European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (ENI/2016/372-403)

THE DANUBE, PRUT AND BLACK SEA RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLAN IN REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA for the future planning cycle (2022-2027)

TECHNICAL REPORT N°1 DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DANUBE-PRUT AND BLACK SEA RIVER BASIN DISTRICT

FINAL DRAFT

December – 2019

Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Beneficiaries IWRM department of the MARDE (legislation and supervision), Agency “Apele Moldovei” (Planning coordination and follow up of implementation) Produced by OIKUMENA Public Association Authors Iurii Bejan, Vitalie Dilan, Lucia Căpățînă, Nicolae Boboc, Petru Bacal, Boris Iurciuc, Natalia Zgîrcu Produced for: International Office for Water (France), as contracting authority responsible for RBM planning in EUWI+East member state consortium Supervision Radu Cazacu and Dumitru Proca from Apele Moldovei supported by Pierre Henry de Villeneuve (IOWater) and Victor Bujac (National EUWI+ Project Representative in Moldova) Date December 2019 Version Final Acknowledgements: Apele Romane for offering its support including the direct contribution of Irina Tutunaru from Water Administration Prut – Barlad River Basin, Romania Financed by: European Union Co-financed by: Austrian Development Agency and the Artois-Picardie Water Agency (France) for the implementing Member States

Disclaimer: The EU-funded program European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+ 4 EaP) is implemented by the UNECE, OECD, responsible for the implementation of Result 1 and an EU member state consortium of Austria, managed by the lead coordinator Umweltbundesamt, and of France, managed by the International Office for Water, responsible for the implementation of Result 2 and 3. This document, the “TECHNICAL REPORT N°1 ON DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DANUBE-PRUT AND BLACK SEA RIVER BASIN DISTRICT”, was produced by the EU member state consortium with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the Governments of the Eastern Partnership Countries. This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of, or sovereignty over, any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries, and to the name of any territory, city or area.

Imprint Owner and Editor: EU Member State Consortium Umweltbundesamt GmbH International Office for Water (IOW) Spittelauer Lände 5 21/23 rue de Madrid 1090 Vienna, AUSTRIA 75008 Paris, FRANCE

Responsible IOW Communication officers: Yunona Videnina, [email protected] Chloé Dechelette, [email protected]

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Chapter 1. Description of the characteristics of DPBS RBD ...... 4 1.1. Geographical characteristics ...... 4 1.1.1. Administrative limits ...... 4 1.1.2. Climate ...... 6 1.1.3. Geology ...... 15 1.1.4. Topography ...... 19 1.1.5. Soils ...... 21 1.1.6. Vegetation and land use/cover terrain ...... 23 1.1.7. Noticeable aquatic ecosystems and wetlands ...... 25 1.2. Water resources ...... 26 1.2.1. Hydrographical network ...... 26 1.2.2. Surface water resources ...... 26 1.2.3. Groundwater resources ...... 33 1.3. Human activities and use of water resources ...... 40 1.3.1. Population (urban, rural, trends) ...... 40 1.3.2. Agriculture (crops and livestock husbandry) ...... 42 1.3.3. Fish farms ...... 45 1.3.4. Forestry ...... 50 1.3.5. Industry and mining ...... 53 1.3.6. Hydropower ...... 55 1.3.7. Waste, landfills, polluted sites ...... 56 1.3.8. Shipping ...... 58 1.3.9. Tourism ...... 58 1.3.10. Linear infrastructure (roads, dikes, dams) ...... 60 1.4. Risks ...... 61 1.4.1. Floods ...... 61 1.4.2. Water deficit ...... 65 1.4.3. Landslides and erosion ...... 66 1.4.4. Health issues ...... 66 1.5. Stakeholders and programs ...... 68 1.5.1. Administrative organization ...... 68 1.5.2. Water Users Associations ...... 68 1.5.3. Summary of strategies, programs and projects on water resources development ...... 69 1.6. Diagnostics...... 70 1.6.1. Synthetic description with key figures...... 70 1.6.2. Brief SWOT analysis ...... 71 1.7. Methodological reference and bibliography ...... 72 1.7.1. Methodological reference ...... 72 1.7.2. Bibliography ...... 73

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Chapter 1. Description of the characteristics of DPBS RBD

1.1. Geographical characteristics

1.1.1. Administrative limits The total surface of DPBS RBD is of 14770 km2 within the borders of the Republic of Moldova, what represents 43.6% of the country’s surface. From the administrative-territorial perspective, DPBSDPBS RBD lays over 18 administrative rayons (pic. 1), including 10 fully covered rayons (Briceni, Edinet, Hancesti, Leova, Cimislia, Cantemir, Basarabeasca, TAU Gagauzia, Taraclia and Cahul), 5 rayons with over half of the territory (Glodeni, Falesti, Ungheni, Nisporeni and Stefan-Voda) and 3 rayons with a minoritory part of their territory (Ocnita, Rascani and Causeni) (fig. 2). From the perspective of the territorial-administrative structure lower geographic level 2 and 3, the 18 rayons comprise 394 communes, and 657 localities. All in all the district comprises 23 towns (fig. 2). The most Norhtern locality is the v. Clocusna (48⁰ 24′ 41″ N, 27⁰ 20′ 48″ E), Southern – v. Giurgiulesti (45⁰ 28′ 52″ N, 28⁰ 11′ 58″ E), Werstern – v. Criva (48⁰ 16′ 10″ N, 26⁰ 40′ 04″ E) and Eastern – v.Caplani (46⁰ 23′ 16″ N , 29⁰ 52′ 21″ E).

Figure 1. DPBS RBD administrative-territorial structure Page | 4

Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

The average population density is 96 inhabitants per square kilometer. The smallest values (less than 50 inhabitants per square kilometre) are registered in the communes in the south of the district – Cimislia, Cahul and Vulcanesti rayons (fig. 2).

In a meridian direction, from North to South, the district continues on a length of approximately 350 km, with variable widths: of 55 - 60 km in the North, 25 - 30 in the central region of the Prut river hydrographical basin and of approximately 120 km in the South, at the latitude of the Leova city. The geographical position and the configuration of the district determine a noticeable diversity of the geological structure, geomorphologic characteristics and climate conditions. The specifics of these environmental components determine, significantly, the characteristics of the biota, soils, hydrological and hydro-chemical characteristics of the ground and surface water.

Figure 2. Population density and city network

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

1.1.2. Climate The DPBS RBD has a continental climate, with short winters, mild with little snow, with long summers and with reduced humidity. During the hot months of the year heavy rains are frequent, which, in some years, for example in 1948, 1969, 1994, 2008, 2010, did cause significant floods on the river Prut, as well as on small rivers (Lapusna, Calmatui, Cogalnic, Schinoasa, Ialpug etc.), what brings significant damage to the economy and population, sometimes also human casualties. The specifics of the weather conditions of the district are determined by the geographic processes and climatogenesis factors. The climatogenesis processes include the dynamics of the air masses, determined by the season activity of the baric centres and solar radiation, which’s values are, in greater part, influenced by the latitudinal zoning. Of the climatogenesis geographic factors, a special role is played by the geographical position of the territory of the DPBS district, landscape, influence of the Black Sea basin, vegetation. The geographic processes and climatogenosis factors determine the temporal characteristics and the special distribution of the climate elements, first of all, of the atmospheric precipitations and air temperatures. Atmospheric precipitations are the most important element in the formation of water reserves in DPBS RBD, the structure of the hydrographical network and, to a certain extent, of the water quality. The distribution of the annual average rainfall in the DPBS RBD, over the period of 1980-2017 (Table 1 and Figure 3), is generally characterized by a spatially differentiated distribution, with 616 mm in the north (Briceni meteorological station) and 506 mm in the south (Comrat station). The territorial distribution of the annual precipitation value is also influenced by the specificity of the landscape, the azonal factor, with an increase in precipitation in the plateaus (Codrii Bacului Plateau, Tigheciului Hills), compared to the river regions with lower altitudes. Thus, in the Codrii Bacului Plateau, the multi-annual average amount of precipitation is of 640 mm (Cornesti station), maximum value for the DPBS RBD. Also in the south, in the Tigheci Hills, the annual average amount of rainfall is of 538 mm (Cahul station), a value by 18 mm higher than the annual amount rainfall in Comrat, and 44 mm higher than the annual average amount of rainfall in Ceadar-Lunga, stations located to the east, on the Ialpug Plain, Cahul station. The minimum rainfall value is recorded during the cold period of the year, and the maximum in the warm period (May-June)

Table 1. Average monthly and annual precipitations over the reference period 1980 – 2017 at the stations from the DPBS hydrographical district (sources SHS)

Meteorological I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual stations Briceni 33 34 33 47 64 82 100 62 51 37 41 34 618 Cornesti 40 35 40 52 59 87 78 52 52 42 46 41 624 Leova 35 28 31 39 57 66 65 54 48 38 42 38 541 Cahul 32 29 32 39 49 68 60 47 51 40 39 37 523 Comrat 35 28 29 38 50 70 57 46 39 36 40 37 505 Stefan Voda 42 35 37 39 51 67 66 43 51 37 42 40 550 Ceadâr-Lunga 31 22 28 32 41 75 53 38 43 43 40 33 479

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Figure 3. Average monthly precipitations (mm) at meteorological stations in the hydrographical district DPBS, 1980-2017 years

The spatial distribution data of the multi-annual average rainfall for the period of 2000 - 2017 are represented in Figure 4, which highlights the northern and central regions, corresponding to the North Moldavian Plateau and Codrii Bacului Plateau, with values exceeding 600 mm /year. We also mention that for the most of the district, over the past 35-37 years, the average annual rainfall value exceeds 500 mm and only in the extreme south-west of the hydrographical district, this value falls below 500 mm / year. In order to assess the temporal dynamics of atmospheric precipitation over a longer period, we carry out a comparative analysis of the data for the reference period related to the years 1890 - 2010 and the reference period of 1980 - 2020 (Table 2). Table 2. Annual mean precipitations values at meteorological stations in the DPBS hydrographical space, over different reference periods

№ Station Annual average Average annual Difference, precipitation, correlated precipitation, over the Mm/year to the years 1890 -2010, years 1980 -2017, mm/year mm/year (G. Bejenaru, 2018)

1. Briceni 574 618 + 34 2. Cornesti 576 624 + 48 3. Leova 509 541 + 32 4. Cahul 510 523 + 13 5. Comrat 479 505 + 26 6. Ceadâr-Lunga 475 479 + 4 7. Stefan Voda 519 550 + 31

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Source: SHS Figure 4. Annual mean precipitations distribution in RBD DPBS in 2000 – 2017 period

The results of the analysis show an increase of the average annual precipitations value, over the period of 1980 - 2017, compared to the longer period of observation (1890 – 2010), on most territory of the DPBS hydrographical district: 34 mm in the northern region of the basin (Briceni station), with 48 mm in the Prut basin area of Codrii Bacului Plateau (station Cornesti), with 26 mm in the Ialpug basin (Comrat meteorological station). Thus, we find that in the Ialpug river basin the average annual precipitation in the last 35-37 years has exceeded 500 mm. The maximum increase of the average multiannual rainfall value characterizes the North region and the highest region of the district, the Codrii Bacului Plateau. Is quite appreciable the increase the value of the multi-annual average rainfall in the Hagider Plain (Stefan-Voda Station), except for the Lunga Basin (Ceadar- Lunga Station) (Table 2). In the second half of the 20th century and in the beginning of the 21st century is registered an increase in the frequency of the years with extreme values of the average annual rainfall of the dry years, in alternation with the more humid years. According to Table 3, during the period of 1960-2017, in the southern part of the Prut basin 12 dry years were recorded, the driest being the years 2003, 2000, 1990, 2006, 1992 and 2011, 1986, when

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation the annual amount of atmospheric precipitation at the Cahul station was of 307 - 378 mm per year, the minimum annual precipitation value (307 mm) being recorded in 2003. The wettest years were 1966, 1997, when the annual rainfall value (Cahul station) exceeded 800 mm and the years of 1972, 1974, 1979 and 2013, when the sum of annual rainfall exceeded 700 mm. Table 3. Register of years with drought anomalies and years with increased humidity abnormalities, in the southern region of the Prut basin (Cahul station, 1960 - 2017)

Drought years, mm Wet years, mm 2003 307 1966 818 2000 342 1997 813 1990 360 1972 740 2006 366 1974 721 1992 369 1979 721 2011 371 2013 716 1986 378 2010 699 1994 383 1999 674 1967 396 1969 661 1995 401 1991 661 2009 406 2016 633 2015 466 1980 617

In the hydrographical area, heavy precipitations are registered when the daily precipitations may exceed 100 mm. Thus, in 1926, the value of the daily precipitations at Cahul was of 150 mm, at the Cornesti meteorological station, in 1969 - 138 mm, and on 26 August 1994, in the Calmatui and Lapusna rivers, epicentre of a heavy torrential rain, in a period of 5.5 hours, according to the the radar measurements, 240-250 mm of precipitations fell - the maximum amount of daily precipitations registered in the Republic of Moldova, which exceeded the daily precipitations value of 218 mm, recorded at the meteorological station of Chisinau, on 10.06.1948 (Nicolae Boboc, Tatiana Constantinov, Orest Melniciuc, 20041)). The dynamics of the maximum values (> 50 mm and> 100 mm) of the daily precipitation in the Prut hydrographical basin during the 20th century (Cahul Station), from 1898 and 1891 (Briceni and Cornesti stations respectively) and up to the year 2000, are presented in Table 4. Table 4. Maximum value (> 50 mm and > 100 mm) of daily precipitations, Cahul station Precipitations Meteorological Precipitations > 50 mm Absolute Nr. Period > 100 mm station values, Years Nr. Years Nr. 1948, 1949, 1955, 1961, 1964, 1968, 1898- 1969, 1970, 1972, 1976, 1978, 1979, 2 93 mm, 1. Briceni 0 0 2000 1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1 1969 1996, 1998, 2000 1948, 1950, 1955, 1961, 1964, 1968, 1949, 1891- 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1985, 1 138 mm, 2. Cornesti 1969, 3 2000 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 9 1969 1981 1998 1934, 1938, 1947, 1948, 1953, 1957, 1900- 1958, 1962, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 2 89 mm, 3. Cahul 0 0 2000 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1985, 4 1969 1987, 1989 1993, 1994, 1996, 1998

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

According to the data in this table, in the southern part of the Prut basin was recorded the maximum number (24) of daily rainfall with an intensity of over 50 mm, at Cornesti station (Codrii Bacului Plateau), 3 torrential rains were recorded, with the daily amount of precipitation of 100 mm, with rain of this intensity being recorded both in the Prut basin and the district in general, with the exception of 1994, when in the Lapusna and Calmatui rivers have fallen over 250 mm of atmospheric precipitation. In years with very high precipitation, especially when they fall as torrential rains, excess rainwater results in overflows, freshets, floods, elevation of groundwater in wells, etc. Air temperature, one of the key elements with influences on climatic conditions, is determined directly by solar radiation and atmospheric circulation. The multi-annual and annual air temperature evolutions, the spatial distribution of this element (Figure 5), present a special hydrological information. The average monthly, annual and extreme average values over the reference period 1980 - 2010 and 1980 - 2017 are presented in Tables 4 and 5, respectively, where from Briceni, North (8.10 C), to Cahul in the South (10.80C), the thermal difference of 2.70C characterizes the colder climate in the north of the Prut river basin, in relation to the southern region. It is necessary to mention that the heating phenomenon characterizes basically the entire hydrographical district, but the highest increase of the average annual temperatures was recorded in the northern region (Briceni station), where the average annual temperature in the last years increased by 1.30C, in relation to the southern region (Cahul station), where the annual average temperature increase is of 0.60C. The continuous climate warming process in the DPBS RBD, especially in the 21st century, is confirmed by the fact that 6 years of the 11 hot years, recorded in the years 1960 - 2017 (Table 6), are years recorded between 2000 and 2017, and all 10 cold years of 57 years were recorded in the years 1960-2000. According to Figures 5 and 6, the period of 1999-2017 is probably the upward phase of a new cycle of 34- 36 years, with increasing trends in annual average temperatures in the DPBS RBD space, related to the cooler phase of the previous period (1964-1999). Table 4. Average monthly, annual and extreme average temperatures in the Prut hydrographical basin (period of 1980 – 2010) Meteorologi Annua Temperature I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII cal station l 14. 17. 19. 18. 14. Average -4.4 -3,0 1.5 8.8 8.5 2.7 -2 8.1 7 9 5 9 2 Abs. 16. 23. 28. 30. 31. 31. 27. 23, 14. 6.8 8.7 9,0 33,0 Briceni Maximum 5 5 2 3 9 6 6 0 5 - - - Abs. 10. - - - 18. 16. 2.3 6.9 9.4 7.7 2.5 15. -21.3 Minimum 7 2.5 3.5 8.1 1 8 5 15. 18. 20. 20. 15. Media -3.3 -1.9 2.5 9.8 9.7 3.8 -0.9 9.2 5 8 6 2 4 Abs. 11. 18. 23. 28. 30. 32. 32. 28. 23. 16. 11. 9.1 33.6 Cornesti Maximum 3 5 5 5 9 5 4 3 4 2 3 - - - Abs. - - 10. - - 16. 14. 3.8 8.2 9.5 4.1 13. -18.9 Minimum 9.2 1.4 6 2.2 7.1 4 7 2 10. 16. 19. 21. 21. 16. 10. Media -3,0 -1.3 3.2 4.3 -0.6 9.7 3 1 7 5 1 3 4 Abs. 11. 19. 24. 29. 31. 33. 33. 29. 24. 17. 11, 8.7 34.7 Leova Maximum 2 5 3 5 9 7 5 5 5 3 0 - - - Abs. - - 11. 10. - - 15. 13. 4.5 9,0 4.8 12. -18.1 Minimum 8.1 0.6 4 3 2.1 6.3 4 4 4 10. 16. 19. 21. 21. 16. 10. Cahul Media -2.4 -0.9 3.5 4.8 -0.2 10.2 3 1 8 8 4 7 8

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Abs. 11. 19. 23. 29, 31. 33. 33. 29. 24. 17. 11. 9.3 34.5 Maximum 8 4 9 0 7 5 2 1 3 5 5 - - - Abs. - - 11. 10. - - 13. 12. 5.3 9.4 6.4 11. -16.5 Minimum 7.1 0.2 9 7 1,0 5.5 9 5 4

Table 5. The average monthly and annual average temperatures recorded at the Prut river basin stations (period of 1980 – 2017) Meteorolo t. gical I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII annu Station al Briceni -3.9 -2.6 2.8 9.7 15.4 18.7 20.4 19.8 15.2 8.6 2.4 1.2 9.4 - 10. Cornesti -2.9 3.9 16.2 19.7 21.6 21.3 16.1 9.8 4.4 -0.2 9.9 1.5 7 10. Leova -2.9 -1.1 4.3 16.7 20.3 22.3 22,0 17.3 10.4 4.9 -0.9 10.4 9 11, Cahul -2.3 -0.6 4.8 0 16.7 20.5 22.7 22, 3 17.8 11,0 5.5 0.5 10.8

Table 6. Registry of the hottest and the coldest years in the southern region of the Prut basin (Cahul station, 1960 - 2017) Cold years, Hot years, t0 t0 average/year average/year 1985 8.2 2007 12.3 1980 8.5 2015 12.1 1987 8.5 2008 11.9 1976 8.9 2009 11.9 1969 9,0 1990 11.4 1965 9.1 1994 11.3 1996 9.1 1960 11.2 1997 9.1 2000 11.2 1978 9.2 1966 11,0 1984 9.3 1975 11,0 2002 11,0

The analysis of the observation data at the meteorological stations in the district shows an increase of the average monthly and annual average temperatures during 2000 - 2017, compared to the previous periods (Figures 5-7). According to figure 8a and 8b, the period of 1999-2017 is probably the upward phase, of a (new) cycle of 34-36 years, with trends in annual mean temperature increase, in the DPBS, which is likely to end in 2034-2036.

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Figure 5. July Average Air Temperature Map (period of 2000-2017)

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Figure 6. Map of January average air temperatures (period of 2000-2017)

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Figure 7. Multi-annual average air temperature map (period of 2000-2017)

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Figure 8. Change trends of the annual average air temperature (a) and the climatic norm (b), in the southern region of the DPB Hydrographical District (meteorological station Cahul)

Thus, we can conclude that there is a pronounced temporal and spatial dynamics of atmospheric precipitation and air temperature in the DPBS RBD, phenomena demonstrating an increase of aridity of the climate, with implications on biotic resources, activity of the population and, last but not least, on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of water resources. Even in the case of short-time episodic precipitation, often accompanied by long periods of total absence of rainfall, even in the context of an insignificant increase in annual average precipitation, against the backdrop of rising temperatures throughout the hydrological district, this brings the drought phenomenon, especially in the southern regions.

1.1.3. Geology According to the structural-tectonic characteristics, the hydrographical district of DPBS is located on the Moldova Precambrian Plateau, which occupies most of the Prut basin, the Ialpug basin, Cogalnic basin, to the Baimaclia crust. The southern region of the hydrographic district is located on the hercino-chimeric Scythian platform and on the Dobrogean prefossa, also known as the Preobrogean Depression. The differentiated specificity of the tectonic movements in the area of these tectonic units has manifested itself in a variety of ways of depositing, facial and lithological composition of the deposits of sedimentary beds, with implications on the specificity of surface water and especially of the groundwater. The funerary structure of the Moldova Platform, made up of archaic metamorphic and magmatic rocks and Lower and Medium Proterozoic (gneiss, gabrous, granites, piroxenites, peridotites, etc.) is submerged at 1114 m deep in Ungheni and at the south-west platform, at a depth of more than 1500 m. The Vendian is transgressively ordered over the base, starting with an arenio-ruditic formation, dominated by the quartz-feldspar sandstone, with interlocks of microconglomerates, gray-black clays, green spruces appear when the Palaeozoic sedimentation cycle is initiated. In the south of the Prut basin, in Iargara, for example, the Vendian was intercepted in the interval between 1186 and 1386 m. In the Prut river basin, the Paleozoic itself starts with a succession, consisting of conglomerates with crystalline elements, quartz sandstone, arcozal sandstone, sandstone clayey, with intercalations of greyish clay slate shale. The lower part can be correlated with the "Cosauti Gresia", which stands on the bank of the Nistru, attributed to the Upper Proterozoic - Lower Cambrian. The Ordovician is represented by quartz, medium and coarse, limestone-clay, in the base, and organogenic limestone, massive classics with sporadically insignificant thicknesses, arranged over conglomerates, at the top. The Silurian is represented by fine limestone with marble intercalations, limestone sand and clays. In the central area of the hydrographical area, in the detritus limestone formation, clayey, dolomite layers of lower Silurian, anchorite intercalations have been highlighted. The Silurian is 360 m - 610 m thick. The Paleozoic sedimentation basin extends to the Devonian end, when it is installed south of Leova - Avdarma, and there is an accumulation of a succession of quartz sandstones, alternating with sandy, argillite, dolomite, limestone, with lower Devonian limestone thicknesses up to 800 - 950 m, dolomites and Dolomites with Page | 15

Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation anhydrite layers, with thicknesses of up to 750 m, present on a narrow strip, north of the Cahul, middle-and- higher Devonian, with a thickness of about 800 m. To the south of the Cantemir parallel the Lower Carboniferous was identified, represented by limestone and dolomites, with thin layers of anhydrite and clayey, marne, arranged at a depth of 1608 - 2018 m. To the south of the Cantemir parallel was identified the Lower Carboniferous, represented by limestone and dolomites, with thin layers of anhydrite and clay, marl arranged at a depth of 1608 - 2018 m. In the southern limit of the Moldova Platform, in the Baimaclia-Gotesti area (Leova district), Permian was identified, following drilling at 1362m (in Gotesti) and 2192m (at Chioselia); in the base and on the top of the section, there is anhydrite and gypsums, and in the middle part, sandstone, aleurolite, ash and clay and gray clay. In the DPBS hydrological district there are deposits of Jurassic - Cretacic megacicle. The Jurassic is present in the southern Precambrian Moldova platform and in the Scythian Platform, in the DPBS hydrographical district, south of the city of Bender, in the area of a depression, named by the geologists, the Jurassic Moldova Depression, where clay with sandstone layers (5-108 m thick) predominates, attributed to the average Jurasic, the total thickness of which exceeds 1800 m. In the north and east of the depression, the sandstones and the alulettes gradually replace with conglomerates. Upper Jurassic starts with conglomerates and organogenic and classical limestone (35-80 m). In the central region of the depression these rocks are covered by a stack of various colors (brown, green, blue, gray), compact, among which rare dolomite limestone deposits, as well as aleurolite layers and microgranular sandstones (45- 850 m). To the north and east of the central part are predominantly organogenic-detritic limestone and reefs, 120 - 390 m thick, towards the north and east they are substituted with chemogenic limestone, less rarely organogenetic-classical (15-60 m). In the area of the depression, the gypsum and anhydrite are widely spread, with a thicknesses from a few to hundreds of meters. The Cretaceous is present only partially and unequally spatially disposed. Lower Cretaceous has a narrow extension. In terms of tectonic and facies aspects, it is situated on the submerged edge of the Moldova platform, where the formation of a narrow depression arose in the old kimmeric movements. The area of spreading to the north, of the lower Cretaceous, is limited by the line town of Leova - Cioc-Maidan commune, and to the south - Gotesti village - village Chioselia - town of Taraclia. In the area of this depression the white deposits were opened, by drilling, east of the meridian of the city of Comrat. The lower cretaceum is composed, in the lower part (238 m), of the alternation of different colors of clay, microgranular sands and mixed granular sand, over which there are disparate, sandy, slightly carbonate clays, sandwiched and aleurolite strata, rarely marjoram and limestone (229 m). The section ends with oolytic and detrimental limestone, quartzite and glauconitic sandstones, with carbonate deposits and gray-clay clays (90 m). The upper Cretaceous is represented by the Cenomanian, Turonian, Concian and Santonian deposits. The Cenomanian is attributed to the oldest deposits of the platform, that are up to date, on the Prut bank (Criva- Bădraji). Deposits that appear in the Prut river bank start with grit and sands, covered with whitish limestone, with crest-like appearance at the bottom that marks the beginning of the transgression that covered the entire platform. In the Prut basin, between the localities of Lipcani - Cornesti, siliceous limestone is substituted with limestone. The north - eastern boundary of the Turonian spreading passes through the Chiriet - Lunga locality, in the Ialpuh basin, and the same limit for Coniacian and Santonian, which have a zone of expansion less marked, is marked by the line, passing through the Chiriet-Lunga village. The deposits of these three floors are predominantly represented by organogenic limestone, chalk. Just in the lower part of the Turonian, there is some silky limestone, limestone and insignificant content of teriogenic material; sometimes in the Santonian formation in the limestone there are clayey limestone deposits, which contain silex concretions. The Neozoic is represented by all three systems: Paleogen, Neogen and Quaternary. The Paleogene is represented by two sections: Paleocene and Eocen, also present only on the southern edge of the Precambrian platform, to the south of the Ungheni latitude, in marno-clay facies, with glauconic slats and sands of 16-20 m thick. The Neogen is developed virtually throughout the territory of the republic and is represented by both sections - Miocene and Pliocene. Starting with Miocene, all rocks are involved in the formation of contemporary

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation landscape and represent the environment for the development of exogenous processes and the storage of the most appreciable underground water horizons. The Miocene appears on the surface of the entire hydrological district, being represented by various facies, from typical sea to continental, attributed to Badenian, Sarmatian and Meotian. The Upper Badenian appears on the surface in the Prut bank in the north, south, to the lower reaches of the Camenca River, the left tributary of the Prut River. It is represented by three lithological formations, that formed at the same time in the next succession: - The Detritical formation: sandstone and sands conglomerates, sands and sands with marble and limestone interchanges; - The Evaporitic formation: gypsum and anhydrates with some marches, clays and bushes, characteristic for the North region of the Prut basin (Criva-Drepcauti); - The clay-marly-lime formation. The thickness of the Badenian formations increases from east to west, up to 450 m. The depth of the Badenian-Buglovian boundary is from 0 m on the Prut, -100 m on the Jijia, -1.500 m in front of the Carpathian Orogen and below the Orogen increases sharply below 2000 m. To the east of Lipcani, in the form of a submerged strip of 35-40 km width, there is the Kossovian subsoil, consisting mainly of algal and bioherme limestone, reef constructions, representing the continuation to the south, of the tooltre of Podolia, can be traced to the estuary of Caldarusa river in the Prut. In the central region of the Prut basin, the Badenian section consists of limestone, sands, sandstones and clays, and sometimes the limestone form the entire section (the villages of Bujor, Leuseni). The Sarmatian is affluent throughout the hydrological district of DPBS, being represented by three sub- areas: Volhinian, Basarabian and Khersonian. The Volhinian in the Prut basin is represented by luminous, oolytic, detritic, bioherme, marne, clay, rarely sandstone and conglomerate. To the west of the town of Lipcani, the section is composed entirely of carbonate gray clay, which, in some cases, includes marble and limestone slabs of small thickness. In the reefs stripe, its lower part is composed of carbonate and marble clays, which often alternate with pelitomorfe and afanitical limestone layers; sometimes limestone sands are noticed. The Basarabian covers the entire territory of the DPBS hydrological district and consists of various limestone (predominantly organogenic), diatomospongolytic rocks, clays and sands. Unlike the Volhinian, terigene deposits dominate. By the natural openings, they can be traced from the North of the Prut basin up to the Carpineni - Bender line, further down to the bottom of the erosion base. Their thickness increases from east to west and reaches 340 m around Cornesti. The Chersonian.- the Chersonian deposits are south of the Nisporeni - Bursuc line (Codrii Bacului Plateau (Mr. Paun)), in various sedimentary types - shallow sea, transitional, avantdelta and continental facies (alluvial, lagoon and lake). The sea facies, represented by clays, alluvial and sands, with subordinated layers of luminous and oolytic limestone, are placed transgressively over the basarabian deposits. The deltaic and lagoon transition facies are generally composed of sands, often with oblique and crossed texture. The northern spread border of the sea and delta deposits passes through the villages of Lapusna, Cojusna. In the southern part of the DPBS district, the Khersonian section is represented by the multiple alternation of the sea and the continental clays and aleurites (of lakes and lagoons). Marine facies, represented by clays, aleurites and sands, with substrates of luminous and oolytic limestone, are placed transgressively over the basarabian deposits. The deltaic and lagoon transition facies are basically composed of sands, often with oblique and crossed texture. The northern boundary for the spread of marine and deltaic deposits goes through the Lapusna and Cojusna villages. In the southern part of the DPBS district, the Khersonian section is represented by the multiple alternations of sea and continental clays and aleurites (lakes and lagoons). In the south-western margin of the hydrological district, between the Khersonian and the Meotian, there is a stack (thickness of up to 90 m) of lake sediments, that make up the upper part of the Kherson section. The Khersonian deposits take part in the formation of the slopes of the valleys, from the line which passes somewhat

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation further north of the latitude of city of Chisinau, and south of the town of Ceadar-Lunga. To the south, the Khersonian formations sink below erosion. The Meotian is present in the Prut basin, in the lower horizon, 70 to 80 m thick with the andesitic cinereas (tuffs), with a thickness of 10-80 m, ending with a succession of sands and clays, interlaced with sandstone and conglomerate (80-100 m thick). In the south - eastern part of the Meotian district, there is a stack of sandy - clayey alluviums, with a rhythmic structure and a thickness of up to 150 m, overlapping shallow sea deposits of the Basarabian, while south of Hancesti, over the sea and delta facies of the Khersonian, or, possibly, Pontian. The Meotian ends marine sedimentation in the southern part of the district, the waters continuing to the south on the Scitical Platform, fact proven by fauna with Hipparion moldavicum, Dinotherium, Gazella and vegetation with Ulmus, Quercus, Alnus, Laurus of the top deposits. The Pontian is represented by shallow sea deposits. At the south-eastern boundary of the district, the Pontian formation is represented by a sandy friable lumashell (4 m), followed by microgranular sands (7 m). To the north the amount of limestone in the sections decreases, those being replaced by sands and clays. In the Prut river basin this stack is represented by clays and sands. The Pliocene appears on the highest interfluves, being represented by the Dacian (Kimmerian) and the Romanian (Akchagylian). The Dacian is developed in the central and southern region of the DPBS hydrological district and is represented by an alluvial facies, known as the "Aluviul de Stolniceni” The Litologic consists of alluvial sediments, represented by quartz sands, with Carpathian jasper gravel mixture. The total thickness exceeds 50-60 m. The deposits of "Stolniceni Aluviului" have been preserved on the highest peaks of the intersection of the Prut and Nistru basins. The Romanian (higher Kimmerianul - Akchagylian). In the Prut - Ialpug interfluvium, on top of the stack of higher sea deposits, lays a stack of congestive alluviums (70 - 80 m thick), consisting of sands, clays and gravels with horizontal stratification, covered by formations of the crust of red - brick color or speckled sediments. This stack, known as the Carbalia alluvium, closes the section of the lower Pontian. According to the accumulation of Carbalia alluviums occurred in the first half of the Romanian (the higher Kimmerian). In the West of the Tigheci Hills and in the Hagider rivers basins, there are deposits of alluviums, assigned to the Paleo-Prut and Paleo-Nistru terraces. To the Akchagylian the deposits of the XII, XI and X (lower horizon) terraces of the Paleo-Prut and Paleo- Nistru are attributed, as well as the subaerial formations of the same age, represented by loessoid deposits and red-brown fossil soils, over the alluvialities of the older terraces. The Quaternary is represented by the Pleistocene and Holocene sections, while the Pleistocene by the subdivisions of the Eoplistocen and Neopleistocen. The Eopleistocen is represented by the Apseronian floor, which includes the upper horizon of the terrace X, the terraces IX, VIII and VII of the Prut and Nistru, and the subaerial deposits, synchronous to them, consisting of fossil soils, loesses and loessoid deposits, developed on older terraces. The Neopleistocene is represented by the alluvials (sands and pebble) of the 5th terraces of Nistru and Prut. The Holocen is represented by the alluviums of the current meadows of Prut and its tributaries, of the Ialpug, Cogalnic and other smaller rivers. The thicknesses of the holocene alluviums of the Prut river and Nistru river slopes, in the lower courses of the DPBS hydrographical area, exceed 15-20 m, of the Ialpug, in the region of sinking into the Liman, according to the drilling results, they are of 14 m. A specific group, among these subaerial deposits, is represented by loesses and loessoidal clays, which almost completely cover the interfluvials, the slopes and the bridges of the river terraces, especially the bridges of the old terraces and the interfluvial peaks in the Cahul, Ialpug, and the southern regions of the Cogalnic basin.

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Thus, in the geological structure of the hydrographical district, the DPBS has a large diversity of rocks and deposits (figure 9 and 10), with various physical and chemical characteristics, with appreciable influences on the topographical aspects, on the formation of the contemporary structure of the hydrographic network, on the characteristics of the surface water and, in particular, of the groundwater.

Figure 10. The geological structure of the Danube – Black Sea hydrographical basin

1.1.4. Topography The average value of the absolute altitude of the district landscape is of 142 m, a typical value for the plain regions. Spatially, on hydrographical basins, the landscape is characterized by insignificant differences of average altitudes, being Figure 9. The geological structure of the Prut river basin of 124 m in the Prut basin, 144 m in the basin of Age of deposits: 1 – cretaceous (cenomanian); rivers flowing into the Danube, and of 160 m in the 2 – Badenian. Sarmatian floor: 3 –Volhinian subset; basin of the rivers flowing into the Black Sea. 4 – Basarabian subset; 5 –Kherson subset; According to the morphological specificity, 6 –Meotian floor; 7 –Cahul series; 8 – Pontian floor; in the territory of the district, three categories of 9 – Romanian floor (Khimmerian), landscape units can be identified: plateaus and hills, 10 –Dacian floor (Akceagalian). fragmented fields and plains (figure 11).

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Figure 11. Hypsometric map and landscape units of the DPBS hydrographical area Landscape units: 1 - North Moldova Plateau; 2 - Middle Prut Plain; 3 - Codrii Bacului Plateau; 4 - Salt Depression: 5 - Tigheci Hills; 6 - Lower Prut Plain; 7 - Ialpug Plain; 8 - Cogalnic Hilly Plain; 9 - The High Hagider Plain.

To the plateaus and hills belong the Plateau of North Moldova, Codrii Bacului Plateau (Western Codrii and Southern Codrii), divided by the rivers of the Prut basin (Delia, Bratuleanca, Narnova, Lapusna) and the rivers flowing into the valleys of the Black Sea (Ialpug, Cogalnic), with maximum absolute altitudes of 260-420 m. In the southern Prut basin, in the interfluvial Prut - Ialpug, morphologically can be distinguished the Tigheci Hills, with the highest altitudes of 312.2 m, in the West drained by rivers of the Prut tributaries (Tigheci, Larga, Halmagea), in the east by the tributaries of the Ialpugel and Salciei and, in the south of the plateau, by the rivers of the Cahul basin. According to the estimates, 25% of the territory of the district are characterized by altitudes of up to 100m, 57% are in the landscape range of 100 - 200m and only about 18% have altitudes exceeding 200 m. Thus, most of the hydrological district territory is represented by relatively strongly fragmented plains, with altitudes less than 200 m: Middle Prut Plain, Salt Depression, Cahul Plain, Plains of Ialpug and Middle Cogalnic, in the Central-South Plain, and the Upper Hagider Plain, in the south- east of the hydrological district. In the river valleys there are plains, low plains, with altitudes below 100 m, represented boarder in the valley of the Prut river, with widths exceeding 6 - 7km and 1 - 2km in the valleys of the Ialpug and Cogalnic rivers. Thus, according to the geomorphologic specificity, in the DPBS hydrographical district, the following morphological landscape units can be distinguished: 1. Plateaus and hills, with altitudes exceeding 200m (North Moldavian Plateau, Codrii Bacului Plateau and Tigheci Hills); 2. Strongly and moderately fragmented plains (Middle Prut Plain, Ialpug Plain, Hilly Plain of Cogalnic) and poorly fragmented plains, of the Upper Hagider and Cahul. 3. Alluvial plains, low plains, with altitudes below 100m, represented by river meadows, including the Lower Prut Plain.

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

The dominant landscape forms, in the area of the first two categories of landscape units, are river valleys, which have various morphological characteristics, largely influenced by the litologic and structural specificity of the territory. By the morphological aspect, in the DPBS district there are gullies, narrow valleys, characteristic of the Prut tributaries, of the Northern Moldova Plateau (Larga, Vilia, Racovat, Drabiste, Ciuhur and Camenca), which, in the lower courses, are cut into the neogene limestone toltres area. In these valleys the narrow sectors, with strongly inclined slopes, alternate with larger sections, sculpted in loose clay deposits. The area of the district is dominated by the wide trapezoidal valleys, usually asymmetrical, with stepped slopes, represented by river terraces, usually of quaternary age.

1.1.5. Soils The specifics of the environmental components, first of all of the climatic elements, of the geological structure, of the vegetation and landscape, led to the formation of a wide range of soils with different physical- chemical characteristics (Figure 12). According to the results of the mapping and the assessment of the quantitative values of the soils categories (Figure 12), the soil fund structure is as follows: in the DPBS RBD in general, as in the river basins in its area, chernozems predominate with a share of approximately 70 % of the entire area of the district, including typical chernozems (28%), carbonate chernozems (22%) and chernozems leachates, landslides, salinized chernozems, etc. (over 10%). The spatial differences between the climatic, lithological, vegetation and other factors have led to the emergence of spatial differences in the soil cover structure. Thus, in the Prut basin, with a more prominent and more fragmented landscape (Middle Prut Plain, Codrii Plateau, Tigheci Hills), the share of levigated chernozems, clay-illuvial and chernozems affected by landslides, is quite high, over 24%, in relation to river basins flowing into the Danube and Black Sea basins, with a share of these soils of about 9% and 14.2%, respectively. In contrast, in the small Danube rivers and those of the Black Sea rivers basins, because of the more arid climate, of the presence of young marine rocks with an appreciable content of salt in the underlying waters, the soils (solonetized alluvial soils) are present, with a share of over 10 %, conditions that determine the high degree of mineralization of surface waters and groundwater in Ialpug, Lunga, Cahul, etc. The wide presence of loose deposits of loess and sandy clays in the DPBS RBD, of the torrential precipitation, against the background of a high degree of land use, have determined the high degree of soil erosion processes. As an example, the data characterizing the degree of soil damage in the hydrographical area in general (Figure 13a) and the hydrographical basin of the rivers in the Danube border (Figure 13b) are presented. The presence of young marine rocks with an appreciable salt content in the underlying area has contributed to the formation of salenised soils (solonetized alluvial soils) with a share of over 10%, conditions that determine the high degree of mineralization of surface water and groundwater in river basins of Ialpug, Lunga, Cahul etc.

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Figure 12. Soil categories

Legend no. Soil categories 7 SAs – Sol aluvial stratificat 1 Ca – Clay-alluvial chernozem SAv – Sol aluvial vertic Cal – Chernozem with landslides SAsl – Sol aluvial solonetizat Cl – Chernozem leachate, Cv – Vertical Chernozem SAslsr – Sol aluvial solonetizat-salinizat 2 Cc – Chernozem carbonate SAsr – Salinized alluvial soil 3 Csl – Chernoziom solonetzs 8 SAt – Typical alluvial soil SAtslsr – Typical alluvial soil solonetzs- Cslsr – Solonetzs-salinized Chernozem salinized Csr – Salinized Chernozem SAtsr – Alluvial typical salinized soil Sc – chernoziomoid Soil SAtsl – Typical alluvial soil solonetzs Scsl – Chernozemoid- solonetized Soil 9 SBt – typical brown soil Scv – vertical Chernozemoid Soil SBal – brown soil with landslides Scslsr – Solonetized-solonetzs Chernozem Soil SBl – leachate brown soil Scsr – Salinized Chernozemoid Soil 10 SCa – gray basin soil Ctm –moderated humipherous hypical 4 chernozem SCal – gray soil with landslides Page | 22

Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation

Cts – Poor humipherous typical chernozem SCm – gray mollic soil, SCt – typical gray soil 5 Rivers and lakes SCtal – Typical gray soil with landslides 6 SAh – Wet alluvial soil 11 Sdm – delluvial gray soil – oric delluvial soil SAhsl – Solonetzs wet alluvial soil 12 Localities SAhsr – Salinized wet alluvial soil 13 Rc – Carbonate Rendzine, sl – solonetz SAslsr – Solonetzs-salinized alluvial soil sr – salt-marsh, slsr – solonetz – salt-marsh SAsr – Salinized alluvial soil

Figure 13. Degree of soil erosion a) DPBS RBD; b) river basins with spillages in the Danube firths

The analysis of these data denotes the broad development of soil erosion in the area of the hydrographical district in general, with a share of eroded land of about 30%, but with a higher value (38%) in the basins with discharge into the Danube firths, to which can be attributed first, the basin of the Ialpug River, where, in addition to surface erosion through water, the torrential erosion is also widely developed. As an example, in the Ialpug- Lunga interfluvium, the density of the torrential formations exceeds 5 km/km2. The increased erosion and the transport of solid particles determines the appreciable intensity of clogging processes of the anthropic lakes in the southern DPBS RBD.

1.1.6. Vegetation and land use/cover terrain The natural vegetation is predominantly represented by steppe associations and, less, forests. The composition and spatial distribution of the vegetation are determined by the zonal and azonal areas of the DPBS. In the Northern region of the Prut basin, in the North Moldavian Plateau and in the middle half of the Middle Prut Plate, especially on the interfluvial peaks, there are forest landscapes, represented by cherry oak forests, with pear trees on the second floor, wild apple trees, solitary maple dart, jugastrum, hornbeam. In the upper course of the Ciuhur basin, Drabiste and Vilia, in the oak forests of Rososeni and Ocnita, birch also can be noticed, element of east-european flora. In the meadow of the isolated Prut, meadow forests are preserved. Of these, a specific role in the preservation of the environmental condition is played by the forest landscapes of the "Padurea Domneasca (Princely Forest)" Scientific Reserve, one of the oldest meadows in Europe, with an area of approximately 5000 hectares. The composition of plant associations in the DPBS district, in recent decades, has been exposed to a sharp change, due to human activities, primarily through the construction of the Costesti-Stanca Hydro Power Plant on the Prut River, the protective dykes, as well as the intense exploitation of the river meadows, by the desertification of the wetlands, the rectification of river courses, the construction of lakes and ponds in the riverbeds, intense deforestation of natural forest bodies, which led to a drastic change in the hydrological regime. In the meadows of the rivers flowing into the Danube limans (Ialpug, Lunga with its affluent Lunguta) and of the rivers flowing into the Black Sea (Ceaga, Bebei, etc.), under the conditions of the presence of groundwater and surface water, with a high degree of mineralization (above 1500-2000 mg/l) of the sodium sulphate with Page | 23

Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation potassium type, meadows with salty meadow vegetation can be seen. In the southern basins of the small rivers, in the Prut-Nistru interfluvial, where the groundwater is highly mineralized (over 3000 mg/l, where sulphates and sodium and potassium chlorides dominate) there are also highly alkaline meadows. In the upper course of the Cogalnic River, in Southern Codrii, there are monodominant sessile oaks (Quercus petraea) and sessile oak with hornbeam (Carpinus betulus.). In the forests' ecosystems of the Tigheci Hills, there are representatives of the mediterranean fluffy oaks (Quercus pubescens), which is the north-eastern boundary of the area with fluffy oak forests. The floristic composition of the fluffy oak forests includes over 400 plant species, the most representative of which are the steppe ones, with the predominance of the Mediterranean and Balkan elements. According to mapping, with the use of satellite imagery, the share of natural vegetation represented by forest landscapes (9.5%) and pastures (14.7%) in the DPBS hydrographical district is of 24.2%, lower values than the respective values from the Nistru hydrographical area. Land use/coverage in the framework of DPBS is the following: Living areas – 1262 km2, pastures – 2157.7 km2, forests – 1385.2 km2, water – 273.4 km2, arable – 8441.3 km2, orchards – 257.2 km2, vineyards – 859.2 km2. Buy the use of the land plots DPBS RBD is a typical agricultural region (pic. 14), where this category of lands represents 80,0%, cca 6% more than the country average. In the agricultural lands’ structure, over half of the surface is represented by arable land (57.7%), which is planted mostly with cereal crops (wheat, corn), in some places with technical crops (sunflower in north and sugar beet), while the irrigated land in the valley – with vegetables. The share of arable land is bigger in the upper part of the district (up to the latitude of the c. Ungheni), where it has an average value of approximately 57%, and reduces in the mid flow (up to the latitude of c. Leova), within the limits of the Codri Plateau, where the fragmented landscape prevents their extension. High values of the share of arable land is registered in the southern part of the district, within the limits of TAU Gagauzia (57.3%), Stefan-Voda rayon (58.3%) The multiannual plantations represent 7.7% of the district surface. Their biggest expansion is in the mid flow, within the limits of the Codri Plateau. The share of this land plots in this region is twice bigger than the average for the whole district. The fragmented surface and the presence of slopes with southern exposure, are favourable for the expansion of the vineries plantations. In the structure of the multiannual plantations is noticed the reduction of the share of orchards and increase of vineyards from north to south. Pastures (pastures and meadows) occupy 14.7% of the surface, while their frequency is quite constant on the territory of the whole district, with a light reduction in the central part. They are more specific to the sectors in the valley (Middle Prut Plain, Lower Prut Plain). Forest surfaces represent 9.5%, being more extended in the central part (16.9%), within the limits of The Codri Plateau. The high share of the forests here is explained, first of all, by a higher precipitation landscape (i.e. not very favourable for use as arable land), respectively, also by a bigger amount of rainfall. The largest forest bodies are in the Middle Prut Plain (within the perimeter of the Padurea Domneasca reservation), Codri Plateau (Nisporeni and Hancesti rayons) and on the Tigheci Hills (on the North-Western slopes of the rivers Sarata, Tigheci and Larga). Underwater land occupies only 1.9% of the district surface. The largest surfaces with lakes are in the lower valley of the r. Prut (Beleu and Manta). In the Lower Prut Valley the water covered lands have a share of 3.1% of the total surface, highlighting in particular the territory of the scientific reservation „Lower Prut”. So, the operational structure of the modality of land use within the district is changing from north to south. In the northern part the lands have an agri-forest use and agri-pastures. Within the limits of The Codri Plateau it changes into forest-vine-orchard, while towards south dominates the arable land. In order to avoid degrading processes, also to increase the productivity of some land categories, the forest surfaces’ consolidation is needed (especially, within the limits of Tigheci Hills) as well as for vines. Also, it recommended to avoid the consolidation of arable land plots in the plateau regions. Taking into consideration the exclusively agricultural of the district, the uncontrolled use of chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), lack of river strips for water protection, the agricultural lands represent the main source for the water pollution.

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Figure 14. Land use in the DPBS RBD

1.1.7. Noticeable aquatic ecosystems and wetlands The Republic of Moldova has ratified the Convention on Wetlands, one of an International Importance, especially as a habitat for aquatic birds, by Parliament Decision no. 504-XVI, of July 14, 1999, and became a member of this Convention in June 2000, when the lower Prut lakes region was included into the List of Wetlands of International Importance, as Ramsar area No. 1029 "Prutului de Jos Lakes". The area is located in the south- western part of the Republic of Moldova, in the lower section of the Prut river meadow, between the city of Cahul and the village of Giurgiulesti. The total length of the area is of 147.36 km, the total area being of 19152 ha, including 14400 ha of wetlands. In this area are located the largest natural lakes in the Republic of Moldova, the Beleu and Manta lakes. Lake Beleu, with a surface of approx. 1700ha, is situated near the village of Slobozia Mare. This is a meadow lake, with a size of 5 x 2km, an average depth - 1.5m, a maximum of 2m. The water level in the Beleu lake depends on the water level in the Danube and Prut, varying, depending on the level of the spring and summer floods. Prut waters flow into the lake through two channels. In dry years the lake can dry completely. Lake Manta is located between Pascani in the north and Vadul lui Isac in the south. It was formed by the fusion of the lakes of Foltane, Bodelnic, Dracele and smaller meadow lakes, formerly angled by lakes or Prut

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation effluents previously interconnected by streams or former small Prut tributaries. To the distinguished aquatic ecosystems are also attributed the waxed lands of the villages of Colibasi, Valeni, and also the Lake Branza, with an area of approximately 55ha (0.55km2). Beleu and Manta Lakes are unique ecosystems; they represent a distinct habitat for the aquatic bird world, having a rich flora composition.

1.2. Water resources

1.2.1. Hydrographical network The network includes the rivers, lakes and pools that can be grouped in three distinguishing hydrographical basins: Prut hydrographic basin, small and medium rivers basins flowing into danube liman (Cahul, Ialpug, Catlabuh and Kitai-Kirghiș) and rivers from the basins flowing into Black Sea liman (Cogalnic, Sărata, Hagider, Căplani, Alcalia). From rivers that are part of first two groups (the tributary rivers of Danube and Black Sea), the Ialpug, Cogalnic and Cahul have bigger surfaces of hydrographic basins in the limits of the Republic of Moldova equal with 3244.2 km2 , 1576.2 km2 and 878.1 km2 , resepectively (fig. 15). The density of the hydrographical network is non-uniform. In Prut basin the medium value of 2 hydrographical density is 0.54 km/km , a value a little bit higher than the medium value at the national level (0.48 km/km2). In the south part of the DPBS RBD the density of the hydrographical network is lower, aprox. 0.45 km/km2 .

1.2.2. Surface water resources The water resources of the rivers were assessed based on the monitoring, carried out by the State Hydro meteorological Service, which includes 13 hydrological debit stations (Q), five level measurement stations and 6 stations on lakes, of which four stations on Lake Costesti-Stanca. The measurements of the run-off of the rivers in the Prut basin, within the Republic of Moldova, were made only on three sections in different time periods of continuous observations. The most complete data of observations (60 years), are on the Ungheni hydrometer station. On the sections Leova, Costesti, Sirauti the observations do not exceed 28 - 30 years. Because of this, the water resources of the Prut were assessed by structuring the leakage information during the same multiannual period, related to the data from the hydrological station Cernauti, between 1945 and 1955, using the linear regression Q ung. = 1.294 Q cern, with the correlation coefficient R2 = 0.94. The results of the assessments are represented by italics in the table 7, and in the figure of the average annual flow rates of the Prut River, Ungheni (1945-2016) (Figure 16) Table 7. Multi-annual average medium flow rates of the Prut River (Ungheni hydrological station) in the period of 1945 – 2016 Years 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 69. 39. 85. 12 80. 1940 7 7 4 9 0 46. 77. 75. 78. 62. 16. 66. 64. 71. 64. 1950 2 5 3 0 9 3 5 6 8 1 64. 48. 74. 48. 68. 94. 73. 78. 65. 11 1960 8 6 8 2 7 3 5 4 6 9 1970 123 97.4 89.1 101 100 118 98.4 110 119 121 1980 140 142 107 68.5 84.6 84.7 51.0 37.5 95.1 69.4 1990 34.3 93.0 70.2 75.0 53.7 65.0 110 89.6 122 123 2000 66.1 92.7 110 72.1 66.4 97.9 129 66.3 124 60.8 2010 136 57.6 46.9 65.7 70.1 54.5 70.1

In the same manner, based on the correlation relation, the values of the leakage in the sections Sirauti, Costesti, Ungheni, for the reference period 1945 – 2010, with the correlation coefficient R2 between the leakage on mentioned sections and the equal-analogue section, respectively to: 0.75, 0.91, 0.94 (Table 8 and Figure 17). Page | 26

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Thus, the multiannual average flow rate in Ungheni in the period 1945 - 2016 is of 82.5 m3/s, practically equivalent to the average annual flow rate in the years of 2000 - 2016 of 86.7 m3/s. In the last 7 years, however, there has been a decrease in average flows by about 20 m3/s, which can be explained by the increase of the anthroposis level of the Prut basin in the mountain region (through deforestation, riverblocks and construction of hydroelectric power stations, etc.). It is also likely that a reduction in leakage, in recent years, is part of a new small water cycle that began in 2011 (Figure 16). The average annual leakage value of the rivers in the Danube and the Black Sea basins is of 75.91 million m3, a much smaller value, compared to Prut tributaries (661.38 million m3) (Table 9). In the years of 2000 - 2017, in some basins in the southern areas of the district there was a trend of increase in the average annual flow, as an example, in the basin of the Taraclia valley (Figure 18), a phenomenon which can be explained by the increase in annual precipitation averages in the respective region (Table 2).

Figure 15. Hydrographical network and main hydrographical basins of the DPBS RBD

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Figure 16. Hydrography of average annual flows of the Prut River, Ungheni (1945-2016) Table 8. The results of the assessment of the surface water resources of the Prut River and their statistical parameters Quantitative characteristics of the Prut water resources in the sections: Characteristics Sirauti Costesti Ungheni Leova Estuary Receiving surface, km 2 9230 11800 15200 23400 27540 Average annual flow: Liquid flow, m3/s; 77.7 83,0 86.7 90.8 93.7 Volume of flow, km3/an; 2.45 2.62 2.74 2.78 2.96 Specific debit, l/s.km2; 8.42 7,03 5.71 3.88 3.40 Leakage layer, mm 266 222 180 122 107 Variation coefficient, Cv 0.33 0.32 0.34 0.34 0.34 Asymmetry coefficient, Cs 2Сv 2Cv 2Cv 2Cv 2Cv Volume of flow, 25 % 2.92 3,01 3.28 3.44 3.55 provision,km3/an Ibidem 50 % 2.35 2.54 2.63 2.75 2.84 Ibidem 75 % 1.86 2,04 2,05 2.15 2.22 Ibidem 95 % 1.30 1.47 1.37 1.43 1.48

Figure 17. The annual liquid spill regime on Prut river

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Figure 18. The average annual flow rate of the Taraclia valley, m3/s. Station of Taraclia (years of 1961 – 2015)

Table 9. Annual average flow of the Taraclia valley Water resources of the small rivers within the DPBS RBD Average Basin surface, Average leakage, Tributary Length, km annual flow, km2 106.m3/an m3/s Rivers of the Prut basin Vilia 50 298 2.3 72.5 Lopatnic 57 265 2.3 72.5 Racovat 67 795 2.3 72.5 Drabiste 70.7 279 2,04 64.3 Ciuhur 90 724 1.93 60.86 Camenca 93 1230 2.64 83, 25 Caldarusa 40 318 1.87 58.97 Glodeanca 30 147 1.3 41,00 Garla Mare 40 285 1.21 38.2 Delia 30 219 1.62 51,09 Narnova 49 358 1.66 52.35 Lapusna 70 483 1.64 51.90 Carata 59 706 0.57 17.97 Tigheci 43 187 0.13 4,09 Larga (south) 33 151 0.1 3.15 Total 6445 661.38 Rivers of basins with flow to the firths of Danube and Black Sea Cahul 44.8 577.9 0.27 8.51 Salcia Mare 30.1 563.2 0, 2 6.31 Ialpug 113.3 1595.5 0.64 20.2 Lunga 77.5 1030,0 0.3 9.46 Lunguta 48.5 173.6 0, 5 1.6 Cogalnic 104.2 1031.1 0, 7 22.1 Saca 12.2 30.5 0, 02 0.6 Ceaga 17.8 339.9 0, 2 0.63 Sarata 19.4 101.3 0, 03 0.95 Copceac 23.2 112.9 0, 04 1.3 Bebei 27.2 178.6 0, 06 1.9 Hagider 7.8 201.9 0, 06 1.9 Page | 29

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Căplani 17.9 123.6 0, 04 1.26 Total 6060 75.91

The flow of DPBS RBD rivers is formed from two main sources of supply: surface and underground sources; the share of these two categories of supply determines, to a large extent, the annual flow regime of the rivers (Ymm) (Figure 19). Together with the atmospheric precipitation, the feeding of the rivers is dependent also of the geological structure of the river basins. As an example, Ciuhur's underground supply exceeds the share of surface, being of 63.93%, while of the river Vilia, both rivers in the northern Prut basin (figure 20, Table 10), exceeds 46%. The smallest share in the groundwater supply is in the rivers of the southern river basin - Mussa (3.2%), Ialpug (11%), Lunga (16.6%). The insignificant share of groundwater supply in the southern DPBS rivers, together with other factors, causes modest flows or final drainage during the summer period

Figure 19. Categories of river flows (Y), depending on the supply source

Table 10. Statistical parameters of the annual spillage components of the rivers (by Bejenaru Gh., 2018) Noticed Noticed Total annual spillage Hydrological point F, Number of years with surface undergroun № (flow), - river km2 observations spillage, d spillage, Ytotală, mm Ysurface, mm Yundergr, mm 1 2 3 4 5 7 6 1 Vilia – Balasinesti 261 58 73 40 34 2 Drabiste – Trinca 225 54 64 43 21 3 Ciuhur – Barladeni 144 60 61 22 39 4 Camenca – Cobani 284 36 54 32 22 5 Caldarusa – Cajba 79.5 58 59 39 20 6 Delia – Pirlita 125 23 52 42 9 7 Ialpuh – Comrat 360 16 18 16 2 8 Mussa – Comrat 83.5 14 31 30 1 9 Lunga – Ceadar- 370 35 12 9 2 Lunga 1 Salcia Mare – 414 25 26 20 6 0 Musaitu 1 Taraclia – Taraclia 103 50 53 40 13 1 1 Cogalnic – 179 52 46 32 14 2 Hancesti Page | 30

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The annual drainage regime is thus determined by the annual rainfall regime and the groundwater supply.

Figure 20. The annual liquid flow regime of rivers Vilia, Lunga, Salcia Mare

The rational use of water resources requires the determination of the ecological flow that has distinct values, unique for each month, regardless of the year. Table 11 presents the values of ecological flows for the Sirauti, Costesti and Ungheni sections of the Prut. Based on the volume of water, captured from the Prut river bed, the approximate values of the servitude flows were assessed. Table 11. Ecological flow and river servitude values of the river Prut Σ ecological and Annual ecological flow, Servitude No Section servitude flow, m3 /s flow, m3 /s m3 /s 1. Sirauti 23.3 - 23.3 2. Costesti 25 0,07 25,07 3. Ungheni 26 0,08 26,08 4. Leova 27 - 27 5. Cahul 27.6 0,07 27.67

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Figure 21. The annual liquid flow regime of the river Ciuhur, h.p. Barladeni and Taraclia, h.p. Taraclia, m3/s.

Figure 22. Average, maximum and minimum monthly flows of r. Cogalnic, h.p. Hancesti, m3/s

Another category of surface water are the lakes. DPBS RBD has a large number of lakes, especially anthropic lakes, but there are also natural lakes, most of them present in the Prut basin. Depending on the origin of the lacquer, the lakes have been defined as: major bed or meadow lakes, lakes between slopes, fluvial firths and anthropic lakes The meadow lakes. The hydromeliorative activities of the 60s-70s led to the erosion of many meadow lakes. Until that time in the Prut meadow, the lakes extended as a garland about 100 km from Cantemir in the north and up to Giurgiulesti in the south. At present, the lakes in the Prut meadow are preserved only from Cahul, upstream, and up to Giurgiulesti, downstream. The largest lake of the meadow is Lake Beleu, a lake located between Valeni and Slobozia-Mare. The baseline surface area of the lake is of 6.26 km2 and the maximum depth of 1-2 m, the maximum area in the flood period is of 9.5 km2 and the maximum depth is 2.8-3.0 m. The dam lake - encountered between the sliding waves in the landscaping reserve "Suta de Movile". There are small lakes with depths of 0.5 - 1 m and the surface of 0.5 - 1.0 ha.

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The category of river firths is represented by Cahul Firth, a firth from the river basin of the Danube. Administratively, the Republic of Moldova holds only a small sector of this lake, next to the village of Etulia Noua. Anthropic lakes have the largest representation. In the DPBS RBD there are more than 2,800 anthropic lakes, built to meet the different economic needs (fish farming, irrigation, energy, recreation, flood control, etc.). Conventional anthropic lakes are grouped into two categories: reservoir, with a volume exceeding one million cubic meters and ponds. In the DPBS RBD area there are 82 reservoirs, of which 46 are located in the Prut hydrographical basin. The lakes were built both on small rivers and on the Prut River, Lake Costesti - Stanca, being the largest reservoir in the DPBS RBD, with a total water volume in 1979 (commissioning date) of 735 mil m3, an area of 59 km2. During the exploitation period, the volume of the lake decreased by about 22%, and now, according to our calculations, amounts to about 574 million m3 of water. In addition to reservoirs, there are over 2,700 ponds in the DPBS RBD, among them, over 1400 ponds in river basins, flowing into the Danube and the Black Sea, identified by vectoring on orthophotomaps, 2007 edition. Figure 23 shows the reservoirs with the water surfaces of over 1 km2, in the southern Danube-Black Sea basin. The water of many lakes in the south of the hydrographical district is characterized by a degree of mineralization that can exceed 2.0 - 5g/l, which does not allow the use of water of these irrigation lakes, which is so necessary in these areas with insufficient humidity.

Figure 23. Reservoirs in the area of the Danube - Black Sea basin

1.2.3. Groundwater resources Following the hydrogeological prospects, total groundwater reserves were estimated to be 3478.9 m3/day on 01.01.2014. The area between the Prut - Nistru is a complex aquifer, in which aquifers and water horizons are interconnected. At present, the study and exploitation of groundwater for drinking and technical water supply is carried out in the following aquifers: − The aquifer horizon of the alluvial deposits of the meadows and river terraces - a, adA3; − The aquifer complex of alluvial deposits - aN2-A1-2; − The pontian aquifer set - N2p; − The aquifer complex of the Superior-Meotian Sarmatian - bN1S3-m; − The aquifer complex of the Middle Sarmatian deposits (Basarabian) (Congerian horizon) - N1s2; − The Badenian-Sarmatian aquifer complex - N1b-S1+2; − The Silurian-Cretaceous aquifer complex - K-S. Page | 33

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The spatial distribution of groundwater in the Moldovan artesian basin is uneven. Most of the groundwater reserves are concentrated in the central region of the republic and in the river Dniester valley. The Prut River Basin, as well as the Prut Valley, has relatively little underground water resources. But, at the same time, if we compare the underground water reserves and the required amount of groundwater, we find that the approved and predictable reserves in most cases exceed the groundwater requirements. The conditions for the formation of groundwater reserves in the Prut and Danube River basins are typical for the large valleys of rivers in platform areas with a stratified aquifer structure. They are mainly determined by the nature of the relationship between groundwater and surface runoff of rivers. The formation of groundwater operational reserves on interfluves differs significantly from the conditions for their formation in the valleys of large rivers The main region of supply for groundwater horizons/complexes, on the territory of the district, is the northern region of the Prut river basin, while groundwater is distributed to the southern regions. As a result, anthropogenic pressure and groundwater pollution occur not only in the river valleys and in the areas where the rocks flourish, but also in areas with low permeability rocks’ layers. Following the hydrogeological, geological and hydrochemical data analysis within the DPBS RBD, the following aquifer complexes were highlighted (Figures 24 and 25): 1. Holocene aquifer horizon attributed to alluvial deposits of river meadows and terraces - a, adA The aquifer horizon waters are widely used locally, for decentralized water supply to the population and for domestic purposes, being captured by springs or wells. The shortcomings of the aquifer horizon consist in poor water saturation of aquifers and low water quality. 2. The aquifer complex of alluvial deposits.-aN2-A1-2 The waters of this complex have an appreciable practical value and are of acceptable quality, while the small opening depth makes them widely exploited and used in the decentralized supply of drinking water and with domestic purposes. The aquifer complex is extensively exploited through wells and by intakes of springs, for the purpose of supplying decentralized water for domestic and drinking needs and technical production. 3. Pontian aquifer complex - N2p The exploitation of the waters of the Pontian complex takes place mainly through fountains, wells, is used for domestic purposes or for decentralized water supply, or as technical production water. Among the negative factors that impede the wide use of this water is high hardness, high mineralization, sulfate content above the permissible limit, nitrate pollution, and in the southern area of common for this water, it is at high depths. Location and surface area of the water body- N2p. 4. Aquifer complex of the superior-meotian Sarmatian N1S3-m The aquifer complex is widespread in the southern part of the region. The waters of the complex are related to the sand lenses and substrates in the gray-greenish clays of the upper Sarmatian and the Meotian deposits. The supply of the aquifer horizon takes place across the spread area, due to atmospheric infiltration and water in the upper horizons. The discharge of water occurs in the lower horizons or in the exploitation process of exploitation by wells, springs. The waters of this complex are used intensively for drinking, domestic and technical water production purposes. 5. The aquifer complex assigned to medium Sarmatian deposits (Congerian) N1s2 It is common in the region. As aquifers are present the fine grain sands, which are deposited as substrates in the clay deposits. The filling of the aquifer horizon takes place in the northern and central regions of the Republic of Moldova, where these sediments lay, another way of feeding being the infiltration of waters from the higher aquifer horizons. The discharge of the aquifer horizon takes place in the Badenian-Sarmatian aquifer complex. The waters are widely used for the water supply of the population and as technical production water. 6. Badenian-Sarmatian aquifer complex N1b-S1+2 The Badenian-Sarmatian aquifer complex is very common in the region. As the aquifers are present limestones (detrical, organogenic, oolytic) Badenian, Lower Sarmatian, and Middle Sarmatian. The feeding of the middle and lower sarmatian aquifer complex takes place in the northern part of the republic, locally being fed on the whole surface, due to the regional tectonic cracks and the passage of water from the upper horizons to the lower ones. Discharge takes place in the lower layers and through the exploration of the water through the wells. The waters of this aquifer complex are widely exploited for the purpose of centralized and decentralized water supply. Page | 34

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7. Silurian-Cretaceous aquifer complex K-S It is common in the northern and central regions. The waters of this complex are exploited more in the northern part of the Republic of Moldova, for technical purposes, but also for the water supply for the population, often exploited in combination with the waters of the Badenian-Sarmatian aquifer complex. The exploitable reserves, the forecasted resources, as well as their spatial location, within the DPBS RBD limits are presented in Table 12 and Figure 24.

Figure 24. Alluvial aquifer complexes

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Figure 25. Prequaternary aquifer complexes

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Figure 26. Scheme of the groundwater deposits location.

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Table 12. The exploitable reserves and projected resources of the Danube-Prut - Black Sea basin Groundwater resources for exploitation (106.m3/24hours) Forecasted Aquifer Approved by CSR Received by CTS Approved Name of layer in total Including sectors, Including: including: assesse per in mineralization river basins in total total AATP total d sector total AAM < 1.5 >1.5 AATP AATI AAM SB AATP AATI SB g/l g/l 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 35.5 13.7 aA3 78.11 25.80 25.80 0.00 0.00 49.26 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.05 1.41 1.64 0 6 N2 7.10 7.10 7.10 14.4 N2p 33.90 19.50 19.50 14.40 0 N1s3- 25.5 39.68 9.88 9.80 0.08 29.80 4.20 0.04 m 6 r. Prut 22.0 19.0 N1s2 69.40 19.00 19.00 41.49 0.38 8.91 8.91 6 5 53.4 N1b-s 93.45 35.45 15.67 18.55 1.23 57.40 2.30 1.70 0.60 0.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 15.4 K-S 54.14 29.09 19.39 9.30 0.40 21.05 5.35 0.30 4.00 4.00 0 V-R 0.61 0.23 0.23 0.38 0.38 N2 1.00 . 1.00 1.00 . N2p 5.40 4.20 4.20 1.20 1.20 r. Cahul N1s3- 0.24 0.09 0.09 0.15 0.15 m N1s2 0.19 0.19 0.19 N2p 0.60 0.60 0.60 . N1s3- 10.6 25.78 11.70 11.70 14.08 3.46 R Ialpug m 2 20.3 51.4 N1s2 98.48 14.93 7.43 7.50 27.33 7.00 4.80 4.80 16.66 34.76 3 2

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20.0 N1b-s 57.70 28.60 15.40 12.80 0.40 23.60 3.35 0.24 5.50 5.50 0 K-S 0.96 0.96 0.96 13.6 N1s2 23.51 9.86 6.76 3.10 13.65 5 N1s3- r. Cogalnic 1.30 1.30 1.30 m 11.6 N1b-s 75.21 54.78 54.78 8.83 2.70 6.13 11.60 0 N1s3- 2.33 1.40 1.40 0.93 0.93 r. Chitai m N1b-s 0.20 0.20 0.20 г. Sarata N1b-s 0.60 0.60 0.60 12.0 r. Hadjider N1b-s 24.19 10.99 10.99 12.00 1.20 1.20 0 326.7 189.4 132.9 28.3 63.3 TOTAL 694.08 275.70 222.02 51.25 2.43 4.34 28.30 26.98 36.40 0 4 1 0 8 CSR – State Reserve Commission; CTS – technical-scientific council; AATP – the supply of technicall-potable water; AATI – the supply of technical water to Enterprises; AAM SB – mineral water supply For spa sanitation purposes.

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1.3. Human activities and use of water resources

1.3.1. Population (urban, rural, trends) The total number of the population of DPBS RBD is of 1 025.3 th. inh., what represents 36.5% of the country population. The district territory is a typical rural area, circa 76% of the population lives in the rural area. The average density of the population in the district is of 69.4 inh./km2. In the last 25 years the population in the basin reduced with circa 67 thousand inhabitants. Most of the towns (except Lipcani, Cupcini, Costesti, Cornesti, Iargara, Tvardita, Ceadar-Lunga and Vulcanesti) are rayon centers. From the perspective of the number of population, small and average towns are dominating (compared to the country size) (pic. 25). The sizes of towns, by the number of population, vary from circa 2,0 th. inh. (towns of Cornesti and Costesti) up to 30.8 th. inh. (town of Ungheni). The average size of towns is of 10.6 thousand inh. They can be classified into 4 groups (table 13 and pic. 25). So, the largest part of the urban population (71.9%) is concentrated in towns which have over 10 thousand inhabitants, all holding today or in the past the position of rayon center. The number of population in these towns didn’t change essentially in the last 20 years, what shows the presence of an important economic potential. Table 13 Classification of localities by the number of inhabitants (according to the Population census, 2014) Number of the Number of the population and 1. Number of towns population their share 1. < 2 thousand 519 394 815 (38.5%) 2. 2 – 10 thousand 126 440 466 (43.0%) 12 – Nisporeni, Cimișlia, Congaz, Fălești, Vulcănești, Taraclia, 3. > 10 thousand 189 975 (18.5%) Hâncești, Edineț, Ceadîr-Lunga, Comrat, Ungheni and Cahul Total 657 1 025 256 Source: http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=ro&idc=479&

In the last 25 years the urban population in the region reduced by circa 29 thousand inhabitants, caused by the economic crisis, that contributed to the decrease of the main demographic indicators. The most essential reductions were registered after 1994, when the birth rate decreases a lot, the mortality rate increases, while the migration balance becomes negative. The economic crisis did generate an intensive migration of the population from the small urban localities. Among localities, in conformity with the data of the censuses from 1989 and 2014, the biggest reductions in numbers are noticed in the large towns (cities) of the region – Cahul (from 44.6 thousand inh., in 1989 to 28.8 thousand inh., in 2014) and Ungheni (from 40.2 thousand inh. up to 30.8 thousand inh. in 2014). (source: calculations made in conformity with the population censuses from 1989 and 2014). The rural population represents circa 790.5 thousand inh. and is concentrated in 634 villages. The size of villages varies 9 inh. (v. Popovca, Cantemir rayon) up to 11 123 inh. (v. Congaz, TAU Gagauzia). The average size of the village is of 1 231 inh., of about 8.6 time smaller than the average size of a town. Knowing the population structure by age and gender is very important for the assessment of the active population, of the workforce potential, based on which can be done the economic and social planning, as well as of the needs (pressure) of natural resources and, first, the needs of water resources. By gender, in conformity with the current statistical data (Territorial statistics, 2017) the relation of the population is of 49.1% of male population compared to 50.9% female population. In the rural area this relation is much more homogeneous, being of 49.5% to 50.5%, because of a higher mortality rate. In the urban area, the discrepancy among the two genders is much more pronounced – 48.1% to 51.9%, thanks to a longer life expectancy among the female population. The young population – 16.3%, adult population (able to work) – 65.3% and elderly population – 18.4%.

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Data source: Population census, 2014 Figure 27. Classification of towns (cities) by the number of population

Following the age group analysis can be noticed that the largest is the adult population (65.3%), which represents the working force, as well as the main consumers of water resources. The young population (16.3%) reduces in numbers from year to year, as a consequence of the decrease of the birth rate, registered in the last 20 years. This situation causes not only social issues (number of children in the kindergarten or pupils at school), but also economic ones (the degree of supply with workforce, the reproductive potential of the population), including the current one, as well as the future infrastructure project (including water and sanitation). Another issue is related to the increase in the share of the elderly population or the pensioned one, who, at the moment represents 18.4%. It is forecasted that for the future their share will continue to grow, thus having a bigger pressure on the social fund and, directly, on the active population. Within the basin limits can be highlighted several categories of towns (cities) (fig. 27). Multifunctional towns of average size (over 20 thousand inhabitants) – Ungheni, Cahul and Comrat. They represent industrial

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation centres with complex functions, but with a predominance of the food industry branches (wine, canning, diary). The have administrative and social-cultural functions at the rayon and region levels. The towns with an agri-industrial function include small urban settlements (10-20 thousand inhabitants). They represent industrial centres with a narrow specialization, represented by food industry enterprises (sugar, canning, wine factories). The agricultural sector has a relatively big share in the economy of the towns. Most of them hold administrative and social-cultural functions of a rayon level. Towns with agricultural functions comprise very small urban settlements (under 10 thousand inhabitants), with a limited industrial development, often represented by a single enterprise, of a local importance, for the processing of the agricultural raw materials. There are some enterprises for the servicing of the agricultural machines, also for the collection and storage of the agricultural products. An important role in the economy of towns is played by agriculture. The region is well provided with workforce. The population of the working age exceeds 2/3 of the total. A serious issue is represented by the demographic ageing process, which consists of the reduction of the young population and increasing share of the elderly ones. Taking into consideration the evolution of the main demographic indicators, can be mentioned that in the region is noticed a trend for the decrease in the number of population. This trend shall stay until essential progress shall be registered in the economic development of towns. In the context of the reduction in the number of population and preservation of the current level of economic development, we may foresee a decrease of the human pressure on water resources and a stagnation of the amount of water consumed within DPBS RBD.

1.3.2. Agriculture (crops and livestock husbandry) Agriculture is a traditional branch of the economy of the Republic of Moldova. The agrifood sector ensures now circa 25% of the total GDP value and which engages at the moment circa 1/3 of the active population. Today, the agricultural products ensure 29.2% of the total exports of commodities. The main exported agricultural products are cereals, fruits, sunflower seeds (Territorial statistics, 2017). Plant growing. The relatively good natural and economic conditions within DPBS RBD allow the cultivation of a broad range of plants, also with a certain level of specialization, depending on the geographic area (north, centre, south) and on the local specific conditions. Cereals have an uniform spread, while the largest areas are in the southern region (fig. 28). In the structure of cereals dominates the wheat and corn. As share, while the land plots surface, planted with wheat, is growing from north to south, then those planted with corn, vice-versa, decrease in the same direction. Second important (after wheat) crop is the sunflower. Its share is relatively constant and no big special variations can be noticed due to the environmental flexibility of the grown varieties. In the northern part are concentrated the largest surfaces planted with potato and almost all surfaces planted with sugar beet. In the Central and Southern region winery is practiced. In the plant growing structure, DPBS RBD ensures approximately 55% of the total production of sunflower, 50% of the total production of wheat and corn, 48% of the production of vegetables in the field, 26% of the sugar beet production, etc. The high share of arable land (57.7%) within DPBS RBD, the domination of the hoed crops in the structure of seeded surfaces (over 90%) and the intense use of chemical fertilizers (fig. 29) (average 52 kg/ha), cause an intensive contamination of water resources with nutrients (N, P and K), clogging of the surface water, as well as other negative processes.

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Figure 28. Structure of the main hoed crops

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Figure 29. The quantity of chemical fertilizers (kg/ha) used in agriculture Livestock. Growing of animals did decrease essentially. This was determined by economic factors (lack of subsidies in the respective subsector) and natural ones (last years’ droughts). All these did influence a lot the number of grown animals. Thus, while the pig and poultry herds do not vary by region, because it has a rather intensive character, then the sheep and goat herds increases towards south, while the one for cows – increases towards north. This is determined by the surface and, more often, quality of the natural pastures. After the sheep and goats herd (582.7 thousand heads), DPBS RBD holds 67% of the total number for the country, the one for cows (75.5 thousand heads) - 42%, while the one for pigs (156.2 thousand heads) – 35.6%. In the space profile can be noticed an increase of the animals’ herds from north to south (together with the growth of the pastures surface), but also the change in the herd structure, by the decrease of the number of cows and pigs and an obvious extension of the herd of sheep and goats (fig. 30). The latter ensure a more efficient economic capitalization of pastures, as well as representing a traditional occupation for the southern area of DPBS RBD. The total meat production of all types within the district, in 2016, was of 158.6 thousand t (21% of the country’s production), of milk – 14 thousand t (56%), of eggs – 176 M pcs. (60%), of wool – 36.3 t (90%) (Territorial statistics, 2017). The dominance of sheep herding within DPBS RBD, causes the degrading of the pastures’ surfaces (over- pasturing), salinisation of soils and groundwater. Also, they contribute also to the contamination of the surface water, through washing with precipitations, faeces and urine. Page | 44

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Figure 30. The domestic animals’ herds within DPBS RBD

1.3.3. Fish farms The natural fishing basins fund. The total surface of the natural fishing basins fund of R. Moldova represents 9570 ha. Of these, within the limits of DPBS RBD the following are found (fig. 31): - The reservoir Costesti – Stanca, within the limits of the territory of the Republic of Moldova, has a surface of 2500 ha, average depth – 10 m. The main fish species: bream, roach, hake, zander, crucian, rapacious carp; - The Manta marshes – surface - 2200 ha, dominating depths – 1-3 m, with the following branches Surdu – 50 ha; Lifstevo – 60 ha; Hidraru – 25 ha, Dracu – 35 ha. Almost on all marshes surface are pits for the fish wintering and over 750 ha de spawning places (places for the producing or depositing of eggs), with a depth varying between 0.5 and 1 m. The main species of fish are: carp, bream, crucian, roach; - The Lake Beleu (now part of the scientific reservation “Lower Prut”), surface – 950 ha, depths vary between 0.5-3 m, surface spawning places represent 350 ha, the pits for the fish wintering are missing, the water circulation in the lake (entry and leakage) is unsatisfactory because the backwater “Rotaru” can’t ensure the necessary water inflow, specifically in the summer months; - The River Prut, within the limits of the territory of the Republic of Moldova has a surface of 2600 ha. The main fish species: bream, crucian, pike, carp, catfish.

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The condition of the fish recourses in the natural basins. The River Prut with the reservoir Costesti-Stanca, lakes Manta and Beleu, according to the fisheries’ importance are considerate fishponds of the higher category, where is stored the main ihtio-genetic fund of the valuable fish: - acipenseridae (sturgeon, Russian sturgeon, stor, sterlet); - ciprinidae (barbel, sturgeon, carp, bream, sichel, chub, rutilus lacustris, etc); - clupeonidae (mackerel, alosa tanaica); - percidae (zander; streber, zingel, ruffe, perch); - others (catfish, pike, burbot and huchen). The specific composition of the ihtiofauna is represented in r. Prut by 43 species of fish. By the number of species, the ihtiofauna of the natural basins is quantitatively rich, while not distributed uniformly. Not always the size of catching depends only on the diversity of species, but also on many other factors. First of all it depends on the quality of species and quantitative composition of the fish populations, living conditions and the distribution in space and time of one specie or another. The Ihtiocomplex of each basin must have a stability of species, the misbalance of which leads to quantitative and qualitative disproportions of the relationships among species. In the same time the ihtiocomplex also depends on the hydrological and environmental conditions, as well as the anthropogenic factors. The anthropogenic factors which did modify the conditions for the reproduction and living of the fish resources are: - regulation of water debits in r. Prut, downstream the reservoir Costesti-Stanca, starting with 1979; - ditching the bed of r. Prut, fallowing of circa 33 thousand ha of the flood plains of r. Prut, which led to the destruction of spawning places and places for the development and fattening of valuable species of fish. On the r. Prut, following the floods of 1969, the vegetal biotops decreased - floatons (floating islands), which were occupying circa 60% of lake Manata surface. Also, a negative influence was played by the extraction of sand and river gravel from the minor bed of Prut, as well as the use for agriculture, pollution, etc. The reservoir Costesti-Stanca. The ihtiological observations made systematically by the Fishery Service and Scientific Research Station in the Area of Fisheries did highlight a general quantitative growth of the fish fauna with a maximum of 3-4 years after filling in. Thus, in 1980 perch represented 46.5% of the total quantity, roach and crucian 8.7% each, valuable species 30%. The ameliorative fishing form 1983-1985 shows that, the share of perch did decrease to 25%, while the density of roach has increased to 30%. Starting with 1985, by systematic placement of carp, zander and bream brood, the increase of minimum size allowed for the fishing of bream from 25 cm to 30 cm, the quantitative and qualitative composition of the ihtiofauna at the end of the 80’s did stabilize. The dominant species in the industrial fishing being: bream – 60 %, carp 21 %, zander 3.4 %, other large fish species (asp, fitofagus, spike, catfish) – 13.6% and small fish species (roach, crucian, perch) – 8.5%. The quantity of fish caught in 1990 and 1992 varied between 38.1 tons and 45.7 tons. The fishery productivity per 1 ha was of 18-20 kg, which represented only 50% of the possible potential.

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Figure 31. Areas with fish species of economic importance At the end of the 90’s the industrial fishing volumes decreased by 6.6 times, this can be explained by the halt of the populating and non-ensuring of optimal conditions for the natural reproduction, dependent on the daily variations of the water in the lake, destruction of the substrate on spawning places (specifically during the eggs laying period). Another negative influence is played by the slow warming of the water (delayed spring). The control and industrial/commercial fishing (tab. 14-16) show that the fish structure is represented by: roach – 33.3%, bleak – 13.7%, bream – 8.5%, zander – 3.8%, perch – 29.8%, sturgeon – 2.3%, carp, crucian and asp - 2.5% each. By age structure are dominating the populations of: for bream – 3+- 23 %, 4 +- 24.8 %, roach – 3 +- 34.2 %, 5 +- 32,0 %, perch +- 42 %, 3 +- 26.7 %, carp – 3 +- 44.9 %, 2 +- 22.4 %. In the months of August-October in the fishing gears were found 20 pcs of sterlet in the segments of Ciuhur, Corpaci, Dumeni, Badragi. The control fishing done with the brood nets did find: perch – 44.6%, bream – 21.9%, roach – 9.8%, asp – 8.6%, zander – 4.4%, crucian – 4.7%, bleak – 3.8%, carp – 2.3%, sturgeon – 0.3%, silver carp – 0.3%. The most perch – 86.9% was fished in the section – 800 m downstream the v. Dumeni. The previously populated species (carp, fitofagus) are weakly represented – 0.2% and 0.1%. We have to mention the high percentage of the predator fish species – 25.1%, specifically of the perch, as well as the quantitative reduction of the species fished in the past – chub, nase, spike and others. On the Ciuhur-Costesti

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation sector spike, catfish, chub, white eye bream, following the control fishing weren’t registered. The carp and the fitofagus (bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp) are periodically registered in the industrial fishing. The data gathered from the control and industrial fishing only on the side of the Republic of Moldova can’t reflect the real situation of the fish resources and isn’t sufficient to forecast the trends of ihtiocenozis development in the lake, as well as for the current and future evaluation of the condition of the fish resources. Based on the results of the control fishing from 2004-2016, is confirmed the need for the ameliorative fishing of the small size fish species. The numerical reduction of the predatory fish species shall be done using the net size smaller than for the industrial fishing in places and times set by the Fishery Service. Table 14. Structure of the control fish captures in the reservoir Costesti-Stanca, 2010.

Table 15. Qualitative and quantitative composition of the ihtiofauna of the reservoir Costesti-Stanca, determined following the de control and industrial/commercial fishing (ring nets / nets Ø 14 x 14 mm – 100 x 100 mm) 2010.

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Table 16 Qualitative and quantitative composition of the ihtiofauna of river Prut (lower sector), determined following control and industrial/commercial fishing (ring nets / nets Ø 14 x 14 mm – 100 x 100 mm), 2010

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Actions for the populating of the reservoir Costesti-Stanca: 1. On 12.04.2014 – 2 million embryonic eggs of zander from the genetic fund of the Lake Razelm, Tulcea district; 2. 24 May 2011 – populating of the reservoir with Bream larva (Abramis brama L.) in a quantity of 2.3 M pcs.; 3. 28.03.2011 – populating of the reservoir with fish brood of species: Carp, Grass Carp, Silver carp/bighead carp, in a quantity of 3635 kg.

1.3.4. Forestry The total surface of the forestry fund within DPBS RBD, managed by the “MoldSilva” Agency is of 110 514.6 ha. Their management is done by 8 forestry enterprises, 2 silvo-genetic enterprises and 2 natural reserves (tab.17). By the size of the forestry fund is noticed the Forestry enterprise „Hancesti-Silva” (15800.3 ha), Silvo- Genetics Enterprise „Comrat” (15331 ha), Forestry enterprise „Glodeni” (14 281 ha), Forestry enterprise „Silva- Sud Cahul” (11223.3 ha) and Silvo-Genetics Enterprise „Cimislia” (10529 ha). Table 17 Forestry Enterprises within DPBS RBD Forestry Enterprises Surface, ha Forestry enterprise Edinet 5149.9 Forestry enterprise Glodeni 14281,0 Natural Reserve „Pădurea Domnească” 5345.6 Forestry enterprise Silva-Centru Ungheni 8538.9 Forestry enterprise Nisporeni-Silva 8643.3 Forestry enterprise Hancesti-Silva 15800.3 Forestry enterprise Iargara 8210.8 Forestry enterprise Silva-Sud Cahul 11223.3 Forestry enterprise Manta-V 6939.3 Natural Reserve Lower Prut 522.2 Silvo-Genetics Enterprise Cimislia 10529 Silvo-Genetics Enterprise Comrat 15331 Total 110514.6 Page | 50

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In the structure of the forestry fund, the biggest areas are occupied by forests and forest crops (including those which did form under the forest roof), recovered by natural or artificial means. Their share in the forestry fund structure represents 94.6% (tab. 18). So, the biggest majority of the forestry fund is covered by forest vegetation. Moreover, in the forest massifs, where trees did reach maturity, are carried out reforestation and forest landscaping activities, which envisage the rational long term use of forests. Shall be mentioned the fact that the glades and areas designated for reforestation represent 2451.1 hectares. This shows the fact that the existing plots can be used to extend the surface of forests, what represents an important factor in the improvement of the protection role of forests for soils and water resources within the district. Table 18 Distribution of the forestry fund by land categories Abrevie % Category of land rea A Forests, including lands designated for the reproduction and recovery of forests 100 Forests, plantations transferred into forests, recovered by natural or artificial 94.6 A1.1-A1.3 means

A1.4 Areas designated for reforestation, which were cut or destroyed by the wind 0.6

A1.5 Glades and areas designated for forestry 2.9

A1.6 Degraded lands designated for forestry 1.8

A1.7 Natural lice or created by the planting of forest crops 0.1

In the structure of the forestry fund the most common are forest formations in monodominant stands of oak pedunculate (tab. 19), which occupies almost half (43.7%) of all phytocenotic formations identified. We have to mention that within DPBS RBD are common also xerophilous woody plants, such as the fluffy oak (Quercus pubescens). The forests formations, where the fluffy oak is dominating, and in the structure of which this type of trees is dominant (Monodominant trees of fluffy oak) represents 13.6% of the total dendro-coenoses described. The rest of the forests formations have an insignificant distribution. Thus, it results that in the structure of the forest fund of the DPBS RBD dominate the natural pedunculate and fluffy oak. So, the practical activities of the foresters should envisage the rational management of the mentioned above forests formations, in order to preserve the diversity and genetics and variety of species, as well as to ensure their environmental stability. This way will be fully ensured the protection functions of the forests for the soil and water, which will have at its turn a positive effect on the environmental condition within DPBS RBD. Table 19. Distribution of the forestry fund by forests formations Name of the forests formations % Mixed shafts (mixed) of pedunculate oak and fluffy oak 0.1 Ash and sessile oak - Poplar forests of white poplar and black poplar 0.1 Monodominant oak forests 0.3 Monodominant stands of silvo-steppen 1.2 Mixed Poplar and Willow Trees 2.2 Monodominant sessile oak trees 3.5 Monodominant plopes of white poplar 1.7 Mixed hills of sessile 5.8 Monodominant trees of pedunculate oak 43.7 Monodominant trees of fluffy oak 13.6 Monodominant trees of oak 2.2 Hill forests of sessile and oak pedunculate 5.4 Page | 51

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Monodominant canes of willow 1.9 Mixed meadows 9.6 Sessile oak and oak pedunculate brush 4.4 Monodominant trees of white poplar 3.2 Hill forests of oak pedunculate 0.3 Hill forests and silvo-steppen forests 0.8 Total 100

The age classes structure of the forestry fund is misbalanced (tab. 20). Young trees are dominating, trees of the age class I and II (tab. 20). Their share in the structure of the forestry fund represents 59.9%. Considerable surfaces are occupied also by trees of the age class III and IV. Their share represents 30.1%. It results that in the future it will be necessary to plan activities for the regulation of the age structure of trees. Table 20. Structure of the forestry fund by age classes VINEYARD VI (100- I (1-20) II (21-40) III (41-60) IV (61-80) V (81-100) S (121- Total 120) 140) Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha % Ha %

2521 31,4 2280 28.4 1047 13,0 1367 17,0 745 47 0.5 60. 0,0 8015 10 9.3 4.6 6 1.2 5 0.6 6 9.5 6 7.8 2 9 7 8 6.4 0

The analysis of the forestry fund by the soil class shows that over half of the forests have low grade soils (soil of the IV and V grade) (tab. 21). Their share represents 62.5%. This are poorly producing brush, which in the past were exploited by the breeding method with further reproduction by shoots. This type of management of the forestry fund (based on shoot reproduction) did contribute to the decrease of the productivity and quality of brush, also it did cause the reduction of its environmental resistance to abiotic and biotic factors. That is why, today, the most urgent action in the area of forestry is the environmental reconstruction of the poorly producing brush. The high quality brush share represents only 3.9% of the total surface of the forestry fund within DPBS RBD. Table 21. Structure of the forestry fund by soil grades, density of brush and age Soil grade class Soil Brush density Surface Densit grade I II III IV V , ha y of Age, <0.4 0.4-0.6 >0.6 class of brush year brush (avera s Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha (avera Ha Ha Ha ge size) ge size) 22 24 288 269 276 801 3 255 101 674 44 0.74 3.8 6.3 4.5 67.2 10.4 56.4 7 6.8 74.3 25.3 8

The distribution of the forestry fund by the brush density is normal. The share of brush with a reduced density is of 13.9%, while the dense ones represent 84.1% of the total surface. The average density of brush is of 0.74, what shows that by this indicator, the condition of forests within DPBS RBD is satisfactory.

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1.3.5. Industry and mining The extractive industry is developing based on the own natural raw materials resources. The most common are sand and pebble quarries, which can be found, especially, in the meadow of Prut river. Also, there’s a wide spread of clay quarries. Among others are those for ceramic, keramzite etc. The impact of the mining on the water resources is specifically big. The extraction of mineral raw materials using the “up to date” method (quarries) causes perforation of groundwater horizons, respectively, lowering water levels in nearby rivers, in wells, springs, etc. Extraction of sand and gravel (silts) from the river meadows (especially, from the meadow of r. Prut in the perimeter of rayons Glodeni, Ungheni, Cahul, etc.) has many negative consequences: decrease of water level, increase of slope of water, increase of river course rate (respectively, the modification of the alluvial sedimentation regime), activation of meadow processes, activation of lateral erosion and shoreline degradation. Under the pretext of waterway maintenance, such works are still being carried out, which unfortunately are not coordinated with environmental bodies. Cutting lime deposits (for blocks) can be found mostly in the northern part of the district. They are used as building stone or as façade material. The main deposits are in the villages of Gordinesti, Volodeni and Chetrosica (Edinet rayon), v. Druța and v. Varatic (Rascani rayon). They are represented by badenien, stratified limestone. The thickness of the productive layer ranges from 10 m to 50 m and is at a depth of 120-140 m. The reserves are very large, for example those next to v. Gordinesti are estimated at 3.6 mil. m3. Also in this region, there are varieties of lime, which are used to obtain rough stone, broken stones and lime. They are predominantly extracted using the explosion method. Unwrought stone is used as construction material, and broken stone - in the road cover and in the manufacture of reinforced concrete. Limestone deposits of this type are in the v. Beleavinti, v. Caracusenii Vechi (Briceni rayon), v. Branzeni, v. Fetești (Edinet rayon), v. Duruitoarea, v. Saptebani (Rascani rayon), v. Cobani and v. Balatina (Glodeni rayon). The limestone in the northern part of the republic, which lurks in the valleys of the rivers Draghiste, Racovat, Ciuhur, Camenca, etc. Are also called toltres. They lurk to the surface, forming steep, rocky slopes, with numerous grottos and caves, creating spectacular landscapes, becoming landmarks. Clays for producing brick and tile have a wider spatial distribution. The most important deposits are located near the cities Rascani, Ciadar-Lunga, Comrat and Vulcanesti. The deposit next to c. Rascani (meadow of r. Copaceanca) is used for brick production. The deposit next to c. Ciadâr-Lunga is the biggest (1 mil. m3) and at the moment isn’t used. Within the limits of rayon Ungheni there are 6 deposits of clays and sandy clays: Buciumeni, Medeleni, Parlita, Untesti, Cetireni, Ungheni and Danuteni. The deposits are located on the surface and are exploited in quarries. The quality of the deposits is high, especially for sandy clays, which can be used in the natural state, without special additions. Clays are usually easy fusible and have a low content of aluminium oxide. The raw material can be used by brick and tile factories. For the manufacturing of ceramics easy fusible flexible clays are used. The raw material is used for the production of terracotta, ceramic drainage pipes, decorative ceramic articles, household items, etc. Was exploited and exploited the deposit from Nicolaevca Noua next to the c. Ungheni. For the production of keramzite are used high plasticity clays. For this purpose, are exploited the deposits from or. Ungheni and c. Comrat (Natural resources, 2006). Benthic clays are used as absorbents and filters, also in the manufacture of fine ceramics, etc. Of the 3 deposits exploited n the country, 2 are in the Cantemir rayon, in v. Larguta and v. Cociulia. Gypsum deposits are explored in the northwest, at Criva and Drepcauti (Briceni rayon). Total exploitable reserves are estimated at 42.6 mil. t. The thickness of the gypsum layer is on average 20 m. It is especially used as an addition to cement production. Only the deposit from Criva is exploited, with an annual production of circa 400 thousand t. The career from Criva caused the perforation of some water horizons, so an enormous amount of water accumulates in the quarry, which is then pumped directly into r. Prut. In the southern part of DPBS RBD are concentrated also some deposits of energy resources. Brown coal deposits can be found near c. Cahul, or Vulcanesti and v. Etulia (both in TAU Gagauzia). At the moment they are not being exploited. Near the v. Valeni there is an oil deposit. The deposit is cased in layers of clay and sand of neogen age. Its exploitation causes oil spills and periodic pollution in the perimeter of l. Beleu and of the scientific reserve „Lower Prut”.

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Also in neogene rocks, but further north, in v. Victorovca (Cantemir rayon) a natural gas deposit has formed. 3 wells are exploited, with a quantity of 14 thousand m3/day. Most industrial enterprises are concentrated in cities, and only small enterprises, which deal with the primary processing of agricultural raw material (oil mills, mills) are found in some rural centres. From an economic point of view, three groups of cities can be outlined. In the post-war period several industrial enterprises appeared: machine building and metalworking (Briceni, Edinet and Falesti); printing (Ungheni, Cahul, Leova, Nisporeni, Falesti, Rascani, Edinet and Lipcani); electrical power (Costesti); wood processing (Rascani), textile industry (Edinet, Ungheni, Comrat, Falesti, Nisporeni and Cahul); production of building materials (Ungheni, Cahul and Comrat); the food industry companies become very diversified. Most of these businesses do not have treatment stations or those that do, do not comply, while any waste water formed is discharged into the river basins. Heavy industry enterprises are potential sources of heavy metal pollution (copper, zinc, nickel and lead), but also iron, oils, hydrocarbons, etc. Textile industry enterprises are potential sources of water pollution with mechanical components (lint, yarns), vegetable oils, fats, detergents, enzymes, acids (acetic, formic, etc.) and other harmful substances. The sugar factories within the district (Edinet, Cupcini, Glodeni, Falesti) contributes to the pollution of surface water with dissolved organic substances, alkaline (Ca), formaldehyde, etc. From wine factories (Falesti, Ungheni, Hancesti, Cantemir, Cahul, Comrat, Tvardita, etc.) 2- sulfite (SO3 ) emissions, acids, alkaline substances, colloids, iron oxides, etc. are periodically recorded. The total value of industrial production manufactured within the DPBS RBD in 2016 was of 6.9 billion MDL. The most important industrial centres within the district are the cities of Ungheni, Cahul, Comrat and Edinet (fig. 32). The city of Edinet is one of the main production centres for juices and canned fruits and vegetables. The value of the produced output is 25% of the national one. The rayons of Cahul, Cantemir and TAU Gagauzia ensure approximately half of the national production of wines.

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Figure 32. Value of the industrial production sold in 2017

1.3.6. Hydropower Within DPBS RBD there is only one hydro power plant – Costesti-Stanca. The construction of the hydrotechnical node Costesti – Stanca on the river Prut began in 1973 and was completed in 1978. The hydropower plant is at 576 km from spill, in an area where the width of the major bed reduces to about 400 m, due to the presence of calcareous reefs, which basically represent a natural dam (fig. 33). The surface of the reservoir is of 59 km2 and the total volume is of 772.0 million m3. Multi - annual average flow is of 81 m³/s. The main purpose for which the Costesti-Stanca Hydrotechnical Node was built is to regulate the flows of Prut River, to mitigate floods, to prevent floods in the Prut river meadow, to provide (if possible) in the downstream dam the water levels necessary for navigation within the limits, jointly agreed with the Romanian side, water supply of localities and industry, irrigation and electricity generation. The reservoir has provided a volume to combat floods of 550 million m³, which allows the mitigation of the flood with the assurance of 1% from 2940 m³/s to 700 m³/s and along with downstream dams, removing 100,000 ha of land from the meadow under flooding. Irrigation can be extended to a surface of 140,000 ha, 70,000 ha each. Water supply is provided by flow rates of 10 – 16 m³/s for downstream river areas. Page | 55

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The power is exploited by 2 plants with an aggregate of 16 MW (for each part) at the flow rate of 2 x 65 m³/sec, with an average annual power of 2 x 65 GWh. The exploitation roster of the hydroelectric plants is subordinated to other uses. The dam has a maximum height of 47 m and a length of 740 m. The Administration, Operation and Maintenance of the Hydropower Node Infrastructure, according to the Agreement between the Government of Romania and the Government of Republic of Moldova, is carried out jointly by the "Complex Exploitation of Stanca-Costesti" (on the Romanian side) and the State Enterprise "Costesti- Stanca Hydrotechnical Node Division" (from the Republic of Moldova).

Figure 33. Location of the Costesti-Stanca Hydro Power Plant

1.3.7. Waste, landfills, polluted sites Waste management raises very complex problems requiring coordinated action at all administration levels. By the end of 2017, within the limits of DPBS RBD, a total volume of production waste was generated in a volume of 729.4 thousand t (tab. 22). The largest quantity (88.2%) of production waste was formed on the territory of Edinet rayon. These were generated by mining enterprises (29.5%), livestock and poultry farms (39.4%), canning, sugar, milk and cereal processing plants (17.1%). Among other administrative units, the quantity of stored waste is noticeable in TAU Gagauzia (7.5%). Existing hazardous waste represents 793.2 t. The largest quantities are stored in the territory of rayons Taraclia (29.8%), TAU Gagauzia (22.2%) and Leova (20.1%). There is a predominance of waste containing cyanide compounds (over 90% of all hazardous waste) which is formed in the wine industry. Another category of waste, also with a strong impact on the pollution of water resources, are hazardous chemicals (herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, petroleum products). The total quantity of these products, Page | 56

Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation stored in the district territory at the end of 2017, was of 1750.4 t. The largest quantity (65.3%) is deposited in TAU Gagauzia, being represented by oil refinery waste from "Arnaut Petrol" company from c. Comrat (791.2 t stored). Table 22. Landfill of solid household waste N Rayon. The Number The Amount of Existing Total amount of Storage r total of amount of waste hazardous hazardous chemicals of solid surface existing existing used or waste at (herbicides, domestic of deposits waste at transmitte the end of insecticides, waste in deposits , the end of d the year fungicides, petroleum existing , (un) the year throughou 2017, t products) deposited deposits (ha) 2017, t t the year during the year 2017 (thousan 2017, (t) d m3) thousand t 1 Cahul 48.6 45 9069.6 29.6 6 32 50 791 2 Briceni 38.9 27 68,0 16.5 2.6 22.1 80 285 3 Cante 26.4 38 0 9.1 0 0 5 510 mir 4 Falesti 52.3 71 4468.6 0,03 2.1 2.1 34 930 5 Edinet 49.9 45 643170.7 302.2 7.2 120.4 27 300 6 Gloden 48.3 24 121.6 0.8 0 33,0 35 600 i 7 Hances 34.6 46 297.8 6,0 59.2 0 34 498 ti 8 Leova 17.8 35 4824.5 4.6 159.8 62.2 17 642 9 Nispor 39.4 33 0.3 0.3 72.2 0 21 096 eni 1 Ocnita 30.4 21 18.5 1.5 1.8 0.6 28 560 0 1 Rascani 66,0 43 6980 3.7 0 1.5 19 742 1 1 Unghe 39,0 43 3752.8 44.6 2.5 1.5 22 590 2 ni 1 Cimislia 24.8 29 12.1 0,05 58.7 63.6 20 277 3 1 Stefan- 30.5 31 36.6 0,05 8,0 6.5 10 034 4 Voda 1 TAU 5 Gagauz 42.65 28 54972.8 1.6 176.7 1143.7 74 975 ia 1 Taracli 22.5 18 1631.2 14.1 236.4 261.2 25 300 6 a TOTAL 612,05 577 729425.1 434.7 793.2 1750.4 509 130

The total volume of solid household waste accumulated within the existing deposits by the end of 2017, within the limits of DPBS RBD, amounts to 509.1 mil. m3 (table 22). The largest quantities have accumulated in the rayons of Briceni (15.8%), TAU Gagauzia (14.7%) and Cahul (10%). In some rayons (Ungheni, for example), due to the emergence of companies specializing in waste recycling, their volume has been decreasing in recent years. According to the National Waste Management Strategy, within the limits of DPBS RBD, seven regional landfills are planned, for the storage of solid household waste - Edinet, Cahul, Hancesti (Voinescu), Cimislia, Comrat, Ciadar- Lunga and Vulcanesti.

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The number of existing deposits (577 in 2017) decreases from one year to the next, and authorizations to open new local deposits are no longer issued. There is a direct correlation between the amount of landfilled waste and the degree of nitrate pollution. Most localities lack sanitation services and do not collect, transport and recycle waste. The creation and operation of these services would reduce the amount of waste and the effectiveness of minimizing its impact on the environment. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a very chemically stable substance category with toxic and bioaccumulative properties. They comprise a range of organochlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and some industrial pollutants, including dioxins and furans. Today, in the 5 warehouses (within the boundaries of the district), 130.484 tons of such wastes are stored (tab.11), the packaging of which deteriorates in time, thus substantially increasing the risks generated by them for the environment and population in the neighbouring areas. Most quantities of POPs are stored in v. Zagarancea (65.6%) and v. Gaidar (25.4%). The pesticide field in v. Cismichioi, Vulcanesti rayon, was built in 1977 and has a surface of 2.4 ha. The polygon is located in the field at a distance of about 10 km from the locality guarded by the State Guard. On the territory of the polygon there are 14 sarcophagi in which 3967 tons of pesticides are stored. The territory of the polygon is fenced, and the perimeter is equipped with meteoric waters sewage channels. Recent investigations (2016) found that contamination in the perimeter of the polygon is generally concentrated in the 14 sarcophagi in which the old pesticides are stored, Contamination in surface layers is low.

Table 23. Unused and forbidden pesticide deposits. Nr. / od. Rayon Place of centralized storage Quantity, (t) 1 Falesti Hitresti 1.1 2 Briceni Beleavinti 1.2 3 Ungheni Zagarancea 85.567 4 Ceadar-Lunga Gaidar 33.123 5 Ceadar-Lunga Copceac 9.494 Total accumulated in storage 130.484

1.3.8. Shipping The river transport is little used, the possibilities of navigation on the river Prut being limited. Inland waterways only allow cargo transportation with gaskets formed from pusher tugs and barges with cargo capacity of up to 600 tons. In recent years navigation is only possible during spring (flood period). Today, on the r. Prut there are only 2 ports: - Giurgiulesti Free International Port, on the maritime sector of the r. Danube; - Ungheni port, administered by the port of fluvial Ungheni. The International Free Port Giurgiulesti has 4 terminals: oil and grain (located on the r. Danube), passenger and cargo (containers) (on the r. Prut). The projected capacity of the oil terminal is 2.1 million tonnes per year (total storage capacity - 63.6 thousand m3). The terminal allows access to "river-sea" vessels with a capacity of up to 5 thousand t. In order to stimulate the development of river transport, the Republic of Moldova has ratified the European Agreement on the main internal waterways of international importance. Among these is the E80-07 (on the r. Prut).

1.3.9. Tourism Tourism is a perspective branch in the sustainable use of natural and anthropogenic resources, existing in the area of the basin. Here, rural, ecological, cultural, spa and viti-vinicol tourism can be developed. In conformity with to the Law on the Natural Protected Areas Fund (1998), there are 103 state-protected natural areas, representing many natural sectors, geological formations, reliefs, flora and fauna species of great scientific value, subject to a special protection regime. The geological and paleontological tourist potential: the geological formations of the Republic of Moldova, especially from the Prut river basin, have relief forms and varied and attractive landscapes: Page | 58

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– the karst and limestone relief from the Toltri region with reef cliffs, cliffs with steep limestone slopes, waterfalls and waterfalls, caves and grottos, forming picturesque landscapes; – hilly landscapes, with forests and a rich vegetation of the Codri Plateau and Tigheci Hills; – scenic landscapes and of a wide variety from the Prut meadows (forests, aquatic ecosystems with rich fauna); Among the geological and paleontological monuments that have a touristic value, we can mention the following: cave "Emil Racovita", Butesti gorge, Duruitoarea gorge, "Stanca Mare" reef, Branzeni reefs, Buzdugeni, Burlaneşti, Trinca, Fetesti, etc. The most important international objects are sections of the alluvial terraces of the Colcot Valley, the afluments from Etulia, Ravine of Cismichioi, the outcrop from Farladeni (Causeni), the outcrop near Valeni, where the history of the natural landscapes of the southeastern Europe can be traced during several tens of thousands of years. The Buzdugeni gorge on r. Bogda, which is the deepest in Moldavia, the deposits in it represent several stages of the Carpathian Mountains forming, and this means 15-20 million years. More than 12 million years ago: the territory of the "Pociumbeni", "Tetcani", "Fetesti" reserve in the Prut river valley, the Cretaceous fossils are known at the global level (over 140 million years old). Prut Tolters represent reefs with unique value in Europe. The reef basins formed by limestone from the northern part of the Prut river basin are up to date in the valleys of the tributaries Larga, Vilia, Lopatnic, Draghiste, Racovat, Ciuhur and Camenca. The reef area stretches over a distance of 150-170 km from Criva in the north and up to Pruteni in the south. A real wonder of nature is the "Emil Racovita" gypsum cave near Criva, Briceni, on the border with Ukraine; it comprises a complex of underground galleries that aren't yet well known. It is one of the largest caves in Europe, formed in gypsum. The largest underground rooms were named "The 100-meter Hall", "Waiting Hall", "Dome", etc. Unfortunately, the cave due to the extraction of gypsum by explosions can be damaged, thus losing its tourist value. "One hundred Mounds" is located in the Prut River meadow, rayon Rascani, between Branuşte and Cobani (Glodeni rayon), 200 km away from Chisinau. One hundred Mounds or „Centum monticulli” has a length of 8 km and a width of 2.3-1.7 km, a surface of 1072 ha, and its originality is imprinted by the set of relief microforms - over 3500 mounds, mostly elongated, with steep slopes and heights from 1-3 m up to 30 m ("Gypsy Mound"). The mounds and the rows formed by them are parallel to the Prut meadow. "One hundred Mounds" presents a landscape of great scientific and aesthetic value. The hydrographical tourism potential: is represented by r. Prut with some of its tributaries, several natural lakes - Manta, Dracele and Beleu, Foltane, and others (forming the "Lower Prut" scientific reserve) and a considerable number of artificial aquatic objects - ponds and reservoirs (the largest being Costesti-Stanca). There are also reach mineral water resources (Cahul, Ungheni), which can contribute to the spa tourism. Today over 30 springs with mineral water resources are known. The richest reserves of these waters are held by the Ungheni rayon, where a sulfur dioxide treatment unit was also extracted from the drilling well. Large reservoirs of highly mineralized sulphurous waters have been noted in the south of the basin near c. Cahul. This area also contains iodinated (54 mg / l) and brominated (300 mg / l) water. Drinking mineral waters have a low degree of mineralization. They can be used for therapeutic and nutritional purposes. These waters, by resembling in the chemical composition with the waters of some famous resorts, can be used for balneo-therapeutic purposes and in food. At present, unfortunately, only a limited number of these waters is used in food. In the case of groundwater and oil and gas drillings, thermal waters have been identified, their temperature reaching, in some cases, up to +460 C. These waters can be used successfully for balneal purposes. The greatest concentration of the underground thermal waters is reported along the Baimaclia fault in the Tigheci Plateau. The biotic tourism potential. The vegetation is specific to the forest-steppe and steppe in the plains, with some oak, sessile oak and beech forests in the plateau regions. The forests lay on larger areas in the hilly central part of The Republic of Moldova (the Hills of the Codri Central Moldovan Plateau and Tigheci Hills). Of the steppe and forest-steppe species a special value is represented by the rare endemic plants of scientific interest, located both in the reserves and in the natural spaces outside them. Rare plants, like animals, are natural monuments, including medicinal plants, used for balneal treatment in sanatorium complexes.

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The main forms of tourism generated by the presence of fauna are Tourism of Knowledge, Information, ecoTourism, Fisheries (Sports) and hunting Tourism. Living areas of common species are related to forests massifs, protected or not by the state. Here can be seen the boar, the deer, the fox, the rabbit, the badger - the main hunting mammals in the country. Mostly they are common in the nature reserves „Padurea Domneasca” and „Plaiul Fagului". Among the precious fur mammals in Prut river basin are the otter, mink, forest jar, hermelin, steppe ferrets, wild cat. They are common in the nature reserves „Lower Prut" and „Pădurea Domnească". The lower branches of Prut Valley have the most varied poultry fauna (birds): big egret, summer swan, black stork, paddle, dropia, fisherman eagle. Are hunted intensively approx. 15 species of terrestrial animals and 30 species of aquatic birds. The archaeological tourism potential. The most well-known and most studied are the so-called Trajan's Waves. They are two in number, one in the north ("The Trajan's Upper Wave") and one in the south ("The Trajan's Lower Wave"), each representing a wave of one meter high, accompanied by a ditch from the north crossing the territory of the country, approximately between Leova and Bender (uppermost) and north of Vulcanesti (the lower one). At present the waves have been preserved only somewhere, these remains being protected by the state. Architectural monuments. A special place among them is occupied by the wooden churches, which were preserved in v. Musteata (Falesti rayon) (1775), v. Limbeni (Glodeni rayon) (1802), v. Rotunda (Edinet rayon), v. Larga (Briceni rayon). Within the limits of the basin there are 6 monasteries (Briceni, Zabriceni, Calinesti Hermitage, Izvoare Hermitage, Hancu, Varzaresti), which can serve as attractions for religious Tourism. Monuments of traditional equipment related to the processing and storage of agricultural products. The wine cellars have been preserved in many villages in the central part of Moldova, such as in Ciuciuleni (Hancesti rayon); water mills - in the villages of Edinet (Cupcini and Parcova), Tetcani (Briceni rayon), Duruitoarea v. Costesti, Glodeni rayon).

1.3.10. Linear infrastructure (roads, dikes, dams) Roads. Within the limits of the basin we have 3 types of transport. Road transport (auto) is the most developed. The total length of the paths is 2281.8 km. The density of the road network is of 28 km/100 km2. The main roads have a total length of 143.6 km, being represented by the M1 (Iurceni - Leuseni), M3 (Slobozia Mare - Giurgiulesti) and M14 (Bratusenii Noi - Criva) segment. The national or republican roads (R8, R10, R11, R17, R25, R33, R34, R37, and R47) have a total length of 646.1 km. Local ones with rigid garments have a length of 1492.1 km. Within the limits of the basin there are 8 road customs points (Criva, Lipcani, Costesti, Sculeni, Leușeni, Cantemir, Cahul and Giurgiulești). Railroads. The track system is less developed, with a total length of 289.6 km and an average density of 35.6 km / 1000 km2. The railways are represented only by 3 segments: Iargara-Cantemir-Cahul-Giurgiulesti (with exit to Galaţi - Romania), Cornesti-Ungheni-Falesti and Ocnita-Larga-Lipcani-Criva (exit Cernauti - Ukraine). In 2008, a new railway section (Cahul-Giurgiuleşti), with a length of 52 km, was commissioned, which allowed to provide complex services to the Giurgiulesti river port on the river Danube. At the same time, this section has created big environmental problems. It was built in the meadow sector with natural lakes, which influences, on the one hand, the functional integrity of the railway section and, on the other hand, rail transport has a negative influence on the natural ecosystems. Dykes. The total length of the flood protection dams within the district is 557.2 km. All of these dams were built along the Prut river course, especially from the Hancesti district to Lake Beleu, in the lower course. The dyke network extends laterally, along the confluence with the main tributaries of Prut - Narnova (4.2 km), Lapusna (3.0 km), Tigheci (4.3 km), Saca (1.7 km), Larga (5.5 km), Halmagea (5.4 km), Lake Manta (10.2 km), Lake Beleu (25.8 km) etc. The main works done during the 2017-2018 period were: - Embankment consolidation and rehabilitaion of the dyke along the bank of the Costesti-Stinca lake (moldovan part); - Consolidation of the Prut river bank and pluvial drainage system in Ungheni town; - Cleaning the riverbed of Chirghij-Chitai river in the Tvardița city area (Taraclia rayon);

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- Revitalizing the Ialpug riverbed in the village of Bugeac.

1.4. Risks Hydrological and geodynamic risks with a higher frequency include floods, landslides, erosion processes and mud torrents, processes generated by the position of the district in the temperate zone, with the region of the Prut hydrographical basin, located in the area of the Eastern Carpathians. The specific lithological conditions (the presence of loess deposits and pleistocene loesso clay, sand and gravel of the upper Pliocene and of the quaternary), the torrential nature of rains, especially those of the warm period, against the background of intense land use for agricultural purposes in the last two centuries, did contribute to floods, sometimes catastrophic ones, intense erosion and turbulent mud development, which not only leads to severe soil degradation, but also to the intense clogging of reservoirs, farmland and, of constructions, roads and other economic objectives.

1.4.1. Floods The occurrence of floods is caused by a range of climatic factors - large amounts of precipitation, snow melting, but also human deforestation. According to historical sources, catastrophic floods and freshets occurred regularly in the Prut and Danube basins. The specifics of air mass circulation on this territory is that it often generates abundant rainfall, with a daytime value of over 200 mm. These processes are accompanied by the formation of pluvial floods, first, in the Prut basin, with maximum liquid flows exceeding 4000-5000 m3/s, followed by catastrophic floods, as consequence. Research shows a twofold increase in flood frequency over the last 40 to 50 years, compared to the previous one hundred years. The floods in the lower course of the Prut river, during the summer period, are also generated by the high levels of the Danube, which, due to the reclamation phenomenon, lead to the blocking of Prut's waters. Thus, as an example, on July 7, 2010, during an extensive flood in the lower Prut River, the Danube water level at Galati Station was of 581 cm, a value that exceeded the historical maximum, registered on April 26, 2006. Catastrophic floods on large rivers in the second half of the twentieth century and the first decade of the 21st century were recorded in the years of 1959, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1991, 1996, 1998, 2008, 2010. Areas with different flood risks, from DPBS RBD, are shown in Figure 34.

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Source: Management and Technical Assistance Support to Moldova Flood Protection Project-Service contract No TA2011038 MD RST Figure 34. Map of flood potential flood risk of the DPBS RBD

According to figure 31, the entire Prut River is characterized by a major risk of flooding in the Prut valley, with more extensive areas in the Criva - Lipcani, Movileni - Pruteni, Zagarancea - Ungheni, Nemteni - Cotul Morii - Obileni and others sectors. The flood risk is also characteristic to the valleys of medium and small rivers (Cogalnic, Ialpug, Lunga, Lunguţa, Tigheci, Lapusna, etc.) Areas of the rivers with moderate risk of floods are much more extensive, they almost fully occupy the courses of the small and medium rivers and the majority of the Prut river meadow. The floodplains of the Prut major riverbed were also mapped using the HEC-RAS in SIG program, which allowed to evaluate the laws of formation and methods of estimation of maximum flood flows. As an example, are used the fragments of the cartographic models of flooded areas from the Prut floodplain downstream of Costesti, in the conditions of the discharge from the Costesti - Stanca reservoir of the maximum flow rate, at a frequency of 0.574%, at 1274 m3/s, and the flow of the waters discharged from Costesti-Stanca reservoir, of 830 m3/s, recorded during the summer floods of 2010 (fig. 35).

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Figure 35. Flooded areas during the flood with a frequency of 0.5% and the flood from 2010, in the middle course of Prut Floods in the Prut River Basin, as mentioned, are generated by the heavy rains, commonly occurring in the basin mountain sector, as recorded, for example, in the years of 1988, 2008, 2010. In Figure 34 are shown the dynamics of floods in the Prut valley, in the summer of 1988, and, respectively, in the spring of 2008 - Fig. 36

Figure 36. Hydrograph of the flood on the Prut, p. Ungheni, 1988 (source: SHM)

Also spring floods, caused by the melting of snow in the mountain range of the Prut basin, including the plateau and plains of the extra-Carpathian area regions, are quite frequent. In the latter case, floods can already be formed in March-April (Figure 37).

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Figure 37. Hydrograph of the flood on the Prut, h.p. Ungheni, 2008 (source: SHM)

Source: http://safer.emergencyresponse.eu/site/FO/scripts/myFO_contenu.php?noeu_id=106&lang=EN

Figure 38. Floods from July 11, 2010, in the Manta village area, the lower course of the Prut River

Heavy torrential rains in some years cause flash floods that can be recorded on small water courses, as recorded, for example, in June 2016 on the Lunga River In Ceadar-Lunga (Table 24). These floods, of a sudden

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation nature, usually can’t be predicted in an optimal time, that would allow to overcome them and/or diminish possible material damage. Table 24. The average and maximum flows of rivers in the southern region of the district, caused by abundant rainfall. Average flow, Maximum registered Years River m3/s flow, m3/s 1966 r. Cahul 0.27 148 1931 r. Salcia Mare 0.35 94.4 1947 r. Lunga 0.3 152 1948 r. Cogalnic 0.7 262 1957 Valceaua Taraclia 0.17 67.8

1.4.2. Water deficit Water scarcity is a major threat to the economic development and optimum assurance of the population with drinking water. An absolute water deficit means that a person has access to only 500 m3 of water annually (https://semneletimpului.ro/mediu/problema-deficitul-de-apa-va-creste-ingrijorator-din-cauza-schimbarilor- climatice.html ). In contrast, the average global water consumption amounts to about 120 l/day (43,8 m3/year per person), with this value increasing for the inhabitants of the industrialized regions. Thus, the assessment of the water deficit in the DPBS RBD requires, firstly, the assessment of the potential water volume per inhabitant per year of the district area, taking into account the own resources of the Prut basin, which represent 50% of the annual flow of the river and the flow of internal rivers flowing into the Danube and the Black Sea (see Table 25). Depending on the average annual flow rate and of the leakage, with 95% ensured, of the leakage volume in the wet years and in the dry years, using the example of the Ungheni station, the potential water volume available to a resident of DPBS RBD was assessed. Table 25. Potential volume of water available per inhabitant (m3/year) of DPBS RBD with different drain characteristics River Prut /section Average flow, Own resources of the m3/inhabitant/year m3/ inhabitant /year m3 /s Republic of Moldova, related to the related to ensuring 6 Total Cota 10 /year multiannual average. 95% R.M. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Costesti 83,0 42.5 1340 1307 726 Ungheni 87 43.35 1367 1333 668 At flow 93.7 46.85 1477 1 441 722 Internal rivers 76 74 37.1 Unghen Wet 253. 126.9 4002 3903 1951 i years 8 Dry 24.7 12.36 380 370.6 years 2

According to the estimates, depending on the multi-annual average values of the leakage and in the wet years, in DPBS RBD resident has an optimal drinking water supply with values exceeding 1300 m3/year (Table 25, column 5). In the dry years and with a 95% leakage, there is an appreciable deficit, a resident having 370 - 726 m3/year (Table 25, column 6). In the last few years, the lowest values in water supply were recorded in 2015. As an example, the average annual flow of the Prut River was recorded at h.p. Ungheni, of 54.45 m3/s, while in the period from August to December, the average monthly flow varied at 27 m3/s in August, and up to 20.2 m3/s in December, the annual flow of 72 316 800 m3 (own resources 36 158 400 m3) and 54 103 680 m3 respectively (own resources 27 051 840 m3). In this case, the degree of supply of the DPBS RBD population with water from the Prut River was of 35

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Technical Report N°1 DPBS RBD Characterisation m3/site in August, and, in December, of 26 m3/site, values that characterize an absolute water deficit in the respective hydrographic district.

1.4.3. Landslides and erosion Landslides may be recorded more frequently in the valleys of the Prut tributaries, starting from the Camenca River in the north, and up to the Delia River in the south, where they develop on both slopes of the valleys. From Narnova uUpstream, to the valley of the Larga River downstream, slides develop predominantly on slopes leaning more to the left. The most extensive landslide is the sliding in the "Suta de Movile" landscape area, of approximately 20 km2, which, by the motion mechanism is attributed to mixed, rotational and translational landslides (Table 26). Table 26. Distribution of erosion formations and landslides, in the Prut river basin, km/km2. River basin Lakes and river beds Ravines Landslides Prut 0,008 0,003 0,011 Cuhur 0,003 0,001 0,005 Sarata 0,002 0,003 0,005 Lapusna 0,004 0,005 0,013 Larga 0,008 0,004 0,007

In the northern region of the Prut river basin, where the valleys of the Prut tributaries deepen in the miocene limestone, the karst processes also develop, forming narrow valleys, gorges, grottos and small caves.

1.4.4. Health issues Following the rapid expansion of water supply networks, currently around ½ of the DPBS RBD population has access to centralized water supply systems. However, access to centralized water supply systems in the Hydrographic Basin Danube and the Black Sea (65%) is much higher than in the Prut basin (35%). In the territorial- administrative unit Gagauzia, as well as in the districts of Basarabeasca and Cimislia, the population's access to centralized water supply systems reaches 70%, while in the absolute majority of the Prut river basins this indicator does not exceed 40%. Minimum access is observed in Ocnita (14%), Briceni (24%) and Leova (31%) (Figure 37). Drinking water has been estimated to produce up to 20% of cases of acute diarrheal disease and hepatitis A virus, mainly in rural areas, 25% of gastrointestinal diseases and 100% of cases of dental fluorosis (frequent in Falesti and Ungheni districts). Drinking water quality situation provided to consumers within the DPBS RBD. (according to NPHS reports http://ansp.md/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2.Raport-2017-Web.pdf) is as follows: a) 44% of the population has no access to safe drinking water; b) most of the underground water used for drinking purposes is inadequate due to natural or anthropogenic pollution; c) a large percentage of samples are inadequate in terms of microbiological parameters (10.8% in urban and 14.3% in rural areas); d) the quality of the water supplied in schools and in institutions for children is inadequate (54.4% of the samples exceed the maximum admissible concentrations for the sanitary-chemical parameters and 20.2% of the samples exceed the maximum admissible concentrations of the microbiological parameters). Thus, about half of the district population does not have access to the centralized drinking water supply, and about ¾ is supplied with poor quality water. This situation affects the health of the population and even influences mortality. According to NPHS reports (http://ansp.md/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2.Raport-2017- Web.pdf ), in 2016, 9.6% of the deaths were caused by digestive diseases, especially hepatitis (fig. 40) caused by access to non-qualitative drinking water.

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Figure 39. Population's access to water supply network

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Figure 40. Incidence of hepatitis (in ‰)

1.5. Stakeholders and programs

1.5.1. Administrative organization From the administrative and territorial point of view, DPBS RBD extends on the perimeter of 18 administrative districts (fig. 1), including 10 rayons fully (Briceni, Edinet, Hancesti, Leova, Cimislia, Cantemir, Basarabeasca, AT Gagauzia, Taraclia and Cahul), 5 rayons - more than half of the territory (Glodeni, Falesti, Ungheni, Nisporeni and Stefan-Voda) and 3 rayons - a certain part of the territory (Ocnita, Rascani and Causeni). From the point of view of the administrative-territorial structure at level 2 and 3, the 18 rayons within the district comprise 394 communes, consisting of 657 localities, including 23 cities (fig. 2).

1.5.2. Water Users Associations Currently, in the DPBS RBD operate eight associations of water users, officially registered by the "Apele Moldovei" Agency. Water user associations for irrigation (AUAI) are as follows: ● „Pruteni II”, v. Grozesti, r. Nisporeni; ● „Crihani-Zarnesti”, v. Cucoara, r. Cahul; ● „Filipeni”, v. Filipeni, r. Leova; ● „SRL Bavasco”, v. Caplani, r-n Stefan-Voda. Association of water users for food (AUAA): ● „Izvoras”, v. Albota de Jos, r. Taraclia; ● „AQUA-Tabani”, v. Tabani, r. Briceni; ● Publci Association „EL- Sadai”, c. Cimislia; ● Mayoralty of Albina Community, v. Mereni (lease of AUA „Cristal Mereni”) r. Cimislia.

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1.5.3. Summary of strategies, programs and projects on water resources development The main policy document in this area is the "Water Supply and Sanitation Strategy" (2014-2028), which presents both updated water resource information (Chapter I.3), as well as the current status of the water supply system and sewerage, volume and structure of water consumed (Chapter I.4). The Strategy also provides for the measures needed to achieve the Improvement of Access to Water and Sanitation (Chapter V), Estimation of the Financial Costs Required (Chapter VI), accompanied by an Action Plan, in which, for each planned measure, a source of funding is indicated. Another important document is the Management Plan of the Danube-Prut and Black Sea Hydrographic District (2018-2023), which is in the process of approval. The plan is developed in accordance with the provisions of art.19, p. 2 of the Water Law no. 272 of 23.12.2011, regarding the assessment of the quality and quantity of water resources; assessing the risk of water scarcity, drought, floods, pollution and dam failure in the river basin district; identification of areas in the river basin district where there is a risk of pollution from diffuse sources; analysis of existing protected areas and found protected areas; priorities of special water use. The program of measures (with implementation costs and terms) is developed for identified risks and problems, which is limited to the progressive reduction of pollution from point and diffuse sources, the recovery of costs for water use, the sustainable use of water resources. Today, within the limits of the DPBS RBD, with the financial support of SDC-ADA, 9 projects (Table 27) are implemented in the field of water resources protection, with a total amount of 5.3 million lei (about 237 thousand euro). Table 27 List of projects implemented in DPBS RBD № Name Public association Objective 1 Involvement of target groups In National Promoting the principles of integrated water promoting integrated Environmental resource management at hydrographic sub- management on small rivers in Centre basin level to increase the quality and quantity the Republic of Moldova of surface water in the Republic of Moldova 2 Development of the integrated Women's Association Contributions to the Improvement of the management plan for the for Environment Ecological Status of Water Resources in the Camenca Hydrographic Basin Protection and Camenca River Basin (Prut) Sustainable Development - AFPMDD 3 Integrated water resource The Moldovan Increasing the awareness and understanding management in the Republic of Ecological Movement of the population and decision-makers at the Moldova - for a sustainable - MEM national and regional levels, on the state of development and healthy concern of water resources, the risks we are population exposed to and the proposal of a complex of solutions in order to restore the ecological status of the aquatic resources for the improvement of environmental conditions and ensuring the health of the population. 4 Promoting Integrated Water EcoContact Grounding of principles of Integrated Water Management In the Lapusna Resources Management In the Lapusna River River basin Basin Sub-Basin 5 Revitalizing the Ialpug Riverbed Association for the Bringing to a normal state, maintaining in a In the village of Bugeac Economic normal state of the Ialpug Riverbed Development of Regions 6 Development of the Green is Moldova Development of the Management Plan of the management plan of the Prut de Prut de Jos region, designated as Biosphere Jos region (designated as Reserve Prutul de Jos

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Biosphere Reserve of Prutul de Jos) 7 Ialpug River - a sanitary Alternativa Reduce pollution of aquatic resources by environment In the village of dismantling sporadic landfills and promoting Chirsova ecological culture at local level 8 Revitalizing the sub-basin INQUA-Moldova Revitalizing the sub-basin ecosystems of the ecosystems of the Larga River Larga River through integrated water resource management, In order to improve the status of water quality and socio-ecological situation on the entire river section 9 Arrangement of the spring in Andries Improving the surface water status around the the village of Ermoclia village of Ermoclia

1.6. Diagnostics

1.6.1. Synthetic description with key figures DPBS RBD has limited resources of water, most of them belonging to river Prut. Their volume depends largely on the territory of Ukraine, where is the spring of the Prut river and where over 80% of the flow of the river is formed. It should be noted that, in addition to the limited volume of domestic water resources, there is also a water quality problem, related to the pollution of wastewater and industrial wastewater and the pollution of agricultural land. There is a pronounced temporal and spatial dynamics of atmospheric precipitation and air temperature in the DPBS RBD, phenomena proving an increase in the degree of aridity of the climate, with implications on the biotic resources, the activity of the population and, not least, on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of water resources. In the conditions of episodic rainfalls over a short period of time, often accompanied by long periods of total absence of rainfall, even in the context of an insignificant increase in the average annual precipitation, against the background of the temperature increase in the entire area of the hydrological district, all that brings the installation of the drought phenomenon, especially in southern Regions. The climate change, noticed in the last years, but also the anthropic factor, have a negative impact on the amount of available resources. In the last 7 years there has been a decrease in the average flows of the Prut River by about 20 m3/s, which can be explained by the increase of the anthroposis level of the Prut basin in the mountainous region (through deforestation, more dambs on the riverbeds and construction of hydropower plants etc.). The annual flow regime for small rivers is determined by the annual rainfall regime and the share of groundwater. The geological structure of the DPBS Hydrographic District has implications on the topographical aspects, on the formation of the contemporary structure of the hydrographic network, on the surface water characteristics and, in particular, on the groundwater. The presence of rocks with an increased degree of mineralization contributes to the excessive mineralization of aquifers. However, quantitatively, groundwater reserves are sufficient to provide the population with potable water. The total number of DPBS RBD population is of 1,025.3 thousand inhab., which represents 36.5% of the population of the republic. The territory of the district is a typical rural area, about 76% of the total population lives in rural areas. Average population density within the district is of 69.4 inhab./km2. As a result of the rapid expansion of water supply networks, currently around ½ of the DPBS RBD population has access to centralized water supply systems. However, access to centralized water supply systems in the DBS RBD (65%) is much higher than in the Prut basin (35%). Agriculture remains an important consumer of water resources (animal husbandry, irrigation), but also the main source of pollution.

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The agriculture represents the main source of pollution with nutrients. In the last years the quantity of used fertilizer has increased. In 2005-2017 period, the total quantity of used chemical fertilizer increased 3,7 times, from 9,9 ths. tonnes annual in 2005 to 36,3 ths. tonnes in 2017. The quantity of chemical fertilizer used for 1 ha of arable land, in the same period, have increased 2,7 times, from 24,4 kg/ha to 65,2 kg/ha in 2017. The volume of industrial production has not been changed in the last years. Hydroenergetic potential is very low. Except Costesti-Stinca hydro-electric station, other constructions are not planned, firstly, due to the low flow. The main contemporan hydromorphological changes that have been noticed are: Prut river bed meandering in the lower course (as a consequence of big flash floods from 2008 and 2010) and illegal embankment of small rivers (for example, Camenca river in the lower course). The forestry fund has an insufficient area (9.5%), i.e. it does not contribute significantly to improving the state of water resources, in particular, due to the lack of strong protection of river protection strips. The large volume of deposited domestic solid waste contributes substantially to the pollution of water resources, with a direct correlation between the volume of stored waste and the degree of pollution of water by nitrates. Among the hydrological and geodynamic risks, of a higher frequency are floods, landslides, erosion processes and mud pits. There is also a high incidence of viral hepatitis A among the population, due to lack of access to qualitative water resources. Within the DPBS RBD currently are operating eight water user associations, officially registered by the "Apele Moldovei" Agency. What about main values (landscape, natural park, tourism development including based on biological production of wine, vegetable and cheese etc.) linked with a sound environment? Possibly to be included in the SWOT too. At present, within the limits of DPBS RBD, with the financial support of SDC-ADA, 9 projects are implemented in the field of water resources protection, with a total amount of 5.3 million lei (about 237 thousand euro).

1.6.2. Brief SWOT analysis Strengths: ● Presence of Prut River with considerable water flow; ● Sufficient rainfall for most of the district; ● Sufficient groundwater resources, and sometimes (northern) and qualitative; ● Improvement of the water supply and sewerage system.

Weaknesses: ● Incomplete harmonization of national legislation in the area, with European law; ● Decrease of the forest areas in the upper course (the mountainous area of Ukraine), which causes essential fluctuations in the flow over the year; ● Impact of climate change on water resources, such as the reduction of the flow rate in river Prut, in the last 7 years by 20 m3/s; ● Very small flows of small rivers and the impossibility of using these water resources; ● High salinisation of groundwater, which limits and increases the use of its use; ● Lack of a trilateral agreement (R. Moldova - Romania - Ukraine) regarding the use of water resources or bilateral agreement (R. Moldova - Ukraine); ● Old infrastructure for water supply and sewerage in cities; ● Most localities are not equipped with water and sewage systems; ● Very low quality of surface water resources (except Prut river, small rivers have Class IV and V quality).

Opportunities: ● Signing a trilateral agreement on the management of water resources; ● Improving the water supply, sewerage and irrigation infrastructure;

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● Recognizing the basin approach and setting up sub-basin committees that will increase the efficiency of water resources; ● Attracting investment; ● Mobilizing and involving local people in managing river basins; ● Adopt and implement the national water and sanitation strategy.

Threats: ● Lack of funds on implementation of projects and commitments undertaken; ● Reduction in the quantity and quality of water resources under the influence of climate change; ● Risk of using groundwater (with increased salinity) for irrigation; ● Low awareness and public participation in water management communities; ● Insufficient control of water work by competent authorities; ● Insufficient control of waste water discharges in rivers; ● Continuation of deforestation and mini-hydropower construction by the Ukrainian side.

1.7. Methodological reference and bibliography

1.7.1. Methodological reference Various methods, principles and technologies have been used in the development of Chapter I, depending on the specificity of the contents of various compartments. The assessment of the natural conditions within DPBS RBD was conducted through the comparative analysis of the data of observations on the values of the main climatic elements (atmospheric precipitation and air temperatures), performed at meteorological stations during different periods of time (1890 – 2010; 1960 – 2010; 1980 – 2017; 2000 – 2017), statistical analysis and developing spatial models with the use of GIS, which allowed to identify the spatial and temporal dynamics of such climate elements from the DPBS RBD space. The aspects of geological structure, topographic and soil specificity have been appreciated on the basis of bibliographic data, drillings, large-scale cartographic materials, the results being integrated in various cartographic models in GIS. The spatial analysis of the geological structure was carried out on the basis of the Geological Map (at scale 1:200,000) and of the existing drillings (profiles) in the district perimeter. At the basis of the analysis of the topographic specificity there was the Topographic Map (at scale 1:50,000), edition of 2013. The soils within DPBS RBD, including their degree of erosion and of damage to landslides were characterized on the basis of the Soil Map at scale 1:200,000. The analysis of natural vegetation and land cover manner was based on the Landsat satellite images, according to the Corine Land Cover methodology, at hierarchical level 2. The calculation of surface water resources was based on data obtained from the State Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Moldova. The climate data – air temperature and rainfall – were taken from the Meteorological Department, and river flows – from the Hydrological Department. The assessment of ecological and servitude flows, in the absence of a national methodology, was calculated according to the “Romanian Government Decision No. 78/2017 amending and adding the Water Law No. 107/1996. (http://www.sgg.ro/legislativ/docs/2018/05/gpzsh4wjk8cf9yrx71b6.pdf) The calculation of the ecological flow (Qeco) for each month of the year based on the multiannual monthly average flow rate (denoted further by Qjmlm) of the current month in the calculation section was made as follows: If Qjmlm = Qmma, Qeco.j = ẞ1Qjmlm with ẞ1 = 0,25 – 0,35 for the mountain typologies, 0.25-0.30 for field (plain) typologies. According to the proposed methodology, the calculation of the annual ecological flow (Qeco.a.) was assessed as follows: . Q eco.a = ẞ1 Qmma, where Qmma is the multiannual ecological flow. The ecological flow rate for each month of the year is estimated according to the multiannual monthly average flow rate (marked by Qjmlm) of the current month in the calculation section as follows: If Qeco.j = ẞ1 Qjmlm, then ẞ1 = 0.25 – 0.30 shall apply for the field (plain) typologies, as it is the case in the DPBS RBD area. Page | 72

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According to the “Water Law” (of Romania) (Law No. 107/1996 RO, with subsequent modifications and additions), the servitude flow was appreciated as the minimum flow required to be permanently left, downstream of a barrage work, consisting of ecological flow (sanitary flow) and minimum flow required for downstream water users. The hydrological risks (floods) have been analyzed having as support the abundant rainfall data, bibliographic sources and report of the project “Management and Technical Assistance support to the Republic of Moldova”, Flood Protection Project Service Contract No. TA2011038 MD. This allowed appreciating the laws of formation and methods of estimating the maximum flow rates and the dynamics of the flood waves. The groundwater resources have been assessed according to drilling and monitoring conducted by the Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources (AGMR). In the characterization of groundwater resources we used the report on delineation of underground water bodies, including the cartographic models and geological profiles presented. The population and human activities were characterized based on statistical data taken from the National Bureau of Statistics. The characterization of population, number and structure thereof were estimated on the basis of the 2014 Population Census data. For the characterization of industry and agriculture there was used the “Economic statistics on sub-sectors”, especially spatial profile data (by administrative districts). The interpretation of such data was performed using the statistical and cartographic methods.

1.7.2. Bibliography 1. Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Moldova, 2018, National Statistics Bureau, Chisinau, 2018. p.688. 2. Population census of 2014, http://www.statistica.md/pageview.php?l=ro&idc=479& ; 3. Population census of 1989 http://statbank.statistica.md/pxweb/pxweb/ro/20%20Populatia%20si%20procesele%20demografic e/20%20Populatia%20si%20procesele%20demografice__POP010/POP010900reg.px/?rxid=b2ff27d 7-0b96-43c9-934b-42e1a2a9a774 4. Territorial statistics 2017. National Statistics Bureau, Chisinau, 2018. p.168. http://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/Statistica_teritoriala/Statistica_teritoria la_2017.pdf 5. Source: Serviciul Piscicol - http://www.sp.gov.md/ 6. The Yearbook of the State Ecological Inspectorate, 2017. Chisinau, 2018. 7. The geographical environment of The Republic of Moldova. Vol. I. Natural resources. Chisinau, Stiinta. 2006, p.184. 8. Supravegherea de stat a sănătății publice In Republica Moldova (raport național, 2017). Centrul Național de Sănătate Publică. http://ansp.md/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2.Raport-2017-Web.pdf 9. Bejenaru Gh. (2018) Evaluarea potențialului hidrologic al Republicii Moldova In condițiile modificărișor de mediu. Autoreferatul tezei de doctor in științe geonomice, Chișinău. 10. Boboc N., Constantinov Tatiana, Melniciuc O. (2005). Utilizarea radarului şi a sistemelor informaţionale terestre In analiza formării inundaţiilor pe râurile mici din Republica Moldova. Analele Ştiinţifice ale Univ. „Al. I. Cuza” din Iaşi (seria nouă), Geografie, tomul L, Lucrările Simpozionului Sisteme Informaţionale Geografice, Nr.10, Iaşi: Universitatea „Al.I. Cuza”, p. 7-15 11. Бобринская О. Г., Бобринский В. М., Букатчук П. Д. и др. (1964) Стратиграфия осадочных образований Молдавии. Кишинев: Картя Mолдовеняскэ, 131 с. 12. Бобринский В.М. (1969). Триасовая система. В: В: Геология СССР, т. ХLV. Молдавская ССР. Изд- во “Недра”, М., с. 96-101 13. ***** (1968) Региональная стратиграфия Молдавской ССР. РНО АН МССР, 172 с. 14. Букатчук Р. Д., Блюк И. В., Покатилов В. П. (1988). Геологическая карта Молдавской ССР, масштаба 1: 200 000, Кишинев 15. Капцан В.Х., Сафаров Э.И. (1969). Каменноугольная система. В: Геология СССР, т. ХLV. Молдавская ССР. Изд-во “Недра”, Мoсквa, с. 91-94 16. Lazu Șt. Pajiștele de luncă din republica Moldova (Flora, vegetația, plantele indicatoare, renaturalizarea pășunilor degradate, sectoare reprezentative). Chișinău, 2014, 451 p.

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17. Water Law nr.272 from 23.12.2011. (into force at 26.10.2013) 18. Melniciuc, O. (2012). Паводки и наводнения на реках Молдовы (теория и практические расчеты). Ch.: FCP „Primex - Com” SRL, 233 c. ISBN 978-9975-4299-3-1 19. Planul de Gestionare a bazinului hidrografic Dunărea 2009-2015. ICPDR. Vienna, Austria.2009 20. Postolache Gh. Vegetația Republicii Moldova. Chișinău, Edit. Știința, 1995, 340 p. 21. Романов Л. Ф. (1969). Юрская система. В: Геология СССР, т. ХLV. Молдавская ССР. Изд-во “Недра”, М.,. с. 101-120. 22. Собецкий В.А., Яновская Г.Я. (1969) Меловая система. В: Геология СССР, т. ХLV. Молдавская ССР. Изд-во “Недра”, М.,. с. 120-130. 23. ***** Рессурсы поверхностных вод СССР. Т. 6. Украина и Молдавия, вып. 1. Гидрометеоиздпт, Ленинград 24. Bejan, Iu., Nedealcov, Maria, Boboc, N. ș.a. (2017). Planul de gestionare a districtului bazinului hidrografic Dunărea – Prut și Marea Neagra. Ciclul I, 2017 – 2022, Chișinău, 150 p. 25. http://safer.emergencyresponse.eu/site/FO/scripts/myFO_contenu.php?noeu_id=106&lang=EN

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www.euwipluseast.eu

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