E1184 v. 2
Reduction of Nutrient Discharges Project
Public Disclosure Authorized DDNP Component
GEF # TF 051 289
Environmental Status Report (Environmental Assessment) Social Impact Assessment (Public Consultation)
Final Report
Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized
VITUKI, Environmental and Water Management Research Centre VTK Innosystem Ltd Public Disclosure Authorized List of acronyms
CTI County Traffic Inspectorate DEIA Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment DDNP Duna Dráva National Park DTM Digital Terrain Model Environmental Protection, Nature Conservation and Water Management EPNCWMI Inspectorate EPWMD Environmental Protection and Water Management Directorate FAVI Environmental Register of Subsurface Waters and Geological Media PHA Public Health Authority PHSCS Plant Health and Soil Conservation Station RA Recommended Alternative KAR Basic Environmental Register KÁRINFO Damage Elimination Information System KBIR Information System of Environmental Safety KÖFE Environmental Inspectorate KÖVIZIG Environmental, Nature Protection and Water Management Directorate KSH Central Bureau of Statistics KvVM Ministry for the Environment and Water Management MAHAB Hungarian Hydrological Database NGO Non-Governmental Organization NPI National Park Directorate OKIR National Environmental Information System OKKP National Environmental Damage Elimination Programme OTAR Basic Data and Object Handling System PEIA Preliminarily Environmental Impact Assessment SATIR Hydrological Data Processing, Storage and Information System SFSRD State Forestry Service Regional Directorate VIFE Inspectorate for Water VIFIR Hydrogeological Information System VIKÁR Information for Water Quality Damage-fighting VIR Damage-fighting Information System VIZIR Information System for Water Management VM Water Quality Database WFD Water Framework Directive
Contents 1. Introduction ...... 6 2. Description of the Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa regions...... 8 2.1 Abiotic environment...... 8 2.1.1 Topography and geology ...... 8 2.1.2 Surface water hydrology...... 11 2.1.3 Surface water quality ...... 15 2.1.4 Sources of nutrients ...... 18 2.2 Biotic environment...... 22 2.2.1 Terrestrial Flora...... 23 2.2.2 Terrestrial Fauna...... 24 2.2.3 Aquatic flora...... 25 2.2.4 Aquatic fauna ...... 27 2.2.5 Conclusions...... 31 2.3 Socio-economic environment ...... 31 2.3.1 Legal framework ...... 32 2.3.2 Water management...... 32 2.3.3 Environmental management...... 33 2.3.4 Nature conservation...... 33 2.3.5 Local Governments...... 34 2.3.6 Economic activities...... 34 2.3.7 Recreation and tourism ...... 36 2.4 Review of pressures and problems...... 39 2.4.1 Environmental pressures and impacts...... 39 2.4.2 Socio-economic pressures and impacts ...... 39 3. Preliminary assessment of environmental impacts...... 52 3.1 Veránka – Rezéti-Duna ...... 54 3.2 Buvat...... 55 3.3 Béda-Karapancsa...... 55 3.4 Sió unit...... 56 3.5 Gemenc...... 56 3.6 Báta-Duna...... 57 3.7 Fekete erd , Grébeci-Duna...... 59 3.8 Kerül -Duna ...... 60 3.9 Báli ...... 61 3.10 Móric-Duna...... 62 3.11 Nagy-Pandúr ...... 63 3.12 Qualitative investigation of dredging masses ...... 63 3.13 Calculation of nutrient load reduction...... 69 4. Preliminary assessment of socio-economic impacts...... 72 4.1 Veránka – Rezéti-Duna ...... 73 4.2 Buvat...... 74 4.3 Béda-Karapancsa...... 74 4.4 Sió unit...... 75 4.5 Gemenc...... 76 4.6 Bátai-Duna...... 76 4.7 Fekete-erd – Grébeci-Duna...... 77 4.8 Kerül -Duna ...... 78 4.9 Báli ...... 79 4.10 Móric-Duna...... 79 4.11 Nagy-Pandúr ...... 80 5. Comparative evaluation...... 81 6. Environmental Management Plan (EMP) ...... 86 6.1 Construction phase plan...... 86 6.2 Implementation of mitigation measures ...... 88 6.3 Monitoring requirements ...... 93 6.4 Cost of environmental management plan ...... 94 6.5 Institutional arrangements ...... 94 7. Proposal for the development of the monitoring programme ...... 94 7.1 The present Hungarian practice of monitoring ...... 94 7.1.1 Quantitative monitoring of surface and subsurface waters...... 95 7.1.2 Data bases of pollution sources and dischargers...... 95 7.2 The expectable future regulation, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).. 96 7.3 Local characteristics...... 98 7.4 Review of deficiencies and needs ...... 98 7.5 Proposals...... 99 References...... 100 Appendix I Protected plant species described from Gemenc...... 104 Appendix II Waterfowl counting 2002-2003 winter, Baja – country border...... 105 Appendix III. The observed numbers of waterfowl species BAJA - country border, 2002- 2003 winter...... 106 Appendix IV. Analysis of nesting data of White-tailed Eagles ...... 108 Appendix V. Grouping of bat species according to their frequencies...... 109 Appendix VI. The serial number of sampling sites on the Vén-Duna (1-4) and the Danube River (6) – 5 and 7 shows localities in the vicinity (downstream) of the reopened rock fill. 110 Appendix VII. Characteristic macroinvertebrate species in the Gemenc region (VITUKI 1992- 2000) ...... 110 Appendix VIII...... 112 Appendix IX...... 113 Related legal regulation...... 113 Affected international conventions...... 117 Appendix X...... 117 Appendix XI. MEMO of the forum held on the project „Reduction of nutrient load (DDNP)” (TF #051289)...... 129 Appendix XII. List of endangered species...... 132 Introduction In planning the management of water-environmental systems one of the most challenging tasks of our era is the trying to find the solution of multi-objective, multi criteria management problems. This task becomes even more challenging when the multiple functions (“pressures and impacts”) of large river basins must be considered. This challenge reaches critical levels when large and highly complex aquatic ecosystems are (or should be) the main actors in this management scheme, and especially, when these ecosystems are highly valuable ones, locally and globally, as the last representatives of their kind, before final extinction. In these critically challenging situation the only solution that could help is a relatively novel approach called “ecohydrology”, in its best holistic and integrated sense. Reading the objectives of the project, and especially the 2 partial texts cited below, the Project Manager had the strong feeling that the specialist formulating the objectives must have had a special desire for ecohydrological solution, even if He/She has not mentioned it: “Through the increase of the nutrient reduction capacity of floodland areas the overall objective of the project could be accomplished. Hence, the project has an environmental primary focus (i), but because nutrient removal can be done only by directing water together with the nutrients from the main bed out onto the floodland, in such respect, the project is also: water utilisation with a particular scope (ii). Water utilisation does not serve traditional agricultural or recreational objectives, but instead an ecological one, as nutrients in the water bodies are used in a biological way: by enriching the wildlife of water bodies, increasing their biodiversity in zoological, ichtyofaunal, botanical and dendrological sense.” ‘As a prerequisite, it has to be reserved that, in the environmental analyses to be performed, the aim of removing and absorbing nutrients should be considered as a special water purification treatment (iv), done for the benefit of the Black Sea, operating as a special biological reactor” Namely, the only way to achieve the dual objectives of environmental (ecological) primary focus and the removal of nutrient is to apply ecohydrological techniques. Actually this duality is one of the (many) definitions of ecohydrology; that is to enhance the ecological structure and functioning of the aquatic ecosystem by appropriately tailoring the supply (fluxes) of water and nutrients by the hydrological (water- or environmental engineering) means and gain, in turn, the improvement of chemical and biological quality of the river system. Nevertheless if one casts a closer look into the holistic and integrated principles of ecohydrology (UNESCO-IHP, 1996 Zalewski et al.,), which is at the same time the integrated catchment management approach, one immediately recognizes, that the catchment as a whole should be considered in every relevant studies. In the original UNESCO-IHP-V plan, launching the ecohydrological projects, this was formulated as follows: “i, To develop a methodological framework, through experimental research to describe and quantify flow paths of water, sediments, nutrients and pollutants through the surficial ecohydrological system of different temporal and spatial scales under different climatic and geographic conditions; ii, To develop an integrated approach for managing the surficial eco- hydrological environment including the non-structural measures;” Thus in the integrated and holistic ecohydrological approach to the floodplain ecosystems (wetlands) of the Danube-Drava National Park one should be aware of the fact that the water- flow and nutrient-load to these floodplains are the results of all natural and anthropogenic
6 processes and their impacts of the Danube catchment upstream of river kilometre 1497 of the Danube (the mouth of the Sió Canal), expanding to the Black Forest in Germany. This also means that tailoring these water flows and loads locally would and could concern only a small (but important) fragment of the entire flows and loads of the Danube catchment (upstream and downstream). (This we will numerically assess in this project). This also means that the very professionally and wisely formulated objectives and activities of this project can only lead to the achievement of the desired overall load reduction objectives (of the Black Sea), if similar projects on the reduction of all point and non-point source input loads will be carried out over the entire catchment of the River Danube by the dozens or rather by the hundreds. But I think and strongly believe that this was the primary aim of those who launched the project. At this point it must be mentioned that we have learned during the course of several similar projects of large catchments (Most recently from the Tisza River Project, being a sub- catchment of 157,000 sqkm area of the Danube) that far the larger part of the total nutrient loads originate from diffuse (or rather non-identified, non-recorded) sources. This has two important bearings on this present Project: • This fact underlines the importance of this and similar ecohydrological projects, as one of the major means of reducing diffuse (non-identified) loads; • Points to a consequence that such projects has to focus on reduction of locally important sources of pollution (of the immediate or direct catchments of such aquatic ecosystems) There is another important aspect to be considered in any Danube related projects and especially those relating to floodplain ecosystems: All Danube countries have signed the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This document obliges nations not only to protect, but also to enhance biological diversity wherever possible, and to save from further deterioration landscape units with a still high quality regarding biological elements. Certainly wetlands of the quality found along the rivers of the Danube catchment are subject to the intentions born in the CBD. Therefore, the aspect of biodiversity within the scope of this project is more than just a matter of conservation or protection in legislature and practice: it is a prime issue of any modern concept of landscape development and land use change. And certainly it must be considered in strategies of floodplain management, which are foreseen in this project. A major consequence of the above specified need (rather a must) to preserve biological diversity is that one should be very careful with human intervention, the application of engineering means of providing altered inflows and thus altered sediment and nutrient supply conditions. Again the lessons learned during several earlier projects also include some important warnings: • A badly designed reconnection (termed “reconnectance” by the specialist of the Institute of Ecology and Hydrology an earlier project Partner from the UK) of the side arms with the main rivers might result finally in the complete loss of the biodiversity of the wetlands, turning them to riverine ecosystem equalling that of the main river channel; • The strategy of providing “refreshing” flows from the main river may have some advantage (halting the drying process, supplying nutrient rich sediment to the ecotones etc.), but may result in excessive inputs of nutrients to the water system (stemming from high nutrient concentrations of the main river). This then may even accelerate eutrophication (as was also indicated by our earlier model results). This strategy may be effective only in the case of a full cleaning up of the nutrient sources of the whole basin, a likely very long-lasting procedure;
7 • Ecologically sensitive dredging (as termed by Prof. G. Januaer of the University of Wien, Pers. Com.) may have a favourable impact, but the recovery or build-up of bottom sediment and its nutrient content will be a likely rapid process (as also indicated by our model results), in the flood-plain oxbows, subjected to frequent flooding (of high nutrient concentrations); Summarizing, the revitalisation and coupled nutrient reduction actions (plans) of the Project must be planned with extreme care. Actually these actions should (in principle) based on, supported by, very complex ecohydrological models. However, this is prevented by both the lack of time but even more by the lack of appropriate records of hydrological, geomorphologic, chemical and ecological state variables against whose the models could be calibrated. Consequently the evaluation of the impact of the planned (ecohydrological) management strategies must be based on rough water and nutrient budget calculations (models?) but mainly on the best possible environmental-engineering judgement of the specialists involved. In this context the Project Manager called the attention of the team leaders of this Project to make the best use of the local knowledge, that is to involve the local (hydrological, environmental and ecological) specialists as much as time and budget allows to do so.
Description of the Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa regions
Abiotic environment
Topography and geology
The Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa floodplain systems can be found along the lower reach of the Hungarian Danube (Figure 1). The river is alluvial on this reach, which means that it has cut its bed into its own alluvial sediment, which has been deposited throughout geo-historical times.
Figure 1 Location of the Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa floodplain systems
8 The wide and flat valley of the Danube is bordered by plateaus on both sides (Figure 1). Before regulation, the Danube used to be meandering in this flat valley (Figure 2). The intensive meandering process kept on changing the bed continuously. The overdeveloped meanders were often cut short resulting in characteristic oxbow lakes all over the floodplain (Figure 3). Meanders were cut short artificially as well, during the regulation of the Danube. The Grébec, Veránka (Rezéti) and Vén-Duna side branches (Figure 3) have come into being as results of such meander shortcuts. The same applies to the Küls -Béda and Mocskos side branches in the Béda-Karapancsa system. Regulation put an end to the meandering process. The main channel has been stabilized by means of stone structures such as groins and parallel lining structures.
Figure 2 Historical changes in the course of the Danube at the Gemenc floodplain due to meandering and river training
Figure 3 Present state of the Gemenc floodplain
9 Due to former meandering processes, the surface of the floodplain is varying and uneven. The highest areas are occupied by natural levees. These levees can be found along the concave banks of the actual and former river channels. (Thus, natural levees can be found on the banks of oxbows too.) Natural levees have been formed by deposition of coarse suspended sediment (silt) during floods. The convex banks are covered by point bars that had been built by the laterally moving river channel. Point bars thus consist mainly of sand and gravel. The deepest parts of the floodplain are the remnants of former meanders of the Danube. Depending on the degree of aggradation, side channels, oxbow lakes or aggraded flat depressions can be found at these places. The degree of aggradation depends on the time of shortcut and also on the position in relation to the river channel. The entire floodplain surface is subjected to continuous clay sedimentation that takes place during floods. As a consequence a thick clay layer has been built up on the surface of the floodplain. This layer isolates the surface water system of the floodplain from the groundwater to a great extend. The oxbow lakes are often connected to river channels or to other oxbows by means of small channels. The traditional Hungarian name of these channels is ‘fok’. During floods the system of oxbow lakes are filled and drained through these fok-channels (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Explanatory figure from the 18th Century about Danube riparian ‘fok’- systems [Marsigli, 1726] The natural topography of the Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa floodplain systems has been modified by anthropogenic impacts as well. These impacts are related to the different floodplain management, flood control and river training activities implemented throughout historical times. Anthropogenic factors have been impacting the floodplain since the Middle-Age. At the beginning, local people introduced an essentially passive floodplain management practice, where human activities were fully adapted to the flood regime of the river. The key of this management was the system of fok-channels, which enabled productive fisheries as well as extensive agricultural activities [Andrásfalvy, 1973]. The fok-channels were therefore continuously maintained and wherever it was necessary new channels were dug. Due to the
10 increasing population, the pressure to replace passive floodplain management with intensive agriculture increased. Intensive agriculture on the other hand required flood control dikes that eliminate inundations. Construction of the river-wide, comprehensive dike system was implemented at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, simultaneously with the river regulation works. In general, dikes were built close to the straightened river channel in order to gain as much area as possible. There was however a landlord having huge domains on the floodplain, who did not join the Water Management Association (the board financing and managing the works), so his lands were not defended by the dikes [PMMF et al., 1993]. This is the reason why an about 5-6 km wide and 40 km long floodplain has remained between the new dike and the left bank of the Danube which is now the Gemenc floodplain (Figure 3). River training and dike construction marked the end of floodplain management, and people definitely moved out of the remaining floodplains. The abandoned floodplain soon became habitat for typical, rich alluvial ecosystems and today the Gemenc is one of the few valuable nature reserve areas along the Danube.
Surface water hydrology
Hydrological conditions on the Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa floodplains are basically determined by that of the Danube. The hydrological regime of the River Danube does not follow strict annual patterns like that of the Rhine or the Nile. Floods and low flow periods may occur anytime. Nevertheless, general rules, based on statistical analysis of long-term hydrological time series, can be established. First of all the discharges of the river in autumn and winter are considerably lower than in spring and summer (Figure 5). This is in harmony with the within-year distribution of precipitation over the Danube basin. Floods tend to occur in spring and summer thanks to the heavy rainfalls falling on the Danube basin in these seasons. The relatively low mean discharges and the lack of extreme floods in February and March1 indicate that snowmelt in the mountainous headwaters of the Danube does not contribute significantly to the flow of the river. 3500 ) s / 3000 3 m ( 2500 Q 2000
1500
1000
500
0 123456789101112 months Figure 5 Monthly mean discharges of the Danube at Baja Like other big rivers in the temperate region, the range of flow of the Danube is not so extreme. The mean values of annual minimum and maximum discharges at Baja are 1170 and 5000 m3/s respectively. Considering more extreme low and high waters results in a somewhat
1 The extreme flood in March 1956 was caused by ice jamming. The discharges were relatively low.
11 higher range of discharge variation: the annual minimum discharge with 10% non-exceeding probability is 840 m3/s, while the annual maximum discharge with 10% exceeding probability is 6500 m3/s. The ever recorded lowest and highest discharges of the Danube at Baja are 234 and 7790 m3/s respectively. River regulation and flood control measures have had serious impacts on the hydrological regime of the Danube. River training has shortened and narrowed the river channel resulting in significantly increased water velocities. Higher velocities resulted in increased erosion force, which finally led to the degradation of the riverbed. Because of degradation, the annual minimum, mean and maximum water levels of the Danube at Baja have decreased with 1.30, 1.60 and 0.80 meters respectively, during the period 1901-1996 (Figure 6).
Figure 6 Linear trends of annual maximum, mean and minimum discharges of the Danube at Baja In contrast to water levels, the discharges time series of the Danube have proven to be trend- free [Keve, 1992]. It can thus be concluded that the reason of decreasing water levels is bed degradation indeed, and not any kind of climate change. Ecological consequences of the falling water levels are serious. Shorter inundation durations and decreased groundwater levels triggered a desiccation process, in the course of which the typical, alluvial wet flora has gradually been replaced by dry vegetation [PMMF et al., 1993]. Decreased river levels have also caused the shrinking of floodplain water bodies, which has resulted in significant loss of habitat for aquatic flora and fauna [PMMF et al., 1993]. Furthermore, the duration of connection between the river and the floodplain lakes has also been reduced which has worsened the conditions of lateral fish migration. The decreased depth and reduced connectivity of water bodies, as well as the increased nutrient content of the river water (which still enters the floodplain water bodies during high floods) are responsible for the problem of eutrophication. In the Gemenc floodplain serious planktonic eutrophication was observed in the side arms and occasionally in the oxbow lakes too [Csányi et al., 1992]. River training has caused changes in the flood wave propagation process too. Nowadays, individual flood waves are shorter; their amplitude and the rate of water level increase and decrease are higher than before (Figure 7). These parameters are determined by the slope, length, bed roughness and storage capacity of the river. A regulated river with a shortened and uniformed river channel and without meanders, branches and large floodplains cannot mitigate the peaky flood waves coming from the headwaters as efficiently as before. The canalisation of the German and Austrian Danube reach enhanced further this problem since
12 the reservoirs behind the barrages are kept full, thus decreasing further the river’s storage capacity.
Figure 7 Typical annual hydrographs of the Danube from the end of the 19th and 20th centuries 3rd degree polynomial trend analysis has proven that the maximum daily water level decreases during the main spawning season (April-June) has been changed from 15 cm/d to 36 cm/d during the last 122 years [Zsuffa, 2001]. The total change with respect to the pristine conditions is probably even higher, since river training works had been started before the start of hydrological monitoring on the Danube. Thus, the slow seasonal floods of alluvial rivers have been replaced by a flashy flood regime leading to the serious deterioration of the fish population. After detailed analysis Pintér [1992] has come to the conclusion that the natural reproduction of the Danubian carp and pike is successful in certain years only, because the quick decrease of water levels often result the death of deposited eggs and hatched larvae on the stranded spawning grounds of the floodplain. Hydrological regime of the oxbow lakes is determined first of all by the Danube. With this respect the fok-channels play a crucial role. Oxbow lakes are filled and drained through these channels during flood periods. Above a certain elevation water begins to flow overland as well, which intensifies the filling/draining process. The size of an oxbow varies with varying water levels. Its maximum extend is defined by the surrounding natural and artificial barriers. Lake Nyéki for example is delimited by the flood control dike from the West, by the railway dike from the North and by forest roads built on natural levees from Southeast (see Figure 3). The frequency of communication between the oxbow and the river depends on the level of the flow threshold. The Báta oxbow for example has an intensive communication with the Danube thanks to the deep fok-channel that connects it to the river from downstream (Figure 3, Figure 8). As Figure 8 also indicates, the flashy water level fluctuation of the Danube dominates the water regime of the Báta oxbow, at the expense of its fish community. At low water situations however the oxbow gets disconnected to the Danube and the water level becomes stabilised on a very low elevation. Due to the general process of desiccation, nowadays the water level of the Báta oxbow tends to sink even below the gauge bar. This is the explanation of the gaps in the recorded time series (Figure 8).
13 8900 ) D
a Danube, Baja m c
( 8800 Báta oxbow l e v e l
r 8700 e t a w 8600
8500
8400
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8200 95.04.11 95.06.30 95.09.18 95.12.07 96.02.25 96.05.15 96.08.03 date Figure 8 Water level monitoring in the Báta oxbow lake There are more isolated oxbow lakes as well. The Nyéki oxbow (Figure 3) for example becomes connected to the Danube only in case of higher floods. Small flood waves cannot flow into the lake due to high thresholds upstream and downstream (Figure 9). In this type of lakes, the impact of meteorology plays a more significant role. That is to say, precipitation and evaporation may result in considerable water level increases or decreases during the long periods of isolation. High flow thresholds keep the water of the lake on relatively high levels after floods. This may imply that such thresholds counteract the desiccation problem within such lakes. High thresholds however, result long isolation periods during which the stored water evaporates and desiccation occurs. Hydrodynamic simulation revealed that the Nyéki oxbow dried out completely in 1984 and 1990 for 58 and 17 days respectively [Zsuffa, 2001]. These results are in agreement with the observations of local people. If the thresholds had been on a lower level, probably no such dry-outs would have occurred because the smaller floods would have been able to maintain a shallow but stable water level2.
2 The water regime of the Nyéki has already been revitalized with the help of flow and water level control structures and fok-channel excavations. For more details the reader is referred to Zellei et al. [1998].
14 8900 )
D Danube, Baja a
m 8800 Lake Nyéki c ( l e v e l 8700 r e t a
w 8600
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8200 95.04.11 95.06.30 95.09.18 95.12.07 96.02.25 96.05.15 96.08.03 date Figure 9 Water level monitoring in the Nyéki oxbow lake
Surface water quality
Identification of pressures and assessment of impacts in the area is the most important step in this stage of the project. One of the most important pressures of the Gemenc region and in large scale the Black Sea is the nutrient loading of surface waters. Excess nutrient load of rivers are known as eutrophication which impacts freshwater and marine ecosystems trough algae growth. In case of nitrogen and phosphorous we have to analyse existing monitoring data for trends and investigate possible range of concentration (load) that can reach the oxbow lakes by conducting relationship of concentration and water level of the main cannel. Water quality of the Danube In the frame of the Reduction of Nutrient Discharges Project VITUKI team prepared water quality assessment of the Danube River based on the data of National Surface Water Quality Monitoring database and the result of Joint Danube Survey carried out in 2001. The water quality of the Danube River at the selected cross-sections is summarized in Table 1. The assessed data for the period 1994-2003 originates from the VM national water quality database. We can state that in most cases the water quality of nutrient household compound is good, except nitrate that indicates acceptable water quality and chlorophyll-a that indicates polluted water quality. The same result can be seen in Figure 10 that shows the water quality map in year 2001.
Table 1 Water quality of investigated monitoring points of Danube River near Gemenc
Nagytétény Dunaföldvár Fajsz Baja Mohács Hercegszántó Components 1629 rkmi 1560,6 rkm 1507,6 rkm 1480,2 rkm 1451,7 rkm 1433,0 rkm n WQC n WQC n WQC N WQC n WQC n WQC pH 260 3 259 3 259 3 104 3 259 3 346 2 Conductivity 260 1 259 1 259 1 104 1 259 1 346 1
15 Dissolved oxygen 260 1 257 1 259 1 103 1 259 1 346 1
BOD5 259 2 256 2 257 3 101 3 258 2 345 3
CODps 260 2 259 2 259 2 104 2 259 2 346 2
CODMn 260 2 259 3 259 2 104 2 259 2 346 2 Saprobic Index 260 3 259 3 259 3 104 3 259 3 346 3 Ammonium-N 260 2 259 2 259 2 104 1 259 2 346 2 Nitrite-N 260 3 259 3 259 3 104 3 259 3 346 3 Nitrate-N 260 2 259 2 259 2 104 2 259 2 346 2 Phosphate-P 260 2 259 2 259 2 104 2 259 2 346 2 Total-P 259 3 258 2 258 2 104 2 259 2 346 2 Chlorophyll-A 258 3 259 4 259 4 104 3 259 4 346 4
Figure 10. Water quality map River Danube plays an important role in the life of the oxbow lakes. This is true during the floods but also in the dry periods when the operators search the possibilities of providing refreshing supplementary water inflow. The dynamics of the hydrological regime of the river and the changes of water quality should be investigated in details for each case of water supplementation. To aid this investigation the relationship between water stage and water quality is analysed for a number of important water quality parameters. This seasonal analysis allows the estimation of the expectable water quality in flood flows and at the lower water levels. The period of water supplementation of the oxbows in the point of view of nutrient reduction may be best selected on the basis of this information. Results of the statistical analysis are shown in Appendix X (Figure 46). We carried out the statistical and trend analysis for three selected river stations (Fajsz – upstream Gemenc, Baja – in Gemenc and Mohács – downstream Gemenc) for 1994-2003 time periods. Linear trend analyses based on least squares method show that there are some significant trends in the concentration of the investigated nutrient household features. The time series - both of nitrogen and phosphorous - show homogenous trends. Significant downward trend was established for Ammonium-N (8-10%) and Nitrate-N (2-6%).
16 The assessment of saprobic index shows that the water of Danube is mainly beta- mezosaprobic in summer period while shows beta-alfa-mezosaprobic feature in the other period of the year. There is no significant trend. The deviation of measured chlorophyll-a values is high, but trend calculation shows that there is an improving tendency in water quality. It can state, however, that sufficient amount of inorganic nutrients is available for phytoplankton growth all around the year; the limiting factor of eutrofication is the hydrometeorolgical condition (after Antal Schmidt) The result of longitudinal profile measurement shows that there is no significant water quality deterioration in the Hungarian Danube River stretch. The water quality was good during the whole survey in July and August in 2001. The Organic Nitrogen and Total Phosphorous concentration both in water and sediment show rise close to Gemenc region of the Danube. List of figures indicate the results (Figure 47 in Appendix X). Water quality of Sió Channel By way of introduction we have to mention that the Sió canal is part of a very complex and large water-system. Total watershed of it is 12403 km2, which is 13% of the country area, therefore 13% of the Hungarian Danube watershed. The water quality in the mouth section of Sió canal is determined by diffuse pollution, the heavily polluted Séd-Nádor-Malom water-system that is recipient of industrial and fishpond waste waters and the surplus water of lake Balaton. Detailed description of the system is not part of this project, because there are measured data in sufficient quality and amount that can be used for water quality and load analyses. On the other hand we have to bear this background information as explanation of status and changes in mind. The water quality of Sió canal is acceptable – polluted – heavily polluted in the case of the most important oxygen and nutrient household features. This statement based on the water quality assessment of the data series originates from VM national water quality database according to the MSZ 12749 Hungarian Standard. Significant downward trend was established for Ammonium-N and Nitrate-N (7 and 4%) but P forms and Chlorophyll-a show water quality deterioration (1 and 10%) in the investigated period of time (1994-2003). Water quality of oxbow lakes In general, the monitoring of Hungarian oxbows is neglected. Data availability is limited in most of the cases. There is no regular water quality monitoring in the oxbow lakes in Gemenc. There are several – non-regular, campaign-like – measurements and research programs, which give similar results to different type of monitoring. Data are not uniform and synchronized; availability is limited in most of the cases. From these former studies we could conclude that the water quality of oxbows is good considering nutrient household components, but the duration and spatial distribution of the measurements was limited to give more detailed description. These facts and experience lead to the consequence that detailed, issue-specific measurements are highly needed, and it is a burning issue. Based on the data available we can state that there is a close correlation between the water level and quality of these oxbow lakes. Figure 11 shows that eutrophication process speeds up at low water level, while the “diluting” Danube water can reduce the eutrophic level of it. This phenomena can be observed at almost all Hungarian oxbow lakes located in the floodplain (in some cases we have very detailed monitoring that proves this statement), therefore one can conclude that this process can be generalized in Gemenc as well.
17 ) 8900 160 ) 3 D Danube, Baja a m / m g
c 140
( Lake Nyéki
8800 m ( l e A v
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e 120 l l
8700 y r h e t p a 100 o r w o
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80 C 8500 60 8400 40
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8200 0 34800 34880 34960 35040 35120 35200 35280 date Figure 11. Water levels and Chlorophyll-A values measured in the Nyéki-Holt-Duna (dots indicate Chlorophyll-A concentrations) The water quality of oxbows depends on the level of connection to the Danube as well. The oxbows having connection to the Danube only during floods can have very different water quality. The water of oxbow “exchanging” via flood, but afterwards the separated oxbow starts its own “life cycle” that results special water quality. The oxbows having frequent or “best” connection to the Danube the water quality of the oxbow is closer to the water quality of the main stream. To be able to describe water quality status and characteristics of the investigated oxbows and to quantify the relation to the Danube we need a tailor-made monitoring program on this issue.
Sources of nutrients
The most important issue in this early stage of the Environmental Assessment to investigate the main nutrient pressures by conducting a source inventory qualifying and partly quantifying the main nutrient sources that are the follows: • Nutrient loads of the Danube and the Gemenc floodplain itself, as “internal” loads; • Nutrient loads of point sources (waste water discharges, animal husbandry), and diffuse sources (nutrient losses of different land uses, atmospheric deposition) that arrives from neighbouring areas via Sió and Szekszárd-Bátai Channels, as “external” loads. In this chapter – and in this preliminary Environmental Assessment – we couldn’t give an exact load calculation based on different methodologies available (for oxbow lakes see in chapter 0). Based on gathered data in the project period we could prepare an approximate estimation, but source apportionment and retention of nutrient was not calculated. We have long term time series for Danube and Sió Channel, therefore we could calculate the riverine transport Nutrient loads of the Danube River Load calculation based on National Surface Water Quality Monitoring data. We calculated the nutrient transport using a simply mass calculation (multiplying pairs of biweekly measured concentration and flow).
18 We can state that there is no significant change in annual loads along the Danube River within Gemenc in the time period 1994-2003. Most of the changes are the result of chemical- biochemical processes take place in the riverbed. The following figures show different representation of load calculation results. It is visible that there are rather big differences in the annual average and 90% percentile loads. 12000 12000 Danube - Fajsz Danube - Baja Danube - Mohács Danube - Fajsz Danube - Baja Danube - Mohács Sió - Szekszárd Sió - Szekszárd 10000 ) 10000 r a e y / ) t r ( 8000 8000 a e e l i y t / t n ( e d c 6000 6000 r a e o l p e g % a
0 4000 4000 r 9 e v - a d a P -
o 2000 2000 4 l O P - P 4
O 0 0 P
-2000 -2000 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years Figure 12. Yearly loads in the Danube reach of Gemenc Loads of the Sió Canal The load originates from Sió Channel is calculated from measured discharge and concentration at Szekszárd-Palánk (13,4 rkm). The database (VM) and methodology used is the same as in case of the load calculation of the Danube. The load of the Sió is almost can be neglected comparing to the Danube. On the other hand it is significant based on the area proportion mentioned above. The water level and nutrient concentration, therefore the load of the Sió have been decreasing. In the investigated period of time the average of 90% percentile annual load was: 5000 tonnes of Inorganic Nitrogen, 600 tonnes of Total Phosphorous and 60 tonnes of Chlorophyll-a. Results can be seen in Figure 13.
Sió Channel 13,4 rkm - Szekszárd-Palánk (04FF11) Sió Channel 13,4 rkm - Szekszárd-Palánk (04FF11)
600 600 12 300 Water level 600 6000 NO -N Inorganic Nitrogen PO -P Sió Channel 13,4 rkm - Szekszárd-Palánk (04FF11) Water level 3 500 10 4 Total P
) 500 5000 s / g ( ) 400 8 l Total P Inorganic Nitrogen / d g a m o l ( 400 4000 ) / l
500 n 250 / ) ) o g 300 6 i t m m u c ( a c ( r ( t l n l n e o e i e v 300 3000 t v c e a l e r n 200 4 l t r o r n e c e t e t a c a n w w
200 2000 o 400 100 2 200 c Sió Channel 13,4 rkm - Szekszárd-Palánk (04FF11) 0 0 100 1000 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years
) ) 0 0 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 s s / / years g g
( 300 ( 150 d d a a o o l l 200 100
100 50
0 0 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years Figure 13 Calculated loads of the Sió canal at Szekszárd-Palánk Loads form the Szekszárd-Bátai canal system The watershed of the Szekszárd-Báta Channel-System with size of 39404,5 ha located south from the Sió Channel, bordering with Gemenc. The Channel is an artificial tributary of the Danube near Báta. The channel-system collects and transports exceed inland waters and surface runoff waters to the main recipient, the Danube. Figure 14 shows the location of the investigated area within the country. There is no available water quality data on the Szekszárd-Bátai Channel therefore we tried to estimate the loads originate from the watershed of this system. The main steps and information are summarized below.
19 Figure 14. The watershed of Szekszárd-Báta channel system VITUKI team used a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of a former research to determine the shape and size of the watershed of these inland water channels. The result of it can be seen in the Annex X. Using the determined area we applied CORINE to get land use information on the watershed. Figure 15 shows the location, size and shape of the different types.
20 and Lajvér-creek arable land, szántóföld, nem öntözött 9,8% deciduous forest, erd , lomblevel 9,6% w ineyard, sz l 5,4% settelment, 2,5% település 1,5% 1,5% mixed forest, erd , vegyes
2,9% industrial area, ipari terület 0,8% orchard, gyümölcsös 0,4% pasture meadow , 0,2% rét, legel 68,3% coniferous forest, erd , t level
lake, reservoir, állóvíz
Figure 15. Land use type of CORINE database and the percentile of different land uses on the investigated watershed Nutrient loads can originate from point and diffuse source on the watershed of Szekszárd- Bátai Channel-System. Table 14 in Appendix X. shows the potential source of pollution. This list is the basis of the load identification. Data collection is still going on; therefore in the Draft Report we introduce the state-of-art of the load calculation. Source of point pollution: There is only one waste water treatment plan located in Bátaszék, discharging Lajvér creek that collects waste water of 7 settlements. Main features and the loads originated form treated municipal waste water of the agglomeration is summarised in Table 15 (Appendix X). It is visible that the approximated yearly load is 12 tonnes of Ammonium-N and 1 tonnes of Total Phosphorous. We couldn’t calculate that what percent of this nutrient load can reach the main recipient. Sources of diffuse nutrient load: 1. The area is mainly used for agricultural purposes (~ 70% of the total area). There is hardly any irrigation, but the agricultural area is drained, therefore the excess inland water with agricultural diffuse source is collected within the channel system. 2. Vineyard areas can be important source of inorganic nutrients. They are mainly located on slopes, where the erosion can be rather high. 3. Urban areas are significant source of nutrients. (Although there are only few and small settlements on the area.) • 16 villages and 1 town of county rankG • 11850 inhabitants live in agglomeration of 7 villages with canalization and waste water treatmentG • 10965 inhabitants live in 7 villages without canalizationG • 7026 inhabitants in 2 villages with canalization (Decs and Öcsény – no data available on waste water collection and treatment) • Szekszárd city located on the watershed treated waste water of the city discharge the Sió Channel. On the other hand surface runoff can cause diffuse nutrient loadG Based on literature data and local information we can roughly value nutrient loads coming from this area.
21 Table 16 (Appendix X) summarizes the area of land use types of the watershed of Szekszár- Bátai channel system originated from CORINE Database, the literature data and the calculated rough loads for TP, TN and NO3-N components. As it is showed in the table the estimated values originate from this area are the following: 36 tonnes of Total Phosphorous, 380 tonnes of Total Nitrogen and 170 tonnes of Nitrate-N. There is no detailed data available on fertilizer use, number and type of animals, etc. on the watershed scale. We could collect data county level that is shown on Table 17 in Appendix X. There is no measured water quantity and quality data, the only fact we know that the nutrients originate from this “artificial” watershed accumulate in the Szekszárd-Bátai Channel and after chemical-biochemical processes load the Danube River directly.
Biotic environment
The Gemenc floodplain is one of the last large, still functioning inundation floodplain areas of the River Danube with an area of 17800 ha. It is situated in southern Hungary between 1498 and 1468 river kms and forms part of the Danube-Drava National Park. A set of different riverine water body types representing the different stages of hydro-morphological succession from the main arm to the almost totally up filled oxbow lakes is one of the most important natural values of the area. Although river regulation works, started mainly in the 19th century, resulted in the isolation of floodplains from the main channel, the remaining fragments and elements of the original Danubian floodplains have outstanding geological, botanical, zoological and scenic values in Europe. There are three distinct periods of the recent hydrobiological research carried out in this region. The first one is characterised by several independent and rare publications concerning very diverse taxonomic groups of the biota (KOL & VARGA 1960, RICHNOVSZKY 1963, KERTÉSZ 1963, 1967, DUDICH 1967, TÓTH 1968, 1973, RÁTH 1978-79, BOTHÁR 1981) The second period of the hydrobiological research in Gemenc is characterised by the Dutch contribution. This research activity sponsored by the RIZA (Institute for Inland Water Management and Waste Water Treatment of the Netherlands) accelerated the ecological studies in this area. The detailed survey of the Rezéti-Duna, Vén-Duna, Nyéki-Duna and some special isolated water bodies in the floodplain (Káposztás-Duna, Kis-Rezéti-Duna) were carried out by CSÁNYI et. al (1992) and the VITUKI (1994). There was another series of side arm research later sponsored by the RIZA again: the hydrological and hydrobiological monitoring of the Vén-Duna between 1997 and 2000 carried out by the Technical Faculty of the Eötvös József College (hydrological measurements) and the VITUKI (VITUKI 1998a, 1998b, 1999, 2000, CSÁNYI & RÁKÓCZI 2001). The increasing contribution of the Hungarian Danube Research Station in the hydrobiological survey has to be mentioned from the second half of the 1990-s. Several authors published valuable data referring to the different aquatic communities existing in the diverse water bodies of the Gemenc Protected Landscape Area (DINKA 2003, PUKY 2000, 2003, 2004, PUKY & FODOR 2002, SCHOLL 2003, 2004, STETÁK 2000a, 2000b, TATÁR 1997, 1998). However, the local authorities and NGO's supported by several enthusiastic experts give the most divers floristic and faunistic research dealing with the nature conservation values of the region until now. The concluding summary of this activity was given in a Round-Table Conference held at Érsekcsanád in 2003 illustrating the sate-of-the-art in nature conservation of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa, as well (SZARVAS 2003). In this chapter an overview is given of the most important elements of the aquatic flora and fauna which have been studied so far.
22 Terrestrial Flora
Gemenc belongs to the Great Plain floristic region (Eupannonicum) within the Pannonian floristic province (Pannonicum). The Gemenc floodplain forms a transitional zone between the floristic districts of Mez föld and Solt lowlands (Colocense) and the Southern Great Plain (Titelicum), which is manifested in the strengthening sub-Mediterranean character of the area southwards. It has a continental climate and is located in the forest steppe climate zone. Owing to its position and climatic features the vegetation has some sub-Mediterranean character, it is poor in submontane species and hosts only few demontane-adventive elements that move down along the Danube (SZARVAS, 2003). The vegetation of Gemenc was primarily determined by, beside its climate and geographical location, regular floods and the related sediment depositioning. Consequently, wet, damp, eutrophic sites were dominant. However, these features are highly modified by various human interventions (LÁJER, 2003). The natural vegetation of the Gemenc floodplain is represented by riverine willow scrubs, riverine willow-poplar woodlands, riverine oak-elm-ash woodlands to a lesser extent, and wetland communities. The nature conservation value of the flora is also high: 30 rare, protected species have been described from the region so far (see Appendix I.). The early floristic surveys started in the 19th century and are summarised by Kevey in their recent article (KEVEY et al., 1992). Within the framework of the RIZA project (RADEMAKERS, 1992) the ecological, botanical and pedological surveys of natural and semi-natural sections of 15 Danubian side and dead arms, and the survey of the whole Pál Tanya Island, representative of the successional characteristics of the area, were carried out in 1990. The project focused on the morphological and hydrological changes that have formed the riparian and terrestrial vegetation of the side and dead arms, and also on successional processes. In addition, botanical surveys were made in 9 cross-section profiles of the side and dead arm system, in altogether 145 sample sites. The structure and the species composition of the vegetation were described by the frequency and cover values of the dominant and characteristic species at various hierarchical levels of plant community types. Based on these data 9 major and 20 minor vegetation types were defined (RADEMAKERS, 1992, p.15). The examined 15 Danubian side and dead arms were categorised into 5 water body types based on the type of flood and vegetation (RADEMAKERS, 1992, p.17). Detailed plant coenological examinations were carried out on the lowland oak-hornbeam (KEVEY-TÓTH, 1992) and riverine oak-elm-ash woodlands (BORHIDI-KEVEY, 1996) of the Béda-Karapancsa region, and through the botanical surveys of the Hungarian Flora Mapping Programme and the Hungarian Coenological Database (LÁJER, 2003). The most natural vegetation types of the Gemenc region are wetland euhydrophyte, reed, Typha and sedge communities. All woodlands are managed in the area. Potential sites of riverine willow-poplar woodlands are partly occupied by hybrid and native poplar plantations. Most riverine oak-elm-ash forests are also managed, although some older stands are in a semi- natural state. Besides the plant species of fresh or riverine woodlands a great number of orchid species are found: Platanthera clorantha, Platanthera bifolia, Listera ovata, Epipactis helleborine, Epipactis microphylla, Cephalanthera damasonium, Cephalanthera longifolium, Orchis purpurea, together with other protected species of the oak-elm-ash woodlands: Carex strigosa, Ophiglossum vulgatum, Fritillaria meleagris and Vitis sylvestris. Extended stock of Crategus nigra is mentioned, as well. Lowland oak-hornbeam stands are partly natural, partly managed (LÁJER, 2003).
23 Terrestrial Fauna
The water bodies of the Lower Hungarian Danube stretch including Gemenc and Béda- Karapancsa are outstanding objects of different ornithological observations. Regular counting of waterfowl species is carried out on the Danube reach between the Sió confluence and the southern country border since the establishment of the Gemenc Landscape Protection Area (1977), along the Danube District of the present Danube-Drava National Park (KALOCSA & TAMÁS, 2003). An overview of waterfowl counting during the winter of 2002-2003 between Baja and the country border is given (see Appendix II), with regard to the occurrence and the numbers of the most characteristic and the most interesting species. The protection of the Danube-reach is very important in order to provide disturbance-free wintering grounds for thousands of ducks, geese and other species, among them around a hundred White-tailed Eagles every year. The observed numbers of several species of waterfowls are illustrated in Appendix III, indicating a winter maximum value in all cases. Population changes of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) were followed in the lower Hungarian Danube-valley between 1987-2003 in the Gemenc region. Within the frame of the White-tailed Eagle Conservation Programme of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Protection Society investigations were performed since 1987 in the study area (DEME et al., 2003, DEME, 2003). Both the Gemenc region and the Béda-Karapancsa section were included in the studies (Appendix IV). The study area covers the Danube stretch between Dunaföldvár and the southern country border, the Danube valley from Fajsz to the southern country border, the Danube regions of the Danube-Drava National Park and, it contains the south-westernmost parts of the Kiskunsági National Park area. Mapping of natural values was performed thorough field excursions all year around. The nests of raptors and Black storks were investigated from autumn to spring. From the analysis of nesting data the extreme site fidelity of White-tailed Eagles can clearly be seen. The most threatening factor from the viewpoint of nesting is evidently the forestry. The nesting of Sakers (Falco cherrug) was described in nine reviers of White-tailed Eagles so far. Apart from nesting threats high voltage electric poles can be considered as the most important affecting factor. As a conclusion of the analysis of the collected data it can be stated that the population is stable, the number of breeding pairs is increasing. There is an extraordinary importance of co-operation with the neighbouring countries in this respect. As White-tailed Eagles evidently prove that the Danube valley as habitat does not end at the country border, their protection is a task that can only be fulfilled with a long-term international co-operation based on unified attitudes and methodology. Altogether 198 bird species were detected in the Béda- Karapancsa region that is 52 % of the total number of 377 species described in Hungary until now. The number of nestling ones is 124 in this area that is 62 % of the number of total nestling species. 40 % of the strictly protected species occurs here in the Lower Danube stretch, according to the ornithological observations (DEME, 2003). The survey of the populations of the strictly protected otter (Lutra lutra) was started in 1997 in the lower Hungarian Danube Valley. Observations were carried out in the Gemenc Area of the Danube-Drava National Park, on Margitta-island, that is situated south of the town of Baja, as well as in the Béda-Karapancsa Region of the DDNP, and some other rivers, channels, dead branches and lakes too (MÓROCZ 2003). Because of the shy lifestyle of the otter an indirect method was chosen for the survey. Signs of otters (droppings, footprints, etc.) were looked for, and contacts were taken with the people working in the field, as well as fishermen. Based on the survey carried out for more years, one
24 can conclude that the population of otters can be considered as stable in the area investigated. There is no information of direct threats. Valuable data on the distribution of bat species are given by significant faunistic research carried out in the Gemenc region (DOMBI 2003). The results indicate that 57 % of the total Hungarian bat fauna is occurring and known in the Gemenc region. The most important conservation measures for the bat protection are listed by the author as follows: protecting the threatened forests, emphasising the importance of old and aged tree specimens, starting the research on the development of quality assessment system for evaluating habitats of bats, cooperation with competent authorities to regulate licensing processes, creating appropriate conditions for bat colonies (Appendix V). According to the results the number of specialized and rare species is much larger than that of the generalist species in the Gemenc region. This invocates the outstanding nature conservation importance of the whole floodplain area. The repatriation of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in the side arm system of the Lower Danube region was successful in the middle of 90-ies (BOZSÉR, 2003). This mammal found its excellent habitat in the flood plain feeding on the available young tree species of the gallery forest (willow, poplar and elm species mainly) along the side arms.
Aquatic flora
The earliest detailed algal community analysis is given by UHERKOVICH (1956). SCHMIDT and VÖRÖS (1981) described the phytoplankton of the Lower Hungarian Danube stretch in the 70-ies. Regular phytoplankton analysis is carried out in the Lower Danube and some side arms by the Regional Environmental Inspectorate at Baja (SCHMIDT 1994). These data always indicated the large diversity of the algal assemblages. An interesting algae-free, clear water period is described by SCHMIDT (2003) in the Lower Danube during 2003 when he compares the results of the seasonal changes to the situation measured in 1994 (Figure 16). However, there is no evident answer found to this phenomenon.
Figure 16 Time series of chlorophyll-a at Baja in 1994 and 2003 (SCHMIDT 2003) The main taxonomic groups of algae are illustrated in the River Danube and the Vén-Duna side arm in April and July 1998 (just prior to the reopening of the side arm) in Figure 17. There was a very low water level in April, therefore site 6, the main Danube had very similar
25 algal community structure to site 1 (the upstream, inlet end of the Vén-Duna). During low water discharge the biomass values in the Danube and at site 1 exceeded 5000 g/l. Centrales were the predominant algal groups at both sites. Sites 2 and 4 situated below the isolating rock dam showed sharply different phytoplankton structure, as it is seen on the diagram. Biomass values were lower and their groups were detected in the isolated Vén-Duna, as well. However, there was a flooding period in July resulting in very intensive through flow situation. This is the explanation of the highly similar phytoplankton pattern of the different sampling sites although the reopening was not taken yet. Biomass values did not reach 2000 g/l but the Centrales were the most abundant group again that is very characteristic to the Danube River along the whole Hungarian section. 70000 60000 SUM others 50000 SUM Flagellatae SUM Chlorococcales
l 40000 SUM Pennales / g u 30000 SUM Centrales SUM Chrysophyceae 20000 SUM Dinophyceae SUM Cryptophyceae 10000 SUM Euglenophyta 0 SUM Cyanophyta ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) r r r r y y y y y l l l l l p p p p u u u u u A A A A J J J J J ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 4 2 1 6 4 3 2 1 6 Figure 17 Spatial and temporal changes in phytoplankton biomass measured in the River Danube (6) and the Vén-Duna side arm (1-4) in April and July 1998 All of these data shows clearly the principal importance of the actual Danubian discharge conditions in the development of the algal community in the different side arms of the Lower Hungarian Danube (CSÁNYI et al. 1994) The analysis of physical and chemical data (on-site horizontal and vertical measurements) led to the same conclusions few years later described by the Danube Research Station of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (DINKA, 2003). The Danubian discharge determines the water quality in several side arms of the Protected Landscape Area (Vén-Duna, Rezéti-Holt- Duna, Grébeci-Holt-Duna). The first data on aquatic macrophytes date back to the first half of the XXth century (e.g. BARTAL, 1910; HOLLÓS, 1911) and some data on nearby channels and dead arms are available (e.g. KÁRPÁTI, 1963; RÁTH 1978, 1978-79). Detailed phytocoenological surveys with consistent methodology have been carried out only from the second half of the 1990-s in the framework of the surveys of the Hungarian Danube Research Station (see TATÁR, 1997, 1998, STETÁK, 2000 a, b; 2003). Altogether more than 30, permanent or temporary water bodies of the Gemenc floodplain was investigated from the most significant para, plesio, and parapotamic side arms (e.g. Nyéki-Holt-Duna, Cserta, Decsi-Nagy-Holt-Duna etc) to some really astatic waters such as water in wheel-tracks (STETÁK, 2000b, 2003). Altogether 7 Charophyte species were found in the area as follows (STETÁK, 2003): Chara vulgaris, Chara braunii, Nitella capillaris, Nitella gracilis, Nitella macronata, Nitella syncarpa, Tolypella intricata. The paper of STETÁK (2000b) summarizes the higher macrophytes species, which were found in the Gemenc floodplain, two (+) of which cannot be proved by recent surveys: Azolla filiculoides, Cabomba caroliniana, Callitriche cophocarpa, Callitriche palustris, Ceratophyllum submersum, Elodea canadensis, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, + Marsilea quadrifolia, Myriophyllum spicatum, Myriophyllum
26 verticillatum, Najas minor, Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides peltata, Polygonum amphibium, Potamogeton x angustifolius, Potamogeton berchtoldii, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton lucens, Potamogeton nodosus, Potamogeton panormitanus, Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton trichoides, + Ranunculus aquatilis, Ranunculus circinatus, Ranunculus rionii, Ranunculus trichophyllus, Salvinia natans, Spirodela polyrhiza, Stratiotes aloides, Trapa natans, Utricularia vulgaris. Of these M. quadrifolia, N. alba, N. peltata, S. natans and T. natans are protected in Hungary. Further, among the macrophyte communities described in Hungary the followings were found by STETÁK (2003): Lemno minoris-Spirodeletum, Salvinio-Spirodeletum, Ceratophylletum demersi, Elodeetum canadensis, Potametum lucentis, Myriophylletum spicati, Myriophyllo verticillati-Nupharetum luteae, Ceratophyllo-Nymphaeetum albae, Nymphoidetum peltatae, Trapetum natantis and Ranunculo-Callitrichetum polymorphae. Aquatic macrophyte species found in the Gemenc floodplain are typical for standing, mainly shallow, eutrophic waters with silty sediment. Some of them prefer either permanent or temporary waters while the others do not differentiate between these water types. The occurrence of organic matter sensitive species indicates that this area is free of or receives low amount of organic pollution (STETÁK 2000b).
Aquatic fauna
Data about a diverse array of aquatic animal communities (from Rotatoria plankton to fish assemblages) are available in this section of the Danube including the Gemenc floodplain and the Béda-Karapancsa. A general discussion illustrates that the research on the hydrobiological issue in this area could be divided to three identical periods: 1). Sporadic investigations before the early 90-ies indicated by the relatively low number of publications; 2). Beginning of an intensive survey initiated by the Dutch interest. The RIZA sponsored the Hungarian hydrobiological research in order to describe the ecological status of the extended side arm system. They intended to use the Hungarian data for ecological rehabilitation of their highly regulated lowland river sections in the Netherlands; 3). Independent Hungarian research initiated by the nature conservation needs and values of the area recognised more and more since the middle of the 90-ies. Invertebrate fauna Early detailed survey of Rotatoria plankton in the Hungarian Danube was carried out by KERTÉSZ (1963 1967). In the southern stretch of the Danube and the side arm systems only a few studies have been done on the Rotatoria and Crustacea plankton assemblages (e.g. KOL & VARGA 1960; BOTHÁR 1981). There are relatively few published data on the macroinvertebrate fauna of the region. Malacological studies of RICHNOVSZKY (1963) dealing with different types of water around Baja, including the floodplain, revealed the occurrence of 34 aquatic mollusc species in this region. Detailed seasonal data collection of chemical and physical variables, as well as biological components took place in the framework of a Dutch-Hungarian scientific cooperation (sponsored by the RIZA) during 1991 in the different water bodies of the Gemenc Protected Landscape Area (CSÁNYI et al. 1991, 1994). Their central interest was to describe the seasonal alterations of the variables in the Danube and the side arms in order to highlight the possibilities of the ecological rehabilitation. The principle influence of the Danubian discharge conditions on the water chemical composition and the plankton communities of the side channels was clearly demonstrated.
27 Altogether 88 species of Rotatoria, Cladocera and Copepoda was found (CSÁNYI et al. 1994). Most of these species are characteristic of eutrophic, lentic or stagnant waters. Large degree of individualization of the phyto- and zooplankton took place during low water discharge both in the Rezéti-Duna and Vén-Duna, respectively. It was concluded that the hydrobiological status of the Danube and its side arms is determined principally by the hydrological regime. Periods of high water discharge and inundation were always characterised by low algal and zooplankton abundance and low taxon richness, as well. The reduction or the total elimination of lotic conditions in the side arms due to low water level and stopping the through flow situation leads to unpredictable structural changes in the plankton community going together with biomass increase (algal blooms, zooplankton mass production). The same conclusion was supported by SCHOLL (2003, 2004a, 2004b) who found that the species composition of Rotifer assemblages depended more on the date of sampling than the sampling site. The dominant zooplankton species for this section of the Danube proved to be Rotifers (CSÁNYI et al. 1994). This taxonomic group could be classified into three identical subgroups (SCHÖLL 2003, 2004a, 2004b): 4. Rare species and forms with low abundance (e.g. Asplanchna girodi, Brachionus falcatus, Kellicottia longispina); 5. Rare species and forms with high abundance (Filinia longiseta, Keratella tropica, Brachionus budapestiensis f. budapestiensis); Frequent species and forms with high abundance (Brachionus angularis bidens, Keratella cochlearis tecta, Keratella cochlearis cochlearis) A second Dutch-Hungarian project dealing with the revitalization of the Gemenc side arm system provided the possibility of intervention in the Vén-Duna. The project lasting four years (1997-2000) was financed by the Dutch RIZA again. Same conclusions were given as previously: the individualization of the side arm in terms of physico-chemical and plankton compounds was caused by low Danube discharge conditions due to the lacking flow through situation and nutrient rich water. The rock fill dam was dredged away reopening the side arm in 1998 (see the map in Appendix VI). The result of the reopening was studied during an altogether 4 years monitoring program. Morphological, physico-chemical and biological components were regularly measured between 1997 and 2000 in order to follow the most important features along the watercourse. The individualization of different sections of the Vén-Duna was observed during low Danubian water discharge periods (see the results of the phytoplankton, Figure 17). Water quality problems were registered in that time caused by stagnant and stratified water body characterized by oxygen deficit. It was proved that the reopening had an evident benefit for the Gemenc flood plain. The fast revitalization took place via re-colonization of several rheophilous species from the Danube biota. Water transport is achieved during low water discharge periods, as well. There are some interesting morphological changes in the side arm especially downstream the reopened rock dam and its immediate neighbourhood. The community structure of planktonic, nektonic and benthonic assemblages highly resemble to the Danubian Flora and Fauna. As a result of the three years monitoring program of the macroinvertebrates it can be concluded that after the reopening several rheophilic taxa recolonized the Vén-Duna side arm from the Danube River. Typical rheophilic taxa are the Valvata naticina, Lithoglyphus naticoides aquatic snails and the Sphaerium corneum, S. rivicola mussel species from the group of the Danubian molluscs. They were detected in the Vén-Duna, too, from the beginning of 1999, half year after the reopening works were finished. Similar occurrence of the Danubian Crustacea –Malacostraca species was detected because the Dikerogammarus
28 villosus, Obesogammarus obesus and Corophium curvispinum became common species in the side arm also. From the group of insects four species can be mentioned in this respect: Platycnemis pennipes, Gomphus flavipes, Hydropsyche bulgaromanorum, H.contubernalis all are typical rheophilic taxa living in the main arm of the Danube River and in the Vén-Duna since the reopening situation exists. A very illustrative element of the recolonization was found accidentally in 1999 during the regular sampling program. Two new Mollusc species for the Hungarian fauna were detected in the Vén-Duna. The invading Corbicula fluminea and C. fluminalis originate from the River Rhine system but they are native in Southeast Asia. At first juveniles of these species occurred in the samples collected in June at the sampling site VD1, in the middle of the side arm. The depth of the water exceeded 12 m where an Ekman grab was used for the quantitative sampling of the benthic community. Another location was registered in September: the side arm of the island situated below the reopened rock dam proved to be the second point of these species from which adults were observed also colonizing the river bed along the Vén-Duna arm. The first Danubian record came from the October sampling when only the Corbicula fluminea was detected at the 1483 river km section on the right bank (CSÁNYI 1998-1999). Finally both species were found at the same site in November at extreme low water level. At that time VD2 and VD3 proved to be new locations for these mussels in the Vén-Duna. These data are the first Corbicula records in Hungary indicating that less than a half-year was enough for these mussels to distribute the riverbed along almost the whole side arm section due to the permanently flowing conditions. As a faunal result of the Vén-Duna monitoring program the first Hungarian record of Theodoxus fluviatilis is presented among the results of the October and November sampling period in 1999. The lowest point of the distribution of this species was described in the section of Paks, at 1526 river km by CSÁNYI (1996). Now its occurrence is known from the section of Baja (1483 river km), as well. Large species number of mussels generally characterizes the main arm of the Lower Hungarian Danube section and the Hungarian side arms, respectively. During the monitoring carried out between 1997 and 2000 most of the mussel species were common in the River Danube and the Vén-Duna side arm also. Figures illustrate the most common snail species; others show the two invading species of mussels (Corbicula fluminea and C. fluminalis) in the Hungarian Fauna, which were detected first time in the Hungarian Danube during the last three years (CSÁNYI 1998-1999, Appendix VII). 30
* 25 ,1 1 ( V 3 LH 2 F 20 ( H S 5 V IÃ R UÃ 15 H E P X 110
5
0 1997 1998 1999 2000 Ye a rs
Gastropoda Bivalvia Worms Malacostraca Ins e cta Sum of species Figure 18 Number of macroinvertebrate taxa collected in the Vén-Duna during the monitoring program (CSÁNYI & RÁKÓCZI 2001)
29 The analysis of aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna in the Makkos water system connected to the Sió confluence region indicated that the frequent drying up processes and the lack of the appropriate water supply of these water bodies result in a relatively poor community (CSABAI et al. 2003). Their conclusions are as follows: 1. There are lacking species from the poor fauna; 2. The area is not representing special nature conservation value in the present status; 3. Ecological reconstruction is necessary in the area together with a monitoring program in order to detect the immediate effects of the treatment (CSABAI et al., 2003). Vertebrate fauna A comprehensive three-year herpetological survey and the following monitoring activities recorded valuable fauna in the Gemenc Region (PUKY, 2000; 2003). Altogether 11 amphibian (Triturus vulgaris, Triturus dobrogicus, Bombina bombina, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Pelobates fuscus, Hyla arborea, Rana dalmatina, Rana lessonae, Rana esculenta, Rana ridibunda) and 8 reptile (Anguis fragilis, Elaphe longissima, Emy orbicularis, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessalata, Coronella austriaca, Elaphe longissima) taxa were recorded. Consequently, all typical Hungarian lowland amphibians are present in the region. Three „International Red Data Book” – amphibians live in the area (T. dobrogicus, B. bombina, H. arborea) and the most important species is T. dobrogicus. A three-year herpetological monitoring showed that under different environmental conditions the amphibian community size of the Gemenc District can fluctuate between sixteen and two-hundred-thirty-eight million individuals (PUKY, 2000). Although Gemenc serves as one of the most important natural habitat for amphibians in Hungary, it is interesting to note that mass occurrence of amphibian deformities was also detected in 1999, the reason of which is unknown, however (PUKY et al., 2002). The presence and population size of NATURA 2000 species make the Gemenc District of the Duna -Dráva National Park to be an important herpetological reserve in the European nature conservation network (PUKY, 2003, 2004). The history of the fish fauna surveys of the Danube in the Gemenc floodplain goes back to the end of the 1950s. There are 30 fish species in the collection of the Hungarian Natural History Museum that were gathered in the Gemenc region between 1957 and 1960 (BERINKEY, 1972). Observations of amateur icthyologists resulted in a list of 47 species in the area from 1970 to 1995 (KALOCSA & SCHMIDT, 1996), while the surveys of the Hungarian Danube Research Station recorded 44 species since 1994. According to historical and recent data, occurrence of 56 fish species was recorded in this Danube section (GUTI, 2001) (see Appendix VIII.). Most of the original fauna is still present, only large migratory sturgeons (Huso huso, Acipenser gueldenstadti, A. stellatus, A. nudiventris) have disappeared due to overfishing, and the blocking of their migratory route. The presence of Umbra krameri was not confirmed during the recent investigations (GUTI, 2001). However, a specimen collected in 1957 (BERINKEY, 1972) documents its previous occurrence. It has to be mentioned however that in the work of DEME (2003) other species are also mentioned. DEME (2003) carried out fish faunistic investigations in the southernmost part of the Hungarian Danube section at Béda-Karapancsa (Duna-Dráva National Park) and also collected information on the occurrence of fish species from fishermen, anglers, and rangers of the national park. He could prove altogether 51 species from the Béda-Karapancsa district and in his work he notes that the occurrence of Gasterostus aculeatus, and Salmo trutta m. fario was proved from the vicinity of Baja. He also described Leucaspius delineatus from the region. Consequently, the fish fauna of the Gemenc region is rich and more or less preserves the natural fish assemblages of the unmodified lowland Danubian hydrosystem. For example,
30 the fauna composition of the eupotamic arms is dominated by rheophilic species (Acipenser ruthenus, Barbus barbus, Leuciscus idus, Chondrostoma nasus, Gobio albipinnatus etc) that bound to the lotic part of the river. The connected side arms represent the parapotamic functional set and their fauna contains several reophilic and eurytopic species. Species grouped as eurytopic (e.g. Rutilus rutilus, Alburnus alburnus, Blicca bjoerkna etc.) occur in all types of lotic and lenitc components of the river system. Finally, the disconnected plesiopotamic or paleopotamic backwaters are populated with eurytopic and limnophilic fishes (e.g Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Carassius carassius, Tinca tinca, Misgurnus fossilis etc) that bound to the standing waters of the floodplain. However, despite these values, very little is known about the spatial distribution and temporal variability of fish assemblages in this region related to the diversity of hydro-morphological habitat types. Further studies should be carried out for the establishment of the effective conservation management of the fish fauna.
Conclusions
It is evident from this overview that Gemenc has an outstanding conservation value at the landscape scale. Consequently, not only single habitats but the dynamic feature of this fragment of the Danubian floodplain hydrosystem should be managed and conserve for maintaining the diversity of plant and animal communities in the region.
Socio-economic environment
The nutrient removal by the wetland rehabilitation and floodplain restoration of the Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa regions can be achieved by a deliberate application of various engineering means. The impact of these interventions is not restricted to the natural and environmental elements, but also may have positive or negative effects on the human activities practiced on the area of the design units, such as: • Administration activities • public administration • environmental and nature conservation administration • Business and management activities • forestry • game management and hunting • fishery • navigation • agriculture and cattle breeding (to limited extent) • Recreation • hiking tourism • water tourism • angling • Activities of civil organisations (NGOs) In spite of the fact that most of the activities listed above have lower priority than the interests of the nature conservation an effort for an optimal solution is justified. The scope of this preliminary socio-economical assessment consists of two main elements. The first is to identify these impacts and the stakeholders the impacts are imposed to. The
31 second element is to facilitate an appropriate forum where the stakeholders become aware of the planned interventions and have an opportunity to express their standpoint. The following chapters present the legal framework for the activities the identified stakeholders in appropriate grouping and at the end a cross-reference table (Table 2) is provided where the relations between the stakeholders and the different planning units are given.
Legal framework
The Act No. LIII of the year 1996 “on the Protection of Nature” and the related regulations (see Appendix IX) the guidelines related to the protected and increasingly protected natural habitats. The natural parks are “ex lege” protected habitats, while the natural gird of the natural park, the core area of the biosphere reserve, further the core area of the forest reserve receive increased protected ranking, to which the related special guidelines should be included into the nature conservation operational plan. In lack of the plan being under preparation the most important regulatory frameworks related to the protected and increasing protected nature areas are presented. The Hungarian legal act determines the high level protection in relation of the natural values and nature reserves. The protection extends to the landscape, the wild living organs, the habitats and geological values. Basic principles: The natural values and areas can be taken into utilization to such an extent that their natural structures fundamental to their operation and their operational capacity be maintained and the biodiversity be preserved. Prohibitions: All forms of ground utilization are prohibited which would change the characteristics of the area and its state in contrast to their nature protection objectives. It is prohibited to operate such establishments which endanger the state of the area or disrupt their composition. It is compulsory to maintain the nature conditions which necessary to the biological diversity of the living communities. Administrative means: The legal regulations grant especially great room to the protection submitted by the licensing procedure. The licensing jurisdictions grant increased competence for the nature protection authority. The qualification assures the ranking of the areas according to their protective level, the identification of the protective areas, respectively. The planning determines the tasks of the protection and restoration on the basis of the National Nature Protection Base Plan. Propriety relations: The caves, the botanic and fauna individuals are exclusively in the propriety of the state, while the nature values and the areas are restrictedly free of trading. In case of changing the ownership pre-emptive right is granted to the state or the local government. Economic incentives: The preservation of the protected values and areas are supported with state funding, tax advantage and compensation.
Water management
On national level the water management is administrated by the Ministry for Environment and Water. The operative direction and official duties of water management are performed by the National Directorate for Environmental Protection, Nature Conservation and Water Management and its 12 regional directorates under the minister’s control. In this project 3 regional water directorates are concerned:
32 • Lower Danube Valley Environmental Protection and Water Management Directorate (headquarters in Baja) • South-Trans-Danubian Environmental Protection and Water Management Directorate (headquarters in Pécs) • Central-Trans-Danubian Environmental Protection and Water Management Directorate (headquarters in Székesfehérvár) Gemenc is administratively divided between Lower Danube Valley EPWMD and Central- Trans-Danubian EPWMD. The flood control dike system on the left bank, the Danube itself, the Rezéti Oxbow and the Grébeci Oxbow belong to the area of operation of the Lower Danube EPWMD. The dike system on the right bank as well as the lakes and oxbows close to this dike system are controlled by the Central-Trans-Danubian EPWMD. The part of Béda-Karapancsa planning unit located on the right side of the Danube riverbed belongs to the South-Trans-Danubian EPWMD. The left side of the planning unit and the Danube riverbed itself belong to the Lower Danube Valley EPWMD.
Environmental management
The same three directorates discussed in the Water Management Chapter controls the environmental protection tasks in project area. Besides the 3 directorates there are non-governmental environmental protection organizations, which are active in this area: • Danube Environmental Protection Forum • Independent Environmental Protection Society
Nature conservation
The ten national parks in Hungary are operated under the control of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Water Management. In general, the aim of the national parks is to protect and preserve specific natural values (flora, fauna, geology), to sustain biodiversity and to aid scientific research and education. National parks can be founded only by the minister. The 11 planning units of the project lay within the area of Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate. The planning units belong to two landscape units, called Gemenc and Béda- Karapancsa. Ten planning units out of 11 are part of the Gemenc landscape unit. There are several nature conservation non-governmental organizations, which are active in the two landscape units e.g.: • Tolna County Nature Conservation Foundation • Tolna County Group of Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society • Lower-Danubian Nature Conservation Foundation • Baranya County Group of Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society • Hungarian Ornithological Society Local Group No.7, workgroup of Baja • Baja Youth Nature Protection Society • Foundation for Natural Values of Baranya • Association for Báta • WWF Hungary
33 Local Governments
The area of the project belongs to three counties. These counties are called Baranya, Bács- Kiskun and Tolna. The planning units lay on the administrative areas of few towns and villages including the city Szekszárd honoured by county rank. The list of the concerned local governments is given below: • Baja • Báta • Bogyiszló • Decs • Érsekcsanád • Homorúd • Kölked • Mohács • csény • Pörböly • Szekszárd • Szeremle • Tolna The Hungarian Regional Development Office also should be mentioned in this chapter. The office works under the control of the Government. The purpose of the office is to assist the faster growth of underdeveloped regions of the country, in order to fall into line with developed regions. The regional levels of the office are divided into EU regions, counties and sub-regions. In the project 3 offices are concerned on county level: • Baranya County Region-Developing Council • Bács-Kiskun County Region-Developing Council • Tolna County Region-Developing Council There are about 120 000 residents living in the listed settlements. In large cities such as Baja, Mohács and Szekszárd the number of inhabitants about 38.000, 19.000 and 39.000 respectively. The unemployment rate in this region is 12-14%, among the highest values in the country.
Economic activities
Most of the economical activities taking place on the area of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa regions as part of the Danube-Drava National Park are related to forestry, game management, hunting and fishery. The main stakeholders are the following: Gemenc Forest and Game Co. Ltd. (6500 Baja, Szent Imre tér 2., Phone: (79)321-049) The predecessor of the Gemenc Forest and Game Co. Ltd was established in 1968 on the coherent flood plain of the Lower Danube. The firm is operating as PLC from 1993. Being one of the largest flood plain in Europe, the company manages 33 000 hectares of state owned and 70 000 hectares hunting forest fields. 20 000 hectares of flood areas constitute the Danube section of the Danube-Drava National Park. 70% of the total turnover of the company comes from the project area of approx. 11 000 ha. Gemenc Co. Ltd. executes its work with five forest and game management units located in Bátaszék, Szekszárd, Hajós, Baja and Pandúr. Two further forest management units are
34 engaged in activities supporting the foresting. One of these is the Loading, Shipping and Railway Forest Management Unit performing the collection and transport of timber from the floodplain by the State Gemenc Forest Railway and ships on the River Danube. The other is the Loading and Timber Processing Unit located outside of the area of the project. Gemenc Co. Ltd manages large stock of red deer, wild boar, roe and pheasant. In order to examine certain forest stock’s scientific succession, there are three forest reserves came to marking: • Buvat • South-Veránka • Veránka Island There are no economic activities allowed on these areas The hunting fields of 70 000 hectares managed by the company located in the Southern part of the Danube flood plain from Dusnok to the border where the river leaves the country. The hunting fields located on the two sides of the Danube, based on their characteristics, can be divided into three areas: Gemenc, Béda-Karapancsa and Hajós-Baja. The hunting areas of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa are part of the Danube-Drava National Park. Tolna Fish Trading Co-operative (7130 Tolna Bajcsi-Zsilinszky 131., Phone: (74) 440-200) Tolna Fish Trading Co-operative manages the fishing activities at the following water bodies: • River Sió, from Sárszentl rinc to the confluence with the River Danube • Sárvíz, from Nagydorog to the confluence with the River Sió • River Danube between sections 1520-1493 river km Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd (6500 Baja Kölcsey Ferenc utca 82, Phone: (79) 323-411) Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd manages the fishing activities at the following water bodies: River Danube between sections 1455,7-1493 river km, from the northern border of the village Bár up to the upper mouth of Grébeci-Duna • Móricz Duna; • Jámbli-tó; • Simon Duna; • Hágli Duna; • Sáros-Duna; • Bátai-f csatorna; • Szekcs i Kis-Duna, Telel ; • Kenderáztató; • Falvai kis-Duna; • Vancsura hókony; • Rezéti Duna; • Grébeci Duna ág; • Herceg-gödör; • Bajai Vén-Duna; • Ferenc csatorna Pet fi Fishery Co-operative Mohács (7700 Mohács Kisfaludy K. u. 6. , Phone: (69) 322-123)
35 Pet fi Fishery Co-operative manages the fishing activities at the following water bodies: • River Danube between sections 1433,5-1456 river km, from the country border to the northern border of village Bár; • Mocskos Duna; • Küls -Béda, Bels -Béda; • Kölkedi-Duna Gemenc Fish Ltd (Érsekcsanád) Gemenc Fish Ltd. manages the fishing activities at the following water bodies: • Danube section at Gemenc • Grébeci Holt-Duna • Rezéti Duna • Vén-Duna Báta Agricultural Co-operative (Báta) Cultivating lands around Bátai Holt-Duna
Recreation and tourism
Gemenc Forest and Game Co. Ltd. serves forest relaxation and recreation with five park and excursion forests. State Gemenc Forest Railway carrying 80 000 passengers a year, the study paths and bird lookouts are made available for tourists The present line of the State Gemenc Forest Railway was built between 1955 and 1982. The length of the main line is 30 km having one terminal at Pörböly and another 6 kilometres from Szekszárd at the Bárányfok Recreation Centre. Most of its path goes within the Gemenc Forest and the train stops at the most spectacular places, educational paths, and in the vicinity of animal watch shelters and the lookout tower. The water bodies of the area of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa is very popular among anglers. From angling point of view the water bodies listed in the previous chapter are handled by the given fishing companies accordingly. Furthermore there are angling associations on county and local level managing the fish stock of smaller water bodies by planting of juvenile fish time to time. These associations are the following: Association of Angler Unions of Baranya County (7621 Pécs, Teréz u. 11-13., Phone: (72) 326-775) Association of Angler Unions of Tolna County (7100 Szekszárd Rákóczi u. 46., Phone: (74) 511-577) Managed water body: Kesely si Holt Sió Association of Sport Anglers of Bács-Kiskun County (6000 Kecskemét, Batthyány u. 19., Phone: (76) 481-893 Baja Sport Angler Union (H-6500 Baja, Dunapart 2., Phone: (79) 324 120) Managed water body: Sugovica Angler Union of Workers of Mohács Managed water body: Bels Bédai Holtág
36 Angler Union of Szeremle Managed water body: Szeremlei Sugovica Anglers Union of Szekszárd Anglers Union of Báta Anglers Union of Homorúd Botond Anglers Union of Kölked Tourist accommodation At three locations in the Gemenc floodplain a few hundreds of small summer houses had been built. The owners, mostly Hungarians, are living in the surrounding settlements. There is a camping site on the Gemenc area with wooden cottages and place for tents having a capacity for 600-700 persons. Gemenc Co. Ltd. operates 10 hunting lodges on the area of the National Park with a total capacity about 70-80 persons.
37 Table 2. Cross reference table of the stakeholders on the project area
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Stakeholders Name of the Stakeholders Veránka Buvat Béda-Karapancsa Sió-canal Gemenc Bátai-Duna Fekete-erdei Kerül -Duna Báli Móric-Duna Nagy-Pandúr Lower Danube Valley EPWMD x x South-Trans-Danubian EPWMD x Gov. Org. Central-Trans-Danubian EPWMD x x x x x x x x x Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate x x x x x x x x x x x Baja x x x L Báta x o c Bogyiszló x a Decs x x x l Érsekcsanád x x g Homorúd x o v Kölked x e Mohács x r n csény x x x m Pörböly x e n Szekszárd x t Szeremle x Tolna x Danube Environmental Protection Forum x x x x x x x x x x x Independent Environmental Protection Society x x x x x x x x x x Tolna County Nature Conservation Foundation x x x x x Tolna County Group of Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society x x x x x N Lower-Danubian Nature Conservation Foundation x G O Baranya County Group of Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society x s Hungarian Ornithological Society Local Group No.7, workgroup of Baja x x x x x Baja Youth Nature Protection Society x x x x Foundation for Natural Values of Baranya x Association for Báta x WWF Hungary x x x x x x x x x x x Gemenc Forest and Game Co. Ltd x x x x x x x x x x x C o Tolna Fish Trading Co-operative x m Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd x x x x x p a Pet fi Fishery Co-operative Mohács x n Gemenc Fish Ltd (Érsekcsanád) x x y Báta Agricultural Co-operative (Báta) x Association of Angler Unions of Baranya County x A n Association of Angler Unions of Tolna County x x x x g Association of Sport Anglers of Bács-Kiskun County x x x x x l i Baja Sport Angler Union x n Angler Union of Workers of Mohács x g Angler Union of Szeremle x U Anglers Union of Szekszárd x n i Anglers Union of Báta x o n Anglers Union of Homorúd x Botond Anglers Union of Kölked x
38 Review of pressures and problems
Environmental pressures and impacts
The nutrient loads flowing in or through the Gemenc-Béda-Karapancsa systems are from the following origins: 4. Danube 5. Sió tributary 6. Szekszárd-Bátai canal 7. Kölked, Vizslaki canals The Sió and the Szekszárd-Bátai canal enter the Danube through the Gemenc floodplain region. The Kölked and Vizslaki canals flow into the river via the Béda-Karapancsa floodplain. As far as the floodplain ecosystems are concerned the major problem is desiccation caused by the degradation of the Danube bed. Desiccation has resulted in serious loss of wet alluvial habitats; the characteristic alluvial biodiversity has also been decreased. Life conditions for fish, amphibians and waders (like the famous black storks) have also been deteriorated. The reproduction conditions for fish (and thus indirectly the feeding conditions of the waders) have further been degraded by the intensified water level fluctuation of the Danube. The decreased depths, as well as the increased nutrient contents of the inflowing waters have resulted in serious eutrophication problems in the floodplain water bodies. The continuous aggradation of the entire floodplain enhances further the desiccation problem caused by the degrading river bed. The perspective is that all the side arms and oxbow lakes will be isolated and fully aggraded, and the floodplain will become a flat and dry land with poor biodiversity. This is not a ‘worst case’ scenario for the far future, this will happen within few decades, unless we do intervene into the processes. Above problems and pressures caused by changes in the hydrological and water quality regimes, the direct anthropogenic impacts should also be taken into consideration. This concerns first of all the disturbance caused by human activities on the floodplain. Certain typical valuable species, like the black stork, or the white tailed eagle are very sensitive to human disturbance. Thus, the restoration of their habitats is not just a hydrological question. Human disturbance must be eliminated from the neighbourhood of these places.
Socio-economic pressures and impacts
The interventions aiming at reduction of nutrients make their socio-economical impacts directly or indirectly through several different engineering activities. The aim of this chapter is to look up these possible impacts in order to take them into consideration later on at the evaluation of the proposed alternatives. When an impact proves to be negative, further measures should be taken either by changing the planned intervention or by mitigating its unfavourable consequences. From socio-economic point of view we have to take into account not only the limitations suffered by different human activities, but also the difficulties of the official processes such as licensing, and the possible resistance from the side of the concerned stakeholders. The proposed interventions may include:
39 • Construction of water engineering works (locks, culverts, bottom sills, sediment traps) and bridges • Reconstruction or maintenance of existing works • Channel control (channel bed correction, short cutting) • Dredging, disposal of dredged sediment The interventions listed above are going to change the natural circumstances of the area to certain extent and therefore may have impacts on the human activities related either to economy or recreation and tourism. The possible changes are the followings: • Increase or decrease of water level or depth of water bodies (temporary or permanent) • Increase of surface area of water bodies, flooding areas (temporary or permanent) • Increase or decrease of average level of groundwater • Changing in tree species, forest area, and forest yield. • Changing in size of game stock due to the change in the in game feeding capacity of the area • Changing in fish species, in size of fish stock due to change in the habitat conditions of the water body • Changing in accessibility of certain areas in positive or negative manner. • Changing in navigation conditions • Changing in nature protection status of an area (e.g. becomes more restricted) In the following chapter the specific potential impacts are detailed in groups formed along the different types of stakeholders Water Management and Environmental Protection Any intervention going to be proposed is subject of very strict water and environmental licensing procedure, in which – depending on the actual content of the application – several professional authorities are involved. The licensing procedure is very time consuming even under normal conditions, but nowadays, when the water and environmental authorities have just been reorganized and consequently are much overloaded the multiplication of time need can be expected. The Water Directorates (VIZIGs) were performing their jobs until the end of 2003 in line with Governmental Decree 234/1996. (XII:26.). As a result of the reorganisation that took place at the end of 2003, the Directorates for Environment and Water (the KÖVIZIGs) using their new names, have been working from 1st January 2004 already in accordance with KvVM Decree 26/2003. (XII.30.), and Governmental Decree 183/2003. (XI.5.). From that point onwards the employees of KÖVIZIG do not have official (public authority) competence any longer, as a consequence of splitting the water management branch. The Inspectorate for Water (VIFE) is entitled to carry out the public authority tasks. With the foundation of VIFE in January 2004, a substantial change took place in the activity of serving professional opinion. On the request of VIFE, the Directorate will act as expert in the official-public authority procedures within the base activity to be provided as a public task, in line with Governmental Decree 183/2003. (XI.5.). With its Governmental Decree 341/2004. (XII.22.), the Government has separated and regulated the official and the asset management tasks in the areas of water management, environmental protection and nature conservation; and has established the National Inspectorate for Environment, Nature Conservation and Water, and the National Directorate of Environment, Nature and Water in Hungary, as well as the environmental and the regional bodies. The National Inspectorate for Environment, Nature Preservation and Water (hereinafter referred to as National Inspectorate) exercises among other the official and public authority
40 jurisdiction at the level of second instance, within the circle of the base activity to be provided as an official task. The National Directorate of Environment, Nature and Water in Hungary (hereinafter referred to as National Directorate) controls among other the environmental and water directorates. The regional tasks of environmental protection, nature conservation- and water management, public service and asset management are performed by the a) environmental and water directorates, b) national park directorates. The inspectorate for environment, nature conservation and water (hereinafter referred to as Inspectorate) exercises the a) environmental protection, b) nature conservations, c) landscape conservation, d) water public authority and professional public authority jurisdictions. The directorate for environment and water (hereinafter referred to as Directorate) provides among other for keeping the concurrence between development, maintenance and operation of the water facilities of public-purposes, (state- and municipal), as well as of private purposes. The national park directorate (hereinafter referred to as NPI) provides for the local operative and asset management tasks, within the circle of its base activity. NPI also acts as expert, as an official task in the public authority and professional public authority procedures of nature conservation, as well as in the professional public authority procedures of landscape conservation – on the request of the Inspectorate. The inspectorate for environment, nature conservation and water is a new organisation established by the transformation of the inspectorate for environment; it is the general legal successor of the national park directorates regarding the official tasks of nature conservation and landscape conservation. The charts from Figure 19 to Figure 23 on the next pages summarise the licensing procedures by type of subjects, such as: 1. Water utility investments 2. Dredging 3. Disposal of dredged sediment 4. Construction of water engineering works 5. Construction of bridge Here are the abbreviations in the following charts: • EPNCWMI: Environmental Protection, Nature Conservation and Water Management Inspectorate (KTVF) • PEIA: Preliminarily Environmental Impact Assessment (EKHT) • DEIA: Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (RKHT) • PHA: Public Health Authority (ÁNTSZ) • PHSCS: Plant Health and Soil Conservation Station (NETÁ) • SFSRD: State Forestry Service Regional Directorate (ÁESZ) • CTI: County Traffic Inspectorate (MKF)
41 General licensing procedure for water utility investments in Hungary
Decision yes Is Impact Assessment no required?
Preparation of Planning Is forestry used? PEIA R Q 6 & 6 + Preparation of 3 à $ construction permit + 3 S application à WF X V H à H à J WL \ Q UL WU WL V R V V LH V WK UH Licenser: R LW H X R 3 U \ OÃ$ ) R D EPNCWMI WK , Q Licenser: X 0 LR Local government $ V Oà : IH D & UR Q 1 3 LR 3 V ( V à IH $ UR + no 3 3 Is DEIA needed? Construction permit Preparation of forestry use plan V H \ Preparation of conceptual water right permit application V Licenser: Preparation of WLH UL SFSRD R DEIA WK X OÃ$ D Q Licenser: LR V V EPNCWMI WLH J V UL Q IH R UL UR WK D 3 X H OÃ$ + D Licenser: à V Q LF H R O WL VL EPNCWMI E UL Preparation of water V X R H 3 WK right permit application I X UR for construction 3 OÃ$ D Q R VL V IH UR 3
Water right permit Forestry Use Environmental application for construction License Protection License
Figure 19 General licensing procedure of water utility investments
42 General licensing procedure for dredging
Decision Is Impact yes Assessment no required? \
H Preparation of PlanningV Is forestry used? PEIA Q R 6 & 6 + 3 Ã $ + 3 Ã WF V H H Ã WL \ UL U R VW WK UH X R Licenser:
Ã$ ) 3
\ O EPNCWMI D R H
Q V V R L W L V Q IH J UR X
3 S
no Is DEIA needed?
Preparation of forestry use plan
Preparation of conceptual water right permit application Licenser: V Preparation of WLH SFSRD UL R DEIA WK X $ OÃ D Q Licenser: LR V V WLH V EPNCWMI UL IH R UR WK 3 X OÃ$ D V Q Licenser: LH LR LW V EPNCWMI U Preparation of water V R H
K I 3 W right permit application R
X U X
$ E OÃ for construction 3 O
D L Q F
LR + V V H IH D U
R L
U Q
3 J
Water right permit Forestry Use Environmental application for construction License Protection License
Figure 20 General licensing procedure of dredging
43 General licensing procedure for disposal of sediment
Decision Is Impact yes Assessment no required?
Preparation of Planning Is forestry used? PEIA R Q 6 & 6 + 3 Preparation of à $ disposal of sediment + 3 S à WF X permit application V H à H à J WL \ Q W UL WU WL V Q R V V LH H V WK UH Licenser: R LW P H X R 3 U \ OÃ$ ) R UQ D EPNCWMI WK H Q Licenser: X Y LR EPNCWMI $ R V Oà * IH Oà R D D U Q F 3 LR R V / V à IH R $ no U + Is DEIA needed? Disposal of 3 3 sediment permit Preparation of forestry use plan V H \ Preparation of conceptual water right V permit application Licenser: WLH Preparation of UL SFSRD R DEIA WK X OÃ$ D Q R VL Licenser: V Q V EPNCWMI WLH LR IH UL W UR R OWD 3 WK X X V OÃ$ Q D R V Q Licenser: LH R Ã& LW VL EPNCWMI F U Preparation of water V OL R H E WK right permit application I X X UR 3 OÃ$ for construction 3 D Q R VL V IH UR 3
Water right permit Forestry Use Environmental application for construction License Protection License
Figure 21 General licensing procedure of dredged sediment disposal
44 General licensing procedure for construction of water engineering works
Decision yes Is Impact Assessment no required?
Preparation of Planning Is forestry used? PEIA R Q 6 & 6 + Preparation of 3 à $ construction permit + 3 S application à WF X V H à H à J WL \ Q UL WU WL V R V V LH V WK UH Licenser: R LW H X R 3 U \ OÃ$ ) R D EPNCWMI WK , Q Licenser: X 0 LR Local government $ V Oà : IH D & UR Q 1 3 LR 3 V ( V à IH $ UR + no 3 3 Is DEIA needed? Construction permit Preparation of forestry use plan V H \ Preparation of conceptual water right permit application V Licenser: Preparation of WLH UL SFSRD R DEIA WK X OÃ$ D Q Licenser: LR V V EPNCWMI WLH J V UL Q IH R UL UR WK D 3 X H OÃ$ + D Licenser: à V Q LF H R O WL VL EPNCWMI E UL Preparation of water V X R H 3 WK right permit application I X UR for construction 3 OÃ$ D Q R VL V IH UR 3
Water right permit Forestry Use Environmental application for construction License Protection License
Figure 22 General licensing procedure for construction of water engineering works
45 General licensing procedure for bridge construction investment
Decision yes Is Impact Assessment no required?
Preparation of Planning Is forestry used? PEIA R Q 6 & 6 + Preparation of 3 à $ construction permit + 3 S application à WF X V H à H à J WL \ Q UL WU WL V R V V LH , V WK UH Licenser: R LW 7 H X R 3 U & \ OÃ$ ) R à D EPNCWMI WK , Q Licenser: X 0 LR Local government $ V Oà : IH D & UR Q 1 3 LR 3 V ( V à IH $ UR + no 3 3 Is DEIA needed? Construction permit Preparation of forestry use plan V H \ Preparation of conceptual water right permit application V Licenser: Preparation of WLH UL SFSRD R DEIA WK X OÃ$ D Q Licenser: LR V V EPNCWMI WLH J V UL Q IH R UL UR WK D 3 X H OÃ$ + D Licenser: à V Q LF H R O WL VL EPNCWMI E UL Preparation of water V X R H 3 WK right permit application I X UR for construction 3 OÃ$ D Q R VL V IH UR 3
Water right permit Forestry Use Environmental application for construction License Protection License
Figure 23 General licensing procedure for bridge construction
46 Nature Conservation One of our driving principles is that the proposed interventions should gain the support of the Danube-Drava National Park Directorate. Beyond the fulfilment of the legal requirements the proposed actions should meet the National Park’s long term plans and strategies; therefore the regular consultation with the representatives of the NPD is essential. Special attention should be paid to the civil organizations being active on the project area. Their involvement in every phase of the preparation of the interventions may prevent any unfounded resistance and debate. Of course, in general this is applicable for each stakeholders of the project. Members of the local NGOs are involved in the preparation of the Feasibility Study, therefore it may improve the situation. The following maps (Figure 24 - Figure 26) show the nature conservation classification of the land and water bodies on the project area based on the information provided by the Danube- Drava National Park.
47
Strictly protected area
Strictly protected area
Figure 24 Strictly protected nature conservation areas of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa
48
Nature conservation zone Treated zone Treated zone-water Nature conservation zone Demonstration zone Treated zone Treated zone-water Demonstration zone
Figure 25 Classification of nature conservation zones of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa
49
Prohibited visiting
Restricted visiting
Visiting Prohibited visiting
Restricted visiting
Visiting
Figure 26 Visiting rules of the water bodies of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa
50 Local Governments Local governments play major role in planning and control of the recreational facilities and infrastructure. Municipalities will support interventions which • creates temporary or permanent jobs (during construction or operation) • increases the force of attraction of the region for the tourists and generates income • does not need the involvement significant municipal funds neither at present nor in the future. • are in line with the regional and municipal development plans. Forestry It is difficult to predict the impacts of different water management interventions on forestry. However it can be assumed that raising the water-level and regular flooding could have a positive impact on forests and therefore on the forest management. This is because the area of the project dried significantly in the past decades according to opinions of the regional specialists and the forest-planners. On the other hand, there are also likely impacts of different water management interventions, which could be beneficial and or prejudicial on forestry. First is the change in the tree species, because different trees tolerate different water-level regime. In such case achieving consensus with the forestry company will be difficult, since the market price of the various tree species differs a lot. Second is the modification of nutrient-content of soil due to regular flooding and increased water-level. However the good effect on growing potential of vegetation due to the increasing nutrient-capacity of soil can be expected. Third is that some areas would be covered by water permanently or temporarily. Therefore it could cause extra costs for the forestry e.g. sustaining forestry roads and constructing new bridges to access certain areas. On the other hand if the conditions of navigation were improving, the reduction of transport costs by using boats could bring benefits. Hunting The game stock feeding capacity of the project area is a permanent problem. As much as the feeding capacity decreases, the rentability of the game management decreases as well; e.g. due to the need of applying food supplement. The question is that the planned water management interventions will be beneficial for the feeding capacity of the area or not. For example the increased water surfaces could reduce the supporting areas. On the other hand it could improve the ground water regime it will increase the feeding capacity of the surrounding arid areas and decrease the dry periods as well. Higher water-levels and regularly flooded areas could raise other problems too e.g.: • Migration of game stock due to the change in the habitat circumstances • Change in the routes and moving space of game (decreased number of escape routes during extreme floods) • Difficulties in reaching hunting grounds or even those disappearance Fishery & Angling Water regime regulation of oxbows, changes in water-levels and construction of engineering works would modify significantly the fish stock and would play an important role on the success and effectiveness of fish-settlements. The area of the project is very rich in fish. Therefore fishery and angling brings significant income for the region. Many fishery co- operatives, -corporations and angler unions are concerned in the project area, which makes the situation even more difficult.
51 For this reasons the water management interventions have to be treated with special care, in such a way that these future interventions do not cause harm to the fish stock. Navigation The planned engineering works and locks could cause difficulties for the navigation on some water-bodies. On the other hand the raised water level or larger depth affects the navigation advantageously especially in the dry period. The navigability plays an important role in forestry, trading and tourism, as well. For example shortening nautical routes by connecting oxbows might have economical benefits in transportation cost. Recreation & Tourism It is very important that the tourism attraction of the region do not decrease after the implementation of the planned interventions, even it should improve. For this reason, it is general expectation that all of the variety of tourism opportunities being present in the area should be preserved expanded or even their quality to be improved. The tourism could create high potential for economic development in the region. Therefore the following aspects should be taken into consideration: • Good water quality for swimming and angling • Development of water- and ecotourism • Diversity of ways for the visitors to reach areas e.g.: on foot, by bicycle, by boat etc. • Attractive areas should not be restricted for visitors • Flooding of hiking paths would have a negative effect on tourism • Relocation of summer houses due to floods and raised water-level Aspects of tourism are often against the interests of natural conservation. Hence, it is evident that the balance has to be identified between sustainable tourism and sustainable nature conservation. Preliminary assessment of environmental impacts This chapter introduces the results of assessment of environmental impacts related to the ‘Recommended Alternatives’ (RA-s) prepared for the 11 planning units of the Gemenc-Béda- Karapancsa floodplain system (see Feasibility Study (GEF # TF 051 289)). Due to the very limited time that was available for the preparation of this study, only qualitative assessment of environmental impacts could have been implemented. (That’s why it is called ‘preliminary’.) Quantitative assessment, involving the application of numerical modelling tools requires much more time. As far as reduction of nutrient discharges is concerned, we have arrived at the conclusion that the nutrient load of the Danube itself cannot be influenced significantly by means of interventions on the floodplain. The fraction of water that can be diverted to the floodplain is negligible comparing to the discharge of the main bed. In addition these diversions can be realized seldom, only when floods of the river inundates the floodplain systems. Otherwise the Danube water stays in the main channel and its nutrient content is influenced only by processes within the channel. Efficient nutrient load reduction can be taken into consideration only in case of external waters flowing into the Danube through the Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa regions. With this respect three planning units play a significant role: - Sió floodplain where the Sió tributary flows through - Báta oxbow lake, which is the recipient of the Szekszárd-Bátai canal - Küls - and Bels -Béda oxbows, which receive the Vizslaki and Kölkedi canals
52 Successful nutrient load reduction, envisaged by the project, will be realized if the loads of these inflow waters get trapped and/or removed in the wetlands of the Gemenc-Béda- Karapancsa system. As far as the Black Sea is concerned, efficient reduction of nutrient load can only be achieved if similar nutrient trapping wetlands are developed at several locations along the Danube. In general, the adverse side-effects of revitalisation alternatives, recommended by the feasibility study for the selected planning units, are quite limited. The water regime of the Danube for example will not be impacted at all. Flow and morphological conditions in the main channel will also be unaltered. Compensation measures in river training and flood control structures will not be needed. Land use conditions on the floodplain will not be influenced adversely either (however certain positive impacts are expected). The same applies to the groundwater underneath the floodplain. Model based groundwater studies [Csökli, 1996; Schmidt, 1996] have proven that interventions on the floodplain do not have impact on the groundwater regime. This is because the thick clay layer on the floodplain virtually isolates the surface water system from the groundwater. On the other hand the groundwater is heavily influenced by the main channel of the Danube. There is a considerable draw-down during low and mean water levels, which contributes to the desiccation problem of the floodplain. The feasibility study concentrates on the development of special habitats termed as ‘fish nursery’, ‘amphibian nursery’ and ‘feeding place for black storks’. These habitats are very advantageous not just on local but also on regional, European scales. That is to say, the Gemenc-Béda-Karapancsa system is an important resting and feeding place for black storks and for other valuable birds migrating from other nesting sites of the continent. Providing good feeding conditions for them is thus of special importance. Similarly, improving conditions on the spawning and juvenile fish habitats is of great importance as far as the fish stock of the entire Danube is concerned. The Gemenc-Béda-Karapancsa system thus has the potential to become a ‘generator area’ [de Groot et al., 1990] within basin- (and continent-) wide ecological networks. Sustainability will be a major issue in case of all recommended alternatives. This concerns first of all the periodic removal of floating debris and sediment accumulating in the water bodies. Floating debris often causes problems in the small floodplain channels (so-called ‘fok- channels’) by clogging the channel bed. Thus, cleaning these fok-channels after floods is of outmost important in order to ensure the envisaged ecological and nutrient removal functions of the connected water systems. Aggradation is another issue that raise considerable maintenance questions, especially in the water bodies having intensive hydrological communication with the Danube. Periodic dredging in the future is inevitable in order to sustain these water bodies in their desired states. All these maintenance works will probably raise considerable financial concerns in the future. It is also important to emphasize that, depending on local conditions, the types of appropriate measures are not unambiguous, not even if objectives are the same. For example, it is not unambiguous whether fok-channels should be opened by dredging or, to the contrary, they should be closed by weirs. Opening improve the hydraulic connectivity on the one hand, on the other hand it let the water escape from the system in low flow periods. Weirs retain the water in the system, even though they do not allow smaller floods to enter. Thus, both opening and closing may result in the unwanted desiccation. Ecological revitalisation (and nutrient reduction) is thus a highly case-specific optimization problem. Locating the optimal solution will inevitably demand the application of numerical models for predicting hydrological, water quality and ecological processes. Construction works related to the implementation of the recommended alternatives may have considerable negative side effects, which have to be minimised. In order to decrease
53 disturbances caused by excavations and constructions, man-power is recommended instead of machines. Concentrating construction works into ecologically less-sensitive periods of the year (late autumn, winter) is also recommended. The following sub-chapters present the results of assessments of environmental impacts related to the recommended alternatives of the 11 planning units.
Veránka – Rezéti-Duna
The Recommended Alternative (RA) of the Feasibility Study proposes the gradual dredging of the Rezéti side branch with the purpose to lower the flow threshold in the upper reach. The water regime of the connected Janika and Zsubrik lakes are proposed to be improved by opening/cleaning the Zsubrik and Sas fok-channels that connect them to the Rezéti. The Janika and Zsubrik lakes are envisaged as fish nursery and feeding place for black storks respectively. Firstly it is important to state the Rezéti side branch is one of the most problematic water body of the Gemenc. Due to very low water velocities this branch is subjected to continuous and intensive aggradation caused by deposition of suspended sediment and bed load coming from the Danube. Without interventions, the Rezéti branch will virtually disappear by 2030-2050 [Tamás & Kalocsa, 2003]. Measures against sedimentation are restricted. Only the intrusion of bed load can be stopped or at least mitigated with the help of special structures in the upstream mouth (groin, bottom sill, bottom panels). Thus, we agree with the nature conservationist expert (Gy. Buzetzky) and we also recommend the installation of such structures at the upstream mouth. Stopping bed load intrusion will decrease the cost of future maintenance dredging. Dredging the upper reach of the Rezéti would decrease the flow threshold indeed, however the flow velocities in this branch will remain very low comparing to that of the main channel. In addition suspended sediment will keep on being deposited in the future too, resulting in an aggrading silty bed. This all means that the Rezéti branch is not, and will never be an ideal habitat for species preferring lotic river channels (sturgeon, barbel). This also means that the objective of the feasibility study can only be the maintenance of the Rezéti as a predominantly lentic water body with full connection to the main channel of the Danube. The proposed dredging is appropriate for this purpose. Appropriate deposition of dredging material is very important. Dredging material should not be discharged into the main channel of the Danube, since it would just increase the nutrient load of the river. It is recommended to use dredging material for building up small hills on the floodplain for game rescue purposes. Such hills would provide safe place for animals during high floods, thus decreasing the rate of game mortality. Because of the ongoing aggradation process, dredging of Rezéti should be repeated with certain frequencies [Tamás & Kalocsa, 2003]. Dredging is expensive and nothing guarantees that economical conditions in the future will always enable it. Thus, continuation of the aggradation process as well as the ultimate cut-off of the Rezéti from the Danube have to be taken into consideration as a potential (although unwanted) scenario. If this will become the accepted course of development, then transforming the Rezéti into a well-functioning oxbow lake has to be supported (see RA of the Grébeci-Duna in chapter 0).
54 Buvat
The objective of the RA is to improve the water regime and connectivity of small water bodies (Keszeges, Lídia, Zátony, Vajas-lap, and ditches along the dike) of the Buvat planning unit. For this purpose the fok-channels connecting these water bodies to the Rezéti-Duna and Malomtelel -Decsi-Nagy-Holt-Duna water systems, are proposed to be cleaned and dredged. Constructing and restoring culverts are also needed at two places. The ecological aim is to turn these small water bodies into fish / amphibian nurseries and feeding place for black storks. Improving the flow capacities of these channels contributes to this aim significantly, as it makes these isolated water bodies accessible for fish for spawning. The flat easily wadable Zátony lake will also be an excellent feeding place for black stork and for other waders. Connecting the excavation ditches to the Malomtelel -Decsi-Nagy-Holt- Duna water system is especially positive as it will turn these dead puddles into ecologically productive water bodies. After all, the RA envisages the rehabilitation of several alluvial water bodies by means of small scale, localised earth and construction works. It can be concluded that the hydrological impact of such measures are negligible on the watersystem scales. Similarly, the impacts on land-cover, forests and economical activities will also be negligible. The RA developed for the Buvat system is an excellent example of efficient habitat restoration without influencing the other functions of the region. In addition the proposed measures are very cost-effective.
Béda-Karapancsa
The Béda-Karapancsa is a separate floodplain region that can be found about 30 km downstream of the Gemenc. The Béda sub-region is situated on the right, while the Karapancsa sub-region on the left bank of the Danube. The Béda can further be divided into the Küls - and Bels -Béda oxbow lakes. The former is situated outside the flood control dike (in the floodplain) while the latter can be found on the defended side of the dike. The Karapancsa sub-region lies entirely on the floodplain. Its dominant water body is the Mocskos oxbow lake. The RV prepared for the Béda-Karapancsa planning unit proposes the construction of retention weirs in the fok-channels connecting the Küls -Béda and Mocskos oxbows to the Danube. The objective is to counteract desiccation by raising the water levels in this water bodies. As far as the Bels -Béda is concerned the RV prescribes the removal of closures that now divide the bed into separate compartments. Raising the water level with 30 cm is also recommended. It is important to note that this oxbow is the recipient of the Vizslaki canal. Raising the water levels will thus result in increased pumping costs. Removal of nutrients coming from the Vizslaki canal is also an important issue. The key to nutrient removal is increasing the residence time. This is partly achieved by the increased water level, since higher water level means bigger volume of water. Stimulating the development of aquatic vegetation, as well as harvesting them is also an efficient way of nutrient reduction. Reed may play a significant role with this respect. Combination of elevating water levels with aquatic vegetation management has the potential of efficient nutrient reduction. Although, the proposed increase of water level in the Küls -Béda and Mocskos water bodies is quite considerable (1.5 and 1 m respectively), yet no significant negative side-effects are expected to occur. Forestry will not be endangered as both oxbows are situated in strictly protected areas (Figure 24), where forestry activities have already been restricted to a very
55 low level. On the other hand, the so-enlarged water bodies are advantageous for the aquatic ecosystems and for nutrient retention. Nevertheless, increased pumping costs at the Küls - Béda has to be accounted for, as this water body is the recipient of external waters pumped from the Bels -Béda dead branch and from the Kölkedi canal.
Sió unit
Several smaller water bodies are situated along the floodplain of the Sió tributary (Szilágy- fok, Borrév-tó, Mércés-lapok, Taplósi-Holt-Duna, Nagy-Sáros, Kis-Sáros, (Hátf i) Kobolya- tó, Holt-Sió I. (W from the dike), Holt-Sió II. (East from the dike)). They are usually suffering from desiccation. The RA proposes the cleaning and dredging of fok-channels connecting these water bodies to the main channel of the Sió. Construction of retention weirs in these channels is also proposed. The objective is to raise the water levels for the benefit of aquatic ecosystems. The Sió system has a special feature, namely it is situated upstream of the Sió sluice, through which the river flows into the Danube. This means that it is possible to control the water levels of the Sió on this reach with the help of the sluice. The RA does account for this option and recommends the raising of the Sió levels for the benefit of the endangered aquatic ecosystems. Elevating the water levels will enable to spread the Sió water over the floodplain and also to increase the residence time in this reach of the river. These are significant preconditions for increasing the nutrient retention. As the RA pointed out, appropriate operation of the Sió sluice will enable to generate ‘artificial floods’ with ecologically optimal amplitude, duration, increase and decrease rates. Thus, this system has the potential to restore the ancient, ecologically optimal water regime. Raising water levels may however result in problems as far as the inlet of external waters is concerned. That is to say, this reach of the Sió is the recipient of access waters accumulating in the Tolna dead branch. Increased water levels will surely result in increased pumping costs.
Gemenc
The isolated water bodies of the Gemenc water system (Nagy-Forgó-tó, Forgó-fok, Peti-tó (Hamis-tó), Sudár-fok, Kis-Forgó-tó) have very similar water supply problems as the water bodies of the other similar planning units (Buvat, Báli). The RA developed for this planning unit aims: • improvement of the water supply/refilling processes from the Grébeci-Duna by local correction of the channel bed and the construction of a check gate in the Forgó-fok; • increase the volume of water by dredging of the Forgó-tó; The objective of increasing significantly the size of aquatic habitats will be achieved by these measures. Fish, amphibians, wading birds will benefit a lot. In addition the RA will not have considerable negative side-effects, and also the investment costs seem to be low. The check gate retain the water in the Forgó lake on the one hand, on the other hand it let smaller floods fill the lake, which fixed weirs are not able to do. Thus, the check gate optimizes the water supply and water retention in the system. Such a gate however requires careful and more frequent maintenance than a fixed structure.
56 Báta-Duna
The RA envisages the construction of a flow control structure in the bed of the Báta oxbow near to the village of Báta. The objective is to counteract the desiccation process by keeping the water level in the oxbow on relatively high levels with the help of a retention structure built into downstream outlet of the oxbow. RA is advantageous from the point of view of nutrient load reduction. That is to say, the envisaged structure prevents the nutrient rich water of the Szekszárd-Bátai canal from flowing directly into the Danube. Instead, it flows into the Báta oxbow, where its nutrient content gets decreased in a natural way thanks to prolonged stay in a biologically productive wetland. The nutrient content of the water flowing into the Danube through the Bátai-Öreg-Duna (over the structure) will probably be lower than today. The RA is ecologically advantageous. This oxbow is especially exposed to the problem of desiccation since the Bátai-Öreg-Duna channel virtually drains the system and maintains very low water levels in the lake most of the time. The proposed control structure would keep the water level in the system high and thus counteracts desiccation to a significant extend. Speaking in concrete terms, increased water levels result in increased water surface and volume which in turn mean increased habitats for fish, amphibians and macrophytes. Also the several smaller water bodies surrounding the Báta oxbow would become connected to the oxbow, which is very important from the point of view of water quality and fish reproduction. The Feasibility Study envisages these lakes as ‘fish nurseries’, since their shallow beds are excellent spawning sites, provided that hydrological conditions are appropriate. Connecting these fish nurseries to the Báta oxbow will enable juvenile fish to leave the spawning site and migrate into deeper waters more suitable for their development. The RA does not make it clear weather the suggested structure will work as a fixed weir or as a controllable sluice. The advantage of a fixed weir is threefold: cheaper to construct, doesn’t need operation and maintenance and fits better into the natural environment. Because of these facts, weirs are preferred instead of sluices (see the expertise of Gy. Buzetzky). Weir however has its disadvantages. First of all, it prevents smaller floods from entering the oxbow. In case of long-lasting low-water periods on the Danube, a weir may even enhance the desiccation problem instead of mitigating it (see desiccation of the Nyéki oxbow in chapter 0). Another problem with weirs is that they make fish migration very difficult. Only submerged weirs at high water levels are passable for fish. Lateral migration of fish between the river and the floodplain water bodies is very important because of reproduction and feeding reasons. The Feasibility Study envisages the Báta as growth place for Trapa natans. At present the occurrence of Trapa natans and of water plants in general is rather limited due to the high amplitude of water level fluctuation (Figure 8), which inhibits the growth of water plants [Brock et al., 1987; Zsuffa, 2001]. Reducing the amplitude can be achieved by building the weir up to an appropriate elevation. The objective could be to reduce the amplitude of fluctuation to that of the highly isolated Decsi oxbow, where Trapa natans does exist [Rademakers, 1990]. This would however result in a very isolated Báta system, which may not be accepted from other points of view (fish migration, water quality, danger of ‘total desiccation’). RA does not mean solution for the ecological problem arising from the flashy water level fluctuation. Namely, the speed of water level rise and fall would remain as high as today (Figure 8) (only the amplitude would be decreased), which endangers the envisaged role of fish nursery. Slowing down the rate of fluctuation would require a very narrow weir, which on the other hand would deteriorate further the ecological connectivity. In order to overcome all these problems, it is recommended to improve the RA. It is suggested to connect the Báta oxbow to the Cserta-Nyéki system as indicated on Figure 27. The water
57 regime of the Cserta-Nyéki system has already been revitalised in the nineties by dredging the Sarkantyú fok channel and by constructing a threshold into the downstream outlet of the Nyéki [Zellei et al., 1998]. Ecological revitalisation of the Báta system would be the extension of this project. As Figure 27 indicates it is recommended to construct a channel connecting the Báta and Nyéki oxbows, by utilizing the excavated ditches along the flood control dike. This would in fact mean the restoration of the ancient Címer-fok, which used to connect these oxbows until the moving bed of the Danube has cut it into two pieces. It is also recommended to reopen the Kattyas fok in order to feed the entire system from upstream, from the Rezéti branch.
Figure 27 Suggestion for improving the RA of the Báta system The above described revitalization solution has already been investigated thoroughly, with the help of a complex hydrodynamic and ecological model systems [Zsuffa, 2000; Zsuffa 2001]. According to hydrodynamic simulations, this solution would increase the water levels of the Báta oxbow with 1-2 meters on average, thus eliminating completely the desiccation problem (Figure 28).
58 8800
' D measured data 8750 P proposed solution (simulation) F OÃ H Y 8700 OH UÃ WH D 8650 Z 8600
8550
8500
8450
8400 4/11/1995 7/20/1995 10/28/1995 2/5/1996 5/15/1996 8/23/1996 date
Figure 28 Impact of the improved RA on the water levels of the Báta oxbow; simulation with the ‘FOK’ hydrodynamic model [Zsuffa, 2000] Thanks to the large storage capacity of the connected system, the speed of water level fluctuation would also be slowed down for the benefit of the fish nursery role. Fish embryo and larva deposited and fertilized in the shallow vegetated waters would not be killed by the sudden fall of water levels. Fish migration between the system and the main channel of the Danube would be ensured through the Kattyas fok. The decreased amplitude of water level fluctuation would be beneficial for water plants. This solution has a higher chance for introducing Trapa natans in the Báta without endangering the other roles, than the original RA. Sedimentation would not cause problems either, as the proposed system is not a through-flow but a ‘tank’ system, i.e. it is filled by and drained to the same water body, which is the Rezéti branch. In addition, the sediment content of the inflowing water is relatively poor due to the preliminary settling role of the Rezéti branch. Thanks to the predominantly upstream draining direction, the proposed improvement of the RA would be beneficial from the point of view of nutrient reduction too. Namely, the nutrient rich water of the Szekszárd-Bátai canal would flow through a much larger system leaving more space and time for nutrients to get removed. Nevertheless, the nutrient content of the Szekszárd-Bátai canal is often very high, which may endanger the wildlife of the Bátai-Holt-Duna if we let it flow in directly. Therefore, we propose, as a mitigation measure, to construct a pre-filtering wetland zone inside the flood control dike in case of both the original and the improved RA-s.
Fekete erd , Grébeci-Duna
Like the Vén-Duna and the Rezéti-Duna, the Grébeci-Duna is also a side branch that has come into being as a result of shortcutting the meanders of the Danube during river regulation works. From the three side branches the Grébeci-Duna has been aggraded the most; it has already reached the stage of turning into an oxbow lake. (According to some experts it is already an oxbow lake.) Recognising the fact that restoring Grébec as a side branch is not feasible any longer, the RA proposes just to propel forward the wheel of evolution and transform the Grébec-Duna into a well-functioning oxbow lake. For this purpose the culvert,
59 built into the dam closing the upstream mouth of the Grébeci-Duna, is proposed to be clogged, and a bottom sill is suggested to be built into the downstream mouth of the side branch. The RA also prescribes the dredging of the highly aggraded downstream reach of the Grébeci-Duna. The proposed measures will ensure the fish nursery role envisaged for the Grébeci-Duna by the RA. The bottom sill will maintain relatively high water levels in the branch thus enlarging the aquatic habitat for the benefit of fish. Clogging the culvert will turn the Grébeci-Duna into a ‘tank’ at low and mean waters; i.e. it will be filled from and drained to the same downstream direction without through-flow. Stopping through-flow will decrease significantly the amounts of water entering the water body, which also means significant decrease in suspended load intrusion. In addition, the bottom sill will practically terminate bed load intrusion. Thus, RA is very advantageous from the point of view of aggradation. Nevertheless, sedimentation will always remain a serious issue in the Grébeci-Duna. That is to say, this water body is very close to the main channel therefore it will always be subjected to heavy sedimentation, whenever flood waters leave the main channel and inundate the floodplain. Thus, periodic dredging of the Grébeci in the future must be taken into consideration. As far as dredging is concerned, the excavated slush should be used for raising game rescue hills on the floodplain. It must not be released into the Danube. The RA also proposes the connection of the neighbouring small water bodies (Sulymos, Akós-hókony, Kesely s-Duna, Tehenes-lap) to the Grébeci-Duna by dredging and cleaning the linking fok-channels. This will turn these small and flat water bodies into excellent fish nurseries where the required water cover and depth is ensured by the elevated water levels of the Grébec, while migration of juvenile fish to deeper waters (to the Grébeci) is guaranteed by the dredged and cleaned fok-channels.
Kerül -Duna
The Kerül -Duna is a long and narrow channel branching off the Rezéti-Duna side branch, encircling the Nagy-Rezét area and ending on the ground surface near the station of the narrow gauge railway at Lassi. This water body is envisaged as amphibian nursery and as feeding place for black storks. RA prescribes the dredging and cleaning of this channel in order to create a uniform and horizontal bed all along the branch. The closures in the bed are proposed to be removed in order to make the water body continuous. This will make the long isolated upstream reach of the channel (3600 m) accessible for fish for spawning and feeding and it will also prevent this reach from desiccation, which would mean the total destruction of the fauna. Also a weir is suggested to build into the downstream end of the channel with a crest elevation of 86.6 maD. This weir will raise water levels in the channel with 20 cm with respect to the present situation, in order to enlarge the aquatic habitat for the benefit of fish and amphibians. Yet the new inflow threshold is low enough to ensure the frequent inflow from the Rezéti, thus preventing total desiccation. With this respect the RA also suggests to connect the Kerül - Duna to the Lassi water system from upstream in order to improve further the water supply conditions. The RA will result in an excellent feeding place for black storks. In spite of the raised water level, the depth of the channel will be 60 cm or less which is wadable for the storks and for the other waders. The water body will not have deep regions where prey fish would find
60 shelter against the waders.3 In addition, the narrow and long channel enables the storks to forage from the water edge without walking into the water. A well-functioning feeding place however must not be exposed to disturbance, which black storks are very sensitive to. From this point of view the location of the Kerül -Duna is not that advantageous. There are several sources of disturbance very close to the water body: - Bátaszék-Baja road and railway - the narrow gauge railway - village of Pörböly - road on the flood control dike - agricultural lands behind the dike. It would be very important to mitigate or terminate the disturbance coming from these sources, at least for the main feeding period. This period is August and September when black storks nesting in the Gemenc prepare for migration, and storks migrating from other regions stop here for feeding. It is strongly recommended to constrain severely the traffic on the narrow gauge railway and on the dike road, as well as the activities on the agricultural lands for this period of the year. This may require the modification of the nature protection status of the area. As far as sedimentation is concerned, the Kerül -Duna is in a very advantageous position. It filled from the downstream reach of the Rezéti-branch where the sediment content of the water is much less than in the Danube. In addition, the water body is quite far from the main channel, which means that the water inundating the area during total inundation is quite sediment poor as it has already settled its sediment on the way from the river. This situation will not be changed by the RA, not even if the connection to the Lassi system will finally be realized. Maybe, a sediment trap can be excavated right before the proposed weir in order to minimize the intrusion of suspended load. Nevertheless, accumulation of floating debris after floods will probably take place. Thus cleaning the channel will be necessary in the future as well.
Báli
The objective of the RA is to improve the water regime and connectivity of the Báli, Csörösz and Zsold-kaszáló water bodies. For this purpose the fok-channels connecting these water bodies to the Simon-Duna and Nyéki-Holt-Duna water bodies, are proposed to be cleaned and dredged. Constructing and restoring culverts are also proposed. The ecological aim is to turn these small lakes into feeding places for black storks. The flat bottoms of these water bodies are excellent foraging sites for the wading black storks indeed. The large stock of prey fish is ensured by the restored fok-channel system that enables fish to access these lakes for spawning. From hydrological point of view, the RA results in ‘tank’ systems, which are advantageous from the point of view of sedimentation (see Grébeci-Duna). In addition the obstacle free fok- channels will enable to wash the intruded sediment out of the channels during back flow. Just like in case of the Buvat and Gemenc planning units, the proposed interventions are very small scale and cheap, yet they will result in significant improvements as far as feeding conditions for black stork are concerned. Other functions (flood safety, forestry) will not be affected adversely at all.
3 This also means however that the Kerül -Duna cannot be viewed as fish nursery.
61 Nevertheless, disturbance during the main feeding period (August-September) must be minimized. This might require the restriction of forestry activities.
Móric-Duna
The Móric-Duna is a heavily aggraded side branch of the River Danube. The RA proposes to close the upstream and downstream ends of the branch by means of bottom sills. The goal is to retain water in the system for the benefit of the envisaged fish nursery and stork feeding functions. Also large scale 50-70 cm deep and 10 m wide dredging is proposed along the 2000 m long upstream reach of the branch in order to enlarge the size of the aquatic habitat. As Gy Buzetzky has pointed out the major problem of this RA is that the lateral motion of the Danube has not been taken into consideration. The anticipated final position of the right bank will be 150 meters East from the upstream mouth of the Móric-Duna Thus the Danube is going to clog the upstream mouth by building up a huge point bar in the front of it. In addition, the river does this with the ‘permission’ of the river managers. Taking this into consideration it is important to revise and modify the RA. We do agree with the proposal of Mr Buzetky, which says that the upstream connection has to be modified by making use of the depression that runs parallel with the Danube bed upstream of the Móric-Duna mouth. This would make the Móric-Duna much longer. The upstream mouth would move about 0.5 km upstream, where the main channel has already been fixed and point bar is not expected to be built up thank to the more advantageous curving conditions (Figure 29).
Figure 29 Suggestion for improving the RA of the Móric-Duna In case of the Móric-Duna there is a good chance to realize what is not possible at the Rezéti and Grébeci side branches, namely to restore it as a morphological stable real side channel (Figure 29). That is to say, this side branch is practically parallel with the Danube, which makes it possible to develop velocity conditions similar to that of the main channel. This gives the chance to prevent the deposition of bed and suspended load in the Móric-Duna. This is of course a difficult question and the side channel must be planned carefully. Nevertheless, this side channel would result in valuable lotic habitats, which is advantageous from the point of view of the desired biological diversity.
62 Nagy-Pandúr
This system contains several small lakes as well as the long Szeremlei-Sugovica dead branch. The Szeremlei-Sugovica is a big aquatic habitat, although it is heavily silted. The objective of the RA is to turn this arm into a big, permanent water body, suitable for amphibians and fish for breeding/spawning (‘nurseries’). The Szeremlei-Sugovica is also envisaged as fishing and angling site. For all these purposes, dredging of the branch is proposed and also a sluice is recommended to be built into the weir closing the mouth of the branch to the Danube. The desired role of the small lakes is fish nursery and feeding place for black storks. This latter requires disturbance free environment, which is ensured by the dead branch itself as it surrounds and protects these water bodies from the human environment. The water supply of these lakes is proposed to be improved by cleaning and dredging the fok-channels that connect them to the Szeremlei-Sugovica branch. Increasing water levels in these lakes is ensured by the increased water levels of the branch.
Qualitative investigation of dredging masses
Some of the recommended revitalisation alternatives envisage large scale excavations in the water bodies. The dredging masses are proposed to be deposited on the surface of the neighbouring floodplain in the form of game rescue hills. The question arises: what if the excavated sediment is contaminated? Depositing contaminated sediment on the floodplain surface may have adverse impacts on the flora and fauna of the site and also on the quality of the neighbouring water bodies. Qualitative investigation of bed material at the dredging sites is thus very important before any interventions. The qualitative investigations are based on sediment samples taken from 10 sampling sites (Figure 30). This field work took place on the 26th of May 2005. 5 samples have been taken from the bottom of the Rezéti and branch along the ‘Senki’ island, while 2 samples have been taken from the bottom of the Grébeci branch near to its downstream mouth. The reason of selecting these sampling sites was that the recommended revitalisation alternatives related to these two branches prescribe large scale extensive excavations at these locations (see chapter 0 and 0). The samplings were executed from a boat using a Van Veen type hand-grab. This method restricts the sampling only to the surface of the channel bottom. Indepth sampling would have required special drilling devices, which were not available at that time. Nevertheless, the samples taken from the Rezéti branch are also representative for the subsurface conditions to certain extend. That is to say, the sandy bottom of the branch is moved by the floods and during this process the bottom sediment is being mixed in 10-20 cm depth. This does not apply to the stagnant Grébeci branch. The silty samples taken from this branch (samples 6. and 7.) represent only the surface of the bottom. In order to investigate the quality of sediments deposited by earlier times, indepth samples had to be taken as well. Due to flood conditions, such samples could not be taken from the bed of the branches, nor from their banks. The most suitable places for indepth sampling were the steep eroded banks of the main Danube. They were easy to access; the samples could be taken without excavations (simply by spade); and first of all these places were not covered by water. Accordingly, three soil samples were taken from the eroded bank of the Danube right upstream of the lower mouth of Rezéti from depths of 1.5, 1, and 2 m (samples 8., 9. and 10.) (Figure 30).
63
Figure 30 Sediment sampling points The quality of samples has been investigated according to three aspects: 8. Toxicity. Toxic sediment seriously endangers the entire wildlife of the deposition site. Toxicity of the samples is measured by means of ‘daphnia’ and ‘seedling’ tests. Aliphatic and monoaromatic hydrocarbon content (TPH GC) of sample was also measured. 9. Heavy metals. Soil contaminated with heavy metals does not inhibit the growth of vegetation, however heavy metals get accumulated in the tissues of plants and so they finally get into the animals, to which they are toxic on long term. The following heavy metals have been measured in the samples: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As). 10. Nutrients. Nutrients do not endanger the wildlife; however nutrient concentration has to be taken into consideration before depositing the excavated bed material over the floodplain surface. Nutrient rich dredging masses may even be spread over the forest plantations in order to support wood production. This should not be done with the nutrient poor sandy masses; they should be deposited in the form of game rescue hills. In case of very low nutrient content, the release of dredging masses into the Danube might also be an option. The nutrient content of the samples have been determined by measuring the total phosphorus, total nitrogen and total organic carbon (TOC) contents. Evaluation of sampling results has been carried out on the basis of different reference and limit values. As far as heavy metals are concerned the considered reference and limit values are given in Table 3. The results of the lab analyses are shown on Table 4. As the table indicates none of the samples reaches any of the pollution or intervention limit values related to heavy metals (see also Table 3). Most of the samples stay even below the Lowest Effect Levels (LEL) and the Background values (exceedences of these values are marked by blue). The Reference value is exceeded only once (yellow mark).
64 The daphnia and and seedling test have not indicated contamination either. The samples were free from toxicity. As far as the aliphatic and monoaromatic hydrocarbon content (TPH GC) is concerned, the samples show the general pictures of Danube’s sediments. The sediments contain minute amounts of hydrocarbons. The recognized hydrocarbons probably originate from old mineral oil spills, which were frequently happened in Danube. No intervention is necessary. The sediments can be deposited in any dumpsite which is located more than 100 meter from drinking water resource. The low water solubility and slow migration of these compounds cause low impact of environment. It can thus be concluded that the bottom sediment of the Rezéti and Grébec branches are free from heavy metal and toxic contaminations. Similar conclusions can be drawn with respect to the subsurface sedimentation layers (samples 8, 9, and 10) too, which strengthen the assumption that the bottom sediment of the branches is free from contamination down to 2 m of depth. Thus, the deposition of dredging masses on the surface of the floodplain will not endanger the wildlife. As far as nutrients are concerned, the samples taken from the sandy Rezéti branch show significantly lower values, than those ones taken from the silty Grébeci branch and from the clayey Danube bank. The very low nutrient content of the Rezéti bottom may even raise the question of releasing the sand excavated from this branch into the Danube.
65 Table 3. Reference and limit values for heavy metal concentration in sediment/soil cited from different literature Lowest Severe B *** Intervention limit value Limit value Effect Effect A *** Reference Intervention pollution *** Ki for waste sludge Chemicals Unit Level Level background value ** value ** limit *** deposit & use in (LEL) (SEL) value value C1 C2 C3 agriculture**** * * Mercury Hg mg/kg 0,2 2 0,3 10 0,15 0,5 1 3 10 K1 10 Cadmium Cd mg/kg 0,6 10 0,8 12 0,5 1 2 5 10 K1 15 Lead Pb mg/kg 31 250 85 530 25 100 150 500 600 K2 1000 Copper Cu mg/kg 16 110 36 190 30 75 200 300 400 K2 1000 Chromium Cr mg/kg 26 110 100 380 30 75 150 400 800 K2 1000 Chromium VI Cr-VI mg/kg - - - - det. limit 1 2,5 5 10 K1 - Nickel Ni mg/kg 16 75 35 210 25 40 150 200 250 K2 200 Arsenic As mg/kg 6 33 29 55 10 15 20 40 60 K1 100 Manganese Mn mg/kg 460 1100 ------2000 Zinc Zn mg/kg 120 820 140 720 100 200 500 1000 2000 K2 3000 Molibdenum Mo mg/kg - - 10 200 3 7 20 50 100 K2 20 Barium Ba mg/kg - - 200 625 150 250 300 500 700 K2 - Cobalt Co mg/kg - - 20 240 15 30 100 200 300 K2 100 Selenium Se mg/kg - - - - 0,8 1 5 10 20 K2 100 Tin Sn mg/kg - - - - 5 30 50 100 300 K2 - Silver Ag mg/kg - - - - 0,3 2 10 20 40 K2 - Cr+Cu+Ni+Zn mg/kg ------4000 * Reference and Intervention values from the „Circular Remediation Regulation Soil Protection Act” Ministry of Housing, Physical and Environment, 22. December, 1994., Canada ** Limits for classification of the Danubian sediments and suspended solids pollution (Annex 1/2), in: Tendency and dynamics of water quality changes of the Danube river and its tributaries (1989-1995), 1996, Holland *** Background concentration for soil and limit values for geological structures/ media. Ministerial decree on limit values for protecting the quality of the groundwater, soil and geological media, Hungary. A background concentration value,
66 B pollution limit value, determined by the claims/ demand of soil and the voulnerability of groundwater C intervention limit value according to the sensibility of the area, C1 – highly sensible, C2 – sensible, C3 – less sensible area. Ki classification of hazardous substances according to the EEC Directive 80/86 (17th Dec. 1979). **** Land- and forest application of waste waters and sewage sludge (in Hungarian) Szennyvizek és szennyvíziszapok term földön történ elhelyezése (MI-08-1735–1990 Mez gazdasági és Élelmezésügyi Ágazati M szaki Irányelv), **** Limit value of hazardous chemicals for waste sludge deposit & use on agricultural lands, Hungary. (A szennyvíziszapban megengedhet káros és mérgez komponensek határértékei mez gazdasági elhelyezés és hasznosítás esetén)
67
Table 4. Results of lab analyses of the samples
Rezéti-Duna Grébeci-Duna Dunube bank sample parameters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 methods for analyses id total dry material % 71,6 77,6 78,8 78,3 79,9 51,3 45,0 79,1 80,0 80,3 MSZ 318-3:1979 (TDM) total phosphorus mg/kg 380 200 300 280 210 670 1070 1330 550 590 MSZ 318-19:1981 (TP) total nitrogen (TN) mg/kg 350 140 160 300 140 1300 1940 750 1070 990 MSZ 318-18:1981 total organic carbon mg/kg < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 < 0,2 MSZ EN 13137:2003 (TOC) Arsenic (As) mg/kg 3 2 3 6 7 7 10 12 13 11 Cadmium (Cd) mg/kg 0,10 0,20 0,20 0,25 0,35 0,70 0,75 0,55 0,59 0,65 Chromium (Cr) mg/kg 6 3 5 5 3 14 16 15 16 22 Copper (Cu) mg/kg 5 2 4 4 2 20 36 28 30 33 MSZ 1484-3:1989 Mercury (Hg) mg/kg 0,058 0,035 0,040 0,046 0,052 0,184 0,286 0,14 0,125 0,139 Nickel (Ni) mg/kg 9 5 7 7 5 20 30 30 34 38 Lead (Pb) mg/kg 9 6 7 8 7 21 31 29 32 34 TPH GC mg/kg 85 5 <1 40 <1 <1 16 5 <1 <1 TPH MSzL-9
68 Calculation of nutrient load reduction
General considerations In general terms one may say with confidence that the means (scientific knowledge built into computer models or other relationships) are available for the solution of this task. In principle this task is very simply and consists of the calculation of water and mass (nutrient) budgets of the water system in concern. In the practice, however, the level of solution will depend on the availability of data of the given aquatic system. At this point we may select, in function of the availability of data, from a very wide range of options. The two extremes of this option are the following: • The simplest solution: Establishment of a simple budget of the entire system (or series of parts of it). This approach is a very simple differential equation (see Figure 31) of water and mass balances. Nevertheless, even this approach needs accurate data on the inflows and outflows (of mass and nutrients) and the basic geometry of the water system. Apart from these basic data one needs to estimate the value of the of a rate coefficient which is called by various names in the relevant literature, such as “retention”, “detention”, “virtual settling”, “removal” etc. There are two ways of estimating the value of this rate coefficient: 1/ calibration against records of influx and outflux (for a time period, which is say 10 times longer than the mean water residence time of the system; 2/ Estimation of a value on the basis of the relevant literature. This latter solution is rather unreliable because the retention rates (translated to percentage reduction of the total input) range between zero% (or even negative rate) and 90% (depending on whether the author wanted to “sell” a nutrient reduction scheme or has tested one as an operator of such a scheme.
Inputs Outflow dPL 1 [] = Pin Qin - PL Qout - K set * PL Water dt A* h -(q+ )t LP -(q+ )t (t)= K set + ()1- K set P PL PL0 e e q + K set Q Pin Q LP = in ∧ q = out h* A h* A
dh 1 Settling (retention, removal) is the only = []Q - Q + P - E in out reduction process dt A + > ∨ < Qout = Qin z when h h max h h min z = (P − E) * A Figure 31 Scheme and equations of the most simple water and mass (phosphorus) budget model • The most complex solution: Although this solution relies on the same principle of water and mass balances, it may (if time, financial resources an data permits) consider the description of flow and mass transport pattern (in 1D-3D solution), the cycling of nutrients within components of the aquatic system and the underlying sediment. This means that a 3D hydraulic model of the entire water system may be coupled with an ecosystem function model of say 15-25 state-variables (see Figure 32). Evidently the number of actors (state variables) in a ecosystem model may be mach higher and
69 could much depend on the knowledge of their role in the nutrient cycling and budget. (for example the nutrient mass transported out of aquatic system by the mass outfly of chyronomidae insects my be worth considering in the total nutrient budget, in certain water bodies). In the figure below a much simplified scheme is show (without macrophytes) and evidently without the equations as they would (together with flow equations) fill a smaller booklet.
Inputs Light Outflow
O2
Water Algae Zoo- Fishing P plankton Org. NITRIFICATION NO Fish N 3 1
Org. Fish matter Oxygen 2
Bac- teria Det- Benthic Sed. ritus Sed. animals P N Sediment
Figure 32 A much simplified scheme of nutrient cycles in the aquatic ecosystem Within the given time frame and resources of this project and considering the rather restricted availability of data, and especially the nearly complete lack of records on water quantity (depth, flow velocity, discharge in and out, etc), water quality and ecosystem state variables, of the individual water bodies of the two systems (Gemenc and Béda- Karapancsa) a much simplified “ecohydrological” model should be selected. This model might be a bit more complex than Figure 31, as it would be favourable to model the major nutrient trapping process of aquatic systems (burial in the sediment or becoming non-exchangeable in it). The coupling of the nutrient model with some parameter that estimates the status of the biota (like Chl-a) is also desirable. Such a model is available at VITUKI and was frequently used for various planning and design purposes. There remains the basic question still open, namely the estimation of the removal (reduction) rate kinetics of nutrients. In the lack of appropriate on-site records against which the model could be calibrated one could use similar records of the same region. In Hungary the only sufficiently reliable and long records of this type are available only for the reconstructed wetland of Kis Balaton (little Balaton, a dual impoundment that were re- established in the mouth of the River Zala flowing into Lake Balaton). Looking at the records (Figure 33) of orthophosphate phosphorus retention (detention), marked with yellow dots on the figure, one may conclude that for a few years the detention was growing in the beginning from 60% to 90-95% then it was decreasing again until it turned into negative values. Although the likely cause (which we are not discussing here) of this unfavourable change may not be repeated in each case when wetlands are subject to human influence and control it represents a strong warning that any intrusion to the life of aquatic systems must be made with extreme care, as one may end up with a nutrient source instead of a sink.
70 80 300 75 1991. 250 70 200 3 sokévi átl.: 151 mió m3 m 65 150 6 60 100
55 50 V
Ingói-berek 1993-tól 50 0 1 -50 0 45 Hitó+I-b* ö. terhelés 40 -100 -150 V mióm3_ A 35 -200
- 30 P 4 -250 Hitó+I-b* ö. visszatartás
( 25
t -300 Hitó: Hídvégi-tó o 20 n -350 I-b*: Ingói-berek 1993-tól n 15 -400 a
) 10 -450 5 -500 0 -5501991.: -5 -600ZEG P-talanító -10 -650Száraz periódus 8 5
. 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 . f 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Figureé 33 Phosphate phosphorus load into the two basins of Kis Balaton wetland 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 l é 4 3 2 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 9 8 7 6 v ...... (purple columns) and the detention of the phosphate load by the system (yellow line) (Courtesy of Dr. Piroska Pomogyi) Then the final question is what nutrient retention/detention rate or ratio should be
assumed (with orP without model application) for the nutrient reduction of the complex water systems (asO to be modified by planned control strategies), when we do not have (and will not have during this project) appropriate records for estimating it from actual data (calibrating against measurement data). Evidently it is very difficult to answer this question as each aquatic system will act differently to natural and human influence. Any removal rate between 95% and high negative values is possible. However, our very long professional experience as well as literature data indicate that as a good rule-of-the-thumb estimate one must not consider (especially on the long run) a removal ratio higher than 30%, not even in the case of well operating systems. Thus we may have to relay on such professional rules of the thumb, unless adequate knowledge can be gathered on the expectable chemical and biological processes that will govern the fate of nutrients (and of the function and structure of the ecosystem as a whole) within each of the water bodies concerned and within the combinations of them, which correspond to the various management alternatives. Basic data of the systems for which nutrient load reduction shall be calculated The general data demand For any model calculation between the above discussed two extremes the following type of data are needed: 1. Geometry of the system (or interconnected sub systems): area, cross-sections, depth time series (at least depth-volume curve for larger units); 2. Inflow of water (time series or annual mean flow) 3. Records or multi annual mean concentration values of quality constituents of interest in the inflow (nutrients, TSS, TDS, and others depending on the details of the modelling concept), 4. Records or annual mean values for all other water budget elements (Precipitation, evaporation, water intakes, ex- or infiltration (seepage), etc) 5. Records or initial values of as many biotic and abiotic (see Figure 32) state variables as many we want to consider. When no records are available the estimation of initial (zero time and place values) must be estimated for all state variables (at least for N and P forms).
71 6. A long set of other data (light (irradiation), temperature, various chemical parameters) should be made available if one needs to calculate details of the ecosystem dynamics (see Figure 32). These data should be available for the basic case (present state) and for each alternatives (e.g. Changes in the geometry, inputs and outlets etc.) The minimum requirements The minimum requirements of applying the simplest models above is to give the following data for each of the subsystems (See Figure 31): h - the average lake depth, [m] A - the average lake surface area, [m2] 3 Qin, Qout - the inflow and outflow rates of the lake, respectively, [m /year]; (may also be given in time series of the components of inflow and outflow or intake, water uses, etc P and E - the precipitation and evaporation onto/from the lake surface, respectively [m/year] (if knowledge of other losses, such as seepage exist then should be given) PL0 - is the initial total phosphorus (or other nutrient) concentration (at time t=0) of the lake Pin- is the mean inflow concentration of phosphorus, 3 Qin- is the water inflow rate (m /year) 3 Qout- is the water outflow rate (m /year) h- is the average depth of the lake (m) A- is the average surface area of the lake (m2) LP- is the volumnar P (or other nutrient) loading rate to the lake (mg/m3/year) to be obtained as the loading rate of P (MT-1) divided by the lake volume V [L3] q- is the hydraulic washout rate (year-1), calculated as the water outflow rate [L3·T-1] divided by the lake volume V [L3] -1 -1 Kset- is the sedimentation (retention) rate [T ], (year ); to be estimated either from earlier records (by calibration) or from the literature; t - is the time [T], If these data cannot be made available for the present state and for each development and control alternatives then the nutrient reduction calculation task cannot be solved, and the estimation must be made by the rule of the thumb (which we call the best engineering judgement) Preliminary assessment of socio-economic impacts In order to gain the social, economical and institutional acceptance of the recommended interventions, the assessment of the positive and negative socio-economical impacts is essential. Its key step is to determine the costs and benefits of the interventions having affects on the activities of the identified stakeholders. It should be examined whether the gained benefits are in proportion to the disadvantages to suffer. If not then mitigation measures should be elaborated. Of course, the interests of the different stakeholders have not got necessarily the same priority and this may be conflicting. In general we can declare that within the area of the National Park nature conservation is the highest priority, all the other economical and recreational aspects are of secondary importance. The majority of the socio-economic impacts of the interventions is indirect, e.g. functions of ecological impacts. For example: improvement of habitat conditions in a water body -> growing of fish stock -> beneficial for fishery and angling -> profit for tourist accommodation and catering. Since the ecological benefits themselves are very difficult to quantify, the direct or indirect social and economical impacts could not be easily illustrated by figures. Therefore in this preliminary study we have to confine ourselves to determine the directions and trends of those impacts. In general we have to bring forward the following comments:
72 • The majority of the proposed interventions are subject of - at least - a preliminary environmental impact assessment and all of them are subject of water right license. • The schedule/timing of the implementation should take into account the ecological aspects as first priority in order to minimise the disturbance of the natural habitats. This will be one of the key issues during licensing. • If the high transportation cost makes a dredging activity uneconomic, using of the dredged material to form game rescue hills could be assessed as an option. • In general we can state that increasing the average level of water bodies and controlling its fluctuation is favourable for aquatic and land ecosystems and therefore the related activities, such as forestry, fishery and angling. However the qualification and quantification of such impacts are beyond the opportunities of the present study. • Notwithstanding that it is not our goal to propose costly solutions either for implementation, operation or maintenance point-of-view, it is obvious that the implementation of the proposed technical interventions, the long-term operation and the regular maintenance may introduce new, state financed job opportunities in the region suffering from high jobless rate. This may be one of the aspects of the municipalities. Impacts on land use activities: There are limited types and extension of antropogenic activities allowed on area concerned by implementation/construction of the proposed technical alternatives. This is due to the fact that the whole area is part of the Danube-Drava National Park, the permitted land uses are restricted to forest and game management and fishing and should be inferior to the interest of nature conservation. If the implementation of dredging and construction is scheduled carefully in harmony with the planned activities of Gemenc Rt. and the fisheries, preferably from November to March spring, the land users would not suffer from significant disturbance during that period. If the dredging masses will be placed within the area of the National Park it may cause limited access to these locations for couple of months until the consolidation of the soil, therefore harmonisation with the local seasonal works is necessary. For tourism and recreation still many possibilities and sites remain open, therefore these temporary limitations will not cause serious problems.
Veránka – Rezéti-Duna
“Rezéti-Duna” side branch is the largest water body in the Gemenc water system. The main goal of the proposed interventions is to improve the flow of water, because due to its length (14,85 km) and small grade very intensive sedimentation takes place in the bed. Therefore the major intervention is dredging at the upper section of the branch, along the “Senki” island. Small amount of dredging is planned at the fok-channels aiming at the increase of their hydraulic capacity. The positive socio-economic impacts of the recommended alternative can be summarized as the following: • The improvement of flow conditions in the “Rezéti-Duna” branch and the lakes connected by fok-channels will improve the habitat conditions of the fish and may increase the fish stock. Stakeholders: fishery companies (Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd, Gemenc Fish Ltd), local and county angling unions, angling tourism.
73 • The navigation conditions improves at the upper section of the branch. Stakeholders: fishery companies (Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd, Gemenc Fish Ltd), forestry (Gemenc Rt.), angling unions and tourism. • No operation of works is needed. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate. There is negative impact to be mentioned: • “Senki” Island is surrounded by strictly protected nature conservation areas; therefore the economical placement of the large amount of excavated sediment (approx. 72.000 m3) is very difficult. Stakeholder: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, Gemenc Rt. Recommendations for mitigation measures: • One option is to transport the dredged sediment outside the area for agricultural use, but it may be expensive due to the transport costs. Building game rescue hills within the planning unit may be a viable solution at low cost and some extra benefit for game management. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of benefits for fishery, forestry, angling and tourism. • Assessment of suitable placement of the dredged sediment from economical and permission point of view.
Buvat
The recommended interventions are mainly restricted to dredging to a small extent dredging in order to improve the hydraulic capacity of the feeding fok-channels. Additionally construction and reconstruction of culverts under crossing roads are proposed. Almost the whole area of the planning unit is strictly protected nature conservation area therefore no access is allowed without the permission of the Directorate of the National Park. The oxbow lakes of “Kis-Decsi-Holt-Duna” and “Nagy-Decsi-Holt-Duna” are also strictly protected therefore no access to them is allowed without permission. Fishing is allowed for research purposes only. There are forest reserves on the planning area for scientific examination handled by Gemenc Rt., where no commercial forestry takes place. On the other areas commercial forestry and hunting is allowed with permission. There are no specific advantages or disadvantages of the recommended alternative from socio-economical point of view since no change in the present land use status is anticipated. Placement of the dredged sediment needs careful considerations due to the lack of appropriate places nearby. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Assessment of the appropriate placement of the dredged sediment.
Béda-Karapancsa
The aim of the interventions in this planning unit is to retain more water in the “Küls -Béda” and “Mocskos-Duna” water systems by constructing weirs and carrying out dredging. The weirs will increase the water-level of these oxbow lakes. The water level of “Bels -Béda” oxbow lake will be increased by approx. 0,3 m following the modification of the operational
74 rules of the Béda Pumping Station. The recommended alternatives should encounter the following socio-economic impacts: Positive impacts: • The higher water level of the oxbow lakes will improve the water household of the surrounding forests and may stop the drying tendency of the area. This may provide extra yield for the forestry. The improved vegetation may result in savings in game management, if less additional food supply was needed. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. • The more stabile water level and the larger water body improve the habitat conditions of the fish and may increase the fish stock. Stakeholders: Pet fi Fishery Co-operative (Mohács), angling unions, tourism. Negative impacts: • This system is not self-sustaining (cleanup of sediment traps and dredging the beds on regular basis will be needed). This will increase costs of the operating institution. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate.. • The weirs to be constructed will block the boat traffic towards the Danube and the movement of fish during low water periods. • The water level of “Küls -Béda” increased by 1.5 m, will generate extra costs of the operator of the Béda pumping station, when lifting water from “Bels -Béda” oxbow lake. Stakeholder: Regional Environmental and Water Directorate. Recommendations for mitigation measures: • The construction of a boat slide and fish gate beside the weir may be considered. • The Danube-Drava National Park Directorate and the Regional Environmental and Water Directorate should find funds to cover the costs of the operation and maintenance. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for fishery, forestry, angling and tourism. • Quantitative assessment of costs operation and maintenance.
Sió unit
The “Sió-Canal” planning unit is the most complex one among the 11. It consists of four sub- systems and its catchment is the largest nutrient source of the project area. The recommended interventions include the construction of 6 weirs and 3 sluices and dredging of several sections. It is recommended to modify the operational rules of the sluices at the mouth of the Sió-Canal. The expected positive socio economic impacts are the followings: • The higher average water level in the system will improve the water household of the surrounding vegetation. This may provide extra yield for the forestry. The improved vegetation may result in savings in game management, if less additional food supply was needed. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. • The more stabile water level and the larger water body improve the habitat conditions of the fish and may increase the fish stock. Stakeholders: Tolna Fish Trading Co- operative, angling unions, tourism.
75 • Traffic conditions crossing the water bodies will be improved for forestry and tourism. Stakeholders: Gemenc Rt. and tourists There are negative impacts to be mentioned: • The operation of the sluice at the Sió mouth concerns other water systems e.g. the Fadd water system. High level co-ordination of the operation of the old and new sluices is needed on Sió. It requires extra attention and costs. Stakeholders: Danube- Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate. Recommendations for mitigation measures: • The new operational rules of the sluice at the Sió mouth should be elaborated based on modelling. In order to provide on-line data for the operation of the sluice installation of monitoring system may be necessary. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for fishery, forestry, angling and tourism. • Quantitative assessment of operation costs of sluices and maintenance of beds.
Gemenc
A large part of the planning unit is a nature conservation area with restricted access; therefore tourist may visit it with the guides of the National Park Directorate. No fishing or angling is allowed. The recommended interventions are mainly restricted to small extent dredging in order to improve the hydraulic capacity of the feeding fok-channels and the lakes. Additionally construction and reconstruction of culverts are proposed. We may encounter the following positive socio-economic impacts: • The better flow conditions will improve water household of the forests around the lakes and fok-channels. This may provide extra yield for the forestry and savings in game management, if less additional food supply was needed. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. • Traffic conditions on ground will be better. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. and tourists There are no negative socio-economic impacts foreseen. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits forestry.
Bátai-Duna
The water supply of “Bátai-Holt-Duna” oxbow lake is carried out through the “Címer”-fok- channel in north, and through the “Bátai-Öreg-Duna” in southeast. In both cases the filling up requires relatively permanent high water-level in the main river bed. Because of the high evaporation rate of the oxbow lake, the water-level can subside significantly. The recommended alternative involves the construction of a sluice in the lower railway piers located in the bed of “Bátai-Holt-Duna” and restore the original bed by dredging from the lower railway piers up to the ferry-road. The possible positive socio-economic impacts of the interventions are:
76 • The permanent connection between “Bátai-Holt-Duna” and River Danube is beneficial for boat traffic. Stakeholders: Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd, angling unions, tourists • The higher and controlled water level is favourable for the fish stock. Stakeholders: Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd, angling unions However, negative impacts can be listed, as well: • The higher average water level in the “Bátai-Holt-Duna” will result in additional operational costs at the Báta Pumping Station, which forwards the inland water collected by the Szekszárd-Báta Main Channel to “Bátai-Holt-Duna”. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate • The sluice to be built at the lower mouth will make difficult the navigation between the River Danube and the branch at low water periods. Stakeholders: Baja-Hal Ltd, angling unions, tourism. • The new sluice needs operation and maintenance at additional cost for the operator. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate. Recommendations for mitigation measures: • The construction of a boat slide beside the weir may be considered. • The Danube-Drava National Park Directorate and the Regional Environmental and Water Directorate should find funds to cover the costs of the operation and maintenance. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for fishery, forestry, angling and tourism. • Quantitative assessment of operation costs of sluices and pumps.
Fekete-erd – Grébeci-Duna
The concept of the recommended alternative includes dredging out of about 75.000 m3 sediment from the upper section of the “Grébeci-Duna” side branch, closing down its upper mouth and building a weir at the lower mouth connecting the branch to the Danube at 86 m above Baltic Sea level. Dredging at smaller extent will take place at the fok-channels in order to improve their hydraulic capacity. This alternative involves the following positive impacts: • The controlled water level and the larger water body improve the habitat conditions of the fish and may increase the fish stock. Stakeholders: Gemenc Hal Ltd, angling unions, tourism. • Dredged sections and controlled water level may provide better conditions for using boats on the upper section of the branch. Stakeholders: Gemenc Hal Ltd, angling unions, tourism. • The controlled water level will improve the moisture household of the neighbouring forests and may stop the drying tendency of the area. This may provide extra yield for the forestry. The improved vegetation may result in savings in game management, if less additional food supply was needed. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt.
77 There are some disadvantageous impacts of this alternative: • The weir to be built at the lower mouth will make difficult the navigation between the River Danube and the branch at low water periods. Stakeholders: Gemenc Hal Ltd, angling unions, tourism. • The weir may block the traffic of the fish between the river and the branch at low water periods. It is unfavourable in spawning periods. Stakeholders: Gemenc Hal Ltd, angling unions. • The appropriate placement of the large amount of dredged sediment may cause difficulties and results in high costs. It may be crucial point during the licensing process. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, authorities. Recommendations for mitigation measures: • The construction of a boat slide and fish gate beside the weir may be considered. • One option is to transport the dredged sediment outside the area for agricultural use, but it may be expensive due to the transport costs. Building game rescue hills within the planning unit may be a viable solution at low cost and some extra benefit for game management. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for fishery, forestry, angling and tourism. • Assessment of impacts to navigation. • Assessment of dredged sediment placement.
Kerül -Duna
“Kerül -Duna” is an U-shape oxbow lake. It was originally connected with “Rezéti-Duna” and “Lassi”-fok-channel. Later on its connection with “Lassi”-fok-channel was banked up. One of the goals of the recommended alternative is to open this connection again by extensive dredging in 3600 m length and constructing weir, culverts and bridges. Furthermore the interventions involve the restoration of a section of the summer dike at the upper part of “Kerül -Duna”. The following positive socio-economic impacts may be expected: • The controlled water level and the larger water body improve the habitat conditions of the fish and may increase the fish stock. Stakeholders: fishing company, angling unions, tourism. • The controlled water level will improve the moisture household of the neighbouring forests. This may provide extra yield for the forestry. The improved vegetation may result in savings in game management, due to less additional food supply was needed. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. • Safety of the area protected by the summer dikes will improve after the maintenance of sluices. Stakeholders: Regional Environmental and Water Directorate, Municipality of Pörböly. Negative impacts are also to be mentioned: • Extra cost for the operation of sluices and the maintenance of beds will arise. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate.
78 • The appropriate placement of the large amount of dredged sediment may cause difficulties and results in high costs. It may be crucial point during the licensing process. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, authorities. Recommendations for mitigation measures: • The Danube-Drava National Park Directorate and the Regional Environmental and Water Directorate should find funds to cover the costs of the operation and maintenance. • One option is to transport the dredged sediment outside the area for agricultural use, but it may be expensive due to the transport costs. Building game rescue hills within the planning unit may be a viable solution at low cost and some extra benefit for game management. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for fishery, forestry, game management, angling and tourism. • Assessment of impacts to navigation. • Quantitative assessment of operation costs of sluices and costs of maintenance dredging.
Báli
The recommended interventions are mainly restricted to small extent dredging in order to improve the hydraulic capacity of the feeding fok-channels. Additionally construction and reconstruction of culverts under crossing roads are proposed. The positive socio-economic impacts of the interventions would be as follows: • The more frequent flooding of the wetlands will improve the water household of the surrounding forests. This may provide extra yield for the forestry. The improved vegetation may result in savings in game management, if less additional food supply was needed. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. The following negative impacts are expected: • One of the goals of the interventions is to establish feeding places for black storks. This may result to the periodical restriction of the access to the concerned areas. Stakeholders: tourism, anglers Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for forestry.
Móric-Duna
“Móric-Duna” is a small, periodically drying up side branch of the River Danube. The main goal of the recommended intervention is to retain the water in the bed permanently by constructing two weirs at both ends of the branch. In order to improve the hydraulic conditions and increase the volume of retained water dredging is planned in the upper half of the channel. This alternative involves mainly positive socio-economic impacts, such as:
79 • The more stabile water level and the larger water body improve the habitat conditions of the fish and may increase the fish stock. Stakeholders: Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd, angling unions, tourism. • The controlled water level will improve the moisture household of the neighbouring forests and may stop the drying tendency of the area. This may provide extra yield for the forestry. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. There are negative impacts to be mentioned: • The weirs to be built at the two ends of the branch will make difficult the boat traffic to the River Danube at low water periods. Stakeholders: angling unions, tourism. • The weir may block the traffic of the fish between the river and the branch at low water. It is unfavourable in spawning periods. Stakeholders: Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd, angling unions. • Due to the two weirs, aggradation of the branch may increase therefore regular maintenance by dredging will be necessary. It results in additional costs to the operating institution. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate. Recommendations for mitigation measures: • The construction of a boat slide and fish gate beside one of the weirs may be considered. • The Danube-Drava National Park Directorate and the Regional Environmental and Water Directorate should find funds to cover the costs of maintenance. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for fishery, forestry, game management, angling and tourism. • Assessment of impacts to boat traffic. • Quantitative assessment of maintenance costs.
Nagy-Pandúr
The largest water body of the “Nagy-Pandúr” planning unit is “Szeremlei-Sugovica”, which is closed at its upper end by dike and the water level is controlled by a sluice at the mouth to downstream. This alternative involves mainly positive socio-economic impacts, such as: • The more stabile water level and the larger water body improve the habitat conditions of the fish and may increase the fish stock. Stakeholders: Baja Hal Fishery, Trade and Service Ltd, angling unions, tourism. • The more frequent flooding of the wetlands will improve the water household of the surrounding forests. This may provide extra yield for the forestry. Stakeholder: Gemenc Rt. The negative impacts are: • The appropriate placement of the large amount of dredged sediment may cause difficulties and results in high costs. It may be crucial point during the licensing process. Stakeholders: Danube-Drava National Park Directorate, authorities.
80 • Extra cost of operation and the maintenance of beds will arise. Stakeholders: Danube- Drava National Park Directorate, Regional Environmental and Water Directorate Recommendations for mitigation measures: • One option is to transport the dredged sediment outside the area for agricultural use, but it may be expensive due to the transport costs. Building game rescue hills within the planning unit may be a viable solution at low cost and some extra benefit for game management. • The Danube-Drava National Park Directorate and the Regional Environmental and Water Directorate should find funds to cover the costs of operation and maintenance. Recommendations for further assessment and data collection: • Quantitative assessment of costs and benefits for fishery, forestry and tourism. • Quantitative assessment of maintenance dredging and operation costs. Comparative evaluation In the previous chapters the preliminary exploration of environmental and socio-economical impacts of the recommended interventions has been presented. The scope and the time frame of the project did not allow us to go into a detailed assessment of those impacts by using environmental models and cost-benefit analysis and had limited opportunity to disseminate the content of the related Feasibility Study and also our findings among the identified stakeholders. Nevertheless we would like to summarise our assessment and perform an evaluation whereby the impacts of the recommended alternatives can be compared to the present situation. This comparison will support the decisions makers in the judgement of what are the benefits of the recommended interventions, what aspects the detailed environmental impact assessment should primarily focus on and consequently who are the stakeholders to be deeply involved in the EIA procedure. In order to qualify the advantageous or disadvantageous impacts of the proposed alternatives on the elements of the environment and the social stakeholders we introduced a simple scoring system presented on the following tables. The scoring is made along the environmental and socio-economical “impact-bearers” for each planning units. We assigned weight – on a scale between 1 and 5 - to each “impact-bearer”, since their interests have different priorities from the project point-of view. The scores were given in a range between -2 and +2 on a five element scale. The score -2 represents very unfavourable conditions from the “impact-bearer” point-of-view, -1 is “just” unfavourable. Zero represents neutral situation. +1 and +2 mean favourable and very favourable conditions respectively. The comparison of the total weighted scores show a picture on the conditions taken into account at present and the after the implementation of the recommended interventions. It should be noted here that we proposed the modification of the recommended alternatives for Bátai-Holt-Duna and Kerül -Duna. The scoring of these modified alternatives are included in the tables, as well. Table 5. Summary table
Summarized weighted scores Planning Unit present state original RA modified RA 1.Veránka -9 17 - 2.Buvat -11 14 - 3.Béda-Karapancsa -8 34 - 4.Sió-menti 5 40 -
81 5.Gemenc -11 19 - 6.Bátai-Holt-Duna -22 16 40 7.Fekete erd , Grébeci-Duna -20 33 - 8.Kerül -Duna -26 26 - 9.Báli-tó -6 31 - 10.Móric-Duna -14 8 32 11.Nagy-Pandúr -11 37 - RA - Recommended Alternative
82 Table 6. Detailed scoring table I.
Veránka Buvat Béda-Karapancsa Sió-menti Evaluation of Environmental and Socio- Weighting present state RA present state RA present state RA present state RA Economic Impacts Number score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score Nutrient retention 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 10 1 5 2 10 Water quality 3 -1 -3 1 3 -1 -3 0 0 0 0 1 3 -1 -3 0 0 Aquatic wildlife 5 0 0 1 5 -1 -5 1 5 0 0 2 10 -1 -5 2 10 Forests 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 -1 -4 Waders (black stork) 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 2 10 Sustainability 5 -2 -10 -2 -10 -1 -5 -1 -5 -1 -5 -1 -5 0 0 0 0
Forestry 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 Game management 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 Fishery, angling 4 1 4 2 8 0 0 0 0 -1 -4 1 4 1 4 2 8 Agriculture 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Navigation within the water system 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 4 1 2 1 2 Navigation to the Danube 2 1 2 2 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 -1 -2 1 2 1 2 Ground traffic 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 8 Tourism 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 Operation 3 2 6 2 6 2 6 2 6 0 0 -1 -3 0 0 -2 -6 Maintenance 4 -2 -8 -2 -8 -1 -4 -1 -4 -2 -8 -1 -4 -1 -4 -2 -8 TOTAL WEIGHTED SCORES -9 17 -11 14 -8 34 5 40 RA - Recommended alternative Scoring Very unfavorable -2 Unfavorable -1 Neutral 0 Favorable 1 Very favorable 2
Weighting Numbers Highest Priority: 5 Lowest Priority: 1
83 Table 7. Detailed scoring table II.
Gemenc Bátai-Holt-Duna Fekete erd , Grébeci-Duna Kerül -Duna Evaluation of Environmental and Socio- Weighting present state RA present state original RA modified RA present state RA present state RA Economic Impacts Number score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score
Nutrient retention 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 10 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0
Water quality 3 -1 -3 0 0 0 0 -1 -3 -1 -3 -1 -3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Aquatic wildlife 5 -1 -5 1 5 -1 -5 1 5 2 10 -1 -5 1 5 -2 -10 1 5
Forests 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0
Waders (black stork) 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 5 2 10 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 5 Sustainability 5 -1 -5 -1 -5 -1 -5 -1 -5 -1 -5 -2 -10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Forestry 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 1 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4
Game management 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 Fishery, angling 4 0 0 0 0 -1 -4 1 4 2 8 -1 -4 1 4 -2 -8 1 4
Agriculture 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Navigation within the water system 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 2 4 1 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 Navigation to the Danube 2 0 0 0 0 -2 -4 -2 -4 -1 -2 1 2 -1 -2 0 0 0 0
Ground traffic 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 Tourism 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
Operation 3 2 6 2 6 0 0 -2 -6 -1 -3 2 6 2 6 0 0 0 0
Maintenance 4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -2 -8 -1 -4 -2 -8 0 0 TOTAL WEIGHTED SCORES -11 19 -22 16 40 -20 33 -26 26
RA - Recommended alternative Scoring Very unfavorable -2 Unfavorable -1 Neutral 0 Favorable 1 Very favorable 2
Weighting Numbers Highest Priority: 5 Lowest Priority: 1
84 Table 8. Detailed scoring table III.
Báli-tó Móric-Duna Nagy-Pandúr Evaluation of Environmental and Socio- Weighting present state RA present state original RA modified RA present state RA Economic Impacts Number score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score score w. score
Nutrient retention 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5
Water quality 3 -1 -3 0 0 -1 -3 0 0 2 6 -1 -3 0 0 Aquatic wildlife 5 -1 -5 1 5 -1 -5 1 5 2 10 0 0 2 10
Forests 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4
Waders (black stork) 5 0 0 2 10 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 1 5
Sustainability 5 0 0 0 0 -2 -10 -2 -10 0 0 -1 -5 0 0
Forestry 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 1 4 0 0 1 4
Game management 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 0 1 3
Fishery, angling 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 2 8 1 4 2 8
Agriculture 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Navigation within the water system 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 2 4
Navigation to the Danube 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 -1 -2 1 2 0 0 0 0 Ground traffic 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 -4 -1 -4 0 0 0 0
Tourism 1 0 0 -1 -1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1
Operation 3 2 6 2 6 2 6 2 6 2 6 -1 -3 -1 -3
Maintenance 4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -1 -4 -2 -8 -1 -4 TOTAL WEIGHTED SCORES -6 31 -14 8 32 -11 37
RA - Recommended alternative Scoring Very unfavorable -2 Unfavorable -1 Neutral 0 Favorable 1 Very favorable 2
Weighting Numbers Highest Priority: 5 Lowest Priority: 1
85 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) This EMP reviews the potential negative impacts of the rehabilitation works to be carried out as part of the Project in the Gemenc and Beda-Karapancsa areas and recommends appropriate mitigations measures. The EMP distinguishes the specific impacts during the construction period and the impacts linked to either the design or the operations periods. Additionally, it proposes a set of monitoring indicators to ensure that the implementation of the recommended mitigations measures can be appropriately evaluated in the future. This plan outlines, with as much detail as can at present be supplied, the mitigation measures for each of the issues identified in the Environmental Impact Assessment during both the construction and the operation phases (See Table 9 and Table 10 below) These table should be taken into account by the design engineers and other contractors and in the approval process by the concerned authorities (i.e. the Ministry of Environment and Water) before the start of the rehabilitation works.
Construction phase plan
It is recommended that the contractors undertaking the works are required to produce a more detailed Environmental Management Plan as further details of the construction operations become clearer. To ensure that the Environmental Management Plan is adequately implemented a suitably qualified scientist or engineer should be employed on a part-time basis to monitor the implementation of the plan once it has been approved. An environmental management plan for this phase is provided in Table 9. The cost of implementing such measures is to be included in the relevant contracts. Table 9. Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan Potential Negative Subject/Media Mitigation Measure Responsibility Impact • Employ dust suppression Contractor measures, such as wetting and supervised by Dust generation dust enclosures • WA PIU and Enclose contractor’s areas DDNP with embankments • Use traffic routing measures AIR to avoid built up areas and bottle necks Contractor Dust generation – • Routine control and supervised by vehicular access maintenance of all equipment WA PIU and used for transportation DDNP • Employ dust suppression measures
(Table 9 continued) Potential Negative Subject/Media Mitigation Measure Responsibility Impact
86 • Use traffic routing Contractor Vehicle emission arrangements supervised by (mobile) • Routine control and WA PIU and maintenance of vehicles DDNP AIR Contractor • Run only when required Vehicle and engine supervised by • Routine control and emissions (static) WA PIU and maintenance of equipment DDNP • Restrict surface runoff from site Contractor Release of • Construct a surface water supervised by suspended solids runoff lagoon WA PIU and into water courses • Discharge water from site DDNP following settlements • Physically isolate area during dredging and until sedimentation • Limit spilling of polluted material in water and on soil Contractor • Use appropriate methods for supervised by Dredging WATER the storage of dredged material WA PIU and • Test materials to be dredged DDNP for potential contamination • Use appropriate methods for the storage of polluted dredged material • All above ground storage tanks and drums to be stored Contractor on low permeability bases able Spillage of fuel from supervised by to retain 110% of the stored construction sites WA PIU and volume DDNP • Reclaim land as soon as possible after development • Minimize the amount of dredging during construction, reuse dredged material where Failure to recycle practicable if of acceptable Contractor dredged material quality supervised by SEDIMENTS and store dredged • Use appropriate methods for WA PIU and material in the the storage of dredged material DDNP correct manner • Dispose of dredged material to an appropriate site according to its quality (Table 9 continued) Potential Negative Subject/Media Mitigation Measure Responsibility Impact Contractor • Construct noise barriers NOISE Noise generation supervised by between new works and WA PIU and recreational areas during
87 recreational areas during DDNP construction • Restrict work to daylight hours • Place noisy operations as far away as possible from recreational areas • Use equipment with appropriate silencers • Only run equipments when required • Time operation of equipment to periods when no impact on nesting or reproductive activities takes place • Designate traffic routes for Contractor TRAFFIC all heavy vehicles supervised by Congestion capacity IMPACTS • Limit the size of heavy WA PIU and vehicles DDNP Contractor • Provide pedestrian access supervised by SAFETY Public safety • Provide safety barriers and WA PIU and signs DDNP • Avoid known sites (if any) Contractor Damage to CULTURE • supervised by archeological Cease construction on AND discovery of objects of cultural WA PIU and remains and HERITAGE value and notify relevant DDNP and artefacts authorities MOEW • Avoid known sites • Dredging and construction work to be concentrated during Contractor Ecological ecologically less sensitive supervised by NATURAL disturbance of periods of the year (late WA PIU, HABITATS endangered species autumn and winter) DDNP and • Regular ecological MOEW assessments by relevant authorities Contractor • Screen site area wherever supervised by VISUAL Visual impact possible (belt of forest, WA PIU and evergreen bushes) DDNP
Implementation of mitigation measures
To ensure that mitigation and environmental enhancement measures are properly implemented, a plan should be included in the Operational manual to indicate: • the measure proposed and its purpose; • who is responsible for taking the required action;
88 • how much the action is expected to cost; • a schedule for carrying out the proposed action; • who is responsible for monitoring to see that the action is effective. The proposed measures should be taken into account, as appropriate, by the design engineers and other contractors and in the approval process by the concerned authorities (i.e. the Ministry of Environment and Water) before the start of the rehabilitation works. Cost estimates presented in this table are tentative and indicate the order of magnitude expected. They will need to be confirmed during the later design phase. Training for the use of monitoring equipment will be included as part of the purchase cost of each equipment.
89 Table 10. Operation Phase Environmental Management Plan Potential Negative Cost Monitoring Subject/Media Mitigation Measure Responsibility Timing Impact (U.S.$) Agency • Development of measures for sustainable Nutrient management of the DDNP accumulation leading wetlands, detailing the Design and together with Wetland to eutrophication appropriate water regimes throughout MOEW, WA MOEW and 5,000/year functioning Ecological impacts for optimal trapping operational and DDNP consultants on the ecosystem and capacity, optimal period companies biodiversity management of biomass • Monitor ecological benefits and biodiversity • Elaboration of recommendation for Reduction in the Design and biodiversity conservation DDNP number of species throughout Biodiversity • together with 2,500/year MOEW living in and around Development of operational MOEW the wetlands specific measures during period the nesting and reproductions periods High level of sedimentation, • Periodic removal of damage to the floating debris DDNP constructed Design and Flooding, and/or • periodic dredging of together with structures (weirs, throughout MOEW and excessive sediments excessive sedimentation MOEW and 5,000/year small dikes) and operational WA accumulation • consultants accumulation of Regular maintenance period companies floating debris and of the constructed parts eventually organic or and small dykes inorganic waste.
90 (Table 10 continued) Potential Negative Cost Monitoring Subject/Media Mitigation Measure Responsibility Timing Impact (U.S.$) Agency • Develop specific procedures for Accidental organic Disturbance of rare accidental pollution, DDNP or inorganic or endangered oil spills, sharp MOEW together with Throughout pollution in the species changes in water together with MOEW and 2,000/year operational river, potentially Malfunctioning of levels, floods; or other relevant consultants period affecting the the wetland trapping prevention of authorities companies wetlands capacity increased organic load into the restored wetlands • Monitoring of fish populations Health risk linked Possible MOEW • Monitoring of to significant transmission of WA together Throughout together with mosquitoes population increase of diseases • with the 500/year operational relevant mosquitoes Seasonal incomfort Incorporation of DDNP period health populations of park visitors mosquito management authorities measure in the operational manual • Designate a public relation manager Possible opposition responsible for to the Project; ensuring that the Misunderstanding WA together slow down project press and local of Projects with the 5,000/year Immediately MOEW implementation; population are achievements DDNP bad image for aware of the replication stage improvement program and are have access to
91 monitoring information
92 Monitoring requirements
As part of the Project, a comprehensive monitoring system will be established including water quality, with particular emphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus, sediment quality parameters, biological, wildlife and others ecological indicators with emphasis on selected endangered species. This system will comply with international, national and regional monitoring programs and standards. It will be used as a basis for Table 11 gives the proposed monitoring requirements during the construction phase. Table 12 gives the proposed monitoring during the operational phase, which will be revised after the establishment of the monitoring system. Table 11. Proposed monitoring during construction Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Requirement Water Prior to the works and as required by MOEW, together regulation with DDNP Noise Daily for one month, weekly thereafter Contractor Sediments Before construction starts and weekly Contractor accumulation and in during construction (composite water run-off continuous sampling) Public Safety Continuous Contractor Culture and Heritage As required Contractor Natural Habitats Daily for one month, weekly thereafter DDNP Dust and air pollution Daily for one month, weekly thereafter Contractor
Table 12. Proposed monitoring during operation Monitoring Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Requirement Water Quality Continuous for nitrogen, phosphorus, DDNP, together BOD and COD. Weekly for all other with the Laboratory parameters for Water Quality Water regime Continuous DDNP Floating material After each flooding event, weekly during DDNP constructed the fall structures Sedimentation After each flooding event, monthly DDNP otherwise Biomass Monthly, weekly between May and DDNP October Wildlife and Monthly DDNP biodiversity Health risks Weekly between May and October
93 Cost of environmental management plan
The cost of the proposed environmental management plan and monitoring for this project will be small (in the order of 1% of the investment cost for this component) and borne mostly by the Contractors who have to make the necessary provision as part of their contracts. The cost for monitoring and supervision is also relatively small for such project and can be considered to be included as part of the DDNP management responsibilities.
Institutional arrangements
Monitoring and environmental management reports will be produced on monthly basis by the implementing agency on the basis of the information provided by the monitoring system. These reports will be made available for public consultation at the WA and DDNP offices in Pecs, as well as in the MOEW in Budapest. The reports will also be submitted to the involved municipalities and World Bank supervision missions for review. Proposal for the development of the monitoring programme In order to make a proposal for an appropriate monitoring programme one should know the present practice and the expectable future regulations on monitoring rules. These issues are described below based on [VITUKI, 2004].
The present Hungarian practice of monitoring
Surface water quality: The regulations concerning sampling techniques, sampling sites and sampling frequencies are included in Hungarian Standard MSZ 12749 (on surface water quality, characteristics and classification). This standard has been put into force in 1994. The standard deals with the following main groups of WQ characteristics: A) oxygen household; B) Nitrogen and phosphorus forms; C) Microbiological characteristics; D) Micropollutants and toxicity; E) Other water quality parameters. The standard, however, does not contain regulations on classification according to water uses and according to biological water quality. There are other water-use specific regulations and standards (for irrigation water, drinking water, fisheries), but no standardized rules of biological water quality classification exists in Hungary. The routine, long term, monitoring practice is only partially suitable for revealing long term changes of the state of the aquatic system (due to the lack of regular biological sampling and evaluation). (There were some changes in measurement techniques, as introduced by this standard in 1994, and they must be taken into account in analysing trends and other statistics. The sampling sites of Hungarian water quality monitoring network can be grouped into the following category: • National sampling sites, where samples are taken according the above mentioned standard. The data are stored in the national water quality database VM. Of the project sites the Danube and the Sió sampling sites belong to this category; • Regional water quality monitoring stations, where samples are taken a defined frequency but the number of components is less. The data are also stored in the database VM;
94 • Local water quality monitoring stations, where a selected number of components are determined at varying sampling frequencies. The data are stored only at the local Environmental and Water Management Directorate (KÖVIZIGs), but they fit the system of VM. The few regular water quality sampling sites of wetlands (oxbow lakes) belong to this group. In the area of the project pilot zones, of Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa, there are no regular WQ sampling sites
Quantitative monitoring of surface and subsurface waters
In a national scale the quantitative monitoring of surface and subsurface waters can be considered suitable one and long term records exist. These data are suitable for calculating trends and statistics. The relevant data and information are stored in the Information System for Water Management (VIZIR). Within VIZIR there are two subsystems the MAHAB (contains controlled and processed data) and the HIDRO, which holds the records of hydrology. Data of subsurface waters (water level of wells) are stored in the hydrogeological information system VIFIR. The Hydrological Data Processing, Storage and Information System (SATIR) stores further data on the rivers, thus on Danube. Similarly to the water quality database the quantitative monitoring system also includes national, regional and local stations. Stations of the Danube and the Canal Sió are national stations, while potential other stations of the oxbows are local stations. Their data, if any, are not forwarded to the above mentioned databases and thus their availability is very restricted.
Data bases of pollution sources and dischargers
The national survey of large environmental polluters was launched in the early 1990-ies as a special task (for example the survey of abandoned Soviet army barracks, urban-industrial brwonfields, alleviation of polluted areas resulting from the privatisation process). The Law LIII of 1995 on the rules of protecting the environment formed the basis of the National Environmental Programme. A part of this programme is the contingency survey and the rehabilitation of areas, which suffered long-lasting environmental damages. This programme is called the National Environmental Damage Elimination Programme (OKKP). Within OKKP there are two large geographical information systems (GIS), the Environmental Register of Subsurface Waters and Geological Media (FAVI) and the Damage Elimination Information System (KÁRINFO). The activities of operation and upgrading of these systems and the continuation of the survey of contaminated areas are performed under OKKP. These GIS databases are in online connection with the Ministry for the Environment and Water Management (KvVM), FI, VITUKI Kht and with the environmental inspectorates. The task of the latter is the upgrading and filling of the database. The retrieval of data of point sources can mostly be obtained via FAVI and KÁRINFO. There is another information system for supporting flood control and the drainage of excess inland waters, this is called the Damage-fighting Information system VIR. Information for Water Quality damage-fighting is stored in the VIKÁR, which is a part of the National Environmental Information System (OKIR). This system supports mainly the work of the work of the organs of the operative control actions Environmental Inspectorates (KÖFE) Environmental and Water Authorities (KÖVIZIG) and, Water Inspectorates (VIFE). The Information system of Environmental Safety (KBIR) can be reached via the Internet and contain the most important environmental risk spots. However no quantitative discharge data are contained in this system.
95 In addition to these databases the Central Bureau of Statistics (KSH) collects and stores county-level environmental data, such as level of sewerage and sewage treatment, agricultural production, usage of fertilizers, animal stock, etc). These data are not really useful for analysing potential or actual loads of water bodies as they are lumped data for the counties.
The expectable future regulation, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)
The purpose of WFD is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater which:(a) prevents further deterioration and protects and enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on the aquatic ecosystems; (b) promotes sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources; (c) aims at enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment, inter alia, through specific measures for the progressive reduction of discharges, emissions and losses of priority substances and the cessation or phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of the priority hazardous substances;(d) ensures the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevents its further pollution, and (e) contributes to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts (etc). It also follows from WFD that integration of the survey and monitoring of surface and subsurface waters and their sources of pollution should be achieved. Thus in the near future the existing Hungarian data bases should be integrated (within 7 years of the enactment of the WFD!). This shall result in the ceasing of the above described databases, that were made on the basis of different principles, programming structures and scientific approaches. Since WFD provides only a general frame and approach the Member States have flexibility to adjust their actions to the local needs and this also refers to the forming of their monitoring systems. This also allows the creation of special monitoring systems for the various water bodies in respect to both water quality and water quantity. Regulations of WFD concerning the monitoring are provided in Article 8. The essence of these regulations is that the status of surface and subsurface waters shall be surveyed by a monitoring of parameters of hydromorphological conditions, chemical and ecological status. The three main elements of the monitoring system (surveillance monitoring, operational monitoring and investigative monitoring) shall be provided in such a way as to give a comprehensive insight into the state and changes of the water bodies. In the table below these three monitoring types are described in connection with their implication in Hungary and in the case of monitoring the wetlands (oxbow lakes) of Hungary. Table 13. Monitoring Reference Objective Importance Surveillance AnnexV, Information is provided for: Should be performed for all water bodies, as paragraph • For impact assessment and this provides the basis for the design of 1.3.1 for its strengthening (Annex further monitoring phase and for the making II.) of water management plans. This provides • The efficient planning of basis for the distinction between water bodies future monitoring of different type, meeting certain specified • The assessment of long objectives (or not). term changes of natural Surveillance monitoring should be performed conditions for all (biological, hydrological-morphological, • For the evaluation of long chemical and physical) indices and term changes caused by parameters. widespread human activities As wetlands (oxbow lakes) belong to the less explored water bodies very detailed surveillance monitoring should be performed for the oxbow lakes, which should be selected with appropriate care
96 Operational Annex V. The objective of the investigations Should be performed in such water bodies paragraph are as follows: where it is likely that they will not meet the 1.3.2 • Provide information on environmental objectives set in Article 4. the status of these water Water bodies receiving loads of priority bodies on the basis of pollutants or subject to significant hydro-morphological, hydromorphological stresses and/or are biological and chemical- under substantial human impact belong also physical elements; to this category. • To define the state of Operational monitoring should be performed those water bodies, which for those parameters, which are the most are not likely to meet the sensitive ones regarding the pollution loads, environmental objectives stresses received by the water bodies. set (e.g. which receives Since the hydromorphological conditions substantial point- or diffuse would change with the flooding for a source loads or hydro- substantial number of the wetlands in the morphological stresses); floodplain (greater flood channel), the • Detection of all such operational monitoring should be performed changes of the water for each selected oxbows. bodies, which will result from the planned interventions Investigative Annex V. This monitoring should be Provision of information for making the plans Paragraph implemented in the following needed for meeting the environmental 1.3.3 cases: objectives, including the planning of special • If the cause of violating actions that would be needed for the any limit value is unknown; alleviation of the effects of accidental • If the results of pollution incidents. operational monitoring As in the case of most of the wetlands indicate that the water body (oxbow lakes) rehabilitation plans should be is not likely to meet the developed, this monitoring should serve the environmental objectives problem-specific investigations, needed for set in Article 4, and in the the development of rehabilitation plans case of such water bodies, which do not meet the environmental objectives Additional Annex V This monitoring should be Such areas should be included in the (protected paragraph implemented in the following operational monitoring programme if the areas) 1.3.5 cases: results of the status assessment and of the • Protected, nature surveillance monitoring indicated that there is conservation areas; a risk of not meeting the environmental • Bathing waters; objectives, • Water bodies sensitive to Since among the wetlands (oxbow lakes) nutrient loads; there are 53 ones, which fall into the • Water bodies which are “sanctuary type” category and about further important for the protection of 30 are protected there is a definite need for economically important additional (operational) monitoring. This is aquatic species strengthened by the fact that recreational use and fishery utilisation also characterizes most of the oxbow lakes
In course of introducing the WFD in Hungary the nomination of water bodies has already been made. In the light of this the following findings can be made, regarding the water bodies of the Project pilot areas. The oxbow lakes (or braided river arms) of the Gemenc area are not to be considered separate water bodies but are auxiliary elements of the related Danube reach, as a water body. Thus their monitoring in accordance with the WFD would not be obligatory. Nevertheless their need for protection and their character as of Natura 2000, the adoption of WFD rules will be needed. In the case of the Béda-Karapancsa area the situation of the external (Küls ) Béda Oxbow is the same as the Gemenc oxbows, while the Internal (Bels ) Béda Oxbow shall be specified as a separate water body (of area larger than 50ha) and this will make its monitoring an obligatory activity. The uniting or combining the state administration units of water management and the environmental protection in the year 2002 resulted in an expressive need (as stated in the
97 relevant document: 2000/60/EC: The water Framework Directive of the EU and the related international and national tasks) for the harmonisation of the monitoring and information systems of the two branches of the economy (e.g. water and the environment), as these systems were built up on the basis of much different approaches and principles. In the field of environmental protection OKIR is the “brother system” of VIZIR of the water management. The system VIR of the water management sector was constructed to support the water pollution damage elimination activities (Contingency actions). VIKÁR is the information system of the environmental sector aimed at supporting the damage elimination (contingency planning) activities by securing the flow of information in the case of polluting incidents. Both systems contain many information and thus should be harmonized and united. In the course of making efforts for the elimination of the contradictions of these systems and for their harmonisation the first step is to provide two-way interconnection between the Basic Environmental register KAR and Basic Data and Object Handling System (OTAR) of the water management.
Local characteristics
The areas involved in this Project are floodplains of high ecological value and of national level protection, having also an all-European interest. The monitoring of the smaller water bodies (the oxbows) of this area is in worse condition than the present national monitoring level of such water bodies, which latter can be also considered backward one. No continuing regular water chemical and ecological monitoring has been performed in any of the oxbows (river arms) of these areas. The only data available are those connected to research surveys. Nevertheless the Danube-Drava National park and the local environmentalist NGOs have detailed experiences and information on certain selected and protected species (such as the black stork) and on their habitats (nesting places).
Review of deficiencies and needs
Deficiencies: • The water quality monitoring performed at the national-level stations of river Danube and the Canal Sió, carried out in accordance with the presently valid standard, do not include ecological elements and would not provide sufficient information on the chemical water quality of the floods (that would define the inputs to the wetlands). The reason of this latter situation is that flood hydrographs pass the stations within few days, while sampling is made bi-weekly; • Practically no monitoring of the wetland exists. Some sporadically scattered data (both in time and space) exist as the result of research project investigations. These are, however, entirely insufficient for describing the hydromorphological, chemical and biological status and changes of these wetlands; • While in the Danube the regularly made channel surveys were able to indetify the deepening of the channel bed, the level of sedimentation (up-silting) of the floodplain and the oxbows can be only estimated by the rough engineering judgement as no detailed flood-channel surveys or geodetical measurements were made; • The water budget elements cannot be reliably determined. Water level gauges needed for the sufficient description of water level changes are available only in the larger oxbows of the Béda-Karapancsa system. Recorded data are not the elements of the national hydrological database (thus cannot be retrieved).
98 • The extent of diffuse or non-point source pollution, which is likely to stem from the adjoining areas (direct catchments) cannot be estimated, as the data base of KSH contains county level aggregated data only and the data of VIKÁR are also insufficient. This is an especially serious disadvantage as fertilizer application might be an important local source (drained via drainage canals into some oxbows); • The various databases are not integrated their accessibility is restricted. Note by the project manager: these deficiencies exclude the application of any of the models (or even rough calculation methods) of nutrient loads and nutrient load reduction, which were described in the relevant chapter. Needs (see also the nutrient load calculation chapter for more details) • Detailed geodetical survey of the flood-channel and the oxbow-channels is needed. In the lack of such data the hydromorphological conditions cannot be described and the control strategies cannot be planned appropriately, • Establishment of a detailed and integrated hydrological and water quality monitoring system that covers the hydrological and water quality changes over the year and with the hydrological regime (meeting also the model demands:-see in section… on nutrient reduction calculations) for the main rivers (Danube, Sió and the Szekszárd Bátai canal and for the oxbows involved (with the inclusion of at least some biological status indicators); • Appropriate recording of hydrometeorological parameters; • Measurement of the water level changes of subsurface waters for the identification of the type of connection with the surface waters; • A full survey of all existing sources of pollution (point and non-point) including the identification of seasonal changes of pollution loads.
Proposals
Surveying the main dimensions of the planning units The first proposal concerns the performing of a geodetical survey of the area as these data would be unconditionally needed for the appropriate design of the proposed control strategies and the basic geometry of the sub-systems is also an essential requirement for any water and nutrient budget calculation or modelling (the primary aim of the project). Hydrometeorology and water budget A hydrometeorological station should be set up. All inflows and outflows must be regularly measured into and out of the water bodies concerned (for all strategies envisaged). Communication with subsurface water should be assessed (water levels of observation wells should be measured in such a way as to allow the detection of seasonal changes. Dynamics of water quality and ecological changes It stems from the special “life cycle” of these oxbow lakes that the monitoring system should be designed in such a way as to reveal the dynamics of all components of interest (e.g quality and quantity). It means that both flooding conditions and the low water conditions and the transition in between should be appropriately covered by measurements. Thus the surveillance monitoring of the oxbows should cover the following periods (both in quantitative and qualitative terms): 1. As the exchange (refreshing) of the water of the oxbows happens during floods it is evident that conditions before, during and after the inflowing floods should be measured. As these processes are rapid ones the water level recording should be made on the daily basis. Chemical and physical parameters, should be measured once before, during and after the flood. Sampling of the main nutrient forms would be
99 desirable at an even higher frequency as concentrations in the flood change rapidly. Phytoplankton, zooplankton, phytobenthos, macrophytes and fish would be expediently measured just before and after the floods. The main physical and chemical parameters (sediments, nutrients) should be measured simultaneously in both the main channel and the oxbows. All other inflows (drainage canals) should be sampled for sediments nutrients and other basic parameters (COD) in order to reveal loads coming from the direct flood or excess water prone catchment; 2. After the floods having passed the oxbow starts its new “refreshed life”. This drying period should also be followed by monitoring as the most important processes of “nutrient trapping” will occur in this period. In this period the surface and the water depth of the oxbow will be reduced via evaporation (which is usually higher than precipitation) and thus one may expect the enrichment of various organic and inorganic substances in the water phase. This process should be followed by measurements. As this process is rather slow (1-3 months) the following frequencies seem to be desirable (as sample per month): water stage 4-8; physical, chemical parameters, phyto- and zooplankton 4-6, simplified macrophyte survey and phytobenthos 3-4; fish once in the period when the dynamic balance have been achieved. Sampling frequency might be varied in function of the time-period when the flood occurs. In the case of spring floods the above sampling frequency is desirable. In the case of summer floods (which frequently occurs in Gemenc in August) the sampling should be increased in the preceding period and then the flooding emptying process should be followed in the above manner. 3. The investigation of the transitional phase is also important for learning the dynamics of the entire hydrological cycle. As this is a long period (lasting 8-10 months) the monitoring of the physical, chemical and ecological parameters (phyto-, zooplankton and phytobenthos) is sufficient with a monthly frequency. Water level measurements could be continued with the former frequency. Macrophytes, macro invertebrates and fish must not be measured but (in the first few years) the following of changes might still need more frequent sampling. The above sampling strategy was justified by out investigations which were carried out during and after flooding in the Tisza River oxbows. After having made such a detailed surveillance monitoring one could describe the physical, chemical and ecological processes with reasonable accuracy. This would allow the construction of models that could be used for analysing the potential impact of envisaged management and control strategies. These investigations would provide basis for the selection of parameters and frequencies for long term monitoring programmes of the future. In planning the national monitoring systems of such wetlands one should take into consideration of the future regulations (of WFD and Natura 2000), the national development concepts (NFT and NKP) and a special attention should be paid for the integration and harmonisation of the existing databases.
References
ANDRÁSFALVY, B. (1973): A Sárköz si ártéri gazdálkodása (Ancient floodplain management on the Sárköz floodplain). Vízügyi történeti füzetek 6., VÍZDOK, Budapest.
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102 PUKY, M. (2000): A comprehensive three-year herpetological survey in the Gemenc Region of the Duna-Dráva National Park, Hungary. Opusc. Zool. Budapest. 32: 113-128. PUKY, M. (2003): Gemenc herpetológiai jelent sége és a Délkelet-Dunántúl kétélt -hüll ponttérképezésének eredményei. Élet a Duna árterén – természetvédelemr l sokszemközt c. tanácskozás összefoglaló kötete (Érsekcsanád, 2003. október 17-19. DDNP Ig. Pécs. 113-123. http://bite.baja.hu/ed2003/cikk/puky.htm PUKY, M. (2004): Zoological mapping along the Hungarian Lower Danube: importance, aims, and necessity discussed with the example of three unrelated groups, Decapoda, Amphibia and Reptilia.-35th Conference of the IAD, Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro,. 19- 23., April, 2004. PUKY, M., FODOR, A. (2002): Occurrence of amphibian deformities along the Hungarian section of the River Danube, Tisza and Ipoly.- Limnological Reports of the IAD. 34: 845-852. RADEMAKERS, J.G.M. (1990): Vegetations-ökologische Untersuchung im Donau- Auenwaldgebiet von Gemenc, Südungarn (Vegetation-ecological research in the Gemenc floodplain forest of the Danube, South-Hungary). RIZA-NOTA 90.078, Floodplain rehabilitation Gemenc, working document 1a. RADEMAKERS, J.G.M. (1992): Floodplain rehabilitation Gemenc, Vegetation studies, Working Dokument 1A, RIZA, 1-29. RÁTH, B. (1978): Untersuchung der Laichkrautvegetation eines toten Armes in der Umgebung von Baja. Annales Univ. Sci. Budapestiensis 20-21: 137-153. RÁTH, B. (1978-79): Laichkraut-Phytomassenuntersuchungen im toten Arm „Alte Donau“bei Bátmonostor (Südungarn). Annal. Biol.: 20-21. RICHNOVSZKY, A. (1963): Baja és környékének Mollusca faunája. Állattan. Közl. 50: 121- 127. SCHMIDT, A., VÖRÖS, L. (1981): A Duna magyarországi alsó szakaszának fitoplanktonja az 1970-es években (Phytoplankton of the lower Hungarian section of the Danube in the 1970s), Hidrol. Közl. 61:322-330. SCHMIDT, A. (1994): Main characteristics of the phytoplantkon of the Southern Hungarian section of the River Danube. Hydrobiologia 289:97¦108. SCHMIDT, André (1996): Restoration of the Gemenc floodplain, a groundwater study, diploma thesis, Department of Water Resources Wageningen Agricultural University, Vízgazdálkodás Tanszék BME SCHÖLL, K. (2003): Planktonikus Rotatoria együttesek alakulása a Duna-Dráva Nemzeti Park Gemenci területén.- Élet a Duna ártéren- természetvédelemr l négyszemközt. Összefoglaló kötet. DDNP Ig. Pécs, 30-35. SCHÖLL, K. (2004a): A planktonikus kerekesféreg-állományok változásai a Gemenci ártér eltér jelleg mellékágaiban. -Hidrol. Közl. 84. 130-132. SCHÖLL, K. (2004b): Planktonic rotifer communities in the side arms of the Danube River at Gemenc (Danube-Drava National Park, Hungary). IAD Limnological Reports 35: 555-562. STETÁK, D. (2000a): Adatok a Duna-Dráva Nemzeti Park Gemenci Tájegysége flórájához. Kitaibelia, 5: 145-176. STETÁK, D. (2000b): Aquatic macrophytes in the „Gemenc” floodplain of the Danube-Dráva National Park (South Hungary). IAD Limnological Reports 33: 137-142. STETÁK, D. (2003): A Duna-Dráva Nemzeti Park Gemenci Tájegysége vízi növénytársulásairól. Botanikai Közl. 90: 35-63. SZARVAS, P. (2003): Presentation in ”Life in the Danube floodplain – a round-table conference on nature conservation” (Érsekcsanád, 17-19 October, 2003), Danube-Dráva National Park Directorate, Pécs. http://bite.baja.hu/ed2003/cikk/szarvas.htm TAMÁS, E., B. KALOCSA, (2003): A Rezéti-Duna feltölt désének vizsgálata (Investigation of the aggradation of the Rezéti-Duna). Proceedings ??????
103 TATÁR, D. (1997): Die Wasser- und Sumpfpflanzen des Gemencer Augebietes.- Wien Limnologische Berichte Donau 1997, pp. 245-250. TATÁR, D. (1998): Recent water macrophytes studies on the Gemenc flood plain of the Danube (1498-1468 river km). Internat. Workshop and 10th Acrophyte Group Meeting IAD/SIL, Danube-Delta, (Braila)/Romania, 24-28 august, 1998, pp. 86-89. TÓTH J. (1968) A mellékágak jelent sége (The importance of side arms)- Halászat 14: 173- 174. TÓTH J. (1973) A brief report on the species of fish of the Hungarian section of the Danube damaged by anthropogenous effects. Ann. Univ. Sci. Budapest, Sect. Biol. 14: 120-121. UHERKOVICH, G. (1956): Adatok a Scenedesmusok magyarországi el fordulásának ismeretéhez. (Beiträge über das Vorkommen der Scenedesmus-Arten in Ungarn.) Pécsi Pedag. F isk. évkönyve 1:227-246. VITUKI (1998a) Base-line survey in the Gemenc protected landscape area: hydrological, morphological, water quality and ecological data of the Vén-Duna, River Danube and Nyéki- Holt-Duna in 1997-1998, prior to restoration. Interim report, 60 p. VITUKI (1998b) Monitoring in the Gemenc protected landscape area: hydrological, morphological, water quality and ecological data of the Vén-Duna and River Danube in 1998, after reopening the dam. Interim report, 34 p. VITUKI (1999) Monitoring in the Gemenc protected landscape area: hydrological, morphological, water quality and ecological data of the Vén-Duna and River Danube in 1999, one year after reopening the dam. Interim report, 50 p. VITUKI (2000) Monitoring in the Gemenc protected landscape area: Hydrological, morphological water quality and ecological data of the Vén-Duna and River Danube in 2000, two years after reopening the dam. Interim report, 44 p. VITUKI (2004) A holtág-monitoring kialakítása. final report. ZELLEI L., J. SZIEBERT, L. GODA. (1998): A Nyéki-Holt-Duna vízforgalmának revitalizációja. (Revitalisation of water regime of the Nyéki-Holt-Duna). ZSUFFA, I. (2000): Folyami árterek természetharmónikus rehabilitációja fokrendszerek segítségével. (Nature-sound revitalization of riparian floodplains with the help of fok-systems) Bajai Honpolgár, XI. évfolyam 1. (111.) szám. ZSUFFA, I. (2001): Multi-criteria decision support for the revitalisation of river floodplains. PhD thesis, Wageningen University, the Netherlands. Appendix I Protected plant species described from Gemenc (SZARVAS, 2003)
1. Listera ovata 16. Equisetum hyemale 2. Carex strigosa 17. Vitis sylvestris 3. .Orchis purpurea 18. Marsilea quadrifolia 4. Crataegus x degenii 19. Senecio palodosus 5. Scilla vindobonensis 20. Leucojum aestivum 6. Cephalantera damasonium 21. Salvinia natans 7. Nymphaea alba 22. Clematis integrifolia 8. Crategus nigra 23. Trapa natans 9. Carpensium abrotanoides 24. Epipactis helleborine 10. Dactylorhiza incarnata 25. Iris sibirica 11. Cephalanthera longifolia 26. Dryopteris carthusiana 12. Acorus calamus 27. Dryopteris dilatata 13. Platanthera bifolia 28. Nymhoides peltata 14. Gentiana pneumonanthe 29. Orchis militaris
104 15. Ophioglossum vulgata 30. Platanthera clorantha Appendix II Waterfowl counting 2002-2003 winter, Baja – country border
r
r r s
e
e e r
s r u b r t s e b b u á i á i z l m b i u c u s m m r r e ó r
t n e e t u p b á p k c v a g á e j f e o e o u m z d n a s
Barna kánya 3 9 bütykös hattyú 1 6
Barátréce 1 300 385 1680 353
Böjti réce 9
Búbos vöcsök 1 2 12 36
Cankók 65
Csörg réce: 1 14 8
Danka sirály 12 90 2000
Daru 610
Sárgalábú sirály 32
Fehér gólya 1
Fekete gólya 5 5
Fütyül réce 15 2 7 44
Kabasólyom 1
Kárókatona 59 509 406 615 55 392 570 423 71
Kerceréce 20 675 1535 391
Kis bukó 10 61 124 kis kárókatona 7
Kiskócsag 27 1 26 1
Kis vöcsök 4 5 12
Kontyos 2 30 430 42
Libák 42 2460
Nagy bukó 27 54 40 1
Nagy kócsag 1 3 2
Nagy lilik 600 120
105 Nyári lúd 12 15 849
Nyílfarkú réce 2 2
Örvös galamb 18
Parlagi sas 1
Rétisas 2 8 5 7 5 16 31 10 4
Szárcsa 18 95 100 124
Szürke cankó 10
Szürke gém 42 37 25 6 14 11 12 3 16
T kés réce 1148 2325 3099 2190 1300 2860 7200 693 200
Üstökös réce 1
Vetési lúd 15
Appendix III. The observed numbers of waterfowl species BAJA - country border, 2002-2003 winter
Figure 34 Number of Crested grebes and Little grebes between Baja and the southern country border (1479-1433 fkm) (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003)
Figure 35 Number of Cormorants and Grey Herons between Baja and the southern country border (1479-1433 fkm) (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003)
106
Figure 36 Number of Whitefronts and Bean geese between Baja and the southern country border (1479-1433 fkm) (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003)
Figure 37 Number of Pochards and Mallards between Baja and the southern country border (1479-1433 fkm) (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003)
Figure 38 Number of Goldeneyes and Tufted ducks between Baja and the southern country border (1479-1433 fkm) (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003)
107 Figure 39 Number of Smews and Goosanders between Baja and the southern country border (1479-1433 fkm) (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003) Appendix IV. Analysis of nesting data of White-tailed Eagles
Figure 40 Wintering White-tailed Eagles on the investigated reach of the river Danube, winter 2002-2003 (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003)
Figure 41 Correlation between the number of wintering Mallards and White-tailed Eagles, winter 2002-2003. (KALOCSA, TAMÁS, 2003)
108 Appendix V. Grouping of bat species according to their frequencies Frequently occurring species: • Korai denevér (Nyctalus noctula) • Törpe denevér (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) • Vízi denevér (Myotis daubentoni) • Durvavitorlájú denevér (Pipistrellus nathusii) Rare species bounding to special habitat type: • Pisze denevér (Barbastella barbastellus) • Tavi denevér (Myotis dasycneme) • Horgassz r denevér (Myotis nattereri) • Bajuszos denevér (Myotis mystacinus) • Brandt denevér (Myotis brandti) • Sz röskarú denevér (Nyctalus leisleri) • Barna hosszúfül denevér (Plecotus auritus) • Szürke hosszúfül denevér (Plecotus austriacus) • Kései denevér (Eptesicus serotinus) Locally occurring rare species: • Fehérszél denevér (Pipistrellus kuhli) • Fehértorkú denevér (Vespertilio murinus)
109 Appendix VI. The serial number of sampling sites on the Vén-Duna (1-4) and the Danube River (6) – 5 and 7 shows localities in the vicinity (downstream) of the reopened rock fill
Appendix VII. Characteristic macroinvertebrate species in the Gemenc region (VITUKI 1992-2000)
a b c d Figure 42 Aquatic snail species from the Danube and the Vén-Duna: a- Viviparus acerosus; b- Valvata piscinalis; c- Lithoglyphus naticoides; d- Theodoxus fluviatilis
110
Figure 43 Corbicula fluminea
Figure 44 Corbicula fluminalis
a b c
d e Figure 45 Mussel species from the Danube and the Vén-Duna: a- Unio pictorum; b- U. tumidus (adult); c- U. tumidus (juvenile); d- Anodonta anatina; e- Sinanodonta woodiana
111 Appendix VIII. List of fish species found in diferent water bodies (1: main riverbed, 2: connected backwaters, 3: disconnected standing waters) in the Gemence region of the Danube. Black boxes common, grey boxes rare, x historical data (GUTI, 2001).
Fish species 1 2 3 Eudontomyzon mariae Acipenser ruthenus Acipenser güldenstaedti x Acipenser nudiventris x Acipenser stellatus x Huso huso x Hucho hucho Oncorhycus mykiss Umbra krameri x Esox lucius Rutilus rutilus Rutilus pigus virgo Ctenopharyngodon idella Scardinius erythrophthalmus Leuciscus leuciscus Leuciscus cephalus Leuciscus idus Aspius aspius Alburnus alburnus Blicca bjoerkna Abramis brama Abramis ballerus Abramis sapa Vimba vimba Pelecus cultratus Tinca tinca Chodrostoma nasus Barbus barbus Barbus meridionalis Gobio gobio Gobio albipinnatus Pseudorasbora parva Rhodeus sericeus amarus Carassius carassius Carassius auratus Cyprinus carpio Hypophtalmichthys molitrix Aristichthys nobilis Misgurnus fossilis Cobitis taenia Silurus glanis Ameirus nebulosus Ameiurus melas Anguilla anguilla Lota lota Lepomis gibbosus Micropterus salmoides
112 Fish species 1 2 3 Perca fluviatilis Gymnocephalus cernuus Gymnocephalus baloni Gymnocephalus schraetzer Stizostedion lucioperca Stizostedion volgense Zingel zingel Proterorhinus marmoratus Neogobius fluviatilis Neogobius kessleri Neogobius syrman
Appendix IX.
Related legal regulation
Act CXL of 2004 on the general rules of administrative public authority procedure and service Act XXVI of 2003 on the Nation Country Planning Act XXXV of 2000 on plant protection Act CLIX of 1997 on the armed safety guarding, on the nature preservation- and the field guard service Act CXXXII of 1997 on the affiliates and commercial representations in Hungary of undertakings with foreign seat Act LXXVIII of 1997 on the formation and protection of constructed environment Act XLI of 1997 on fishing and angling, in a unified structure with FM Decree 78/1997. (XI. 4.) on its implementation Act XXXIII of 1997 on certain issues connected with the closure of the property compensation procedures Act LV of 1996 on game protection, on game management, as well as on hunting, in a unified structure with FVM Decree 79/2004. (V. 4.) on its implementation Act LIV of 1996 on forests and forest protection, in unified structure with FM Decree 29/1997. (IV. 30.) on its implementation Act LIII of 1996 on nature conservation Act XCIII of 1995 on the restoration of the protection level of the protected areas of nature Act LIII of 1995 on the general rules of environmental protection Act LV of 1994 on arable land Act XLIX of 1994 on the forest owners’ association Act XLVIII of 1993 on mining, in a unified structure with Governmental Decree 203/1998. (XII. 19.) on its implementation Act II of 1993 on the land settlement and land delivery committees Act XXXVIII of 1992 on the state budget Act II of 1992 on Act I of 1992 on co-operatives entering into force, and on the transitory rules and regulations
113 Act XXV of 1991 on the partial compensation for the damages caused wrongfully by the state in the property of the citizens, for the sake of settling the ownership relations, in a unified structure with Govt. Decree 104/1991. (VIII. 3.) on its implementation Govt. D. 2/2005. (I. 11.) on the environmental testing of certain plans and programs Govt. D. 368/2004. (XII. 26.) on the amendment of Govt. D. 220/2004. (VII. 21.) on the rules and regulations of protecting the quality of the surface waters
Govt. D. 367/2004. (XII. 26.) on the amendment of Govt. D. 219/2004. (VII. 21.) on the protection of subsoil waters Govt. D. 341/2004. (XII. 22.) on the scope of activity and competence of the National Inspectorate for Environment, Nature Conservation and Water, the National Directorate of Environment, Nature and Water in Hungary, as well as the regional bodies under the control of the minister for environment and water Govt. D. 340/2004. (XII. 22.) on the supervision of the scope of activity and competence of the bodies under the control of the minister for environment and water Govt. D. 276/2004. (X. 8.) on the detailed rules pertaining to certain subsidies serving for the conservation of the nature, as well as to indemnification Govt. D. 275/2004. (X. 8.) on areas of environmental protection-destination with European Union-wide importance Govt. D. 221/2004. (VII. 21.) on certain rules of water collection management Govt. D. 220/2004. (VII. 21.) on the rules of protecting the quality of surface waters Govt. D. 219/2004. (VII. 21.) on the protection of subsoil waters Govt. D. 183/2003. (XI. 5.) on the scope of activity and competence of the National Inspectorate for Environment and Water, the National Directorate of Environment, Nature and Water in Hungary, as well as the bodies under the control of the minister for environment and water Govt. D. 173/2003. (X. 28.) on supplying accommodation for non-profit purposes, for public and leisure-time use Govt. D. 30/2003. (III. 18.) on limiting the water traffic on certain inland waterways out of environmental protection purposes, and on the operational permits that can be issued in the areas under the limitation Govt. D. 155/2002. (VII. 9.) on the scope of activity and competence of the minister for environment and water Govt. D. 65/2002. (III. 30.) on proclaiming the Convention between the Government of the Republic of Hungary and the Federal Government of Austria on the tourist traffic crossing the state boundaries between Írottk Natúrpark and Naturpark Geschriebenstein, signed in Lutzmannsburg on 23rd February 2002. Govt. D. 201/2001. (X. 25.) on the quality requirements of drinking water, and on the order of control
114 Govt. D. 193/2001. (X. 19.) on the detailed rules of unified licensing procedure of the use of the environment Govt. D. 166/1999. (XI. 19.) on the licensing procedures belonging to the scope of competence of the landscape conservation professional public authority Govt. D. 46/1999. (III. 18.) on the use and utilisation of alluvial plains, the bank strips, as well as on the areas flooded with water and endangered by underseepage Govt. D. 33/1997. (II. 20.) on the rules connected with imposing environmental protection fine Govt. D. 7/1996. (I. 18.) on possessing properties by foreigners Govt. D. 147/1992. (XI. 6.) on the order of recording the property assets owned by the municipalities and supplying data on them Govt. D. 20/2001. (II. 14.) on the environmental impact assessment Govt. D. 166/1999. (XI. 19.) on the licensing procedures belonging to the competence of the landscape conservation professional public authority Govt. D. 46/1999. (III. 18.) on the use and utilisation of alluvial plains, the bank strips, as well as on the areas flooded with water and endangered by underseepage Govt. D. 67/1998. (IV. 3.) on the limitations and prohibitions pertaining to the protected and highly protected living communities Govt. D. 8/1998. (I. 23.) on the detailed rules of the protecting, keeping, presenting and utilising the protected animal species Govt. D. 132/1997. (VII. 24.) on the tasks connected with water quality damage prevention Govt. D. 123/1997. (VII. 18.) on the protection of water bases, long-rate water bases, as well as the water facilities serving for drinking water supply Govt. D. 106/1995. (IX. 8.) on the environmental protection- and nature conservation requirements of liquidation procedure and final settlement Govt. D. 21/1970. (VI. 21.) on protecting the trees FVM D. 150/2004. (X. 12.) on the detailed rules of making use of the agrarian/environmental protection subsidies accomplished on the basis of the National Country Development Plan, co-financed by the central budget, as well as the a Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund FVM D. 7/2001. (I. 17.) on the detailed rules of implementing the plant health tasks FVM D. 5/2001. (I. 16.) on the plant protection activity FVM D. 88/2000. (XI. 10.) on the Forest Organization Rules and Regulations FVM D. 85/2000. (XI. 8.). on land formation FM-KTM Joint D. 73/1997. (X. 28.) on the fish species and aquatic animals that may not be caught (angled), as well as on the fishing prohibition times of certain fish species GKM D. 27/2002. (XII. 5.) on the signs serving for directing the water traffic and for signalling the navigation route, as well as on establishing, operating, altering and terminating such signs
115 KöM-EüM Joint D. 8/2002. (III. 22.) on determining the limits of noise- and vibration loads KöM D. 30/2001. (XII. 28.) on the rules pertaining to making environmental protection management plans, to their maker and content KöM D. 16/2001. (VII. 18.) on the list of wastes KöM D. 9/2000. (V. 19.) on the Service Regulations of Nature Conservation Guard Duty KöM D. 4/2000. (III. 24.) on declaring certain protected natural areas located in the competence area of Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate to be forest reserves KöM-KöViM Joint D. 9/2002. (III. 22.) on the emission limits of used- and wastewaters, as well as on the rules of their application KöViM D. 21/2002. (IV. 25.) on the operation of water public utilities KTM D. 18/1998. (VI. 25.) on the requirements of the contents of area development concepts, programs, and country planning KTM D. 33/1997. (XI. 20.) on the civil nature guards KTM D. 13/1997. (V. 28.) on recording the protected natural areas and values KTM D. 12/1997. (IV. 25.) on scheduling the expropriations needed for the restoration of the protection level of protected natural areas KTM D. 7/1996. (IV. 17.) on establishing the Duna-Dráva National Park KVM D. 7/1990. (IV. 23.) on declaring certain natural areas protected, declaring nature conservation areas of local importance to those of national importance, as well as on amending the boundaries of nature conservation areas KvVM D. 31/2004. (XII. 30.) on certain rules of monitoring surface waters and evaluating their condition KvVM D. 30/2004. (XII. 30.) on certain rules of testing subsoil waters KvVM D. 29/2004. (XII. 25.) on the competence of inspectorates for environment, nature conservation and water, as well as on the scope of operation of the national park directorates and the directorates of environment and water KvVM D. 28/2004. (XII. 25.) on the emission limits of water pollutants and on certain rules of their application KvVM D. 27/2004. (XII. 25.) on the classification of the settlements located in sensitive areas from the standpoint of the condition of subsoil water KvVM D. 24/2004. (XII. 18.) on amending KvVM Decree 6/2002. (XI. 5.) on the pollution limits of the surface water used for drinking water intake or designated as drinking water base, as well as of the surface waters designated for providing the living conditions for fishes, together with amending the control of such limits KvVM D. 22/2004. (XII. 11.) on amending KöM Decree 16/2001. (VII. 18.) on the list of wastes KvVM D. 6/2002. (XI. 5.) on the pollution limits of the surface water used for drinking water intake or designated as drinking water base, as well as of the surface waters designated for providing the living conditions for fishes, together with the control of such limits
116 OGY Resolution 132/2003. (XII. 11.) on the National Environmental Protection Program for the period between 2003 and 2008. KvVM Order 16/2003. (K. Ért. 6.) on amending KöM Order 17/2001. (K. Ért. 8.) on xercising certain scopes of competence due on the minister of environment, on the basis of certain legal regulation KvVM Order 5/2003. (K. Ért. 3.) on certain procedural rules connected with the restoration of the protection level of protected areas and those intended to protect KvVM Order 4/2003. (K. Ért. 3.) on the 2003 utilisation rules of allowances of sectional management LÜ h Circular Letter 1/1997. (ÜK. 4.) on the attorneys’ competence to institute an action in law in matters of environmental protection and nature preservation
Affected international conventions
Act CXIV of 2000. on proclaiming the Supplementary Protocol dated in 26th March 1998 of the Convention on the regulations of the order of navigation on the Danube, dated in Belgrade on 18th August 1948, together with its Protocol on Signing Act LXXXI of 1995. on proclaiming the Convention on Biological Diversity Act XLII of 1993. on proclaiming the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance nd especially as Waterfowl Habitat accepted in Ramsar on 2 February 1971, together with its amendments accepted on 3rd December 1982 and between 28th May – 3rd June 1987, in a unified structure Decree-law 7 of 1981. on proclaiming the Protocol signed in Bucharest on 29th June 1979 on amending Article 17 of the Convention for the fishing utilisation of Danube concluded in Bucharest on 29th January 1958, and proclaimed with Decree-law 9 of 1962 Decree-law 9 of 1962. on proclaiming the Convention for the fishing utilisation of Danube concluded in Bucharest on 29th January Govt. Decree 74/2000. (V. 31.) on proclaiming the Convention concluded in Sofia on 29th June 1994 for the protection and the sustainable use of the Danube Govt. Decree 148/1999. (X. 13.) on proclaiming the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context signed in Espoo (Finland) on 26th February 1991. OGY Resolution 28/1991. (IV. 30.) on certain international environmental tasks connected with the Danube Govt. Resolution 2118/2000. (V. 31.) on the representation in the International Committee for Danube Protection, as well as on providing the fundamental conditions of participating in the Convention for the co-operation aimed at the protection and the sustainable use of the Danube established in Sofia on 29th June 1994. Appendix X. Results of statistical analyses of concentration
117 Components taken as a function of water levels (1994-2003) Components taken as a function of water levels (1994-2003) Danube - Fajsz (1576,0 rkm) Danube - Baja (1480,2 rkm) 5 5 spring inundation summer autumn 4 4 O O winter J J ÃP ÃP à 3 à 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 à 2 à 2 WH WH UD UD LW spring LW 1 1 summer 1 1 autumn winter 0 0 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Water level (mm) Water level (mm) Components taken as a function of water levels (1994-2003) Components taken as a function of water levels (1994-2003) Danube - Fajsz (1576,0 rkm) Danube - Baja (1480,2 rkm) 150 200 spring spring inundation summer summer O O J autumn J autumn X X à winter à 150 winter 3 3 100 2 2 3 3 à à Hà Hà 100 DW DW K K VS VS R 50 R K K S S R R 50 K K UW UW 2 2 0 0 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Water level (mm) Water level (mm) Components taken as a function of water levels (1994-2003) Components taken as a function of water levels (1994-2003) Danube - Fajsz (1576,0 rkm) Danube - Baja (1480,2 rkm) 500 1000 spring spring inundation summer summer autumn autumn O 400 O 800 J winter J winter X X à à Và Và X 300 X 600 UR UR R R K K VS VS R 200 R 400 K K 3 3 Oà Oà WD WD R R 7 100 7 200
0 0 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Water level (mm) Water level (mm) Components taken as a function of water levels (1970-2003) Components taken as a function of water levels (1970-2003) Danube - Fajsz (1576,0 rkm) Danube - Baja (1480,2 rkm) 300 300 spring spring inundation summer summer 250 autumn 250 autumn winter O winter O J 200 J 200 X X Ã Ã D D O O \ 150 \ 150 K K S S UR UR OR 100 OR 100 K K & & 50 50
0 0 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Water level (mm) Water level (mm) Figure 46 Components taken as function of water level
118 Results of the Joint Danube Survey (2001)
Concentration of NH4-N and NO2-N in the water
Concentration of NO3-N and Organic Nitrogen in the water
Concentration of Organic N is the bottom sediment and suspended solids
Concentration of PO4-P and Total P in the water
119
Concentration of Total P in the suspended sediment solids and bottom sediment Figure 47 Results of Joint Danube Survey
120 Results of load calculation in the Danube
18000 18000 NO -N Danube 1480,2 rkm - Baja (03FF07) 2 NO2-N Danube 1451,7 fkm - Mohács (03FF02) 16000 NH -N 4 16000 NH4-N NO3-N NO -N 14000 3 ) 14000 s ) / s g / ( g
12000 ( d 12000 d a a o l
o l
n 10000 10000 n e e g g o r o t r
i 8000
t 8000 i N
N
c i c i
n 6000 n 6000 a a g g r r o o
n 4000
n 4000 I I
2000 2000
0 0 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years Figure 48 Calculated loads for the investigated period based on measured data (Nitrogen forms)
2000 2000 Total Phosphorous Danube 1480,2 rkm - Baja (03FF07) Total Phosphorous Danube 1451,7 rkm - Mohács (03FF02) PO4-P PO4-P
1500 1500 ) ) s s / / g g ( (
d d a a o o l l
s 1000 s 1000 u u o o r r o o h h p p s s o o h h
P 500 P 500
0 0 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years Figure 49 Calculated loads for the investigated period based on measured data (Phosphorus forms)
220000 400000 Danube - Mohács Danube - Baja Danube - Fajsz Danube - Fajsz Danube - Baja Danube - Mohács 200000 Sió - Szekszárd 360000 Sió - Szekszárd 180000 )
r 320000 a e
) 160000 r y / a
t 280000 ( e 140000 y e / l t i ( t 240000
120000 n e e g c a r 200000 r 100000 e e p v
a 80000
% 160000 -
0 d 9
60000 a -
120000 o l d
40000 a N o -
l 80000 3
N O 20000 - 3 N 40000
0 O N -20000 0 -40000 -40000 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years Figure 50 Yearly loads of Nitrate in the Danube reach of Gemenc
121 6000 4000 Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: -4200 t/year Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: 9200 t/year ) s ) / s g / (
g ( d 4000 a d o a l 2000
o l n
n e e g g o r o t r
i 2000 t i N
N c i c
i 0 n n a a g g r
0 r o o n n I I
f f o o
s
s -2000 e e c -2000 c n n e e r r e e f f f f i L = L - (L + L ) i LDifference = LDanube,Mohács - LDanube,Baja D D Difference Danube,Baja Danube,Fajsz Sió,Szekszárd -4000 -4000 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years 400 400 Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: 18500 t/year Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: -18800 t/year
) 300 ) 300 s s / / g g ( ( d d
a 200 a 200 o o l l
N N - - m 100 m 100 u u i i n n o o m 0 m 0 m m A A f f o o
s -100 s -100 e e c c n n e e r r e e f f
f -200 f -200 i i D D LDifference = LDanube,Baja - (LDanube,Fajsz + LSió,Szekszárd ) LDifference = LDanube,Mohács - LDanube,Baja -300 -300 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years 6000 4000 Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: -17900 t/year Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: 24400 t/year
) 4000 ) s s / /
g g 2000 ( ( d d a a o o l l 2000 N N - - e e t t a a
r r 0 t t i i N N f 0 f o o s s e e c c n n e e -2000 r r e e f -2000 f f f i i D D L = L - L LDifference = LDanube,Baja - (LDanube,Fajsz + LSió,Szekszárd ) Difference Danube,Mohács Danube,Baja -4000 -4000 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years 400 300 Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: 9250 t/year Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: -6600 t/year ) )
s 300 s / / 200 g g ( ( d d a a
o 200 o l l
e e 100 t t a a h h p 100 p s s o o h h 0 p p o o
h 0 h t t r r O O
f f -100 o o -100 s s e e c c n n e e -200 r -200 r e e f f f f i i L = L - L D D Difference Danube,Mohács Danube,Baja LDifference = LDanube,Baja - (LDanube,Fajsz + LSió,Szekszárd ) -300 -300 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years 500 500 Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: 900 t/year Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: -6600 t/year ) 400 ) 400 s s / / g g ( (
d 300 d 300 a a o o l l
s s u 200 u 200 o o r r o o h h p 100 p 100 s s o o h h P 0 P 0
l l a a t t o o T -100 T -100
f f o o
s s e e -200 -200 c c n n e e r r e -300 e -300 f f f f i LDifference = LDanube,Baja - (LDanube,Fajsz + LSió,Szekszárd ) i LDifference = LDanube,Mohács - LDanube,Baja D D -400 -400 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years
122 150 150 Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: -4400 t/year Sum of annual load differences (90% percentil) in 1994-2003: -800 t/year ) s ) /
100 s 100 g / ( g
( d d a a o l
o l a 50 50 - a l - l l l y y h h p p o o r 0 0 r o l o l h h C C
f f o o
-50 -50 s s e e c c n n e e r r e
-100 e -100 f f f f i i D D L = L - (L + L ) Difference Danube,Baja Danube,Fajsz Sió,Szekszárd LDifference = LDanube,Mohács - LDanube,Baja -150 -150 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 years years Figure 51 Differences of calculated load between two investigated stations (1994- 2003)
123 Results of load calculation in the Szekszárd-Bátai System Table 14. Potential source of pollution on the watershed of Szekszárd-Báta Channel-System
Pollutants,
Total (NaCl) (NaCl)
fertilizers Pesticides Pesticides caustic, alkali manureliquid bodies (dögkút)bodies municipal debris municipal material inorganic
wastes solid household chemical materials, materials, paints, chemical metal wastes, heavy metal heavy metal wastes, enamels, and their packages their and enamels, packages Hazardous :Hazardous organic solvents containing residues, batteries batteries residues, containing municipal waste water sludge sludge wastemunicipal water Settelments activityelectroplate, galvanize technological sludge containing containing sludge technological Hazardous: strong acids, strong strong acids, Hazardous: Hazardous: polluted sludge from sludge polluted Hazardous: and demolition debris, and deposit deposit and debris, demolition and oil and substances polluted oil and with oil polluted substances litter, manure, parts of dead animal animal dead of parts manure, litter, mixed waste (disposal construction construction (disposal mixed waste (population) network road the defrosting for Salt Alsónyék (839) 1, (1) 1 3, (1) Báta (2052) 2 2 Bátaapáti (436) 1 1 Bátaszék (7211) 1 3 1 2 7 Mórágy (872) 1 1 Várdomb (1212) 1 2, (1) 1 2 6, (1) Pörböly (652) 1 1 Decs (4264) 1 1 2 1 1 6 csény (2762) 1 1 1 1 4 Sárpilis (664) 1 1 Szekszárd (35385) 2 1 2 2, (1) 2, (2) 1 1 1, (1) 3 1 2 29, (9) 49, (12) Total (places) from ‘KÁRINFO’ database 78, (14) Table 15. Main features and calculated loads of Bátaszék MWWTP
Bátaszéki Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plan Agglomeration of Bátaszék, Báta, Mórágy, Bátaapáti, Alsónána, M csény, Kismórágy, Recipient: Lajvér-creek
124 Basic features Components Amount of waste water Dry year Wet year Snuff COD BOD5 NH4-N Susp.s. TP TN pH Temp M3/day 850 1600 8 g/m3 g/m3 g/m3 g/m3 g/m3 g/m3 oC M3/year 310250 584000
Removal % 95,7 96,8 66,9 86,3 WW in g/m3 1576 878 121 27 8 WW out g/m3 68 28 40 3,7 7,9
t/year 21,097 8,687 12,410 1,148
125 Table 16. Rough valuation of diffuse loads on the watershed of Szekszárd-Báta Channel-System
TP load TN load NO -N load TP load TN load NO -N load Landuse type Area (ha) 3 3 kg/ha.year kg/ha.year kg/ha.year kg/year kg/year kg/year
Discontinuous urban area 1822,95 0,9 6 3 1640,7 10937,7 5468,9 Industrial or commercial area 431,10 0,9 6 3 388,0 2586,6 1293,3 Non-irrigated arable land 26271,29 1 10 6 26271,3 262712,9 157627,7 Vineyard 2698,26 2 15 5396,5 40473,9 0,0 Orchard (berries) 265,44 2 15 530,9 3981,6 0,0 Pasture, meadow 261,89 0,3 7 0,5 78,6 1833,2 130,9 Complex cultivated structure 415,06 0,5 0,9 0,2 207,5 373,6 83,0 Land principally occupied by agriculture, with 1650,77 0,2 10 0,3 330,2 16507,7 495,2 significant areas of natural vegetation Broad-leaved forest 4083,54 0,2 8 1,2 816,7 32668,3 4900,2 Coniferous forest 75,85 0,07 6 0,7 5,3 455,1 53,1 Mixed forest 1262,97 0,15 8 1 189,4 10103,8 1263,0 Intermediate forest-bush 90,63 0,05 6 0,5 4,5 543,8 45,3 Water body 74,75 Loads in t/year Total area of Szekszár-Báta watershed unit: 39404,50 Total load of Szekszár-Báta Watershed unit: 35,9 383,2 171,4
126 Table 17. KSH database on agriculture on the watershed of Szekszárd-Báta Channel-System (see all the tables below)
name of administrative unit Tolna County area administrative unit 3 703 000 sqm Population Landuse Arable All other Year inhabitants Agricultural Area Land Forests&Woods land 1000 ha 1997 247 000 256 215 52 87 1998 245 235 251 211 53 80 1999 243 701 239 202 64 77 2000 243 701 255 215 52 46
name of administrative unit area administrative unit Livestock no. or animal units Mineral fertilizer consumption
Year Cattle Sheep Pigs Chickens Ducks Geese Turkeys Nitrogenous Phosphate Potash Head 1000 1997 47 39 23 824 45 14 5 13 921 3 149 3646 1998 47 41 363 791 76 11 10 12 926 1 837 2564 1999 48 42 361 898 68 12 8 13 292 1 799 2287 2000 39 52 312 905 65 15 8 12 105 2 491 3349
name of administrative unit Tolna County area administrative unit 3 703 000 sqm Crop statistics Wheat Barley Maize Rye Oats Millet Area Area Area Area Year Area Harv Yield Production Area Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) 1997 57 524 5 060 290 814 12 008 4 960 59 605 87 106 7 800 679 754 647 2 784 1 801 616 3 416 2 104 57 1 807 103 1998 55 537 4 840 268 854 12 184 4 360 53 086 91 938 7 220 672 169 855 3 165 2 706 858 3 224 2 766 114 2 596 296 1999 41 504 4 180 173 369 10 707 4 220 45 158 87 725 7 500 658 566 895 2 303 2 061 880 2 866 2 522 280 2 079 582
127 2000 46 185 4 480 207 018 9 114 4 300 39 155 100 678 5 080 511 090 850 2 382 2 025 860 2 814 2 420 270 2 130 575 name of administrative unit Tolna County area administrative unit 3 703 000 sqm Crop statistics Sorghum Triticale Potatoes Sugar Beets Sunflower Seeds Rapeseeds Area Area Area Area Area Year Harv Yield Production Area Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) 1997 3 526 4 140 14 597 979 20 130 19 709 5 438 36 370 197 801 16 782 1 518 25 478 6 103 1 564 9 544 1998 5 1 200 6 3 741 3 472 12 987 885 19 724 18 456 2 969 46 373 137 681 18 517 1 836 34 004 2 040 1 514 3 088 1999 5 1 200 6 3 843 3 114 11 966 885 21 200 18 765 2 331 53 020 123 590 18 581 1 829 33 981 11 882 2 118 25 163 2000 5 1 200 6 3 850 3 034 11 680 749 17 250 12 923 1 580 43 070 68 052 18 500 1 832 33 900 10 560 2 337 24 680
name of administrative unit Tolna County area administrative unit 3 703 000 sqm Crop statistics Grapes Pimento, Allspice Pulses,Total Vegetables&Melons, Total Fruit excl Melons,Total Area Area Area Area Area Year Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production Harv Yield Production (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) (ha) (kg/ha) (t) 1997 6 051 5 921 35 830 78 8 872 692 11 430 5 324 60 854 1 929 10 279 19 828 1 289 5 289 6 817 1998 6 039 6 517 39 357 2 721 500 1 443 11 325 5 423 61 410 1 568 15 857 24 864 1 287 4 784 6 157 1999 5 971 4 697 28 046 70 14 214 995 12568 4 904 61638 1767 13 940 24 632 1345 5 413 7 281 2000 5 792 1 278 7 400 65 13 231 860 8183 4 312 35288 1081 16 610 17 955 1433 5 164 7 400
128 Appendix XI. MEMO of the forum held on the project „Reduction of nutrient load (DDNP)” (TF #051289)
Date: 2005.03.24. Venue: Eötvös József M szaki F iskola, Török hall Participantst: See the enclosed list of attendees
1. László Menyhért Tóth (DHV) introduced the main elements of the project, the methods of the development, the comparison and the evaluation of the different engineering alternatives. 2. László Zellei (EJF MF) expert’s presentation of the recommended engineering interventions for the „Sió-mente” and the „Gemenc” planning units. 3. Béla Kalocsa (ADUKÖVIZIG) expert’s presentation of the recommended engineering interventions for the "Buvat", the "Fekete-erdei" and the "Nagy-Pandúr" planning units. 4. Enik Tamás (EJF MF) expert’s presentation of the recommended engineering interventions for the "Veránka", the "Bátai-Duna" and the "Báli" planning units. 5. János Sziebert (EJF MF) expert’s presentation of the recommended engineering interventions for the „Móric-Duna” and the „Kerül -Duna” planning units. 6. Árpád Csillag (Pécsi Hydroterv) expert’s presentation of the recommended engineering interventions for the „Béda-Karapancsa” planning unit. 7. Lóránt Deme (DHV) presentation on the results of the financial-economical analysis. 8. Tamás Gruber (WWF): What was the basis of the financial-economical analysis of nitrogen and phosphor removal? Lóránt Deme (DHV): It was based the costs taken from industrial analogies. The costs of wastewater treatment and the costs of the innovation for the reduction of nitrogen and phosphor emission of traffic origin were taken into consideration. 9. István Zsuffa’s (VITUKI Rt.) presentation on the results of the environmental and socio-economic impact analysis. 10. László Márk (DD-KÖVIZIG): In the course of dredging large amount of material is removed, which have to be disposed in an appropriate way. The placement of the sediment in the Danube’s thalweg is against the main goal of the project therefore it is not possible. Enik Tamás (EJF MF): The environmental protection authority would not authorize the placement of the sediment in the Danube’s thalweg. The quantity of the sediment in „Veránka” is approx. 72.000 m3. Sziebert János (EJF MF): In the „Kerül -Duna” planning unit the quantity of the recommended dredging is approx. 43.000 m3. It could be used to reconstruct the summer dike, and for constructing game rescue hills and dirt roads. 11. László Bodor (Gemenc Rt.): The amount of nitrogen mentioned during the presentation of financial-economical analysis represents an equivalent amount of
129 150.000 railway carriage of chemical fertilizer. Where will this large amount get into? In the forest? If the raised water level just reaches the foot of the forest, it will appear in the root zone. This could damage the forest, which results to the appearance of nitrogen fancier tree species. The protection against these kinds of trees is impossible. It is not indifferent that the forest is flooded only 2-3 times a year or more frequently due to the backcharged water level. This also could result to changing in tree species. The forest-directive obliges Gemenc Forest and Game Co. Ltd. to repopulate the cutout forests. However, Gemenc Forest and Game Co. is not able to undertake the repopulation of the forests damaged due to the harmful environmental impacts. It is necessary to specify the impacts on forests in the later impact assessments, including the quantity of nutrient loads. Lóránt Deme (DHV): The increase of nutrients to 146% level should be compared to the present 100% level. This means that 100% of the nutrients are already on the area. Szabolcs Závoczky (DDNPI): The impacts on forests have to be analysed in the course of the detailed impact assessment. This analysis has to be carried out in a full vegetation period. The impact of the weirs in the alternatives is to retain the water on the area and delay the emptying. 12. József Kovács (Állami Erdészeti Szolgálat Pécsi Ig.): Out of the two project, the goal of one is to reduce the nutrient load of the Black Sea and of the other is to reduce the nutrient load of Gemenc. Therefore, if the goal is reached in the Gemenc project, the Black Sea nutrient load increases. The National Park and the State Forest Service have to be involved in the permitting process. Menyhért László Tóth (DHV): The two projects have one goal, which is the reduction of nutrient load of the Black Sea. We intend to reach this goal by the revitalisation of the Gemenc floodplain.. The two projects have a decision-support role. Following these projects, the World Bank will decide upon financing or not the further steps. Britta Hadinger (DD-KÖVIZIG): The main goal is that the Hungarian Government would like to get financial support from the Global Environmental Foundation (GEF) for the Gemenc project. The condition of this is that it should have global benefits. The Gemenc project matches this criterion, if it is possible to find such alternatives, which will bring global benefits. Of course it is feasible to realize local benefits incidentally. The two preliminary projects establish the decision of World Bank in technological and environmental protection aspects. These will be followed by detailed analyses. The interventions are only appropriate if they do not have negative impacts on the National Park even more they would improve the conditions and would reduce the nutrient load of the Black Sea brought by the Danube The title of the project can be misunderstood in English and in Hungarian, it should be modified in the documents. 13. Bea Pataki (VITUKI Rt.): We analyzed the nutrient load of Danubian sections, this proved to be a very large amount. Based on data after1994, the floodplain do not have significant impact on the water quality of the main riverbed of the Gemenc Danube- section. Sometimes this balance is negative or positive in a small extent. We analyzed the nutrient load of the Danube, which comes through the Sió and the Szekszárd-Báta main channel and we think that we should concentrate on these. The catchment area of Sió and Szekszárd-Báta main channel is large compared to the catchment area of Gemenc. Therefore if this two nutrient loads could be reduced by the interventions, this would be measurable on the Danube as well.
130 On the other hand the whole River Danube was measured from the source to mouth but not Hungary is the main nutrient source. If the Budapest and Gemenc projects will be impemented, then Hungary made its job. 14. Enik Tamás (EJF MF): The foresters worried about the area because its becoming drier, as it have been read for 15 years. The foresters pointed this out first 20 years ago. It should be finally decided that the Gemenc forest is becoming drier or not? The interventions change flooding frequency of several waterbeds with the change in the duration of water levels. However, with this we only recover an earlier state and not that what it was 20 years ago. 15. Szabolcs Závoczky (DDNPI): First of all the National Park supported this project because presumed that it would be ecologically beneficial for the area where DDNPI is concerned. Zsófia Szi-Ferenc (KvVM): When the preparation of the project took place, an agreement was made between DDNPI, Gemenc Rt, KvVM, and DD KÖVIZIG about the support of the project. 16. Béla Kling (KÖDU-KÖVIZIG): The operation of the mouth sluice of Sió is not simple, because it has impact on several water systems outside the project area e.g.: „Fadd” water system. This circumstance should be assessed The Szekszárd-Báta main channel is collecting wastewater from the surrounding settlements, and that goes to the „Bátai-Öreg-Duna”. As the result of the backcharge the nutrient load would increase significantly in the „Bátai-Öreg-Duna”. 17. János Sziebert (EJF MF): The goal of the interventions is the retention of water at limited extent. The majority of the interventions, - mostly dredging - serve the backcharging the inner water bodies. These do not result to necessarily higher water levels. In order to make an assessment of it a detailed geodetic survey has to be carried out. Only estimation can be made on the impacts on forests.. As István Zsuffa said in his presentation, the flood levels of Danube do not increase the groundwater levels in such a way that it could reach the topsoil. 18. Zsolt Kempl (BITE): The Hungarian Government made an agreement on ecological interventions and for this reason the government would compensate the damages of the forestry. 19. Zsófia Szi-Ferenc (KvVM): In the feasibility study, the proprietary and the operating relations of the concerned areas and engineering works should be clarified. 20. Lajos Gecse (Horgászegyesületek Tolna Megyei Szövetsége): In the name of the angling unions, it can be declared that the recommended interventions are favourable in economical and technical point of view. The investigated areas concern many angling unions, fishery companies, fisher-men and fish-producers. They spend a lot for planting juvenile fish. For example: in „Kesely si-Holt-Sió” 300-400 people come for sporting on yearly bases, the unions sell 450 locenses a year and 350-400 people visit the area as angling tourist. The unions on “Sió” spend approx. 80 million HUF in a year for planting juvenile fish. On the water-system there are many fish-producers, as well. The unions are not against replanting and sustaining native that they would appropriate for this from the 80 million HUF. Due to the many different interests we recommend to discuss the questions concerning the 11 planning units separately in smaller workshops later on. For this we would appreciate to receive the preparatory documents.
131 The unions are ready for the cooperation. 21. Szabolcs Závoczky (DDNPI): The consultants of the socio-economic impact analysis did not consult with the stakeholders. Gergely Szalay (VTK Innnosystem): During the socio-economic impact assessment, we identified the stakeholders, the potential impacts of the interventions and the possible stakeholders who are concerned by the impacts. Due to the two parallel projects and the time limits, we did not have the opportunity to quantify the impacts and involve the stakeholders on significant level. 22. László Menyhért Tóth (DHV): Summarising the relevant points of the forum: • It is necessary to investigate the impacts on forests and forestry in a later stage • The title of the project should be made exact • It is necessary to specify the quantity of nutrient load of the area • It is possible to cooperate with anglers and fishermen through the county unions, this opportunity should be used • The way of sediment disposal should be determined • The impacts of the interventions on traffic should be determined, especially from the forestry’s point-of-view. 23. László Zellei (EJF MF): The alternatives include many possibilities to cross waters e.g.: construction of a paved crossing passage. These solutions result to improved conditions compared to the present state. 24. László Menyhért Tóth (DHV): The Hungarian documents and the memo of the forum will be distributed to the stakeholders. 25. Lajos Gecse (Horgászegyesületek Tolna Megyei Szövetsége): The impacts on other wildlife should be investigated. László Bodor (Gemenc Rt.): The impacts on game management should be investigated. 26. László Menyhért Tóth (DHV): Closing down the forum.
Editor of the memento: Gergely Szalay Supervised: László Menyhért Tóth Appendix XII. List of endangered species Amphibians Hungarian name Scientific name Impacts during Impact of the final implementation. state 1 vízisikló Natrix natrix - + 2 kockás sikló Natrix tesselata - + 3 erdei sikló Elaphe longissima 4 rézsikló Coronella austriaca 5 mocsári teknõs Emys orbicularis 6 fürge gyík Lacerta agilis 7 zöld gyík Lacerta viridis
132 Mammals Hungarian name Scientific name Impacts during Impact of the implementation. final state 1 vakond Talpa europaea 2 erdei cickány Sorex araneus 3 sün Erinaceus europaeus 4 kislábú erdei egér Apodemus microps 5 eredi egér Apodemus silvaticus 6 sárganyakú erdei Apodemus slavicolis egér 7 pirókegér Apodemus agrarius 8 mogyorós pele Muscardinus avellanarius 9 erdei pocok Clethrionomys glareolus 10 hód Castor fiber + 11 pézsmapocok Ondathra zibethica 12 mókus Sciurus vulgaris 13 mezei nyúl Lepus europaeus 14 nyest Martes foina 15 nyuszt Martes martes 16 menyét Mustela nivalis 17 mezei görény Mustela eversmanni 18 görény Mustela putorius 19 borz Meles meles 20 vidra Lutra lutra + 21 róka Canis vulpes 22 vadmacska Felix silvestris 23 õz Capreolus capreolus 24 gímszarvas Cervus elophus 25 vaddisznó Sus scrofa
Fish Hungarian Scientific name Impacts during Impact of the final name implementation. state 1 dunai ingola Eudontomyzon vladykovi 2 kecsege Acipenser ruthenus 3 csuka Esox lucius + 4 bodorka Rutilus rutilus 5 amur Ctenopharyngodon idella 6 vörösszárnyú Scardianus keszeg erythrophalmus 7 nyúldomolykó Leuciscus leuciscus
133 8 domolykó Leuciscus cephalus 9 jász Leuciuscus idus 10 balin Aspius aspius 11 küsz Alburnus alburnus 12 karika keszeg Blicca bjoerkna 13 dévérkeszeg Abramis brama 14 lapos keszeg Abramis ballerus 15 bagolykeszeg Abramis sapa 16 szilvaorrú Vimba vimba keszeg 17 garda Pelecus cultratus 18 compó Tinca tinca. 19 paduc Chondrostoma nasus 20 márna Barbus barbus 21 fenékjáró Gobio gobio küllõ 22 kínai razbóra Pseudorasbora parva 23 szivárványos Rhodeus sericeus ökle 24 kárász Carassius carassius 25 ezüstkárász Carassius auratus 26 ponty Cyprinus carpio + 27 fehér busa Hypophthalmichthys molitrix 28 pettyes busa Aristichtys nobilis 29 réti csík Misgurnus fossilis + 30 harcsa Silurus glanis 31 törpeharcsa Ictalurus nebulosus 32 fekete Ictalurus melas törpeharcsa 33 angolna Anguilla anguilla 34 menyhal Lota lota 35 naphal Lepomis gibbosus 36 sügér Perca fluviatilis 37 vágódurbincs Gymnocephalus cernuus 38 széles Gymnocephalus baloni durbincs 39 selymes Gymnocephalus durbincs schraetzer 40 fogassüllõ Stizostedion lucioperca
Frogs Hungarian Scientific name Impacts during Impact of the final name implementation. state 1 pettyes gõte Triturus vulgaris -
134 2 dunai gõte Triturus - dobrogicus 3 kecskebéka Rana esculenta - + 4 tavi béka Rana ridibunda - + 5 mocsári béka Rana arvalis 6 erdei béka Rana dalmatina - 7 vöröshasú Bombina - + unka bombina 8 barna ásóbéka Pelobates fuscus - 9 zöld varangy Bufo viridis - 10 barna varangy Bufo bufo - + 11 zöld levelibéka Hyla arborea - +
135 Colophone
Client : South-Transdanubian Environmental and Water Authority Title : Reduction of Nutrient Load (DDNP) (GEF # TF 051 289) Volume : 134 pages Edited by : dr. ZSUFFA, István
Experts: dr. CSÁNYI, Béla biological impact assessment dr. ER SS, Tibor biological impact assessment Prof. dr. JOLÁNKAI, Géza concept, nutrient load calculation methods dr. MAJOR, Veronika socio-economic impact assessment MÁNDOKI, Mónika nutrient load assessment MESTER, Ákos socio-economic impact assessment PATAKI, Beáta water quality impact assessment SZALAY, Gergely socio-economic impact assessment ZAGYVA, Andrea biological impact assessment dr. ZSUFFA, István hydrological impact assessment
Project leader : Prof. dr. JOLÁNKAI, Géza Date : March, 31, 2005. Name/Signature :
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