abstarctors Share in Total Abstraction

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

34 In order to be registered as individual surface water abstractor a company should submit a notice to MEPA on technical condition of its surface water abstraction. The notice should include the description on planned industrial activities. After confirmation of notice the company will be registered as individual surface water abstractor. Although, MEPA does not have the right to suspend the abstractor from surface water use as there are no licensing procedures in place. 35 These calculations are only based on the data about registered individual water abstractors (not the total water abstraction in the river basin).

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

As already mentioned above, the contribution of the Khrami-Debeda river basin to the total national water abstraction for industrial purposes is not high, in line with the share of the Khrami-Debeda river basin in the country’s economy. The GVA created among the municipalities located within the river basin amounts to approximately 12% of the total value added in the whole country (according to the Geostat, 2017 data). Within the river basin, manufacturing, mining and quarrying are the main driver sectors of the economy. The highest share of the GVA comes from manufacturing (34%) while the lowest share is attributed to the education, hotels and restaurants – 1% and 1% respectively. The industrial sector (including mining and quarrying, manufacturing and construction) represents about 14% of the GVA in the river basin (see An- nex VIII.Table 1).

The share of GVA produced by the industrial sector (encompassing mining, manufacturing and construction) during the last 10 years has always been above 50%, while the share of water use associated to the industry has never exceeded 2%36 (according to MEPA data). These results imply that within the Khrami- Debeda river basin, the main water abstractors are not the ones who generate the highest portion of the basin’s GVA. According to the available data, over the last three years (2015-2017), water use for industrial purposes is characterized with the declining trend, while GVA from the industry was increasing in absolute terms (see Annex VIII. Table 2).

Irrigation and other agricultural purposes – According to the data from the MEPA, in 2017, more than 292 mln. m3 of water were used for irrigation purposes and less than 1 mln. m3 for fisheries. This represents 39% of total water use in Georgia for the same purposes. Water abstraction for agricultural purposes declined over the period 2015-2017, as did the share of the basin in total water abstraction for agricultural purposes at the national level. On the river basin level, abstraction of water for agricultural purposes represents 75% of total water withdrawal in the region, which is the highest indicator (see Table 21).

Table 21 Water abstraction for agricultural purposes within the Khrami-Debeda river basin (Including Fishery)

2015 2016 2017 Fresh water use for agricultural purposes (mln. m3) in the basin 226.52 220.95 192.28 Share water use for agricultural purposes (excluding hydropower) in the basin 77.88% 72.74% 74.47% Share of water use for agricultural purposes in Georgia 49.28% 48.37% 39.14% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data In the Khrami-Debeda river basin, Georgian Amelioration (GA) is the main provider of the water for irrigation. According to the data from GA their water abstraction is significantly lower than water use for irrigation purposes reported by MEPA (see Table 22). One of the reasons of such large difference between the two sources of information is the fact that beside GA there are also individual farmers, as well as limited liability companies, registered at MEPA as abstracting surface water for irrigation purposes independently. How- ever, according to the data provided from MEPA the volume of water withdrawals of independent abstractors is not larger then GA’s. Consequently, there must be the problems with accounting the water abstraction and use.

36 The reason of the low share of industrial water abstraction is that the majority of industrial companies are construction companies and they use water for washing the materials and also for cleaning the roads after they have done their job. For these purposes they do not need to abstract a substantial amount of water.

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Table 22 Water abstraction by GA in Khrami-Debeda river basin and irrigated land area 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Water abstraction (mln m3) 0.03 0.21 0.23 0.30 0.31 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA data

According to the data provided by GA area of the irrigated land is increasing over the years (see Figure 21).

Figure 21 Area of Irrigated Land in Khrami-Debeda river basin by GA (thousands hectare)

10 8,68 8,09 8,32 8 6,2 6,55 6

ThdHa 4

0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA data

In the Khrami-Debeda river basin agricultural land is used for annual as well as for perennial products. Among the annual crops wheat, maize and potato are the most harvested within the municipalities, while among the perennial crops we find apple, cherries and subtropical fruits. As mentioned above, water is used for fisheries as well. According to the MEPA data, over the last three years water was used for fisheries only in the Marneuli municipality. In 2017, only 0.05 mln. m3 of water were abstracted for fisheries, which corresponds to less than the 0.02% of total water abstraction (excluding hydropower production) within the river basin. Even though the agricultural sector is one of the largest water abstractors in the region, the sector does not produce a high share of GVA. According to the Geostat 2017 data, agricultural production in the Khrami-Debeda river basin generated 4% of the GVA within the river basin. In the corresponding municipalities, the agricultural sector (including fishery and hunting) is not a big employer (6% of the employed population is employed in this sector), following manufacturing (24%), wholesale and retail trade (22%), construction (8%), mining and quarrying (8%), real estate, renting and business activities (7%), and health and social work (7%).

Hydropower production - This subchapter discusses water abstraction for hydropower production purposes. The reasons why it was excluded from the previous discussion are two:  Hydropower water use is non-consumptive, as the water that is used in the process of generating electricity is discharged back into the water body and can be used for other abstraction purposes. Therefore, considering all water abstraction activities jointly would amount to treating two very different “types” of water abstraction (for consumptive and non-consumptive use) as if they were identical;

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

 Hydropower plants have substantially higher share in total water abstraction (usually 95-97%), then any other activity. Considering its non-consumptive nature to avoid complications in analysis and have clearer picture it is advisable to analyse water use from hydropower separately.

Due to its geographical characteristics, the Khrami-Debeda river basin is not rich with hydropower plants (HPP). According to the Electricity System Commercial Operator (ESCO), in 2018 only 7 hydropower plants were functioning in the Khrami-Debeda river basin, with total installed capacity of 230 MW (see Table 23). During the year 2018 these HPPs produced 543 mln. KWh of electricity (3% increase in comparison to 2017). This represents 5% of the total hydropower generation and 4% of the total electricity generation in the country. Table 23 Hydropower plants in Khrami-Debeda river basin Electricity Electricity Ge- Hydropower Installed Electricity Gene- Municipality Generation neration in Plant Capacity ration in 2018 in 2016 2017

Khrami – 1 Tsalka 112.80 226.25 195.26 194.25

Khrami – 2 Tsalka 110.00 338.86 298.31 311.04 Algetahesi Marneuli 1.25 0.63 0.13 -

Dashbashi Tsalka 1.26 10.65 10.75 7.05

Mashaverahesi Dmanisi 0.80 2.58 2.17 2.62

Debedahesi Marneuli 3.00 13.74 12.12 18.31 0.25 - 0.59 0.92 Marneulihesi Marneuli 2.50 6.56 7.65 9.07 Kazretihesi Bolnisi Source: Electricity System Operator (ESCO) In terms of water abstraction, HPPs are the largest abstractors in the river basin (as well as in the country). According to the data provided by MEPA, in 2017, more than 29 mln. m3 of water were abstracted for the hydropower production purposes in the whole country. The same indicator within the Khrami –Debeda river basin was 774 mln. m3 of water (3% of the national abstraction for hydropower generation purposes). Also, the share of electricity generation produced in the basin is limited (5% of the HPP production in the country). At the basin level, hydropower generation activities are associated with 68% of total water abstraction. Wastewater discharges - Water users are not only water abstractors, but wastewater dischargers as well. According to the data from MEPA, in 2017, 484 mln. m3 of water were discharged into surface water bodies within the Khrami-Debeda river basin. This represents about 2% of the total wastewater discharge in the whole country. During the last three years (2015-2017) wastewater discharges have been gradually decreasing, from 627mln. m3 in 2015 to 484 mln. m3 in 2017 (see Table 24).

Table 24 Wastewater discharge in Khrami-Debeda river basin

2015 2016 2017

Wastewater discharge in Khrami-Debeda river basin 627.29 527.49 484.06

Share in total wastewater discharge in the country 2.15% 1.52% 1.66% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

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According to MEPA, more than 99% of the discharged water was normatively clean37 and did not require treatment. In 2017 only 1% of discharged wastewater into Khrami-Debeda river basin was considered as polluted water 38(see Table 25). However, considering the fact that there are no wastewater treatment facilities functioning in the river basin the share of polluted effluent water is likely to be considerably higher than reported by MEPA. Provided data could be due to the improper measure/accounting of polluted water. According to MEPA, the construction of a wastewater treatment plant is planned in the Marneuli municipality, but neither the capacity of the plant nor the expected date for project implementation are available yet. Table 25 Type of Discharged Water in Khrami-Debeda River Basin

2015 2016 2017

Polluted effluent water 0.46% 1.64% 0.82%

Normatively clean effluent water 99.44% 98.28% 99.12%

Normatively refined effluent water 0.10% 0.08% 0.06%

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

Table 26 below summarizes water uses by sector in Khrami-Debeda river basin and the relative shares of water users. Table 26 Water Use by Sectors in khrami-Debeda river basin

2015 2016 2017 Total water abstraction 931.65 1,117.31 1,032.59 Fresh water uses for drinking water supply purposes (mln. 14.87 22.92 19.49 m3) Share of drinking water use in total abstraction (excluding 5.11% 7.55% 7.55% hydropower) in the basin (%) Fresh water use for industrial purposes (mln. m3) 4.81 4.43 4.3 Share of industrial water use in total abstraction in the basin 1.65% 1.46% 1.67% (%) Fresh water use for agricultural purposes (mln. m3) in the ba- 226.52 220.95 192.28 sin Share of agricultural water use in total abstraction (excluding 77.88% 72.74% 74.47% hydropower) in the basin (%) Waste water discharges (mln. m3) 627.29 527.49 484.06 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MEPA data

37 Normatively clean water – the water that is discharged into the surface water body is already cleaned by the wastewater treatment facility. It is clean from the harmful substances that can deteriorate the quality of the surface water. 38 Polluted Water – water characterized by the presence of toxic chemicals and biological agents that exceed what is naturally found in the water and may pose a threat to human health and/or the environment.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

8.2 Economic analysis of Programme of Measures (PoMs)

To achieve the goals defined under Water Framework Directive, it is important to implement several basic and supplementary Programme of Measures (PoM). Selected basic PoMs are mostly oriented to reduce water pollution from wastewater flows from the households, industries and agriculture sector. Supplemen- tary measures are designed to promote more efficient water use within the Khrami-Debeda river basin. There are 41 basic measures selected. However, some of the measures, for example the construction of industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and rehabilitation of the main canal, are selected for more than one municipality. Overall, eight different basic measures have been defined by experts from the Regional Environmental Center of Caucasus for Khrami-Debeda river basin. Present value of total investment cost of basic measures is estimated as more than 107 mln GEL (more details below). The selected basic measures are supposed to improve the conditions into three main directions: collection and treatment of wastewater, agriculture (crop production, life stock) and irrigation. Figure 22 represents the distribution of investment costs by sector (the share of investment costs benefiting agriculture is neg- ligible).

Figure 22 Investment Costs of basic measures by sector

0,02% 5,40%

94,58%

Collection and treatment of wastewater Irrigation Agriculture (crop production, live stock)

Operation and Maintenance costs (O&M) of the basic measures are estimated based on the assumptions made in the literature. For example, to calculate O&M costs of Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) the following costs are considered: wages (30-50% of the total operation costs), maintenance (0.5-2% of investment cost), utility costs (10-30% of total operation costs), disposal (15-50% of the total operation costs) (Balmer Peter, 1994) and depreciation cost (5% for the WTTP and pumping stations and 8% of the investment cost for other investments)39. For other basic measures only salaries (10-15% of the total operation cost) and depreciation costs (8% of the investment) were considered. Based on this estimates the lowest (best case scenario) and the highest (worst case scenario) possible operation costs are calculated. Present value of the operation and maintenance cost is estimated to be more than 158 mln GEL in best-case scenario and more than 186 mln GEL in case of worst-case scenario (more details below).

39 Georgian tax code, article 111

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Basic measures are also associated with significant indirect and environmental costs. However, due to inherent difficulties, resources constraints and data limitations these costs are estimated only qualitatively. Other environmental costs associated with the implementation of the projects are the following: noise and dust due to the construction activities, increased traffic pollution in urban areas, acceleration of erosion due to removal of vegetation on sites, damage of the street trees due to the construction process (Schuls N., 2004). The development of agricultural drainage systems can also cause side-effects to the surrounding environment. Considering the fact that the primary function of the drainage system is to remove excess water from ground, loosing water can negatively affect the ecosystem habitats; in addition, it can cause the loose of flood-storage areas (M.R., 2009). According to the literature vermicompost40 can also cause the pollution. Vermicompost systems methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia, in addition, if the vermicompost generated is dumped without any treatment in the field, this could lead to increased eutrophication41 of water bodies. However, as the literature shows pollution caused by vermicompost is much lower than that from other fertilizers (Komakech A., 2016). The constraints associated with the development of buffer strips and hedges is the indirect cost of the farmer of the land out of production. Table 27 below summarizes indirect and environmental costs of basic measures. Table 27 Indirect and Environmental Costs of Basic Measures42

Impact Indirect Cost Environmental Cost Decreased revenue for sellers ++ Traffic problems ++ Decrease agricultural productivity ++ Damage of roads +++ Limited access to the water ++ Land out of Production + Nosie and dust + Traffic pollution ++ Acceleration of erosion ++ Damage of street trees + Emission from biowaste +

It is important to point out the costs associated with supplementary measures. The costs are calculated on a yearly basis. If a measure is implemented in more than one municipality the cost is calculated at the aggregated level for the whole basin (Annex VIII. Table 3).

40 Is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. Vermicompost is used as an organic fertilizer. 41 Excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to run-off from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life 42 In the table ‘+++’ indicates high impact, ‘++’ medium impact and ‘+’ low impact

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

8.2.1 Environmental benefits

Beside the direct impact of the programs that will lead to an improvement in the quality of water into the water body, the implementation of the above-mentioned programs is expected to cause significant additional environmental benefits. One of the most important benefits is associated with the construction of WWTP and the renovation of sewerage systems. Removal of pollutants from wastewater produces cleaner water and has several indirect positive effects (Institute for Environmental Policy, 2018; Francesc Hernández-Sancho, 2015). Firstly, clean water creates a safer and more stable living environment for the surrounding ecosystem, including plants and fishes. Also, the reproductive potential of fish is higher in clean water than in polluted one. Consequently, the removal of pollutants is expected to positively affect not only the natural ecosystem in the water body but on commercial fisheries as well. Furthermore, the reduction of pollutants decreases the incidence of water-borne diseases, decreasing the costs associated with their treatment. Cleaner rivers and lakes can positively affect tourism sector as well. The renovation of the drainage system can have significant positive impacts on the hydrological situation of the area and on the quality of surface and ground waters. Improved drainage systems imply a more efficient removal of salts and other harmful substances from the soil, and the increased availability of drainage water for other purposes. The development of vermicompost in agricultural production leads to a lower use of chemical fertilisers. Vermicompost is a natural fertilizer which returns valuable nutrients back into the soil and reduces amount of wastewater released into the environment without any treatment. When the development of buffer strips and edges are essential to achieve a good qualitative status of the water body, it is recommended to use a combination of trees and shrubs; this creates a more balanced ecosystem and leads to a greater biodiversity, the creation of new habitats, greater filtration capacity and reduced erosion of riverbanks. In addition, new and well managed buffer strips in agricultural areas can also provide a source of additional income for farmers if planted with tall trees, producing firewood, wood chips or valuable wood (J.E., 2015).

8.2.2 Present value of PoMs

The investment costs of the basic measures are not supposed to happen instantly in the beginning of the cycle. Within this study the proposed cots distribution of the investment costs over the 6-year period in GEL and EUR have been summarized, which are presenting in Annex VIII. Table 4 and Annex VIII. Table 5 (see Annex VIII) respectively. In order to calculate the present value of the investment costs for the first period discount rate is taken as 9.04% (Average interest rate on 8-10-year government bonds in 2019) (see Annex VIII. Table 6). In addition to investment costs, operation costs of the basic measures have to be taken into consideration as well. Annex VIII. Table 7 (see Annex VIII) shows Present Value (PV) of the operation costs of basic measures for the best- and worst-case scenarios. In the estimation of the PV of operation cost inflation rate is taken into account as well. Considering the fact that target inflation of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is 3%, we assume operation cost to increase by 3% yearly. Supplementary measures are also designed in a way that the costs associated with them are happening during the whole 6-year cycle. The cumulated PV of all the costs for supplementary measures over the 6- year cycle is presented in Annex VIII. Table 8 (see Annex VIII ).

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8.2.3 Affordability analysis

According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) within the Khrami-Debeda river basin 5% of the total municipal budget for 2018 was spent on the improvement of drinking water supply, irrigation and wastewater networks. 88% of these expenditures were devoted to investment costs, such as rehabilitation of the system and increase non-financial assets (such as equipment, machinery etc.), while 12% of these expenditures covered operation costs for the municipalities such as salaries and depreciation. Annex VIII. Table 9 (see Annex VIII) summarizes water policy related costs for the municipalities. However, costs covered by the municipalities are not the only water sector related expenditures in the river basin. In 2018 a significant amount of money is spent in the basin by GA, UWSCG and the central government. The Gross Value Added produced in Khrami-Debeda river basin in 2018 totalled 673 mln GEL. The total expenditures in water sector last year amounted to 2% of the GVA in the basin (see Table 28). Table 28 Share of water related operation costs in GVA (2018)

Organization GEL EUR Georgian Amelioration 1,127,128 344,025 United Water Supply Company 7,608,566 2,322,304 National Environmental Agency 39,607 12,089 Municipal expenditures 3,635,400 1,109,605 Total expenditures 12,410,701 3,788,023 Share in GVA 1.84% 1.84% Source: Authors' own calculations based on GA, UWSCG and NEA data The implementation of the programs of basic measures will cause a significant increase of operation costs in the region. According to the estimations, annual average operation costs in the basin will increase more than two times by 118% in the best-case scenario, while in the worst-case scenario operation costs will increase more than three times by 237%. Assuming an average growth rate of real GVA in the basin identical to the average growth rate since 2008 (approximately 12%), in 2019 the GVA in Khrami-Debeda river basin would reach to 753 mln. GEL. Under these conditions operation costs of water sector in the region would reach 4% of GVA in the best-case scenario and 6% in the worst-case scenario. Implementation of the programs of measures will cause significant benefits for water users including households, farmers and businesses. However, it might also lead to an increase in tariffs.

8.2.4 Assessing the final implication of PoMs

The implementation of basic measures is associated with increased expenditures for the responsible agencies, which will negatively affect the cost recovery rates in the sector. As shown in the previous chapter (Economic Analysis – Preliminary Cost Recovery Assessment) in 2018 cost recovery rate for UWSCG was 44%, and for GA – 55%. After the rehabilitation/renovation of the systems, and the associated construction activities, operation costs of the companies are expected to increase. If the revenues of the companies will remain at the same level (as it was in 2018) cost recovery rate is expected to deteriorate significantly (see Annex VIII. Table 10). Notably, the assumption is that UWSCG will face the cost related to the rehabilitation of the sewerage and wastewater systems and construction of WWTP, while GA’s costs will increase due to the renovation of drainage and irrigation systems. Other costs such as building buffers and vermicompost, as well as costs of supplementary measures are not accounted as cost borne by water supply companies. Even though subsidies play an important role in the operation of these companies, the above presented calculations highlight the likely increase in pressure to revise upward water supply tariff level and structure. According to sector experts an optimal level of water supply tariffs should not exceed to 5% of the

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin income of the households. Other experts suggest a more conservative threshold, with a recommended value for tariffs not exceeding 2-3% of household income. The structure of the tariff is another important factor. According to the literature, the most optimal tariff structure is designed in the following way: Fixed + Volumetric basis. For agriculture the fixed part of the tariff is determined based on the land area and the variable part is based on hours or volume of irrigation.

8.2.5 Financing the PoMs

According to the data provided by UWSCG and GA, 94.58% of the planned investments are supposed to be financed by the international donor organizations (such as Asian Development Bank)), while the remaining 5.4% will be financed from the state budget (only 0.02% of the funding is not determined yet). Notably, this allocation of costs refers only to investment costs of basic measures (see Figure 23).

Figure 23 Allocation of Investment Costs of Basic Measures

Source: Authors’ own calculations based on UWSCG and GA data

According to the provided data, it is not planned yet how the building of vermicompost and buffer strips be financed. The best option for the realization of vermicompost facilities seems to be building it with support of local water authorities.

In addition, operation costs of the basic measures should be incorporated in the costs of water supply agencies, such as GA and UWSCG. However, for companies to be able to cover these costs, tariff levels should be adjusted as discussed in the previous sub-chapter. Furthermore, the implementation of supplementary measures, such as publicity campaigns and training sessions for farmers should be the responsibility of local water authorities. These activities should be financed by them through using the revenues from water services.

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9 PROGRAMME OF MEASURES

According to Water framework directive (WFD), within a river basin district (RBD), a Programme of Measures (PoM) is established in order to address the significant issues identified and to allow the achievement of the objectives which have been defined and established. The development of PoM can be considered as a significant part of a river basin management plan (RBMP), it corresponds to the pressure/impact analysis, risk assessment and water status assessment through monitoring (if available). The identification of significant pressures and their resulting impacts (which in turn lead to reduced status) are critical to the successful development of PoMs.

The EU WFD requires the identification of significant pressures from point and diffuse sources of pollution, modifications of flow regimes through abstractions or regulation and morphological alterations, as well as any other pressures. ‘Significant’ means that the pressure contributes to an impact that may result in failing to meet the requirements of Article 443. PoMs serve the key purpose to reach the EU WFD objectives in particular good water status and hence, provide regulatory actions to reach, maintain and/or improve water status44. Moreover, PoMs should be designed to reduce catchment pressures in order to improve ecosystem services rather than element classification (see Figure 24).

Figure 24 Programme of Measures (graphical abstract) (Giakoumis & Voulvoulis, 2019)

43 Programmes of measures consisted of compulsory basic measures, including some taken under several directives that pre-date the WFD and other WFD specific, such as controls on water abstraction, discharges, diffuse pollution or the physical alteration of water bodies and supplementary measures, where those are required to achieve the environmental objectives (European Commission, 2015a). 44 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/waterframework/objectives/implementation_en.htm

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

The development of PoMs is a dynamic and iterative process that is based on six-year planning cycles for regular updating. Considering this concept changes to the pressures and impacts on a water body can be assessed and new measures would be developed to overcome them. Also refinements to monitoring programme and further data availability existing measures to increase effectiveness (Giakoumis & Voulvoulis, 2019).

Measures should be targeted in terms of their type and extent to ensure that pressure are addressed and that this will deliver improvements towards achieving good status or potential in individual water bodies. The measures should be designed based on the assessment of the actual status of the water body, supplemented with the information from the analysis of pressures and impacts affecting the water body. In order to achieve the objectives WFD Article 11 sets out two types of measures:  Basic measures  Supplementary measures

Basic measures are obligatory and they are the minimum requirements to be included in the PoMs. Its aim is to meet the requirements of other EU Directives which are related to WFD implementation, for example, measures associated with the implementation of other Community legislation for the protection of waters (WFD Article 11(3)a and Annex VI, e.g. measures to achieve compliance with the objectives of the Nitrates and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directives and etc.). Supplementary measures are designed and implemented in addition to the basic measures where they are necessary to achieve the environmental objectives of WFD in accordance with Article 4. Supplemen- tary measures would include additional legislative powers, fiscal measures, research, educational campaigns that go beyond the basic measures and are necessary for the achievement of objectives. According to the EU WFD, the term “measures” includes both on the ground actions and the policy and legislative instruments for achieving these actions. It is significant to categorize the measures in order to simplify the river basin management planning process. It ensures to distinguish between the measure which already exists (or are advised by the stakeholders) and the additional measures that are planned to be proposed in order to meet the EU WFD objectives. Based on this the measures would be categorized into four broad groups:

 Measures already happening (not driven by WFD)- actions that are already agreed and funded. It includes the National environmental programmes, restoration programmes and local initiatives  New measures that will happen (not driven by WFD)- actions that will happen irrespective of the WFD (usually under other Directive such as Urban Waste Water Treatment, Nitrates, Bathing Water, Habitats, etc.)  New measures that will happen-national (driven by WFD)- measures that require national decisions (e.g. controls on chemicals, fertilizers, etc., also national general binding rules and codes of practice that apply to specific activities  New measures that will happen-local, RBD agreed (driven by WFD)- measures specifically for objectives of the WFD which don’t require national decisions (e.g. new rivers trusts initiatives, local awareness/education campaign)

It is important to mention that the measures differ in terms of scale. They would be applied at a variety levels from a national level to a single water body. Furthermore, the measures could be delivered by a wide range of organizations and initiatives in order to meet the EU WFD objectives, to achieve good status and to prevent deterioration in the status of water bodies.

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9.1 Basic measures

According to Draft Guidance Document on the Development of Programme of Measures and the Achieve- ment of Environmental Objectives (Birgit Vogel, 2014), there are EU Directives (For Non- EU Member States ) relevant to be addressed through basic measures in PoMs:

 Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)  Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC)  Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC)  Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)

Based on the EU WFD Article 11(3) requirements, in addition to above mentioned measures the other measures would prevent any negative impacts on water status and are listed below:  Measures to apply the principle of recovery of costs for water use (WFD Article 9)  Measures to promote efficient and sustainable water use  Measures to protect drinking water sources  Measures to control abstraction and impoundment of surface and groundwaters  Measures to control point and diffuse pollution sources  Measures to regulate direct discharge into groundwater  Measures to manage priority substances  Measures to control physical modifications of surface waters  Measures that control any other actions that can impact on water status  Measures to prevent accidental pollution

As it was pointed out before PoMs have been developed in such a way that it follows mainly the results of the pressure/impact analysis and corresponding risk assessment. Base on the assessment the major water management issues in the Khrami-Debeda river basin are:  Point source pollution from urban wastewater discharges  Point source pollution from industrial-mining waste water discharges  Point source pollution from Industrial waste water discharges (sand-gravel extraction)  Diffuse source pollution from agriculture-crop production  Diffuse source pollution from agriculture-animal live stocking  Diffuse source pollution from illegal landfills  Excessive water abstraction (irrigation, public water supply, hydropower plant (HPP), fish farm, etc.)  Hydromorphological alteration (Hydrological flow changes, Longitudinal river and habitat continuity interruption, Morphological alterations)

The measures to be addressed the impacts from above mentioned water management issues are listed below: Measures deemed / proposed specially for urban wastewater discharges

Considering the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) the following points have been highlighted: - The analysis of the current state of the public sewerage systems in the Khrami-Debeda river basin has been elaborated - The sensitive areas have been designated - Technical and Investment Programme for the urban wastewater collection and treatment developed

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

These measures have been taken into account in order to outcome from the implantation of the EU UWWT Directive, which gives the extent for wastewater treatment based on the sensitive areas. Specifically, the following measures are proposed to take with the regards of sewerage systems:

- Construction of new waste water treatment plant (WWTP) - Construction of the sewerage system - Rehabilitation wastewater network, which includes replacement of the pipes, wells and collectors - Environmental inspection controls on wastewater discharges to the rivers

It should be noticed that Municipalities and their Water and Sewerage Administrations, Ministry of Envi- ronment and Agriculture are responsible authorities on construction, improvement and revision of sewerage systems and WWTPs.

Measures deemed/ /proposed specially for industrial-mining waste water discharges

The level of water pollution from industries and mining is significant issue in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Since this basin has a long history of mining carried out, it is crucial to define the measures against point source pollution from mining. The waters from mines can pollute ground water and when reaching the surface water, polluted mine water discharges may cause significant changes in the chemistry and ecology of the affected surface water bodies. Considering these facts, the following measures have been defined:

- Design and construction of industrial, sewerage and urban wastewater treatment plant (UWWTP) and wastewater treatment to adequate industrial discharges - Design and construction of chemical (from mining) wastewater treatment plant - Collection of waste water, Construction of pumping station and releasing to closed technological cycle

Measures deemed / proposed specially for agriculture-crop production, live stocking The measures below have been defined for the diffuse pollution from agriculture-crop production:

- Rehabilitation of drainage systems to reduce water induced erosion and agriculture run-off - Setting buffer strips and hedges (establishment of 3m buffer strip) - Codes of Good Agricultural Practices for Protection of Waters against Agricultural Nitrate Pollu- tion (the reduction in the use of fertilizers in agriculture) - Establishment of organic farms - Actions plans for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (this measure consists of the preparation of Actions plans for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in the river basin and is in line with the EU-Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC))

The following measures have been designed for the diffuse pollution from agriculture- live stocking:

- Setting up vermicompost (producing bio humus) - Construction and use of biogas plants (biogas digesters) for households or for a whole municipality - Avoidance of livestock grazing in water protection strips by providing alternative zones - Codes of Good Practices for Livestock in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Measures deemed / proposed specially for excessive water abstraction (by irrigation, HPP, drinking water supply) Water abstraction effects the natural floes of most surface water bodies. The environmental flow indicators (flow values and water levels) are used as a guide for the management of the impacts of abstractions on

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surface water bodies. The following measures have been designed and proposed for the water abstraction and other flow pressures:

- Using modern and efficient irrigation technologies to economize the water uses - Rehabilitation of the main canal, collectors and engineering works of the irrigation systems in the Khrami-Debeda river basin - Regulations for abstractions and impoundments to prevent deterioration of water body status (the system of abstraction licensing control)

Measures deemed / proposed specially for hydromorphological alteration Human activities often result in several alterations. However, many physical modifications serve not only one but several uses: they are multipurpose modifications. For example, cross profile constructions in rivers (dams and weirs) and deepening or channelisation may be necessary for navigation, flood protection and/or hydropower purpose (WFD and Hydromorphological pressures, 2006). Water bodies may become at risk of failing to achieve their environmental objectives due to hydromorphological changes, leading to ecological impacts (e.g. impacts on biological elements). Measures to improve the ecological status cannot always clearly be related to one use or to one alteration. In practice, the relation between uses, alterations, state and measures can be complex. The following measures have been identified for water bodies at risk due to hydromoorphological alteration: Measures for the pressure category-water flow changes

- Creation of ecologically compatible hydraulic conditions through flow control (e.g. water level regulation) - Creation of water course passability for upstream and downstream migration of location specific species and for sediments transport; management of sediments

Measures for the pressure category-sediment dynamics

- Improvement of sediments transport continuity via dams management - Material removal and sediments extraction regulation - Moderate watercourse maintenance

Measures for the pressure category-morphological changes

- Improvement and diversification of bank and bed structures, riparian and aquatic habitats (veg- etalization) - Supporting hydraulic engineering measures for morphological restructuring of the water course

It is important to point out that the measures proposed against hydromorphological alteration will be investigated (and may not implemented) regarding disproportionate cost in the first cycle of the Khrami- Debeda river basin management planning.

Measures deemed / proposed specially for the reduction of climate change pressure Over the last years, it is not possible to consider significant water management issues without taking climate change into account. Climate change predictions make it clear that both water quality and quantity will change in the future. Thus, it is obvious that the impacts of climate change in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district will be reflected in an overall decrease in the river flows which is linked to a rise in temperature. It drives an increase in evapotranspiration and greater water demands, as well as a projected decrease in precipitation. Moreover, increased water consumption will be crucial in the irrigated agricultural sector and in the urban and rural water supply sectors and in the industry as well. The impact of climate

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin change on flooding is significant. It is likely that flood frequencies will increase further in the coming dec- ades. Lower flows in the rivers will lead to deterioration of water quality since less water means a lower ability to dilute pollution. All of these impacts should be taken into consideration and measures should tend to provide flexible means of managing any potential future problems. Considering above mentioned factors the following measures have been designed against climate change pressures:

- Restoration of floodplain forests - Considering climate change aspects in the implementation of infrastructure or bank protection projects - Considering climate change impact when calculating water demand/supply balances for water supply companies - Monitoring of water abstraction considering decreased precipitation, ensuring sustainable use of water

9.2 Supplementary measures

As mentioned above supplementary measures are optional and have to be set and implemented in case basic measures cannot ensure the achievement of the environmental objectives and ‘good water status’ (reference –EPIRB). Supplementary measures mainly are related to the water body and local level, while basic measures are linked to the national and basin-wide level. The EU WFD provides a list of supplementary measures (in an Annex) listing the implementation of, for example, agreements and regulation codes of practice, economic instruments and etc. Since supplementary measures complement basic measures, they should be proportionate in costs, transparent and prag- matic. It is important to mention that supplementary measures are determined in the first WFD planning cycle and there is a need to check if they are (CIS Guidance No. 4 and No. 37):  Technically feasible  Ensure the achievement of good status in time and in combination with the basic measures  Disproportionally expensive to achieve the environmental objectives

In case if the supplementary measures are technically infeasible or disproportionally expensive, according to WFD Article 4, they can be applied in a later WFD cycle than the first one. The supplementary measures for all pressure types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin has been designed in order to fill gaps which exist after defining basic measure for this river basin.

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for urban wastewater discharges

- Implementation of water resources monitoring program - Environmental inspection controls on wastewater discharge to the rivers - Source control (reducing pollution at source reduces the costs associated with its treatment and produces environmental benefits) - Control of domestic products with regard to their impact on the environment (e.g. low phosphorus detergents or removing phosphates from detergents) - Introduction of effective fee system for waste collection and disposal

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Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for industrial-mining waste water discharges

- Apply Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regime for regulation industrial processes to minimise pollution - Controlling usage of certain dangerous substances by using regulations - Improving environmental performance by promoting environmental management systems - Providing guidance to industries on reducing the use of hazardous raw materials along with development case studies - Conducting investigation works for elimination historical pollution

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for agriculture-crop production, live stocking

- Rural Development Strategy supporting small farmers food production and market - The initiative of non-governmental organisations and voluntaries and providing some guidance (e.g. codes of good agriculture practice) to reduce pollution - Development of Normative act on a definition of ecological and chemical status of water bodies - Implementation of water resources monitoring program and environmental inspection controls - Elaborations of methodologies for using a different type of fertilisers and pesticides in a proper way - Avoidance of livestock grazing in water protection strips by providing alternative zones - Elaboration of norms / standards for livestock grazing intensity - Providing training on sustainable livestock farming

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for industrial (sand-gravel extraction) wastewater discharges - Proposing investigated monitoring- investigation and monitoring of sand-gravel enterprises (investigation of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions)

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for illegal landfills wastewater discharges - Monitoring of illegal landfills (to be executed by the municipalities), imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for water abstraction (by irrigation, HPP, drinking water supply)

- Setting up the regulation(s) for efficient use of water - Controlling the volume of water that can be abstracted and the time over which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits) - Setting up sanitary protection zones to protect water quality - Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water - Promotion of efficient and sustainable water use - Restoration of existing abstraction to sustainable levels (development of alternative supplies or more efficient water use - Publicity campaigns promoting efficient water use by domestic customers - Set up a payment system for water abstraction from the surface water courses - Review of current water abstraction regulation

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for hydromorphological alteration

- Elaboration regulation on planning and Implementation of Water Resources Monitoring Program - Strengthening of national and regional inspection of environmental supervision - Elaboration of a technical guideline/normative act (technical standing orders) on the management of river sand and gravel mining - Strengthening hydrological monitoring system

Supplementary measures deemed / proposed specially for the reduction of climate change pressure

- Conducting research to assess current and possible climate change impacts on water bodies - Competitive financing of target programs in research institutes to study climate change impact on different ecosystems and economic sectors

- Developing and implementing a long-term land management strategy in the Kakheti region, which would be the most important climate change adaptation measure after monitoring

Based on the basic and supplementary measure which have been proposed in the PoMs design process a summary table (see Annex IX. Table 1.) was created showing the measures (basic and supplementary) for water bodies at risk for different pressure types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district.

9.3 Selected measures (Basic, Supplementary)

In order to address the measures to the impacts from above mentioned water management issues a wide range of the measures (basic, supplementary) has been proposed which considers all the issues, pressure types in the Khrami-Debeda river basin. Due to lack of funding and appropriate consents, only 49 measures (41 basic and 8 supplementary) were selected during the 1 st implementation cycle (see Figure 25). The basic measures such as renovation /construction of a sewerage systems were found to target the point source pressures coming from the urban wastewater discharges. Also the basic measures have been selected in order to reduce point source pollution coming from industry-mining. Diffuse source pollution (crop production, live stocking) has been targeted by the measures such as setting buffer strips and hedges, build vermikompost (producing bio humus). With regard to excessive water abstraction by irrigation systems, the measures have been selected which targeting rehabilitation of the main channel of Khram-Arkhi, Tsminda Giorgi irrigation system, Megoroba channel, Arakhlo irrigation system, etc. The supplementary measures have been selected to target waste water discharges, pollutions coming from agriculture, water abstraction issues via the provision of information and through educational campaigns, training, publicity campaigns. Furthermore, in order to improve water quality in this river basin the following supplementary measures have been selected: To propose investigated monitoring- investigation and monitoring of sand-gravel enterprises (investigation of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions); Monitoring of illegal landfills (to be executed by the municipalities), imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management; Setting up the sanitary protection zones (to be carried out by the municipalities). Moreover, with regard to climate change the supplementary measure has been selected which is related to conducting research to assess current and possible climate change impacts on water bodies.

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Figure 25 The measures selected during the 1st implementation cycle for the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Selected measures which have to be implemented during the 1 st cycle of the Khrami-Debeda river basin management plan were analysed in terms of the policy, legal, and financial tolls employed to bring about the actions on the ground, their apportionment to sectors, whether they are basic or supplementary and when they are planned to become operational. Considering selected measures several maps have been created showing the distribution of the measures in the Khrami-Debeda river basin (see Figure 26); the measures are located in the basin by sector (see Figure 27) and the map where the measures are visualized by the sub-basin of the Khrami-Debeda river basin district (see Figure 28).

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Figure 26 Programme of measures (PoMs) in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 27 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sector in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Figure 28 Programme of measures (PoMs) by sub-basin in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex IX. Table 2 (see Annex IX) presents the basic and supplementary measures that will be implemented during the 1st implementation cycle in order to reach the environmental objectives. The basic and supplementary measures and corresponding environmental objectives are presenting per water bodies ‘at risk’. Furthermore, the table contains information on implementation deadline and by which organization the measure has been suggested to be implemented.

9.4 Programme of measures for surface water monitoring

Since the aim of the environmental objectives of the water bodies “Not at risk” and “Possibly at risk” is to maintain their current good ecological and good chemical status and to monitor for assessing their current state respectively the following measures have been defined:

- Controlling and monitoring water quality and quantity - Strengthening hydrological monitoring system - Strengthening of national and regional inspection of environmental supervision - Apply the environmental enhancement practices

Biological Monitoring needs to enhanced and expanded. Further improvement of status assessment (ESCS) and the incorpation of the other WFD required biological indicators (BQE). For guidance on the development of Georgian surface water monitoring refer to chapter Erreur ! Source du renvoi introu- vable. and the Report on Surface Water Monitoring in the Khrami-Debeda RBD (Wolfram et al., 2020)

9.5 Programme of measure for HMWBs

As it has been discussed in the previous chapters 12(Alg110, Alg117, Khr109, Khr112, Khr113, Khr114, Khr115, Khr116, Khr117, Khr118, Khr119, Mdn302) water bodies are being designated as HMWBs in the Khrami-Debeda river basin district and therefore a good ecological potential (GEP) and good chemical status need to be achieved. Good ecological potential (GEP) (CIS Guidance No. 4 and No. 37) means close to the best that can be done for ecology without significant adverse impact on use (Kampa & Laaser, 2009). Due to this fact, the management objective foresees measures at the sub-basin level to improve the hydromorphological situation in order to achieve and ensure this potential. Based on this the following measures have been designed:

Basic measures:

- Considering environmental flow level in the river by reviewing water abstraction quantity - Development of methodology on an assessment of environmental flow - Taking into account poorly planned or designed engineering structures and restore rivers to a more natural condition - Regulations for abstractions and impoundments to prevent deterioration of water body status (the system of abstraction licensing control)

Supplementary measures:

- Elaboration regulation on planning and Implementation of Water Resources Monitoring Program - Apply national and regional inspection of environmental supervision

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- Build up hydrological monitoring system - Elaboration of a technical guideline/normative act (technical standing orders) on the management of river sand and gravel mining

9.6 Programme of measure for GWBs

The following measures have been defined for groundwater bodies in the Khrami-Debeda river basin: Improvement of monitoring network for gathering information on every groundwater body. Considering requirements of EU Water Framework Directive, the aforementioned works are complex and include:

- Identification of new bore-holes through beforehand hydrogeological works and field surveys on technical conditions of bore-holes. Based on appropriate surveys, it is possible to identify which water-bearing aquifer horizons are opened by which bore-holes, what is the capacity of water- bearing aquifer and its natural quantitative characterizations. Also origin of water could be determined (young, surface, confined, mixed, etc.) by determining the time of filling up and discharge and location. - Determining transit time using isotope method by taking chemical and isotope samplings Inventory of groundwater bore-holes and establishment of certain regulations on drilling works for fresh groundwater abstraction. The aforementioned should be implemented for studying the existing bore-holes in the Khrami-Debeda river basin and at the same time should be obligatory for drilling a new bore-hole. This is directly related to fulfilling EU WFD requirements regarding groundwater bodies quantitative status assessment. Ignoring it now will lead to complications of fulfilling WFD requirements on groundwater bodies quantitative status assessment. Controlling and monitoring water quality and quantity – fresh groundwater is used for drinking purposes and for irrigation reasons as well. It also sustains aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. For assessment of results of groundwater qualitative characterization monitoring, NEA acts according to the norms established by technical regulations for drinking water. After revision of the document, an appropriate programme for the assessment of groundwater body quality will be developed if necessary.

In would be concluded that in general, the design of programme of measures (PoMs) is an iterative process that involves the participation of stakeholders and decision-makers. The assessment of pressures and impacts is crucial for developing effective measures. The measures should be developed to target catchment pressures to achieve ‘good status’. PoMs designing process assesses and identifies what to manage (e.g. catchment pressure) which is essential for developing the necessary measures and delivering the river basin management plan. In order to design an effective programme of measures, it is important to establish the clear relationships between environmental objectives for the water bodies and the associated pressures. In the development of PoMs is critical to determine the pressures that the individual water bodies can tolerate if they are to fulfil the environmental objective of ‘good status’.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

10 SUMMARY OF STRATEGIES, PROGRAMMES, PLANS AND PROJECTS

Georgia has committed to the harmonization of its national legislation with the EU Acquis, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The draft law on Water Resources Management is developed and currently under the consultation process with different ministries and other stakeholders. Six by-laws (draft Governmental Decrees) have been also prepared to ensure proper enforcement of the water code:  On Approval of the Procedure of the Development, Consideration and Endorsement of River Ba- sin Management Plans  On Approval of Procedure for status assessment and establishing ecological class boundaries (ESCS)  On the rules on composition and functioning of River Basin Council  On Approval of Technical Regulation on Calculation of Maximum Admissible Discharge (MAD), Norms of Pollutants Discharged with Wastewater into Surface Water Bodies  On identification and delineation of river basins  On the Rules for planning and implementation of water resources monitoring

The draft law on Water Resources Management is aligned to the principles and provisions of the EU WFD as well as the IWRM principles. According to the draft law on Water Resources Management Georgia has to introduce the river basin management and prepare river basin management plans for main rivers, conduct consultations with the public and publish these plans (art. 13 and 14 of EU –Georgia AA) Georgia has obligation to develop River Basins Management Plans (RBMP) in line with the EU WFD principles by 2024.

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11 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

According to EU WFD requirements, and particularly Article 14, all stakeholders, for example NGO’s, local communities and water supply enterprises, should be involved in discussions leading to the formulation of the river basin management plan (RBMP) during its 3 phases of development: Time table and work program, Main issues, Draft RBMP and Programme of measures. From public infor-mation to active public participation, the required actions and targeted public are different. Legal basis for public participation in Georgia can be found in the Law on Environmental Impact Permit which guarantees the public’s right to participate in environmental decision-making on project as well as strategic levels. However, the law is vague on what constitutes public participation. Usually, the procedure of public hearings is used, in which comments are solicited one the final plan or strategy has been developed among ministries. More formal procedures and institutional mechanisms for conducting public participation processes at earlier stages are slowly and gradually developing in the country. Concerning public participation in water management, as there is currently no approved RBMP in Georgia, there is not yet an experience of an official consultation and approval process. Since several years, a Draft New Water Law is being developed which provisions aim to approximate with the EU acquis, including Water Framework Directive. The still ongoing revision of Georgia’s water law will have very significant impacts on how water management is organised, including on how RBMP are being developed, taking into account public participation. The objectives of public consultation for the development of Khrami-Debeda River Basin Manage- ment Plan draft version are as follows:

 to involve as much as possible, the representatives of civil society and local stakeholders in the process of discussion in RBMP during its drafting stage  to inform the public on the RBMP, and more generally on water management and water status in their river basin

The final draft RBPM elaborated in the framework of the EUWI+ project will then pass the official adoption procedure, led by the MEPA and all concerned ministries.

11.1 The first consultation

A feedback form has been filled by 27 participants during the first public consultation. In terms of global satisfaction after attending the meetings, the following answers from the partici-pants were obtained (see Figure 29):

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Figure 29 Graphical representation of a global satisfaction after attending the workshop

The participants were asked to quote the 3 main interesting points of the workshop and the following answers were collected (see Figure 30). The more often quoted points refers to the assessment of Pres- sures and Impacts (5), the delineation of waterbodies (3), the RBMP preparation and the main challenges in the basin (3)

Figure 30 Graphical representation of the main interesting points of the workshop

When asked what could be improved in the future meetings the following answers were:

 More discussions, frequent meetings  More active participation of the local authorities  Would be very interesting to hear the presentation from the water user  The meeting was very interesting and useful, thanks a lot!  More practical works and more place for work  Everything was planned very well!  More information for the visual assessment  More statistical data

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 More interactive work (e.g. group working)  Involvement of more stakeholders from the transboundary countries

11.2 The second consultation

The second consultation meeting on Khrami-Debeda RBMP in Georgia has gathered 27 participants including the representatives of beneficiary institutions, regional and local authorities, NGOs, main contrac- tors in Georgia for RBMP development and EUWI+East representatives. The second thematic summary of the current findings on environmental objectives and programme of measures has been prepared and Khrami-Debeda factsheet has been updated for the meeting. After welcoming speeches of Mr. Zurab Jincharadze, EUWI+ country representative in Georgia Ms. Maia Javakhishvili and Ms. Marina Makarova, representatives of Ministry of Environmental Protection and Ag- riculture in Georgia, and of Yannick Pochon, EUWI + for Eastern Partnership/International Office of Water, an introduction session of the participants took place, that was followed by introduction of agenda by Mr. Zurab Jincharadze. Mr. Jincharadze also gave a short presentation on the frame of the EUWI + East project as regards the RBMP development under the Component 2 and 3 of the project in Georgia and the participatory and consultation approaches applied by the project. After the overview of the project implementation history, Ms. Chloe Dechelette had a brief presentation covering main actions taken within the communication campaign of the project. A particular attention was given to taking part in the consultation process for Khrami-Debeda River Basin, with explanations regarding the dedicated webpage and the questionnaire to be filled out by participants. The first session allowed to present the Pogramme of Measures of the Khrami-Debeda River Basin Management plan, delivered by Ms. Maia Zumbulidze, covering the following topics: - Main objectives of Khrami-Debeda RBMP - Anthropogenic factors and human activity pressures - Risk Assessment - Environmental Objectives - Programme of Measures The next presentation was given by Ms. Mariam Chachava on Economic Analyses of Programme of Measures analyzing the expected costs of envisaged measures. Ms. Chachava covered the following topics: - Investment costs of the basic measures - Operation and maintenance costs of the basic measures - Indirect economic and environmental costs - Investment cost of supplementary measures - Affordability analysis - Tariffs - Funding sources

Questions raised - Ms. Marina Makarova, Head of Water Division at MEPA had a question regarding the location of new hydrological and underground monitoring stations, how many of them are planned to be in Alazani-Iori and how many in Khrami – Debeda River Basins. Another question of Ms. Makarova was related to cooperation with Kura 2 projet, which also envisages installation of underground monitoring stations. Mr. Jincharadze replied that the EUWI+ project definitely cooperated with Kura 2 project and the installation of underground monitoring stations is coordinated between the projects. As for the locations of hydrometeorological stations, 5 automatic stations will be installed in Khrami-Debeda river basin and 7

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin in Alazani-Iori river basin. As for underground monitoring station, Mr. Jincharadze explained that they are mainly envisaged to be in Alazani-Iori RB and only several in Khrami-Debeda river basin. Ms. Ekaterina Sanadze, representative of MEPA, had two questions. The first one was regarding the indicators the hydrological stations will measure and what it will be used for and the second was related to the key challenges of the consultation campaign. Ms. Dechelette explained that the first challenge the project faced is that quite often people ask what is RBMP and they are not aware of the whole process. As for the main concerns raised in previous consultation (main issues, water quality (point and diffuse source water pollution), illegal dumpsites and future role of basin councils and municipalities were the issues people were most concerned about. Another question Ms. Ekaterine Sanadze raised was related to future plans of the project and if practical implementation of any proposed measures is envisaged by the project. Ms. Zumbulidze explained that the PoMs is a plan of measures which need to be implemented, after the RBMP is adopted by the Gov- ernment of Georgia. However, it doesn’t mean that only the MEPA will be responsible for implementation, as majority of the proposed measures (such as infrastructure, irrigation system, wastewater treatment plants, etc.) are already in the pipeline of different relative agencies and even certain budget is allocated.

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12 LIST OF COMPETENT AUTHORITIES

There is a list of competent authorities that are related to the design and implementation process of the Khrami-Debeda river basin management plan:

- Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia - LEPL National Environmental Agency - Ltd. Georgian Amelioration - Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia - Ltd. United Water Supply Company of Georgia - Ministry of Energy of Georgia - Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Local authorities: Basin municipalities, branches of central level Water Management related agencies (Amelioration department, Extension centres of the ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture).

12.1 Procedure of elaboration, review and approval of river basin management plans

Prior to the elaboration of the river basin management plan, the MEPA will approve the timeline for the elaboration of the plan per RBD and select the responsible organization. The timeline should include information on the rules for commencing the planning and consultations. The timeline should be published in accordance with the requirements under Article 6. MEPA will form Consultation and Coordination Coun- cil for each RBD and approve its members. At the initial stage of river basin management plan elaboration, a general analysis of basin district and the report on the impact on human activity and risks assessment must be prepared to be discussed by the relevant Council as well as at open meeting at the basin level in accordance with the requirements under Article 6. The draft river basin management plan shall be discussed by relevant Council as well as at open meeting at the basin level with the participation of local self-governments and stakeholders. The draft river basin management plan shall also be discussed at the national level with the participation of relevant ministries and other state agencies. MEPA will present the finalized draft river basin management plan to the Government for approval. River basin management plan will be approved by the governmental decree.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

12.2 Responsibilities of competent authorities

Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) is responsible for organizing the process of elaboration and review of river basin management plans (RBMPs), which are then submitted to the Government of Georgia for approval

12.3 Contact points and procedures

- Ms. Nino Tkhilava - Head of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, MEPA Tel: +995 595 199 745 [email protected] - Ms. Marina Makarova - Head of Water Division, Department of Environment and Climate Change, MEPA Tel: +995 595 119 704 [email protected]

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13 GLOSSARY

Aquifer Subsurface layer or layers of rock or other geological strata of sufficient porosity and permeability to allow either a significant flow of groundwater

or the abstraction of significant quantities of groundwater

Artificial Water Body of surface water created by human activity e.g. a canal Body (AWB)

Chemical Status Chemical Status describes whether waters contain safe concentrations of certain chemicals that have been identified as of significant risk to or via the aquatic environment at the European Union (EU) level

Classification A technical procedure for assessing the status of a water body in accord- System ance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD)

Driver A human activity that may have an environmental effect

Ecological Po- Is the status of a heavily modified or artificial waterbody tential

Ecological Sta- Expression of the quality of structure and function of water ecosystems tus related to surface waters

Environmental are defined by the WFD mainly in Article 4 §1 Objectives

Good Ecological Is the required status of a heavily modified or an artificial water body. Potential Good Status The status achieved by a surface waterbody when both its ecological status and its chemical status are at least ‘Good’

Groundwater The water present beneath Earth’s surface in liquid, solid and gaseous form, which is spread in soil, pore and in the fractures of rock formations, as well as in karst with caves

Groundwater A distinct volume of groundwater within an aquifer or aquifers Body

The movement of groundwater in pores and fractures of rocks or in karst Groundwater flow spaces

Heavily Modified Surface water body that has significantly altered nature as a result of hu- Water Body man influence (HMWB)

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Hydromorphology The physical characteristics of the shape, the boundaries and the content of a waterbody

Pressures The proximate cause of any human-induced alterations to the morphological conditions needed to support the biological quality elements

Risk assessment To identify thresholds in relation to (i) the magnitude of a pressure and (ii) observed or predicted changes in both physicochemical and hydromorphological conditions for helping to decide if water bodies, or groups of water bodies, should be identified as being at risk of failing to achieve the WFD’s environmental objectives

River Basin Dis- A unity of territory and aquatic area consisting of more than one bordering trict (RBD) river basin, including distribution area of groundwater and coastal waters

RBMP River Basin management Plan, territorial planning document: it gives the overall orientations of water management in the basin and the objectives

to be reached, the delay and the priorities in the actions to be developed for a defined period of time

Surface water Inland waters (except ground waters), transitional waters, coastal waters, territorial waters and special economic zone waters

A general expression of surface water status, which is determined on the Surface water status basis of its ecological and chemical status

Groundwater A general expression of the condition of a groundwater body, which status is determined according to chemical and quantitative characteristics of the ground water. If either chemical or quantitative status is poor, then groundwater status is poor.

Water Allocation The planning process using regulatory tools which consists in supplying all users with water volumes according to the legal framework in order to meet the demand. Water allocation refers to sectorial share but also to individual water permits

Water balance It is the gap between existing water supplies and water demand (including environmental flow). As both water demands and supply facilities (dams’ storage, water table…) fluctuate on a seasonal and daily basis, water balance must enable to account for these variations in fluctuations

Water body It is a coherent sub-unit (delineated water body) in the river basin (district) to which the environmental objectives of the directive must apply. Hence, the main purpose of identifying “water bodies” is to enable the status to be accurately described and compared to environmental objectives

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14 REFERENCES

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Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

EU Water Framework Directive, (2000/60/EC), European Communities, 2000 EU WFD, Guidance document n.o 1. (2003). Economics and the environment,The implementation challenge of the Water Framework Directive. ESRI Arc Hydro Overview Document #1. Retrieved on Jul 2018 from http://downloads.esri.com/archydro/archydro/Doc/AHOV1%20Arc%20Hydro%20Tools%2%20Over Exploring the Hydrological Tools in QGIS. Retrieved on Jul 2018 from https://gracilis.carleton.ca/CUOSGwiki/index.php/Exploring_the_Hydrologi cal_Tools_in_QGIS

Fehér et. al., (2012). Hydromorphological alterations and pressures in European rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters: Thematic assessment for EEA Water 2012 Report. Prague: European Topic Cen- tre on Inland, Coastal and Marine Waters. Gamkrelidze P. D., The main features of the tectonic structure of Georgia; works of the Institute of Geol ogy, Academy of Sciences of Georgian SSR; Geology of the USSR, ser. X (XV), 1957. Gamkrelidze P.D. - Some features of the tectonic zones distribution of the folded system of the southern slope of Great Caucasus; collection of works of the Institute Geology, Academy of Sci-ences of the Georgian SSR, 1959. Giakoumis et. al.,. (2019). Water Framework Directive programmes of measures: Lessons from the 1st planning cycle of a catchment in England. Science of The Total Environment, 668, 903–916. Global Water for Sustainability Program. (2011). Rapid Assessment of the Rioni and Alazani-lori River Basins.In Springe rReference. Berlin/Heidelberg:Springer-Verlag. https://doi.org/10.1007/Sprin- gerReference_187079 Guidance, W. R.D. (2016). Final draft, version 6. 0. 6. WFD CIS (Water Framework Directive’s Common Implementation Strategy). Guidance document on analysis of pressures and impacts and assessment of risks applicable for Georgia /USAID governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia Identification and designation of heavily modified and artificial water bodies. (2003). Common implementation strategy for the water framework directive (2000/60/EC), Guidance document: Vol. 4. Herbke et. al., (2006). WFD and Agriculture‐Analysis of the Pressures and Impacts Broaden the Prob- lem’s Scope. Interim Report. Version, 6. Hohenblum et. al., 2020. Guidance “Background and concept paper for Investigative Monitoring”. EUWI+ Project. Hydromorphological assessment report 2019 https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/824-georgia-hydromorphological-assessment-report- 2019-eng?fromsearch=1

Identification and designation of heavily modified and artificial water bodies. (2003). Common implementation strategy for the water framework directive (2000/60/EC), Guidance document: Vol. 4. Luxem- bourg: OPOCE. IMPRESS, W. G. (2003). Guidance for the analysis of pressures and impacts in accordance with the Water Framework Directive. In Guidance Document prepared by WG IMPRESS. Available online at http://forum. europa. eu. int/Public/irc/env/wfd/library, accessed at (Vol. 7). Kampa et. al., (2009). Heavily modified water bodies: information exchange on designation, assessment of ecological potential, objective setting and measures. In Common implementation strategy workshop, Brussels. Kenya et al, Report on exploration –survey works on the South part of Alazani artesian basin from vil. Bakurtsikhe till border of Azerbaijan, Report of Geological Department of Georgia, 1976 Kharatishvili L.A., Zedgenidze S.N. - Methods for determination the water conductivity of aqui-fers in mining areas without special drilling and experimental work, Nedra Publishers, Soviet Ge-ology, N 7, 1969. Kharatishvili, LA, Zedginidze, S.N. - State and tasks of hydrogeological and engineering-geological research of Georgia; Collection of papers “Proceedings of the zonal meeting on hy-drogeology and engineering geology”, Minsk, 1969.

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Kheladze I.E., Hydrogeological report on the Kakheti lowlands within the irrigation of the Alazan Channel, Archive of the Ministry of Water Management of Georgian SSR, 1929. Kheladze I.E., Hydrogeological studies of the right bank of Alazani Valley; archive of the Ministry of Water managment of Georgian SSR, Tbilisi, 1929. Khorbaladze et al, Report on the detailed survey of Quaternary alluvial deposits of River Iori on the area of Mtianeti in terms of assessment of groundwater recourses, Report of Geological De-partment of Georgia, 1979 Kvartskhava P.F. hydrogeology of the righbenk of Iori river, South Kakheti; Report of Marneuli type, Report of Geological Department of Georgia,1957 Kolcova T, Jackman M, Water body identification and typology of Chorokhi-Adjaristskali River Basin, Georgia EPIRB Project, 2013 Kristensen, P., Whalley, C., Néry, F., Zal, N., & Christiansen, T. (2018). European waters: Assessment of status and pressures 2018. EEA report / European Environment Agency: No 7/2018. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Loladze et al, Report on hydrogeological survey of growndwater and pressurized waters under al-luvial- lake deposits of River PoladauriIn terms of water supply of Marneuli-Bolnisi districts, Report of Geo- logical Department of Georgia,1968 Leon et. al., (2002). Modeling diffuse pollution with a distributed approach. Water Science and Technol- ogy, 45(9), 149–156. Maidment et. al.,2000. Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling Support with Geographic Information Sys- tems. Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc., Redlands, California. 213pp. Methodology for Identification, Delineation and Classification of Surface Water Bodies, MCA-Moldova THVA Project - Irrigation Sector Reform Activity, 2012 Nations United. (2018). Sdg 6 synthesis report 2018 on water and sanitation. [Place of publication not identified]: UNITED NATIONS. Parliament of Georgia. (1997). Law of Georgia on Water. Rivaes et. al.,. Using CASiMiR-vegetation model to establish riparian vegetation disturbance requirements. Sall et. al.,.The Role of River Basin Management Plans in in addressing diffuse pollution from agriculture to limit the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea National Report of Estonia, Baltic Compass project, SEI Tall Schaufler et al., 2020. Technical Report “Surface Water Monitoring Development Plan Georgia”. EUWI+ Project. Society for Nature Conservation, SABUKO (2019). Restoration of Iori river valley gallery forests and adjacent areas: Description and Assessment of Iori River Gallery Forests, Definition of their Natural boundaries, Comparison with the Present Boundaries and Identification of Causes of Changes. StackExchange, 2011. Geographic information systems: Given a terrain, how to determine stream flow path? Retrieved on Dec 1st 2015 from https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/14622/given-a-terrain-how-to-draw-the-stream-flow-path. Surface water survey report 2018 https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/653-georgia-surface-water-survey-report- 2018?fromsearch=1;%20and%20https://euwipluseast.eu/en/component/k2/item/830-georgia-sur face-water-survey-report-2019-eng?fromsearch=1 The sava river. 2015: Springer. Tsertsvadze N.V., Mineral water of Georgia, Publishing House “Nekeri” , 2017. USAID Governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia 2018. Guidance document on significant water managment issues and programme measures: USAID Governing for growth (G4G) in Georgia. Wagener et. al., 2007. Catchment classification and hydro-logic similarity. Geography Compass, 1(4): 901-931.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

WFD and Hydromorphological pressures (2006). Good practice in managing the ecological impacts of hydropower schemes; flood protection works; and works designed to facilitate navigation under the Water Framework Directive Wolfram et al., 2020. The Report on Surface Water Monitoring in the Khrami-Debed RBD. EUWI+ Project. Zedginidze et al, Report of Hydrogeological type on assessment of regional groundwater resources of Iori-Shiraqi artesian basin, Geological Department of Georgia,1969 Zedginidze et al., 1970. Water content of the Quaternary formations of Georgia. Hydrogeology of the USSR, vol. X, Georgian SSR, Nedra Publishing House. Zedginidze et al., 1969. Summary report of Iori Geological type with a calculation of regional oper-ational groundwater resources of the Iori-Shiraki artesian basin- 1948-1969. (for I.VI-1969) Funds of Georgian Geology. Zedginidze et al., 1970. Water content of Neogene and Paleogene Deposits of Georgia, USSR Hy-droge ology, vol. X, Georgian SSR, Nedra Publishing House.

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15 ANNEX I GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RIVER BASIN

15.1 Annex I. Tables

Annex I. Table 1 Meteorological observation posts/station in the Khrami-Debeda river basin Elevation # Location Station type Region Municipality Latitude Longitude asl (m) 1 Bakuriani Observation post Samtskhe-Javakheti Borjomi 1665 41°44'00'' 043°31'00'' 2 Bolnisi Meteorological station Kvemo Kartli Bolnisi 536 41°27'00'' 044°34'00'' 3 Borjomi Observation post Samtskhe-Javakheti Borjomi 802 41°50'00'' 043°23'00'' 4 Tsalka Observation post Kvemo Kartli Tsalka 1468 41°36'00'' 044°06'00''

Annex I. Table 2 Climatic characteristics according to observations made by the meteorological observation posts/station in 2008-2017, source: National Environmental Agency

Meteorological observation Elevation Average annual Average annual post/station AMSL (m) precipitation temperature (°C)

Min Max Min Max

Bakuriani 1665 592,8 954,2 0,3 14,7

Bolnisi 536 377,5 669,2 7,2 14,4

Borjomi 802 436,8 768,2 4,4 20,3

Tsalka 1468 467,2 873,0 0,7 14,6

Annex I. Table 3 Fish species found in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

# Species Khrami Debed Algeti Conservation status

1 Barbus barbus X - - IUCN – Not Evaluated (NE) 2 Barbel X - - IUCN – Vulnerable (VU) (A2cd) 3 Varicorhinus X - X IUCN – NE

4 Varicorhinus capoeta sevangi X - - IUCN – NE

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

5 Cyprinus carpio X - - IUCN - VU (A2cd) 6 Mtkvari gudgeon X - - IUCN - NE 7 Abramis brama orientalis X - X 8 Blicca bjoerkna transcaucasica Berg X - -

9 Alburnus filipp - X - IUCN – NE

10 Acanthalburnus microlepis X - - IUCN - NE

rd 11 Chalcalburnus chalcoides X X - Included in the 3 Annex of the Berne Convention 12 Aspius aspius taeniatus X - - IUCN – Least Concern (LC) 13 Chondrostoma cyri X - - IUCN - NE

14 Squalius cephalus X - - IUCN – LC

15 Squalius orientalis X - - IUCN - LC 16 Rutilus rutilus caspicus natio X - - Included in the 3rd Annex of the Berne 17 Spined loach X - - Convention IUCN - LC Included in the Red List of Georgia 18 Ciscaucasian spined loach X X X IUCN - LC 19 Nemachilus brandti X - - IUCN – Data Deficient (DD) Included in the 3rd Annex of the Berne 20 Wels catfish X - - Convention IUCN - LC Included in the Red List of Georgia 21 Trout X - - IUCN - NE 22 Lake trout X - - IUCN - NE 23 Caucasian goby X X X IUCN - LC

Annex I. Table 4 Distribution of forests by municipalities, source: National Forestry Agency of Georgia

Region Total forest fund area, ha Area covered with forest, ha Marneuli 14652 13333 Tetritskaro 48070 45186 Tsalka 6218 4353 Bolnisi 47721 43903 Dmanisi 24414 23437 Total: 141075 130212

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Annex I. Table 5 Percentage distribution of forest areas managed by LEPL National Forestry Agency of Georgia by slope gradient, source: National Forestry Agency

Including by slope gradient

Parcel Forest 0-10 11-20 21-30 31-35 36< of fund Degrees Degrees Degrees Degrees Municipality forest area, ha Degrees

Marneuli Algeti 14652 1904 5568 6154 586 440

Tetritskaro and Tsalka 54288 4886 15200 23887 6515 3800

Bolnisi Sioni 47721 1432 15270 26247 3818 954

Dmanisi 24414 732 4883 13916 3906 977

Total 141075 8954 40921 70204 14825 6171

Annex I. Table 6 Timber resources in the forests managed by the National Forestry Agency in Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Tsalka, Bolnisi and Dmanisi municipalities according to the forest fund inventory data (January, 2003)

Municipality Parcel of Total timber re- Including dominating tree species forest sources (m3) Beech Oak Hornbeam Pine Tetritskaro Algeti 4820.4 2380.7 1647.8 454.1 162 Tsalka 341 6.6 212.7 21.3 92.1 Marneuli 1650.7 730.8 139.6 480.5 3.4 Bolnisi Sioni 5285.9 2626.2 1358.2 1010.3 18.5 Dmanisi 3080.4 1987.6 289.4 646.5 83.8 Total 7731.9 3647.7 2612.7 359.8

Annex I. Table 7 Volume of wood harvested in forests managed by LEPL National Forestry Agency of Georgia by municipalities (m3)

Purpose of cutting Municipality Total Social Special cutting by the agency Special Cleaning Marneuli 22,268.6 218.0 53.3 0.0 22,539.9 2014 5,268.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 5,268.4 2015 5,178.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 5,178.2 2016 6,027.7 0.0 53.3 0.0 6,081.1 2017 4,749.5 218.0 0.0 0.0 4,967.5 2018 (until September) 1,044.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,044.8 Bolnisi 39,280.8 725.0 2,031.0 0.0 42,036.8 2014 12,552.0 0.0 120.6 0.0 12,672.6 2015 10,733.0 0.0 266.1 0.0 10,999.1 2016 8,648.0 0.0 284.3 0.0 8,932.3 2017 5,690.3 725.0 877.8 0.0 7,293.2 2018 (until September) 1,657.5 0.0 482.2 0.0 2,139.7 Dmanisi 53,746.4 278.0 38.2 0.0 54,062.6 2014 14,001.6 0.0 4.1 0.0 14,005.7 2015 14,379.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 14,379.2

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

2016 11,650.1 0.0 7.7 0.0 11,657.8 2017 12,286.6 278.0 26.4 0.0 12,591.0 2018 (until September) 1,428.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,428.9 Tetritskaro 70,870.1 487.0 3,468.6 0.0 74,825.7 2014 20,760.5 0.0 8.7 0.0 20,769.2 2015 17,977.5 0.0 19.4 0.0 17,996.9 2016 14,369.3 0.0 190.7 0.0 14,560.0 2017 13,872.7 487.0 1,070.6 0.0 15,430.3 2018 (until September) 3,890.1 0.0 2,179.1 0.0 6,069.3 Tsalka 6,715.2 0.0 11.9 0.0 6,727.1 2014 2,315.0 0.0 5.4 0.0 2,320.4 2015 1,791.4 0.0 6.1 0.0 1,797.5 2016 1,301.6 0.0 0.4 0.0 1,302.0 2017 972.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 972.7 2018 (until September) 334.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 334.5 Borjomi 94,048.6 4,989.3 929.2 6,266.6 106,233.7 2014 30,722.9 0.0 0.0 2.8 30,725.8 2015 23,862.4 0.0 794.7 1,296.5 25,953.7 2016 16,938.5 2,390.9 134.4 2,482.2 21,946.1 2017 18,441.8 665.6 0.0 1,604.7 20,712.1 2018 (until September) 4,082.9 1,932.7 0.0 880.3 6,895.9 Total 286,929.7 6,697.3 6,532.3 6,266.6 306,425.8

Annex I. Table 8 Population density by municipalities

Municipality Population no. Area, km2 Population density, capita/km2

Bolnisi 53 590 806.92 66.4 Marneuli 104 300 935 111.5 Dmanisi 19 141 1,198.8 16 Tetritskaro 21 127 1174.5 18 Tsalka 18 849 1050,6 18

Annex I. Table 9 IDP data

Municipality Number of IDPs Number of IDP families Tsalka 277 91 Dmanisi 527 168 Bolnisi 855 275 Marneuli 1363 447 Gardabani 2073 716 Tetritskaro 2090 667

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Rustavi 6066 1968 Borjomi 2017 794

source: Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia45

Annex I. Table 10 Ethnic composition of Kvemo Kartli population Region Georgians Azerbaijanis Armenians Greeks Others Kvemo Kartli 44.71% 45.14% 6.39% 1.49% 2.27% Marneuli 8.04% 83.10% 7.89% 0.33% 0.63% Bolnisi 26.82% 65.98% 5.81% 0.59% 0.80% Dmanisi 31.24% 66.76% 0.52% 0.78% 0.69% Tetritskaro 74.03% 6.47% 10.38% 5.05% 4.07% Tsalka 12.02% 9.54% 54.98% 21.97% 1.50% Samtskhe-Javakheti 43.35% 0.03% 54.60% 0.36% 1.67% Borjomi 84.21% 0.07% 9.64% 1.67% 4.42% source: ECMI Working paper #44, Integration of Ethnic Minorities in Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli Regions of Georgia46

Annex I. Table 11 Distribution of the region’s population aged 15 and up by level of economic activity (in thousands), according to 2014 General Census

Kvemo Kartli Samtskhe-Javakheti

Total population aged 15 and up 326.8 127.7 Total number of active population (labor force) 236.3 95.0 Employed 203.1 89.4 Hired 84.5 27.0 Self-employed 118.6 62.4 Unidentified 0.0 0.0 Jobless 33.2 5.6 Inactive population 90.4 32.7 Unemployment rate (%) 14.1 5.9 Activity level (%) 72.3 74.4 Employment level (%) 62.2 70.0 source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

45 Source: http://www.mra.gov.ge/geo/static/55 46 Source: http://www.ecmicaucasus.org/upload/publications/working_paper_44_geo.pdf

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Table 12 Average agricultural land area operated by farms according to land use type (ha), based on 2014 Agricultural Census

Location Agricultural Cropland Land under Greenhouses Natural land permanent meadows and crops pastures Kvemo Kartli 122 316 50 087 2 098 88 70 043 City of Rustavi 246 215 29 - 2 Bolnisi 10 635 8 703 478 1 1 453 Gardabani 25 424 14 293 538 22 10 571 Dmanisi 22 954 4 855 11 0 18 088 Tetritskaro 13 590 4 330 187 2 9 070 Marneuli 30 053 13 038 849 62 16 104 Tsalka 19 413 4 652 6 0 14 755 source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Annex I. Table 13 Farms in Kvemo Kartli region according to 2014 Agricultural Census

Total number of farms Households Legal entities

Kvemo Kartli 73 392 72 936 456

Bolnisi 12 063 12 015 48

Dmanisi 5 582 5 554 28

Tetritskaro 7 441 7 395 46

Marneuli 21 751 21 628 123

Tsalka 5 321 5 306 15

Samtskhe-Javakheti 31 773 31 602 171

Borjomi 5 489 5 462 27 source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Annex I. Table 14 Livestock and poultry population in Kvemo Kartli

2014 2015 2016 2017

Cattle, thousand heads

Georgia 970.0 992.1 962.7 909.7

Kvemo Kartli 137.2 144.3 148.9 148.8

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2014 2015 2016 2017

Pigs, thousand heads

Georgia 169,7 161,5 136.2 150.7

Kvemo Kartli 21.8 22.0 22.6 18.2

Sheep, thousand heads

Georgia 865.9 841.6 875.9 855.9

Kvemo Kartli 187.8 185.2 203.7 193.4

Poultry, thousand heads

Georgia 6 657.8 8 308.6 8 237.8 8 386.0

Kvemo Kartli 1 561.8 3 212.0 3 454.7 3 641.9

source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Annex I. Table 15 GVA in Kvemo Kartli by type of economic activity (current prices, in GEL)

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Agriculture, hunting and forestry; fishing 280.8 276.0 302.0 229.5 271.6 338.3 339.7 359.8 362.6 437.2 467.6 and fish farms Industry 488.1 441.5 465.7 477.4 615.4 741.6 720.8 835.4 793.7 731.1 682.3 Product processing 40.8 53.6 56.8 59.8 62.4 78.2 67.5 76.5 79.3 88.4 85.2 by households Building 16.4 28.6 25.7 22.2 30.9 32.9 43.8 39.2 72.8 67.9 117.5 Trade; repair of cars, household ap- 68.3 80.2 64.1 75.5 121.4 127.5 107.5 115.5 151.5 197.5 222.0 pliances and personal appliances Transport and com- 21.9 26.7 26.7 25.4 22.3 23.1 19.7 19.1 16.2 28.0 22.4 munications Public administra- 90.7 236.6 137.4 150.7 147.0 154.9 219.6 203.4 219.2 219.7 180.9 tion Education 38.1 48.3 55.2 71.7 78.0 79.7 126.7 136.7 116.2 134.0 121.6 Healthcare and so- 54.2 59.4 56.5 70.6 65.2 68.0 63.6 60.7 87.0 92.6 120.5 cial assistance Other services 129.3 149.7 157.6 142.4 123.4 146.4 208.5 216.7 264.4 350.5 328.6 Total GVA 1228.5 1400.5 1347.7 1325.3 1537.6 1790.6 1917.5 2063.1 2162.9 2346.8 2348.7

source: National Statistics Office of Georgia

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

15.2 Annex I. Figures

Annex I. Figure 1 Distribution of average annual temperature in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Annex I. Figure 2 Distribution of average annual precipitation in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Figure 3 Hydrogeological map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Hydrogeological map legend

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Figure 4 Soil map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Soil map legend

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Figure 5 Vegetation map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Annex I. Figure 6 Protected Areas in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Figure 7 Distribution of population by Kvemo Kartli municipalities (%)

Bolnisi Municipalirty Gardabani Municipalirty

Tsalka Municipalirty

Tetritskaro Municipalirty Rustavi

Dmanisi Municipalirty Marneuli Municipalirty

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Annex I. Figure 8 Population density map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Figure 9 Fishpond map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Annex I. Figure 10 Industry map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex I. Figure 11 Tourist attraction map of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Annex I. Figure 12 Irrigated area in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

16 ANNEX II SIGNIFICUNT PRESSURES AND IMPACTS

16.1 Annex II. Tables

Annex II. Table 1 Wastewater discharges into surface water bodies of the Khrami-Debeda rivers basin Amount of Surface water dis- Mechani- Name of entrepre- object for Without Activity charged cally neur wastewater treatment water treated discharge m3/year Sand and gravel LTD Qtsia r. Debeda 24,000 0 24,000 processing

LTD RMG Copper Copper Mining r. Kazretula 148,600 148,600 0

LTD RMG Cold Gold Mining r. Mashavera 12,000 0 12,000

Sand and gravel LTD Khrami r. Khrami 128,000 0 128,000 processing Sand and gravel LTD Dovrushali r. Debeda 62,000 0 62,000 processing Sand and gravel LTD Delta r. Khrami 7,000 0 7,000 processing Sand and gravel I.E. Gasan Imanov r. Khrami 1,800 0 1,800 processing Sand and gravel I.E. Gasan Imanov r. Khrami 6,300 6,300 processing 0 Sand and gravel LTD Khrami 2010 r. Khrami 14,500 0 14,500 processing P.E. Chimnaz Isme- Sand and gravel r. Khrami 7,200 0 7,200 lov processing LTD Caucasus Con- Sand and gravel r. Khrami 58,000 58,000 crete processing 0 P.E. Bichiko Kuliash- Sand and gravel r. Debeda 41,000 41,000 vili processing 0 Sand and gravel LTD Gumi r. Khrami 21,000 21,000 processing 0 LTD Neotrans con- Sand and gravel r. Mashavera 12,420 12,420 struction processing 0 Sand and gravel LTD V.D.G. Tamarisi r. Khrami 4,800 4,800 processing 0

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UWSCG, Tetritskaro- Sewerage sys- Manglisi Service, r. Khrami 22,226 22,226 0 tem Center UWSCG, Marneuli, Sewerage sys- r. Algeti 675,190 675,190 0 Service Center tem UWSCG, Bolnisi Ser- Sewerage sys- r. Mashavera 379,956 379,956 0 vice Center tem UWSCG, Dmanisi Sewerage sys- r. Mashavera 37,499 37,499 0 Serivce Center tem UWSCG, Tsalka Ser- Sewerage sys- r. Khrami 5,727 5,727 vice Center tem 0 In total 1,669,218 1,279,998 400,020

Annex II. Table 2 BOD5, NH4, NO3, NO2, PO4, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and mineralization

Khrami Khrami Khrami Khramhesi Debeda Maximum per- Components missible con- Tsiteli Khidi Imiri Nakhiduri 2015-2016 Sadakhlo centration 2013-2017 2015-2017 2015-2017 2015-2017 (MPC) mg/l

BOD5, mg/l 0,63-23,29 0,79-3,37 0,75-2,84 0,93-3,43 0,66-6,42 6

NH4 mg/l 0,054-0,848 0,062-1,392 0,045-0,288 0,006-0,249 0,023-0,505 0,39

NO3 mg/l 0,001-2,844 0,205-2,404 0,918-1,711 0,132-3,431 45 0,568-1,186

NO2 mg/l 0.001-0,808 0,001-0,135 min 0,02 - 0,001-0,091 3.3

PO4 mg/l 0,001-13,35 0,001-0,417 0,025-0,244 0,019-0,058 0,001-0,664 3,5

Cu mg/l 0,0002- 0,0003-0,3772 0,0044-0,0348 0,008-0,098 0,0001-0,7564 1 0,6603

Fe mg/l 0,0011- 0,0021-0,2874 0,2678 - 0,0027-0,7532 0.3 0,3009

Mn mg/l 0,0002- 0,0002-0,0989 0,0096 - 0,0002-0,0955 0,1 0,0915

Pb mg/l 0,0011- 0,0011-0,0252 0,0028-0,0236 0,0044-0,0287 0,0005-0,0252 0.03 0,0293

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Minerali-zation 196,5-711,5 191,89-603,3 - 205,44-603,3 146.38

Annex II. Table 3 Categorisation of Surface water bodies under point source pollution pressures # WB code Result River, for Approximate Pollution Presence of Empiri- Comment of cal- discharge rate of aver- Source/Pre cal Evidence on the cula- age minimum ssures pressure/impact tion flow of the river in this section 1 Alg 117 R Algeti 0.57 m3/s Urban Yes: (Results of State Discharge Wastewater monitoring of NEA without any from (checkpoint Kechalo): treatment: Marneuli some cases of high generated town; concentration of NH4 pollutants N, mineralization, sul- of BOD, phates. water use ac- COD, ni- counting data and trates data from UWSCG on phos- wastewater dis- phates. charges) 2 Mas 202 PR Mashavera 1.64m3/s Urban Yes: (Results of State Discharge Wastewater monitoring of NEA without any from Dman- (checkpoint Dmanisi): treatment : isi town; some cases of high generated concentration of NH4 pollutants N; water use account- of BOD, ing data and data COD, ni- from UWSCG on trates wastewater dis- phos- charges) phates 3 Chv205 PR Chiv-Chavi 3.0 m3/s Urban Yes: (water use ac- Discharge Wastewater counting data and without any from Tetrits- data from UWSCG on treatment : karo town; wastewater dis- generated charges) pollutants of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 4 Khr 111 PR Khrami 2.83m3/s Urban Yes: (water use ac- Discharge Wastewater counting data and without any from Tsalka data from UWSCG on treatment: town; generated

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wastewater dis- pollutants charges) of BOD, COD, nitrates phosphates 5 Mas214 R Mashav- 1.64 m3/s Urban Yes: (Results of State Discharge era Wastewater monitoring of NEA without any from Bolnisi (checkpoint Mashav- treatment : town; era Bolnisi): some generated cases of high concen- pollutants tration of NH4 N; wa- of BOD, ter use accounting COD, ni- data and data from trates UWSCG on phos- wastewater dis- phates charges) 6 Mas211 R Mashav- 1.64m3/s Urban Yes: (Results of State Discharge era Wastewater monitoring of NEA without any from Bolnisi (checkpoint Mashav- treatment: town; era Bolnisi): some generated cases of high concen- pollutants tration of NH4 N ; wa- of BOD, ter use accounting COD, ni- data and data from trates UWSCG on phos- wastewater dis- phates charges) 7 Mdn302 R Kazretula 1.2 average JSC RMG Yes: (Results of State Historical annual m3/s Copper monitoring of NEA Pollution

(checkpoint Kazretula (till 2018-

- Kazreti): some 2019)- cases of high concen- drainage tration of NH4 N, water was BOD5, Fe, Cu, Cd, discharged - Mn, So4 , Zn; Water from tailing use accounting data. dump and unorganized (diffuse) discharges from wasted rocks dumpsites; existing discharge point

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

8 Mas 213 R Mashav- 1.64 m3/s JSC RMG Yes: (Results of State Due to sig- era Copper monitoring of NEA nificant pol- (checkpoint Mashav- lution (his- era Down) and Kaz- torical Pol- retula: some cases of lution) form high concentration of upstream NH4 N, BOD5, Fe, Cu, (Mdn 302, - Cd, Mn, So4 , Zn; Wa- river Kaz- ter use accounting retula), is data. high proba- bility of risk for this section of the Mashavera river 9 Kha303 R Poladauri 0.06 LTD RMG Yes: (Results of State Unor- Copper monitoring of NEA ganized

(checkpoint Po- (diffuse) ladauri): some cases discharges of high concentration of un- of Cu, Fe, Cd, Mn, treated - So4 , Zn; Water use drainage accounting data. water from waste rock dumpsites

10 Mas210 PR Mashav- 1.64 m3/s LTD RMG Water use accounting era Gold data.

R- “at risk”; PR- “possibly at risk”; NR – “not at risk”

Annex II. Table 4 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin # SWB DelCode Risk Category

1 Agrikar Agr403 At risk 2 Akha Akh401 At risk 3 Akha Akh403 At risk 4 Akha Akh404 At risk 5 Algeti Alg111 At risk 6 Algeti Alg112 At risk 7 Algeti Alg113 At risk 8 Algeti Alg114 At risk 9 Algeti Alg115 At risk

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10 Algeti Alg116 At risk 11 Algeti Alg117 At risk 12 Asa301 At risk 13 Asa302 At risk 14 Asuretis-Khevi Asu202 At risk 15 Bardadzor Bar401 At risk 16 Bardadzor Bar402 At risk 17 Bunushchay Bun301 At risk 18 Bunushchay Bun302 At risk 19 Chiv-Chav Chv204 At risk 20 Chiv-Chav Chv205 At risk 21 Debed Deb201 At risk 22 Debed Deb202 At risk

23 Egrichay Egr201 At risk 24 Enagetis-Khevi Ena202 At risk 25 Gedechay(Geta) Ged302 At risk 26 Geti Get201 At risk 27 Geti Get202 At risk 28 Gumbati Gum201 At risk 29 Kal302 At risk

30 Karabulakhi Kar202 At risk 31 Khachinchay Kha302 At risk 32 Khachinchay Kha303 At risk 33 Khe202 At risk 34 Khrami Khr126 At risk 35 Khrami Khr127 At risk 36 Khrami Khr128 At risk 37 Khrami Khr129 At risk 38 Khrami Khr130 At risk 39 Khrami Khr131 At risk 40 Khrami Khr132 At risk 41 Khrami Khr133 At risk 42 Khrami Khr134 At risk 43 Kldeisi Kld201 At risk

44 Kovu Kov101 At risk

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

45 Kovu Kov102 At risk 46 Kovu Kov103 At risk 47 Kuristskali Kur201 At risk 48 Mashavera Mas212 At risk 49 Mashavera Mas213 At risk 50 Mashavera Mas214 At risk 51 Mashavera Mas215 At risk 52 Mashavera Mas216 At risk 53 Mde202 At risk 54 Mde203 At risk 55 Mdr203 At risk 56 Nalebis-Khevi Nal201 At risk 57 Pshani Psh301 At risk 58 Riv304 At risk 59 Rvr302 At risk 60 Sakhzaganichay Sak202 At risk 61 Shl402 At risk 62 Shulaveri Shu301 At risk 63 Shulaveri Shu305 At risk 64 Shv402 At risk 65 Ste202 At risk

66 Talaverchay Tal305 At risk 67 Tozlikhi Toz302 At risk 68 Tozlikhi Toz304 At risk 69 Ukangori Uka303 At risk 70 Useinkendi Use302 At risk 71 Useinkendi Use303 At risk 72 Useinkendi Use304 At risk

Annex II. Table 5 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure # SWB DeCode Risk category

1 Biouktskali Bio301 At risk

2 Chil-Chil Chi205 At risk

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3 Geti Get202 At risk

4 Kal301 At risk

5 Karabulakhi Kar202 At risk

6 Khrami Khr110 At risk

7 Khrami Khr127 At risk 8 Kovu Kov101 At risk 9 Mamutli Mam303 At risk 10 Mashavera Mas202 At risk 11 Riv302 At risk 12 Talaverchay Tal305 At risk

Annex II. Table 6 Preliminary risk assessment against diffuse agricultural (animal live stocking) pressure # SWB DeCode Risk category

1 Biouktskali Bio301 At risk

2 Chil-Chil Chi205 At risk 3 Geti Get202 At risk

4 Kal301 At risk

5 Karabulakhi Kar202 At risk

6 Khrami Khr110 At risk

7 Khrami Khr127 At risk 8 Kovu Kov101 At risk 9 Mamutli Mam303 At risk 10 Mashavera Mas202 At risk 11 Riv302 At risk 12 Talaverchay Tal305 At risk

Annex II. Table 7 SWBs under significant diffuse pollution from illegal landfills # SWB DelCode Length (km)

1 Khrami Khr111 3.9

2 Mashavera Mas203 3.4 3 Mashavera Mas209 6.9

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

4 Bunushchay Bun302 3.3

5 Bortbort Bor204 5.7 6 Mashavera Mas206 3.6 7 Khrami Khr104 5.0 8 Algeti Alg111 5.5

Annex II. Table 8 Water abstraction pressure sources in the Khrami-Debeda river basin Water body cate- Clarification on pressures gory Pressure Main Driver(s) Surface Ground- water water Abstraction/Flow Diver- Agriculture + + Includes water transfers and sion – Agriculture abstractions for irrigation and livestock breeding Abstraction/Flow Diver- Urban develop- + + Includes water transfers, Af- sion – Public Water Sup- ment fection to TW and/or CW pos- ply sible only in case of desalina- tion plants Abstraction/Flow Diver- Industry + Abstraction for industrial pro- sion – Industry cesses (cooling water is covered under the category ‘Ab- straction – cooling water’)

Abstraction/Flow Diver- Industry; sion – Cooling water Energy non- hydro Abstraction/Flow Diver- Aquaculture + Typically off-line fish farms sion - Fish farms Abstraction/Flow Diver- Recreation Abstraction for any other pur- sion – other pose not listed above

Annex II. Table 9 SWBs under significant abstraction/ flow diversion pressure in the Khrami- Debeda river basin # SWB DelCode Length (km) Water user sector

1 Khachinchay Kha303 13.3 Energy sector (HPP)

2 Mashavera Mas213 6.3 Energy sector (HPP)/ Irrigation system 3 Khrami Khr120 9.4 Energy sector (HPP) 4 Khrami Khr114 8.4 Energy sector (HPP) 5 Khrami Khr110 3.3 Energy sector (HPP)

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6 Debeda Deb202 24.4 Energy sector (HPP)/ Irrigation system 7 Khrami Khr129 12.0 Irrigation system 8 Debeda Deb201 9.1 Irrigation system 9 Mashavera Mas215 7.5 Irrigation system

10 Khrami Khr134 6.3 Irrigation system 11 Mashavera Mas209 6.9 Irrigation system 12 Riv305 8.6 Irrigation system 13 Khrami Khr130 5.6 Irrigation system 14 Karakliska Kak301 15.2 Irrigation system 15 Khrami Khr103 9.0 Irrigation system 16 Aslanka Asl205 9.6 Irrigation system 17 Kuchudindzor Kuc401 5.0 Drinking water 18 Bortbort Bor204 5.7 Drinking water 19 Khrami Khr111 3.9 Drinking water

Annex II. Table 10 SWBs under significant hydromorphological pressure in the Khrami-Debeda river basin # SWB DelCode Type of pressure

1 Algeti Alg117 Variable flow; Low flow; Altered riparian habitats 2 Debeda Deb202 Variable flow; Low flow; Impoundment / reduced flow velocity 3 Mashavera Mas214 Low flow 4 Khrami Khr108 Low flow; Changed planform/channel pattern

5 Khrami Khr110 Variable flow; Low flow

6 Khrami Khr111 Variable flow; Low flow 7 Khrami Khr112 Variable flow; Low flow

8 Khrami Khr113 Variable flow; Low flow

9 Riv305 Low flow 10 Khrami Khr130 Variable flow; Low flow 11 Khrami Khr131 Variable flow; Low flow 12 Khrami Khr109 Storage

13 Mashavera Mas215 Reduced flow velocity; Low flow 14 Mashavera Mas216 Reduced flow velocity; Low flow

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

15 Mashavera Mas213 Low flow 16 Algeti Alg113 Low flow; Variable flow 17 Algeti Alg116 Low flow 18 Algeti Alg112 Low flow;Variable flow 19 Algeti Alg111 Low flow;Variable flow 20 Algeti Alg110 Storage 21 Algeti Alg109 Variable flow 22 Debeda Deb201 Low flow; Impoundment / reduced flow velocity 23 Khrami Khr115 Variable flow 24 Khrami Khr116 Variable flow 25 Khrami Khr117 Variable flow 26 Khrami Khr118 Variable flow 27 Khrami Khr119 Variable flow 28 Pshani Psh301 Changed planform/channel pattern 29 Pshani Psh302 Changed planform/channel pattern 30 Khrami Khr114 Variable flow 31 Mdn302 Changed planform/channel pattern 32 Kal302 Changed planform/channel pattern 33 Kau301 Changed planform/channel pattern

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16.2 Annex II. Figures

Annex II. Figure 1 Locations of discharge points of sewerage systems and locations of the state monitoring points (NEA)

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex II. Figure 2 Location of discharge points of RMG copper and RMG gold and locations of the state monitoring points within this area (NEA)

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Annex II. Figure 3 Locations of legal landfills in the Khrami-Decbeda river basin

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex II. Figure 4 Quality monitoring points (NEA 2017-2018) in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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17 ANNEX III PROTECTED ZONES

17.1 Annex III. Tables

Annex III. Table 1 Locations of drinking (surface) water abstraction # Name SWB DelCode (Municipality center) 1 Tsalka Djaminchay Dja301

2 Tsalka Bortbort Bor204 3 Tsalka Khrami Khr111

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

18 ANNEX IV RISK ASSESSMENT

18.1 Annex IV. Tables

Annex IV. Table 1 Risk assessment result

Risk Risk status- Risk status- Risk status- Risk status- Status Point diffuse Abstraction Physical alte- # SWB DelCode source pol- source pollu- ration lution tion

SWBs at risk 1 Algeti Alg110 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk Not at risk At risk

2 Algeti Alg111 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

3 Algeti Alg112 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

4 Algeti Alg113 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

5 Algeti Alg114 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk

6 Algeti Alg116 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

7 Algeti Alg117 At risk At risk At risk Not at risk At risk

8 Aslanka Asl205 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk At risk Possibly at risk

9 Bortbort Bor204 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk At risk Not at risk 10 Bunushchay Bun302 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk

11 Chiv-Chav Chv205 At risk Possibly at At risk Not at risk Not at risk risk

12 Debeda Deb201 At risk Not at risk At risk At risk At risk

13 Debeda Deb202 At risk Not at risk At risk At risk At risk

14 Karakliska Kak301 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk At risk Possibly at risk

15 Kal302 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

16 Khachinchay (Fo- Kha303 At risk At risk At risk At risk Possibly at risk ladauri)

17 Ktsia Khr103 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk At risk Possibly at risk

18 Khrami Khr109 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

19 Khrami Khr110 At risk Not at risk At risk At risk At risk

20 Khrami Khr111 At risk Possibly at Not at risk At risk At risk risk

21 Khrami Khr112 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

22 Khrami Khr113 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk Not at risk At risk

23 Khrami Khr114 At risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk At risk

24 Khrami Khr115 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

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25 Khrami Khr116 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

26 Khrami Khr117 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

27 Khrami Khr118 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

28 Khrami Khr119 At risk Not at risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

29 Khrami Khr120 At risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk Possibly at risk

30 Khrami Khr129 At risk Not at risk At risk At risk Possibly at risk

31 Khrami Khr130 At risk Not at risk At risk At risk At risk

32 Khrami Khr131 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

33 Khrami Khr132 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk

34 Khrami Khr133 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk Not at risk

35 Khrami Khr134 At risk Not at risk At risk At risk Possibly at risk

36 Mashavera Mas209 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk At risk Not at risk

37 Mashavera Mas211 At risk At risk Possibly at risk Not at risk Possibly at risk

38 Mashavera Mas213 At risk At risk At risk At risk At risk

39 Mashavera Mas214 At risk At risk At risk At risk At risk

40 Mashavera Mas215 At risk Not at risk At risk At risk At risk

41 Mashavera Mas216 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

42 Mdn302 At risk At risk Not at risk Not at risk At risk

43 Pshani Psh301 At risk Not at risk At risk Not at risk At risk

44 Pshani Psh302 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk Not at risk At risk

45 Riv305 At risk Not at risk Possibly at risk At risk At risk

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

19 ANNEX V SURFACE WATER MONITORING

19.1 Annex V. Tables

Annex V. Table 1 Hydro-morphological sampling sites including hydromorphological status

HYMO Site No. Basin River Site Status Latitude Longitude

SW2-KHR 05 Khrami-Debed Algeti Algeti Marneuli 2,3 41° 28.669' 44° 49.069' SW2-KHR 04 Khrami-Debed Algeti Algeti Tbisi 1,3 41° 34.734' 44° 34.697' SW2-KHR 10 Khrami-Debed Debeda Debeda Zemo Sarali 2,7 41° 19.488' 44° 49.862' SW2-KHR 03 Khrami-Debed Khrami Khrami down the Chatakhi 1,2 41° 27.820' 44° 14.266' SW2-KHR 02 Khrami-Debed Khrami Khrami kramhesi up stream 3,4 41° 33.057' 44° 7.445' SW2-KHR 01 Khrami-Debed Khrami Khrami Kushi 1,4 41° 36.789' 43° 54.159' SW2-KHR 09 Khrami-Debed Khrami Khrami near village Tamarisi 2,4 41° 26.631' 44° 42.928' SW2-KHR 08 Khrami-Debed Mashavera Mashavera KzreTi 1,9 41° 23.830' 44° 25.151' SW2-KHR 07 Khrami-Debed Mashavera Mashavera Mashavera 1,5 41° 20.852' 44° 21.659' SW2-KHR 06 Khrami-Debed Mashavera Mshavera down the Dmanisi 1,2 41° 19.858' 44° 14.489'

Annex V. Table 2 Current water quality monitoring sites in rivers of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

River name Site name NEA EPIRB EUWI+

Khrami Red bridge + Khramesi + + Imiri + Nakhiduri + + + Khramhesi qveda (downstream) + Khrami HPP + Chatakhi + Kushchi + Tamarisi + Kazreti Down + Kldeisi Bediani + + Debed Sadakhlo + + Kirovka + Mashavera Didi Dmanisi + + Dmanisi + + Kazreti zeda (upstream) + + Khidiskuri + + Kianeti + + Kazreti qveda (downstream) +

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River name Site name NEA EPIRB EUWI+ Dalari + Algeti Partskhisi + Algeti Marneuli Down +

Annex V. Table 3 Complete list of SWB “at risk” in the Khrami-Debeda

River SWB code WB cat Main pressure Algeti Alg117 HMWB D, WW, HydLF Algeti Alg113 NWB D, HydLF, HydVF Algeti Alg114 NWB D, HydVF Algeti Alg116 NWB D, LF, HydLF Algeti Alg112 NWB D, LF, HydLF, HydVF Algeti Alg111 NWB D, LF, HydLF, HydVF Algeti Reservoir Alg110 HMWB HydRes Aslanka Asl205 NWB WA, D, LF, HydLF Bortbort Bor204 NWB D, WA, LF Bunushchay Bun302 NWB D, LF Chiv-Chav Chv205 NWB D, WW, LF Debed Deb202 NWB WA, D, LF, HydLf, HydVF Debed Deb201 NWB WA, D, LF, HydLF, HydRedV Karakliska Kak301 NWB WA, D Khachinchay Kha303 NWB IW, D, WA, LF Khrami Khr110 NWB WA, D, HydLF, HydVF Khrami Khr111 NWB WA, WW, HydLF, HydVF Khrami Khr112 HMWB HydVF, HydLF Khrami Khr113 HMWB D, HydVF, HydLF Khrami Khr130 NWB WA, D, LF, HydVF, HydLF Khrami Khr132 NWB D, LF, HydVF, HydLF Khrami Khr131 NWB D, LF, HydVF, HydLF Khrami Khr129 NWB WA, D, HydVF, HydLF Tsalka Reservoir Khr109 HMWB HydRes Khrami Khr115 HMWB HydVF Khrami Khr116 HMWB HydVF Khrami Khr118 HMWB HydVF Khrami Khr119 HMWB HydVF Khrami Khr120 NWB WA, HydVF Khrami Khr133 NWB D, LF Khrami Khr134 NWB WA, D, LF Khrami Khr117 HMWB HydVF Ktsia Khr103 NWB WA, D, HydLF

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

River SWB code WB cat Main pressure Mashavera Mas215 NWB WA, D LF, HydLF Mashavera Mas216 NWB D, LF, HydLF Mashavera Mas209 NWB WA, D, LF Mashavera Mas213 NWB WA, D, IW, HydLF Mashavera Mas214 NWB D, WW, LF, HydLF Mashavera Mas211 NWB WW, D, LF Pshani Psh301 NWB D, HydMorph Pshani Psh302 NWB D, HydMorph Khrami Khr114 HMWB (unclear) Kazretii Mdn302 HMWB IW, HydMorph Didi gomareti Kal302 NWB D Iakublo Riv305 NWB WA, D, HydLF

WW = Domestic wastewater, D = diffuse sources from agriculture, WA = water abstraction, HydLF = hydrological alterations – low flow, HydRes = hydrological alterations – reservoir, HydMorph = hydrological alternations – changed planform / channel pattern, LF = illegal landfills

Annex V. Table 4 Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in rivers of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

River / Sampling site Type HMWB SWB code Rationale Existing site Q B R O Algeti / Marneuli XI N Alg117 + exist Debed / Sadakhlo XVI N Deb201 + + exist Khrami / Khramhesi XVI N Khr113 + exist Khrami / Red Bridge XVI N Khr134 + + exist Kldeisi / Bediani VII N Kld202 + exist Mashavera / Dmanisi XII N Mas201 + exist Mashavera / Khidiskuri XVI N Mas216 + + exist Q = significant rate of water flow; B = near state border; R = candidate for reference site; O = other criteria (e.g. representativeness)

Annex V. Table 5 Proposal for surveillance monitoring sites in lakes (reservoirs) of the Khrami- Debeda river basin

Lake (reservoir) / Sampling site Type HMWB SWB code Rationale Existing site (river) V B R O Bareti Lake / Bareti Lake L III N Bar01 + + new Khrami / Tsalka Reservoir L V Y Khr109 + new

V = significant volume; B = near state border; R = candidate for reference site; O = other criteria (e.g. representativeness)

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Annex V. Table 6 Proposal for operational monitoring sites in rivers of the Khrami-Debeda river basin

River / Sampling site Type HMWB SWB code Existing site Algeti / Partskhisi XI N Alg111 new Khrami / Khramhesi downstream XVII Y Khr113 exist Khrami / Chatakhi XIII N Khr119 new Khrami / Tamarisi XVI N Khr130 new Khrami / Imiri XVI N Khr131 exist Mashavera / Kazreti downstream XI N Mas213 exist

Annex V. Table 7 Overview of parameters in the chemical monitoring in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Parameter group Group n Parameter Relevant for … General phys.- Thermal 1 Water temperature Ecological status chem. conditions

Oxygen regime 2 Oxygen (conc., sat.), BOD5 Ecological status Salinity 4 Chloride, sulphate, electric conductivity, Ecological status mineralisation (TDS) Nutrients *) 4 Nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate Ecological status Acidification 1 pH Ecological status National and (Heavy) metals 5 Iron, zinc, copper, lead, manganese Ecological status WFD relevant (some parameters pollutants such as lead: chemical status)

Annex V. Table 8 Actual capacities of the Laboratories for measuring the priority substances that are listed by the EU WFD and associated directives for surface water monitoring

priority priority hazardous Parameter in substance substance Frequency of Scope of [Y/N] Substance name [Y/N] sampling Analysis[Y/N]

Alachlor yes no 1 x/month no

Anthracen yes yes 1 x/month yes

Atrazine yes no 1 x/month no

benzene yes no 1 x/month no Brominated Diphenylether (Congeners with numbers 28, 47, yes yes 1 x/month 99, 100, 153 and 154)1 no Cadmium- and Cadmium yes yes 1 x/month compounds yes

yes

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

priority priority hazardous Parameter in substance substance Frequency of Scope of [Y/N] Substance name [Y/N] sampling Analysis[Y/N]

yes

yes no no 1 x/quarter Carbon tetrachloride no yes yes 1 x/month C10-13 Chloralkanes2 no yes no 1 x/month Chlorfenvinphos no

Chlorpyrifos (Chlorpyrifos-Ethyl) yes no 1 x/month no

Cyclodien Pestizide:

Aldrin yes

Dieldrin no no 1 x/quarter yes

Endrin yes

Isodrin

DDT instotal no no 1 x/quarter yes

Para-para-DDT no no 1 x/quarter

1,2-Dichlorethane yes no 1 x/month no

Dichlormethane yes no 1 x/month no

Bis(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalat (DEHP) yes no 1 x/month

Diuron yes no 1 x/month no

Endosulfan3 yes yes 1 x/month yes

Fluoranthen yes no 1 x/month yes

Hexachlorbenzene yes yes 1 x/month no

Hexachlorbutadien yes yes 1 x/month no

Hexachlorcyclohexan4 yes yes 1 x/month no

Isoproturon yes no 1 x/month no

Lead and Lead compoands yes no 1 x/month yes

Mercury and mercury compoands yes yes 1 x/month yes

Naphthalin yes no 1 x/month yes

Nickel- and Nickel compoands yes no 1 x/month yes

Nonylphenol (4-Nonylphenol)5 yes yes 1 x/month 4-tert-Octylphenol ((4-(1,1′,3,3′- yes no 1 x/month Tetramethylbutyl)-phenol))

Pentachlorbenzene yes yes 1 x/month no

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priority priority hazardous Parameter in substance substance Frequency of Scope of [Y/N] Substance name [Y/N] sampling Analysis[Y/N]

Pentachlorphenol yes no 1 x/month no Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) yes

Benzo(a)pyren yes

Benzo(b)fluoranthen6 yes yes yes 1 x/month Benzo(k)fluoranthen6 yes

Benzo(g,h,i)-perylen yes

Indeno(1,2,3-cd)-pyren yes

Simazin yes no 1 x/month no

Tetrachloroethylene no no 1 x/quarter no

Trichloroethylene no no 1 x/quarter no Tributyltin compounds yes yes 1 x/month (Tributhyltin-cation)

Trichlorobenzene7 yes no 1 x/month no

Trichlormethane yes no 1 x/month no

Trifluralin yes yes 1 x/month no

Dicofol yes yes 1 x/month no Perfluoroctanesulfonic acid yes yes 1 x/month (PFOA) and derivatives (PFOS) no

Quinoxyfen yes yes 1 x/month no Dioxine and dioxinähnliche yes yes 1 x/month compounds8 no

Aclonifen yes no 1 x/month no

Bifenox yes no 1 x/month no

Cybutryn yes no 1 x/month no

Cypermethrin yes no 1 x/month no

Dichlorvos yes no 1 x/month no Hexabromocyclododecane yes yes 1 x/month (HBCDD)9 no Heptachlor and yes yes 1 x/month Heptachlorepoxid10 yes

Terbutryn yes no 1 x/month no

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

19.2 Annex V. Figures

Annex V. Figure 1 Surface water quality monitoring sites of NEA in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

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Annex V. Figure 2 Left: Relative proportion of ecological status classes of SWB in the Khrami- Debeda river basib; Right: Relative proportion of different classes of classification confidence. Lakes (1 natural) not included

Rivers (n=346) Rivers (n=346)

H H-G G A G-M B M C M-B na P B na

Left: H = high status, G-H = good to high status, G = good status, M = medium status, M-B = medium to bad status, P = poor status, B = bad status, na = not available (Including 41 HMWB and AWB without any classification). Right: A=Based on biological data using new ESCS, B=Based on pressure data, C= Based on risk assessment, D= Currently no classification possible.

19.3 Annex V. Procedure for the selection of operational monitoring sites

19.3.1 Surveillance monitoring

The EU WFD requires that sufficient water bodies should be included in the surveillance monitoring programme to provide an assessment of the overall surface water status within each catchment and sub-catchment of the river basin district. It has to be undertaken for at least a period of one year during the period of a RBMP. The Directive stipulates that monitoring should be carried out at points where:  The rate of water flow is significant within the river basin district as a whole; including points on large rivers where the catchment is greater than 2,500 km2;  The volume of water present is significant within the river basin district, including large lakes and reservoirs;  Significant bodies of water cross a Member State boundary; and  At such other sites as are required to estimate the pollutant load which is transferred across Member States boundaries, and which is transferred into the marine environment.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

For surveillance monitoring, parameters indicative of all the biological, hydromorphological and all general and specific physico-chemical quality elements are required to be monitored.

19.3.2 Operational monitoring

The objectives of operational monitoring are to:  Establish the status of those bodies identified as being at risk of failing to meet their environmental objectives; and  Assess any changes in the status of such bodies resulting from the programmes of measures. Operational monitoring has to be undertaken for all water bodies that have been identified as being at risk of failing the relevant environmental objectives. Monitoring must also be carried out for all bodies into which priority substances are discharged. However, monitoring in all such bodies will not necessarily be required as the Directive allows similar water bodies to be grouped and representatively monitored. Operational monitoring is highly focused on parameters indicative of the quality elements most sensitive to the pressures to which the water body or bodies are subject. For example, if organic pollution is a significant pressure on a river then benthic invertebrates might be the most sensitive and appropriate indicator of that pressure. The following scheme shall help to create a list of operational monitoring sites:

Scheme A Scheme B WFD compliant data available? Is the SWB at risk or is it affected by discharges of priority pollutants? Y N N Y Classification Point source? Discharge of possible priority pollutant? No operational What is the reason Review of measures? monitoring necessary for the risk?

No additional operational monitoring N Y Classification based site necessary pollution hymo on existing data or pressure data Diffuse pollution

Grouping of New risk H or G status SCHEME B SCHEME C SWB possible? N

Criteria for Select a representative the selection number of SWB

Criteria for setting up Set up an operational a monitoring site monitoring site

Page | 175

Criteria for the selection of representative water bodies from the group:

 Pollution from diffuse sources  for successive SWB o diffuse load uniform o monitoring site situated in the last SWB (most downstream) o Classification results can be applied to the SWB above (upstream)  for SWB in different regions o diffuse load uniform o SWB belong to the same type o SWB are comparable in terms of agricultural use o Affected SWB of the group are affected by the same substance or combination of substances o At least 25% of the SWB in a group are selected as representatives

Criteria for the setting up a monitoring site in rivers

 1 site per SWB which is representative for the pollution  Preferably at the lower end of the SWB  Beware of dilution effects of tributaries  Distance to possible additional point sources should be at least 1 km or – if the river breadth is >100 m – at least the 10-fold of the river breadth

Scheme C WFD compliant data available?

Y N

Classification Review of measures? Y possible N

No additional Criteria for Assign SWB to operational monitoring pressure groups pressure groups site necessary

Criteria for Select representative the selection SWB per pressure group

Criteria for the Define number and number and position position of sites

Set up an operational monitoring site

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Criteria for pressure groups in rivers A group of SWB  with same river type,  affected by the same pressure,  which can be investigated and classified by the same indicative biological quality element

Criteria for the selection within each pressure groups

 Ideally 1/3 of SWB within each pressure groups  Hydrological connex: if possible select sites within a hydrological sub basin  No additional pressure (if possible)  Easy to reach Criteria for the number and position

 Morphology: 1 site in the longest uniform section  Water abstraction: 1 site directly below the abstraction  Continuum: 1 or 2 sites, above the weir or dam; if there is series of several weirs or dams, another one below the lowest one  Impoundment: 1 site beginning (source) of the impoundment, optionally another site directly above the dam

19.3.3 Investigative monitoring

Investigative monitoring may also be required in specified cases. These are given as:  where the reason for any exceedances (of environmental objectives) is unknown;  where surveillance monitoring indicates that the objectives are not likely to be achieved and operational monitoring has not already been established; or  to ascertain the magnitude and impacts of accidental pollution. Investigative monitoring will thus be designed to the specific case or problem being investigated. In some cases, it will be more intensive in terms of monitoring frequencies and focused on particular water bodies or parts of water bodies, and on relevant quality elements. Investigative monitoring might also include alarm or early warning monitoring, for example, for the protection of drinking water intakes against accidental pollution. This type of monitoring could include continuous or semi-continuous measurements of a few chemical (such as dissolved oxygen) and/or biological (such as fish) determinants. As a result, no list of sites within the investigative monitoring can and shall be given in this document.

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20 ANNEX VI GROUNDWATER MONITORING

20.1 Annex VI. Tables

Annex VI. Table 1 List of monitoring stations

Monitoring GWB Name of monito- X Y station num- ring station ber

460252 4581157 MST_41 Kvemo Bolnisi GKK0032

Annex VI. Table 2 List of boreholes sampled during field expedition Monitoring GWB Name of monito- X Y station num- ring station ber

462471 4583048 S_24 kvemo Bolnisi GPK0025

437758 4576475 S_25 gantiadi GFK0027

460254 4581150 S_27 qvemobolnisi GKK002

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex VI. Table 3 List of Boreholes selected by literature for future monitoring

Name of borehole GWB Number of possible monitoring the map station

L-1 Trialeti GFK0027

L-2 Zemo-Koshakilisa GPK0026

L-3 Kvemo-Salari GFF0031

L-4 Imirisani GKK0032

L-5 Zemo-Sarali GPK0026

L-6 Rachis-Ubani GPK0025

L-7 Daliari GFK0027

L-8 Kazreti GPK0027

L-9 Mashavera GPK0026

L-10 Tamarisi GPK0025

L-11 Shaumiani GKK0032

L-12 Zemo-Kulari GPK0025

L-13 Ulashlo GPK0025

L-27 Dashbash GFK0030

L-28 Tsalka GFK0027

L-29 Tetri-Tskaro GKK0031

Annex VI. Table 4 Characterisation of groundwater monitoring well MST_41-Qvemo Bolnisi Identification unit Value

Monitoring site code MST-41

Monitoring site name QvemoBo- nisi

Monitoring site principle type Well

Location

Page | 179

GWB code

GWB name Bolnisi

Administrative unit code Bolnisi municipality

Protection zone No

Coordinate system

Coordinate system – x coordinates 460252

Coordinate system – y coordinates 4581157

Elevation of reference point above sea level

Access description Village road

Sketch of the access route

Location plan / site plan

Owner

Name of owner Municipality

Street of owner

Post code and city of owner

Phone number of owner

Email of owner

Contact person

Name of contact person

Street of contact person

Post code and city of contact person

Phone number of contact person

Email of contact person

Life time cycle

Information entered / updated by N. Qitiashvili

Date of collection of information

Start of monitoring [MM.YYYY] 24.12.2017

End of monitoring [MM.YYYY]

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Replacement of which site

Replaced by which site

Status of monitoring site Site monitored

Reason for closing

Type of chemical monitoring Operational monitoring

Significant changes

Technical specification of monitoring site

Drilling profile available Middle sized pebble-boul- der, sandy gravel filler

Drilling profile of the well

Development plan available

Development plan of the well

Pressure type of groundwater Artesian- confined

Material of capture Concrete

Material of pipes Iron

Characterisation of monitoring site

Use of the monitoring site Private drinking water supply

Purpose of monitoring site Water abstraction

Sub type of monitoring site Artesian

Remark to other type of monitoring site

Construction year

Diameter of well

Sampling method Overflow

Page | 181

Distance between abstraction and sampling 0

Sampling depth On the surface

Frequency of water abstraction Permanent

Springs (further information)

Spring recharge area identified

Size of spring recharge area [km²]

Average elevation of spring recharge area above sea level [m a.s.l.]

Average residence time [a]

Precipitation monitoring

Pressure situation

Influence by industry and manufacturing

Influence by old deposits / brownfield

Influence by waste deposits

Influence by transportation network

Influence by sewer treatment and percolation

Influence by oil and gas enterprises

Influence by agriculture agricultures

Other influences

Monitoring

Monitoring of quantity Water level,

Monitoring frequency of quantity Regular

Monitoring of chemistry Conductiv- ity, temperature, mineralisation, pH

Monitoring frequency of chemistry 6 months

Monitoring of drinking water quality

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

20.2 Annex VI. Figures

Annex VI. Figure 1 Location of monitoring stations in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Page | 183

21 ANNEX VII ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

21.1 Annex VII. Tables

Annex VII. Table 1 Environmental objectives for SWBs at risk

River Water body Water status-impact by driver/pres- Objective sure

Point source pollution Khachinchay Kha303 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic (Foladauri) industrial(mining) waste water matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reducing untreated waste water discharges from industry (mining) sector

Mashavera Mas213 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic industrial(mining) waste water matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reducing untreated waste water discharges from industry (mining) sector

Mdn302 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic industrial(mining) waste water matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reducing untreated waste water discharges from industry (mining) sector

Algeti Alg117 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic urban(sewerage) wastewater discharges matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

Mashavera Mas214 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic urban(sewerage) wastewater discharges matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

Mashavera Mas211 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic urban(sewerage) wastewater discharges matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reducing untreated waste water discharges from sewerage systems, having a sewerage treatment facility

Debeda Deb202 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic industrial (sand-gravel extraction) matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reduc- wastewater discharges ing untreated waste water discharges from Industry sector –sand-gravel extraction

Mashavera Mas216 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic industrial (sand-gravel extraction) matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reduc- wastewater discharges ing untreated waste water discharges from Industry sector –sand-gravel extraction

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Khrami Khr129 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic industrial (sand-gravel extraction) matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reduc- wastewater discharges ing untreated waste water discharges from Industry sector –sand-gravel extraction

Khrami Khr130 Worsening of water quality by untreated To improve water quality against organic industrial (sand-gravel extraction) matters, nitrogen, phosphorus by reduc- wastewater discharges ing untreated waste water discharges from Industry sector –sand-gravel extraction

Diffuse source pollution-Agriculture/Crop production Algeti Alg117 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Algeti Alg113 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Algeti Alg114 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Algeti Alg116 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Algeti Alg112 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Algeti Alg111 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Bunushchay Bun302 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Chiv-Chav Chv205 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Debeda Deb202 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Debeda Deb201 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Page | 185

Khachinchay Kha303 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- (Foladauri) runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Khrami Khr130 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Khrami Khr132 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Khrami Khr131 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Khrami Khr129 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Khrami Khr133 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Khrami Khr134 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Mashavera Mas215 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Mashavera Mas216 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Mashavera Mas213 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Mashavera Mas214 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Pshani Psh301 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Kal302 Worsening of water quality by agricultural To improve water quality by reducing or- runoff (crop production) ganic matters, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies

Diffuse source pollution-Agriculture/Animal live stocking Khrami Khr110 Worsening of water quality by animal live To improve water quality by reducing or- stocking runoff ganic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, pes-

ticides hazardous substances discharges in surface water bodies; Efficient manure management

Diffuse source pollution-Illegal landfills

Debeda Deb202 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Khrami Khr132 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Algeti Alg117 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Khrami Kha303 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Mashavera Mas215 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Mashavera Mas214 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Mashavera Mas211 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Mashavera Mas209 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Algeti Alg116 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Algeti Alg113 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Algeti Alg112 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Algeti Alg111 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Algeti Alg110 Worsening of water quality by illegal land- To improve water quality by regulating fills the illegal landfills

Water abstraction – Drinking water Bortbort Bor204 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (drinking water tus of the river such as morphology, con- supply) tinuity, hydrology by reducing disturbance of flow

Khrami Khr111 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (drinking water tus of the river such as morphology, con- supply) tinuity, hydrology by reducing disturbance of flow

Page | 187

Water abstraction – Irrigation Aslanka Asl205 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, con-

tinuity, hydrological situation by reduc-

ing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Debeda Deb201 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reduc-

ing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Karakliska Kak301 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reduc-

ing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Khrami Khr130 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reduc-

ing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Khrami Khr129 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reduc-

ing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Khrami Khr134 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reduc-

ing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Khrami (Ktsia) Khr103 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing

disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Mashavera Mas215 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reduc-

ing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Mashavera Mas209 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, con-

tinuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Riv305 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by irrigation) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow, improving the conditions of irrigation systems

Water abstraction – HPP

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Debeda Deb202 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Khachinchay Kha303 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- (Foladauri) creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Khrami Khr110 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Khrami Khr120 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Mashavera Mas213 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Khrami Khr114 Inefficient use of water resources- in- To improve the hydromorphological sta- creased water abstraction (by HPP) tus of the river such as morphology, continuity, hydrological situation by reducing disturbance of flow

Hydromorphological pressure Algeti Alg117 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Algeti Alg113 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Algeti Alg116 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Algeti Alg112 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Algeti Alg111 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Algeti Alg110 Sediment dynamics impairment To improve hydrological flow changes by reducing artificial barriers and dredged river bed materials

Debeda Deb202 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Debeda Deb201 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Page | 189

Khrami Khr110 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr111 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr112 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr113 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr130 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr131 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr109 Sediment dynamics impairment To improve hydrological flow changes by reducing artificial barriers and dredged river bed materials

Khrami Khr115 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr116 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr118 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr119 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Khrami Khr117 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Mashavera Mas215 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Mashavera Mas216 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Mashavera Mas213 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Mashavera Mas214 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Pshani Psh301 Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Pshani Psh302 Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Khrami Khr114 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Mdn302 Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Kal302 Morphological changes-Change in river To improve morphological alterations by profile: unnatural, straightening water reducing and controlling planform and course, altered banks channel patterns changes

Riv305 Water flow changes-Impaired flow dy- To improve hydrological flow changes namics; Impaired sediments dynamics and morphological alterations by ensur- and profile ing sufficient environmental flow

Page | 191

22 ANNEX VIII ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

22.1 Annex VIII. Tables

Annex VIII. Table 1 Share in Gross Value Added within the Khrami-Debeda River Basin by sectors

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Agriculture, hunting 4.07% 2.54% 1.47% 2.47% 2.99% 3.45% 3.00% 3.63% 3.20% 3.89% and forestry Fishing 0.02% 0.05% 0.05% 0.03% 0.04% 0.01% 0.04% 0.01% 0.02% 0.01% Mining and quar- 16.99% 10.39% 17.20% 14.22% 9.41% 10.91% 11.47% 17.15% 17.29% 14.83% rying Manufacturing 50.58% 60.52% 57.51% 51.23% 47.78% 47.05% 40.20% 33.33% 21.83% 33.94% Electricity, gas and 12.62% 9.41% 8.60% 13.94% 15.15% 10.67% 13.18% 12.57% 22.77% 17.97% water supply Construction 4.03% 3.93% 3.77% 5.38% 6.70% 6.65% 8.47% 7.95% 7.27% 5.41% Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and 3.50% 4.07% 3.46% 4.98% 7.67% 8.06% 11.23% 11.49% 12.36% 10.91% personal and household goods Hotels and restau- 0.23% 0.24% 0.14% 0.23% 0.42% 0.48% 0.62% 0.91% 0.89% 0.98% rants Transport and com- 2.33% 3.17% 1.65% 1.20% 2.15% 1.91% 1.51% 2.56% 3.08% 2.57% munication Real estate, renting and business activi- 1.96% 2.07% 1.46% 2.56% 4.13% 4.86% 4.21% 4.25% 4.62% 3.76% ties Education 0.30% 0.35% 0.41% 0.52% 0.32% 0.67% 0.91% 0.46% 0.69% 0.50% Health and social 2.00% 1.69% 1.90% 1.55% 1.11% 1.76% 2.10% 2.51% 2.88% 2.33% work Community, social and personal ser- 1.36% 1.58% 2.38% 1.73% 2.13% 3.51% 3.07% 3.14% 3.09% 2.91% vice activities Source: Authors’ own calculations based on Geostat regional statistic data

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Annex VIII. Table 2 Gross Value Added within the Khrami-Debeda River Basin by Sectors (mln. GEL, real GVA)47

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Total 244.30 243.46 296.92 373.23 444.11 377.62 414.55 437.36 503.24 645.83 Agriculture, hunting and forestry 9.95 6.18 4.38 9.21 13.29 13.02 12.43 15.86 16.13 25.15 Fishing 0.06 0.11 0.16 0.11 0.18 0.06 0.17 0.05 0.11 0.05 Mining and quarrying 41.50 25.30 51.06 53.06 41.81 41.19 47.53 75.00 87.01 95.75 Manufacturing 123.55 147.35 170.75 191.22 212.17 177.65 166.66 145.79 109.85 219.17 Electricity, gas and water supply 30.82 22.90 25.53 52.04 67.27 40.29 54.62 54.98 114.59 116.05 Construction 9.84 9.56 11.18 20.07 29.76 25.13 35.10 34.79 36.60 34.95 Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and personal and household goods 8.55 9.90 10.29 18.58 34.05 30.43 46.57 50.27 62.20 70.44 Hotels and restaurants 0.56 0.57 0.42 0.86 1.88 1.80 2.59 3.99 4.45 6.30 Transport and communication 5.68 7.73 4.91 4.46 9.53 7.21 6.24 11.21 15.51 16.59 Real estate, renting and business activities 4.78 5.04 4.33 9.55 18.35 18.37 17.44 18.60 23.23 24.29 Education 0.73 0.86 1.21 1.94 1.41 2.54 3.77 2.02 3.50 3.23 Health and social work 4.89 4.12 5.64 5.78 4.94 6.65 8.72 11.00 14.49 15.08 Community, social and personal service activities 3.32 3.84 7.07 6.46 9.47 13.24 12.71 13.73 15.56 18.79 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on Geostat regional statistic data

Annex VIII. Table 3 Costs of Supplementary Measures

Supplementary Measures Related Costs GEL EUR Training of farmers to use water in efficient way Training organization costs (venue, transportation…) 26,000 7,936 (Marneuli, Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Training materials 2,000 610 Tetritskaro municipalities) Trainer (2 trainers) 38,400 11,720 Printed media report 1,500 457 Publicity Campaigns TV Commercial 1800 549 Social Media 400 122 (Tsalka municipality) Flayers (design, printing, delivering) 2,500 763 Strengthening hydrological mon- Salary 26,880 8,204 itoring system Utility 24 7 (Marneuli, Tetristkaro, Bolnisi and Tsalka municipalities) Depreciation 24,000 7,325

47 Khrami-Debeda river basin includes only part of Kvemo Kartli Region (Marneuli, Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Tetris Tskharo and Tsalka Municipality). Consequently, the methodology to calculate GVA within the basin is the following: Total GVA in Kvemo Kartli Region*share of corresponding Municipalities’ population in the Kvemo Kartli region

Page | 193

Implementation of water resource monitoring program Salary 10,752 3,282 Utility 27 8 (Marneuli, Bolnisi, Tsalka, Tetritskaro municipalities) Depreciation 6,958 2,124 Total supplementary cost 141,241 43,109 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on provided information

Annex VIII. Table 4 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-Year Period (in GEL48)

Programme of Measure I Period II Period III Period IV Period V Period VI Period Costruction of WWTP 19,800,000 13,200,000 Rennovation/construction of a sewerage system 21,000,000 28,000,000 21,000,000 Construction of pumping station 314,322 628,644 628,644 Construction of chemical WWTP 155,233 232,850 232,850 155,233 Setting buffer strips and hedges 13,500 13,500 Build vermicompost (producing biohumus) 27,000 Rennovation of local irrigation system 260,000 520,000 520,000 Rehabilitation of the canal 1,120,000 1,680,000 Rehabilitation of the mainc channel 877,248 877,248 1,754,496 2,631,744 2,631,744 Total Cost 41,060,000 42,752,481 22,944,420 37,359,890 5,109,121 2,672,244 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA and UWSCG data

Annex VIII. Table 5 Investment Cost Distribution Over the 6-Year Period (in EUR)

Programme of Measure I Period II Period III Period IV Period V Period VI Period Construction of WWTP 6,043,403 4,028,935 Renovation/construction of a sewerage system 6,409,669 8,546,226 6,409,669 Construction of pumping station 95,938 191,876 191,876 Construction of chemical WWTP 47,380 71,071 71,071 47,381 Setting buffer strips and hedges 4,120 4,120 Build vermicompost (producing bio humus) 8,241 Renovation of local irrigation system 79,358 158,716 158,716 Rehabilitation of the canal 341,849 512,774

48 Adjusted by 3% inflation rate

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Rehabilitation of the main channel 267,756 267,756 535,511 803,267 803,267 Total Cost 12,532,430 13,049,013 7,003,150 1,140,308 1,559,418 815,629 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA and UWSCG data

Annex VIII. Table 6 Present Value of The Investment Costs of Basic Measures for the first period

Basic Measures GEL EUR Construction of WWTP 31,905,649 9,738,317 Renovation/construction of a sewerage system 64,340,964 19,638,301 Construction of pumping station 1,193,952 364,421 Construction of chemical WWTP 627,620 191,564 Setting buffer strips and hedges 18,308 5,588 Build vermicompost (producing bio humus) 17,516 5,346 Renovation of local irrigation system 1,174,242 358,405 Rehabilitation of the canal 2,052,303 626,409 Rehabilitation of the main channel 6,464,620 1,973,147 Total Cost 107,795,175 32,901,497 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on GA and UWSCG data

Annex VIII. Table 7 Present Value of Operation Costs of Basic Measures (for the first period)

Best Case Scenario Worst Case Scenario GEL EUR GEL EUR Wastewater treatment plant 28,586,295 8,725,176 58,686,085 17,912,305 Chemical WWTP 9,235,705 2,818,943 50,339,577 15,364,764 Rennovation/construction of a sewerage system 33,050,503 10,087,752 40,485,012 12,356,931 Construction of pumping station 12,590,904 3,843,025 29,580,675 9,028,683 Rennovation of local irrigation system 1,893,736 578,010 2,995,079 914,165 Rehabilitation of the canal 952,428 290,702 1,432,013 437,082 Rehabilitation of the main channel 2,064,961 630,272 2,940,879 897,622 PV of total operation costs of basic measures 88,374,533 26,973,883 176,789,987 53,960,256 Source: Authors own calculations based on UWSCG, GA and NEA data

Annex VIII. Table 8 Present Value of Supplementary Measures (for the first period)

GEL EUR Training of farmers to use water in efficient way 345,311 105,397 Publicity Campaigns 32,243 9,841 Strengthening hydrological monitoring system 264,725 80,800

Implementation of water resource monitoring program 92,241 28,154 PV of total costs of supplementary measures 734,520 224,192

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Annex VIII. Table 9 Expenditures by municipalities in 201849 Increase in non financial Operation costs Share in muni- Municipalities assets cipal budget

GEL EUR GEL EUR Bolnisi 946,500 288,893 3.10% Dmanisi 85,700 26,157 0.81% Tetritskaro 405,600 123,798 139,200 42,487 4.22% Marneuli 30,700 9,370 2,027,700 618,899 10.34% Source: Authors’ own calculations based on MoF data

Annex VIII. Table 10 Compare Operation Costs and Revenues of Water Supply Companies After Implementing PoM

Best case scenario Worst case scenario GEL EUR GEL EUR Existing O&M costs of UWSCG 7,608,566 2,322,304 7,608,566 2,322,304 Additional O&M costs of UWSCG50 13,910,568 4,245,816 28,237,002 8,618,564 Income level (as of 2018 considering inflation) 3,065,872 935,773 3,065,872 935,773 Operation losses of UWSCG -18,453,262 -5,632,347 -32,779,696 -10,005,095 Existing O&M costs of GA 1,127,128 344,025 1,127,128 344,025 Additional O&M costs of GA 818,521 249,831 1,227,995 374,812 Income level (as of 2018 considering inflation) 642,227 196,022 642,227 196,022

Operation losses of GA -1,303,422 -397,834 -1,712,896 -522,815 Source: Authors’ own calculations based on UWSCG and GA data

49 According to the data provided by MoF in the municipal budget of Tsalka municipality water related expenditures are not represented. 50 Average yearly cost during the 6-year period

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

23 ANNEX IX PROGRAMME OF MEASURES

23.1 Annex IX. Tables

Annex IX. Table 1 Measures for water bodies at risk in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Water River Impact on Objective Basic measures Supplementary measures body water

(Del- body Code)

Point source pollution

Alg117 Algeti Worsening To improve water qual- The rehabilitation / Implementation of water re- of water ity against organic mat- Construction of sources monitoring pro- quality by ters, nitrogen, phospho- Marneuli’s water gram; untreated rus by reducing un- and wastewater Environmental inspection urban(sew- treated waste water systems- con- controls on wastewater dis- erage) discharges from sewer- struct pumping charges to the rivers; wastewater age systems, having a stations, reser- discharges sewerage treatment fa- voirs, transmis- Source control (reducing cility sion main and in- pollution at source reduces ternal network, as the costs associated with well as, sewage its treatment and produces collector; environmental benefits); Adoption of Law Control of domestic prod- on Water ucts with regard to their impact on the environment (e.g. low phosphorus detergents or removing phosphates from detergents); Introduction of effective fee system for waste collection and disposal

Mas211 Khrami Worsening To improve water qual- Renovation /con- Implementation of water re- of water ity against organic mat- struction of a sew- sources monitoring pro- Mas214 Khrami quality by ters, nitrogen, phospho- erage system in gram; untreated rus by reducing un- Bolnisi municipal- Environmental inspection urban(sew- treated waste water ity; controls on wastewater dis- erage) discharges from sewer- Adoption of Law charges to the rivers; wastewater age systems, having a on Water discharges sewerage treatment fa- Source control (reducing cility pollution at source reduces the costs associated with its treatment and produces environmental benefits); Control of domestic products with regard to their impact on the environment (e.g. low phosphorus detergents or removing phosphates from detergents);

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Introduction of effective fee system for waste collection and disposal

Kha303 Khrami Worsening To improve water qual- Collection of Apply Integrated Pollution of water ity against organic mat- waste water, Con- Prevention and Control quality by ters, nitrogen, phospho- struction of pump- (IPPC) regime for regula- untreated rus by reducing un- ing station and re- tion industrial processes to indus- treated waste water leasing to closed minimize pollution; trial(min- discharges from indus- technological cy- Controlling usage of certain ing) try (mining) sector cle; dangerous substances by wastewater Adoption of Law using regulations; on Water; Improving environmental Design and con- performance by promoting struction of chemi- environmental manage- cal (from mining) ment systems; wastewater treat- Providing guidance to in- ment plant dustries on reducing the use of hazardous raw materials along with development case studies; Conducting investigation works for elimination historical pollution

Mas213 Khrami Worsening To improve water qual- Design and con- Apply Integrated Pollution of water ity against organic mat- struction of indus- Prevention and Control Mdn302 quality by ters, nitrogen, phospho- trial, sewerage (IPPC) regime for regula- untreated rus by reducing un- and urban tion industrial processes to industrial treated waste water wastewater treat- minimize pollution; (mining) discharges from indus- ment plant Controlling usage of certain wastewater try sector- mining (WWTP) and dangerous substances by discharges wastewater treat- using regulations; ment to adequate industrial dis- Improving environmental charges; performance by promoting environmental manage- Adoption of Law ment systems; on Water Providing guidance to in- Design and con- dustries on reducing the struction of chemi- use of hazardous raw ma- cal (from mining) terials along with develop- wastewater treatment case studies;Con- ment plant ducting investigation works for elimination historical pollution

Deb202 Khrami Worsening To improve water qual- Investigation and monitor- of water ity against organic mat- ing of sand-gravel enter- Mas216 Khrami quality by ters, nitrogen, phospho- prises (investigation of Khr129 Khrami untreated rus by reducing un- waste water treatment industrial treated waste water plants and estimating Khr130 Khrami (sand- weighed portions)

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

gravel ex- discharges from Indus- traction) try sector –sand-gravel wastewater extraction discharges

Diffuse source pollution

Alg117 Algeti Worsening To improve water qual- Setting buffer Rural Development Strat- of water ity by reducing organic strips and hedges egy supporting small farm- Alg113 Algeti quality by matters, nitrogen, phos- (establishment of ers food production and Alg114 Algeti agricultural phorus, pesticides haz- 3m buffer strip); market; runoff ardous substances dis- Alg116 Algeti Renovation of ag- The initiative of non-gov- (crop pro- charges in surface wa- riculture drainage ernmental organisations Alg112 Algeti duction) ter bodies system; and voluntaries and provid- Alg111 Algeti ing some guidance (e.g. Establishment of codes of good agriculture Bun302 Khrami traditional organic practice) to reduce pollu- farms; Chv205 Khrami tion; Adoption of Law Deb202 Debeda Development of Normative on Water; act on definition of ecologi- Deb201 Debeda Codes of Good cal and chemical status of Kha303 Khrami Agricultural Prac- water bodies; tices for Protec- Khr130 Khrami Implementation of water re- tion of Waters sources monitoring pro- Khr132 Khrami against Agricul- gram and environmental in- tural Nitrate Pollu- Khr131 Khrami spection controls; tion (the reduction Khr129 Khrami in the use of ferti- Elaborations of methodolo- lizers in agricul- gies for using different type Khr133 Khrami ture); of fertilisers and pesticides Khr134 Khrami in a proper way Actions plans for Mas215 Mashavera Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Mas216 Mashavera Mas213 Mashavera Mas214 Mashavera Psh301 Khrami Kal302

Page | 199

Khr110 Khrami Worsening To improve water qual- Setting up ver- Implementation of water re- of water ity by reducing organic micompost (pro- sources monitoring pro- quality by matter, nitrogen, phos- ducing bio hu- gram and environmental in- animal live phorus, pesticides haz- mus); spection controls; stocking ardous substances dis- Construction and Avoidance of livestock runoff charges in surface wa- use of biogas grazing in water protection ter bodies; Efficient ma- plants (biogas di- strips by providing alterna- nure management gesters) for tive zones; households or for Elaboration of norms / a whole munici- standards for livestock pality; grazing intensity; Avoidance of live- Providing trainings on sus- stock grazing in tainable livestock farming water protection strips by providing alternative zones; Adoption of Law on Water; Codes of Good Practices for Live- stock in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

Deb202 Debeda Worsening To improve water qual- Monitoring of illegal land- of water ity by regulating the ille- fills, imposing some sanc- Khr132 Khrami quality by gal landfills tions, improvement of Alg117 Algeti illegal land- waste management fills Kha303 Khrami Mas215 Khrami Mas214 Khrami Mas211 Khrami Mas209 Khrami Alg116 Algeti Alg113 Algeti Alg112 Algeti Alg111 Algeti Alg110 Algeti Algeti

Water abstraction

Asl205 Khrami Inefficient To improve the hydro- Using modern and Setting up the regulation(s) use of wa- morphological status of efficient irrigation for efficient use of water; Deb201 Debeda ter re- the river such as mor- technologies to Controlling volume of water Kak301 Karakliska sources- phology, continuity, hy- economize the that can be abstracted and increased drology by reducing water uses; Khr130 Khrami the time over which it can water ab- disturbance of flow, im- Rehabilitation of be abstracted (licenses, Khr129 Khrami straction proving the conditions the main canal, permits); of irrigation systems Khr134 Khrami

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Khr103 Khrami (by irriga- collectors and en- Training of farmers to use tion) gineering works of water in efficient way and Mas215 Mashavera the irrigation sys- to store water; Mas209 Mashavera tems (e.g. Promotion of efficient and Mtisdzira javakhi; Riv305 Khrami sustainable water use; Khrami channel; Tsminda Giorgi Restoration of existing ab- channel; Arakhlo straction to sustainable lev- main canal); els (development of alternative supplies or more ef- Rehabilitation of ficient water use; the local (e.g. Didi iraga; Avralo- Publicity campaigns pro- Gumbati; (Dman- moting efficient water use isi-Gantiadi) irriga- by domestic customers; tion system; Set up payment system for Adoption of Law water abstraction from the on Water; surface water courses; Regulations for Review of current water abstractions and abstraction regulation impoundments to prevent deterioration of water body status (the system of abstraction licensing control)

Deb202 Debeda Inefficient To improve the hydro- Regulations for Setting up the regulation(s) use of wa- morphological status of abstractions and for efficient use of water; Kha303 Khachin- ter re- the river such as mor- impoundments to chay Controlling volume of water Khr110 sources- phology, continuity, hy- prevent deteriora- that can be abstracted and Khrami increased drology by reducing tion of water body Khr120 the time over which it can water ab- disturbance of flow status (the system Khrami be abstracted (licenses, Khr114 straction of abstraction li- permits); Khrami (by HPP) censing control); Mas213 Promotion of efficient and Mashavera Adoption of Law sustainable water use; on Water Restoration of existing abstraction to sustainable levels (development of alternative supplies or more efficient water use; Publicity campaigns promoting efficient water use by domestic customers; Set up payment system for water abstraction from the surface water courses; Review of current water abstraction regulation

Bor204 Bortbort Inefficient To improve the hydro- Adoption of Law Setting up sanitary protec- Khrami use of wa- morphological status of on Water; tion zones to protect water Khr111 ter re- the river such as mor- quality; Regulations for sources- abstractions and Setting up the regulation(s) increased impoundments to for efficient use of water;

Page | 201

water ab- phology, continuity, hy- prevent deteriora- Controlling volume of water straction drology by reducing tion of water body that can be abstracted and (drinking disturbance of flow status (the system the time over which it can water sup- of abstraction li- be abstracted (licenses, ply) censing control) permits); Promotion of efficient and sustainable water use; Restoration of existing abstraction to sustainable levels (development of alternative supplies or more efficient water use; Publicity campaigns promoting efficient water use by domestic customers; Set up payment system for water abstraction from the surface water courses; Review of current water abstraction regulation

Hydromorphological alteration

Alg113 Algeti Water flow To improve hydrologi- Creation of eco- Elaboration regulation on changes- cal flow changes and logically compati- planning and Implementa- Alg117 Algeti Impaired morphological altera- ble hydraulic con- tion of Water Resources Alg116 Algeti flow dy- tions by ensuring suffi- ditions through Monitoring Program; namics; cient environmental flow control (e.g. Alg112 Algeti Strengthening of national Impaired flow water level regula- and regional inspection of Alg111 Algeti sediments tion); environmental supervision; dynamics Deb202 Debeda Adoption of Law and profile Elaboration of a technical on Water; Deb201 Debeda guideline/normative act Creation of water (technical standing orders) Khr110 Khrami course pass ability on the management of Khr111 Khrami for upstream and river sand and gravel min- downstream mi- ing; Khr112 Khrami gration of location Strengthening hydrological Khr113 Khrami specific species monitoring system and for sediments Khr130 Khrami transport; man- Khr131 Khrami agement of sediments Khr115 Khrami Khr116 Khrami Khr118 Khrami Khr119 Khrami Khr117 Khrami Mas215 Mashavera Mas216 Mashavera Mas213 Mashavera Mas214 Mashavera

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Khrami-Debeda river basin

Khr114 Khrami Riv305

Psh301 Khrami Morpholog- To improve morphologi- Improvement and Elaboration regulation on ical cal alterations by re- diversification of planning and Implementa- Psh302 Khrami changes- ducing and controlling bank and bed tion of Water Resources Mdn302 Khrami Change in planform and channel structures, ripar- Monitoring Program; river pro- patterns changes ian and aquatic Kal302 Strengthening of national file: unnat- habitats (vegetali- and regional inspection of ural, zation); environmental supervision; straighten- Adoption of Law ing water Elaboration of a technical on Water; course, al- guideline/normative act tered Supporting hy- (technical standing orders) banks draulic engineer- on the management of ing measures for river sand and gravel min- morphological re- ing; structuring of the Strengthening hydrological water course monitoring system

Alg110 Algeti Sediment To improve hydrologi- Adoption of Law Elaboration regulation on dynamics cal flow changes by re- on Water; planning and Implementa- Khr109 Khrami impairment ducing artificial barriers tion of Water Resources Improvement of and dredged river bed Monitoring Program; sediments materials transport continu- Strengthening of national ity via dams man- and regional inspection of agement; environmental supervision; Material removal Elaboration of a technical and sediments ex- guideline/normative act traction regulation; (technical standing orders) on the management of Moderate water- river sand and gravel min- course mainte- ing; nance Strengthening hydrological monitoring system

Page | 203

(short) title

Annex IX. Table 2 Programme of measures (PoMs) to be implemented in the Khrami-Debeda river basin

N Water River /Sub- Municipality Main issue Environmental objective Basic measure Supplementary Imple- Measure suggested by: body basin measure mentation deadline

1 Alg117 Algeti /Algeti Maneuli Water quality To improve water quality against The rehabilitation- Implementation of 2021 Ltd “United water supply company of Georgia” organic matter, nitrogen, phos- Construction of water resources

phorus and other pollutants by Marneuli’s sewer- monitoring pro- reducing untreated waste water age systems- con- gram and environ- discharges from sewerage sys- struct pumping mental inspection stations, as well as controls tems, having a sewerage treat- sewage collector ment facility

2 Mas214 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality against The rehabilitation- Implementation of 2021 Ltd “United water supply company of Georgia” /Khrami organic matter, nitrogen, phos- Construction of water resources phorus and other pollutants by sewerage system monitoring pro- reducing untreated waste water gram and environ- discharges from sewerage sys- mental inspection tems, having a sewerage treat- controls

ment facility

3 Mas211 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality against The rehabilitation- Implementation of 2021 Ltd “United water supply company of Georgia” /Khrami organic matter, nitrogen, phos- Construction of water resources phorus and other pollutants by sewerage system monitoring pro- reducing untreated waste water gram and environ- discharges from sewerage sys- mental inspection tems, having a sewerage treat- controls ment facility

4 Kha303 Bolnisistskali Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality against Collection of waste 2020 JSC “RMG Copper’’ /Khrami sulphate, heavy metals and water, Construc- other pollutants, by reducing un- tion of pumping treated waste water discharges station and releas- from industry (mining) sector ing to closed technological cycle;

Design and construction of chemical (from mining) wastewater treatment plant

5 Mdn302 Kazretula Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality against Design and con- 2020 JSC “RMG Copper’’ /Khrami sulphate, heavy metals and struction of indus- other pollutants, by reducing un- trial, sewerage treated waste water discharges and urban from industry (mining) sector wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and wastewater treatment to adequate industrial discharges;

Design and construction of chemical (from mining) wastewater treatment plant

ENI/2016/372-403 205 (short) title

6 Mas213 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality against Design and con- 2020 JSC “RMG Copper’’ /Khrami sulphate, heavy metals and struction of indus- other pollutants, by reducing un- trial, sewerage treated waste water discharges and urban from industry (mining) sector wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and wastewater treatment to adequate industrial discharges;

Design and construction of chemical (from mining) wastewater treatment plant

7 Deb202 Debeda/ Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Investigation and N/A Based on feasibility study Khrami ducing concentration of weighted monitoring of portions and untreated waste sand-gravel enter- water discharges from industry prises (investiga- (sand-gravel extraction) sector tion of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions)

8 Mas216 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Investigation and N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing concentration of weighted monitoring of portions and untreated waste sand-gravel enter- water discharges from industry prises (investiga- (sand-gravel extraction) sector tion of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions)

9 Khr129 Khrami/ Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Investigation and N/A Based on feasibility study Khrami ducing concentration of weighted monitoring of portions and untreated waste sand-gravel enter- water discharges from industry prises (investiga- (sand-gravel extraction) sector tion of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions)

10 Khr130 Khrami/ Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Investigation and N/A Based on feasibility study Khrami ducing concentration of weighted monitoring of portions and untreated waste sand-gravel enter- water discharges from industry prises (investiga- (sand-gravel extraction) sector tion of waste water treatment plants and estimating weighed portions)

11 Alg117 Algeti /Algeti Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

12 Alg113 Algeti /Algeti Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

13 Alg114 Algeti /Algeti Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip)

206 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

gram and environmental inspection controls

14 Alg116 Algeti /Algeti Mar- Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study neuli/Tetritskaro ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

15 Alg112 Algeti /Algeti Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

16 Alg111 Algeti /Algeti Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

17 Bun302 Bunuschai Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

18 Chv205 Civchavi Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

19 Deb202 Debeda Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

20 Deb201 Debeda Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

21 Kha303 Bolnisists- Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study kali/Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

22 Khr110 Khrami Tsalka Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting up ver- Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study / As recommendation by ELKANA – Biologi- /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, mikompost (pro- water resources cal farming association phosphorus, pesticides dis- ducing bio humus) monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies; gram and environ- Efficient manure management mental inspection controls

23 Khr130 Khrami Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip)

ENI/2016/372-403 207 (short) title

gram and environmental inspection controls

24 Khr132 Khrami Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

25 Khr131 Khrami Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

26 Khr129 Khrami Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

27 Khr133 Khrami Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

28 Khr134 Khrami Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

29 Mas215 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

30 Mas216 Mas- Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ha- ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources vera/Kharmi phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

31 Mas213 Mas- Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ha- ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources vera/Kharmi phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

32 Mas214 Mas- Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study ha- ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources vera/Kharmi phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

33 Psh301 Pshani Dmanisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip)

208 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

gram and environmental inspection controls

34 Kal302 River… Dmanisi Water quality To improve water quality by re- Setting buffer Implementation of N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ducing organic matters, nitrogen, strips and hedges water resources phosphorus, pesticides dis- (Establishment of monitoring pro- charges in surface water bodies 3m buffer strip) gram and environmental inspection controls

35 Deb202 Debeda Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

36 Khr132 Khrami Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

37 Alg117 Algeti /Al- Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study geti ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

38 Kha303 Bolnisists- Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study kali/Khrami ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

39 Mas215 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

40 Mas214 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

41 Mas211 Mashavera Bolnisi Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

42 Mas209 Mashavera Dmanisi Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

43 Alg116 Algeti/ Al- Marneuli Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study geti ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanc-

ENI/2016/372-403 209 (short) title

tions, improvement of waste management

44 Alg113 Algeti/ Al- Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study geti ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

45 Alg112 Algeti/ Algeti Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

46 Alg111 Algeti/ Algeti Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

47 Alg110 Algeti/ Algeti Tetritskaro Water quality To improve water quality by reg- Monitoring of ille- N/A Based on feasibility study ulating the illegal landfills gal landfills, imposing some sanctions, improvement of waste management

48 Asl205 Aslanka Tetritskaro Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2020 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- Didi iraga irriga- ume of water that mental flow and changed river tion system can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

49 Bor204 Bortorti Tsalka Water abstrac- To improve river stretches im- Publicity cam- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami tion/public water pacted by insufficient environ- paigns promoting supply mental flow and changed river efficient water use flow regime by reducing water by domestic cus- abstraction tomers

50 Khr111 Khrami Tsalka Water abstrac- To improve river stretches im- Publicity cam- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami tion/public water pacted by insufficient environ- paigns promoting supply mental flow and changed river efficient water use flow regime by reducing water by domestic cus- abstrac-tion tomers

51 Deb201 Debeda Marneuli Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2022 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- Megobroba chan- ume of water that mental flow and changed river nel can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

52 Kak301 Karakliska Dmanisi Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2021 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- Mtisdzira Javakhi ume of water that mental flow and changed river irrigation system can be abstracted

210 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

53 Khr130 Khrami Marneuli Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2020 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- the main channel ume of water that mental flow and changed river of Khram-Arkhi can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

54 Khr129 Khrami Bolnisi Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2020 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- the main channel ume of water that mental flow and changed river of Khram-Arkhi can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

55 Khr134 Khrami Marneuli Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2022 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- Tsminda Giorgi ir- ume of water that mental flow and changed river rigation system can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

56 Khr103 Ktsia Tsalka Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2020 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- Avralo-Gumbati ir- ume of water that mental flow and changed river rigation system can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

57 Mas215 Mashavera Bolnisi Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2021 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- Arakhlo irrigation ume of water that mental flow and changed river system can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an

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efficient way and to store water

58 Mas209 Mashavera Dmanisi Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Measures against Controlling the vol- 2021 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- filtration on the ume of water that mental flow and changed river Kazreti main chan- can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water nel and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

59 Riv305 Iakublo Dmanisi Water abstraction To improve river stretches im- Rehabilitation of Controlling the vol- 2020 Ltd “Georgian amelioration“ /Khrami /Irrigation pacted by insufficient environ- Dmanisi-Gantiadi ume of water that mental flow and changed river irrigation system can be abstracted flow regime by reducing water and the time over abstraction which it can be abstracted (licenses, permits);

Training of farmers to use water in an efficient way and to store water

60 Alg113 Algeti /Algetii Tetritskaro Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

61 Alg117 Algeti /Algeti Marneuli Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

62 Alg116 Algeti /Algeti Marneuli Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

63 Alg112 Algeti /Algeti Tetritskaro Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

64 Alg111 Algeti /Algeti Tetritskaro Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

65 Psh301 Pshani /Khrami Dmanisi Hydromorphologi- To improve morphological altera- Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration tions by reducing and controlling drological monitor- planform and channel patterns ing system changes

66 Psh302 Pshani /Khrami Dmanisi Hydromorphologi- To improve morphological altera- Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration tions by reducing and controlling drological monitor- planform and channel patterns ing system changes

67 Deb202 Debeda Marneuli Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

68 Alg110 Algeti /Algeti Tetritskaro Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes by reducing artificial drological monitor- barriers and dredged river bed ing system materials

212 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

69 Deb201 Debeda Marneuli Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

70 Khr110 Khrami /Khrami Tsalka Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

71 Khr111 Khrami /Khrami Tsalka Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

72 Khr112 Khrami /Khrami Tsalka Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

73 Khr113 Khrami /Khrami Tsalka Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

74 Khr130 Khrami /Khrami Marneuli Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

75 Khr131 Khrami /Khrami Marneuli Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

76 Khr109 Khrami /Khrami Tsalka Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes by reducing artificial drological monitor- barriers and dredged river bed ing system materials

77 Khr115 Khrami /Khrami Tsalka Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

78 Khr116 Khrami /Khrami Dmanisi/Te- Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study trits- cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- karo/Tsalka terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

79 Khr118 Khrami /Khrami Dmanisi Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

80 Khr119 Khrami /Khrami Tetrits- Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study karo/Dmanisi cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

81 Khr117 Khrami /Khrami Dmanisi Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

82 Mas215 Mashavera Bolnisi Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

ENI/2016/372-403 213 (short) title

83 Mas216 Mashavera Bolnisi Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

84 Mas213 Mashavera Bolnisi Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

85 Mas214 Mashavera Bolnisi Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration changes and mor-phological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system eco-logical flow

86 Khr114 Khrami /Khrami Tsalka Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study cal alteration changes and morphological al- drological monitor- terations by ensuring sufficient ing system environmental flow

87 Mdn302 River… Bolnisi Hydromorphologi- To improve morphological altera- Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration tions by reducing and controlling drological monitor- planform and channel patterns ing system changes

88 Kal302 River… Dmanisi Hydromorphologi- To improve morphological altera- Strengthening hy- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration tions by reducing and controlling drological monitor- planform and channel patterns ing system changes

89 Riv305 River… Dmanisi Hydromorphologi- To improve hydrological flow Strengthening hyd- N/A Based on feasibility study /Khrami cal alteration changes and morphological alter- rological monito- ations by ensuring sufficient envi- ring system ronmental flow

214 ENI/2016/372-403 (short) title

ENI/2016/372-403 215