F L O O D R I S K M A N A G E M E N T P L A N OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

Executive Summary Version 1 – EN | 5.8.2016

Month Day Year

ATHENS, AUGUST 2016

FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

C O N T E N T S

FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS AND DIRECTIVE 2007/60/ΕC ...... 1

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE EVROS RIVER BASIN ...... 6

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA ...... 7

PRELIMINARY FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT ...... 9

FLOOD HAZARD AND RISK MAPS ...... 13

FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES ...... 24

PROPOSED MEASURES BY THE FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 29

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND CONSULTATION ...... 39

FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS AND THE DIRECTIVE 2007/60/ΕC General The European Commision, in recognition of the following:

 that floods may cause deaths, population resettlement and damages to the environment, cause significant risk to economic development and undermine the economic activities of the European Community,

 that floods are natural phenomena that are impossible to predict,

 that certain human activities (such as the expansion of human settlements and property into the floodplain areas and the reduction of the natural capacity of the soil to withhold water due to changes in land use)and climate change contribute to increasing probability of flood occurrences and a corresponding increase of their negative impacts, set in force Directive 2007/60/ΕC (henceforth “the Directive”) for the evaluation and managements of flood risk.

The Directive aims to formulate a framework to evaluate and manage flood risk in order to reduce the negative impacts to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activities.

According to the Directive, member states must complete the following actions:

(a) Conduct a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (henceforth PFRA) for each River Basin District (RBD) and parts of international RBDs that lie within their territory. The PFRA determines the areas subject to potentially significant flood risk and where flooding is probable. (b) Prepare Flood Hazard and Flood Risk maps at RBD level. These maps will show the potentially negative impacts corresponding to different flooding scenarios and information concerning potential sources of environmental pollution as a result of flooding.

(c) Prepare Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP) at RBD level for those areas in potentially significant flood risk or probable risk of flooding according to Article 7 of the Directive. The FRMPs must be completed and published by 22nd of December 2015. FRMPs should focus on prevention, protection, awareness and recovery. In order to allow rivers more space, FRMPs should examine, where feasible, the maintenance and/or restoration of floodplains, as well as measures to prevent and reduce damages caused by flooding to human life and health, the environment, cultural heritage, economic activity and infrastructure.

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The incorporation of Directive 2007/60/ΕC in the National Legislation – Definitions. The Directive was incorporated into National Legislation with a Joint Ministerial Decision (JJMD) 31822/1542/Ε103 (Gov. Gazette Β’ 1108/21.07.2010). The Directive applies to the country’s RBDs.

According to the JMD Flood is defined as “the temporary inundation of land which under normal cicumstances is not covered by water. This includes floods originating from river courses, mountain streams and ephemeral watercourses, overflowing of lakes, flooding from groundwater and from the sea in coastal areas. It also includes floods from destruction of major hydraulic infrastructure such as embankment and dam breaches. ”

Flood Risk is defined as "the combination of the probability of flooding and potentially negative impacts to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activities linked with this flooding.” Finally, the JMD defines Flood Hazard as the ”potential of flooding to appear in a specific location (quantified by water depth, flow velocity or other hydrologic or hydraulic characteristic variable) that corresponds to a specific probability of occurrence.”

Competent Authorities to apply the provisions of JMD 31822/1542/Ε103 are the Special Secretariat for Water (SSW) of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy along with the Water Directorates of the Decentralized Administration. For the particular case of the Evros River Basin, the competent authority is the Water Directorate of Easterm Macedonia and Thrace (DYAMT) of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia -Thrace (ADMT).

According to JMD Article 4, for each RBD or part of international RBD lying within the Greek territory, a PFR Assessment must be conducted, on the basis of which, Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk (APSFR) are determined (areas for which it is determined that are under potentially significant flood risk or that flooding is probable).

For each APSFR, Flood Hazard Maps (FHM) and Flood Risk Maps (FRM) are prepared according to Article 5 of the JMD. Both the FHMs and FRMs are prepared on suitable scales, using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and suitable topographical backgrounds. The end receivers of this information are, in both cases, the competent authorities and the general public.

For each APSFR and on the basis of the above maps, FRMPs are prepared (Article 6 of the JMD). Either a single FRMP is prepared for each RBD or a bundle of FRMPs are prepared corresponding to individual river basins which are coordinated on RBD level.

In case of an international RBD that lies in its entirety within the Greek territory and the territory of another or other member state(s), either a single international FRMP or a bundle of FRMPs are prepared on the international RBD level (Article 7 of the JMD). In case this does

p.2 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN not prove feasible, FRMPs are prepared for the parts of the international RBD that lie within the Greek administrative boundaries. In case the international RBD lies beyond the boundaries of the European Union, either a single FRMP or a bundle of FRMPs are prepared by the National Water Committee. In case this does not prove feasible, FRMPs are prepared for the parts of the international RBD that lie within the Greek administrative boundaries. For the particular case of the Evros River Basin, the present FRMP regards to the parts of the basin within the Greek administrative boundaries.

The FRMPs include the following: a) the basic management objectives for flood risk management with emphasis on: i) the reduction of potentially negative impacts of flooding to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity; and ii) if feasible, on initiatives not concerning construction works and actions for flood risk management and/or the reduction of the probability of flooding, b) the necessary measuresto achieve the above management goals,and c) the PFRA resultsin map format, showing the APSFRs and the FHMs and FRMs.

To complete the FRMPs approval process, the preparation of corresponding Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) is required (JMD 107017/05.09.2006, Directive 2001/42/ΕC).

According to Article 8 of the JMD coordination is required with the provisions of Presidential Decree (PD) 51/2007 "On measures and procedures for the integrated protection and management of water resources in accordance with the provisions of Directive 2000/60/EC", as ammended. It concerns measures for coordination between actions to implement Directives 2000/60/EC and 2007/60/EC, focusing on possibilities for greater efficiency, exchange of information and achieving synergies and common benefits concerning the environmental goals as defined in Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC as well as in the PD 51/2007 and its ammendments. The implementation progress of Directive 2007/60/EC in Greece The following actions for implementing the Directive in Greece have been undertaken:

• The Report on Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment was completed and submitted to the European Commission on 23-03-2012. • The determination of Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk for the 14 RBDs of the country was completed and the PFRA report updated and submitted to the European Commission on 22-11-2012. • Preparation of FHMs and FRMs for the Greek part of the Evros River Basin was completed and submitted to the European Commission on 14th November 2014 with additional submissions of the 7th May 2015.

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The project “Flood Risk Management Plan of the Evros River Basin” updated with more details the PFRA and the determination of APSFRs for the Greek part of the Evros River Basin and prepared the complete set of actions that are needed to prepare the FRMP according to the Directive.

Finally, concerning the implementation of the Directive to the rest of the country, the SSW has commissioned five (5) projects covering the whole country and concerning the preparation of FHMs, FRMs and FRMPs for the total of APSFRs identified.

The individual roles and duties of all involved civil protection authorities in actions of prevention, readiness and mItigation of impacts from flood events have been determined and are briefly presented in Table 1 for the particular case of the project study area.

TABLE 1. AUTHORITIES INVOLVED IN PREVENTION, READINESS AND MITIGATION OF IMPACTS OF FLOOD EVENTS Prevention / Readiness / Mitigation Levels No. according to General Secretariat of Civil Authorities involved Protection. Ministry of Environment and Energy, Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, 1. Maintenance of flood protection works Decentralized Administration of Macedonia - Thrace, Regional Units, Forestry Services, Municipalities Prevention of flooding and difficulties thereof Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, 2. in the road network Egnatia Odos S.A. Civil Protection Coordinating Boards of the Regional Units, Greek Police, Fire Service, 3. Mitigation of dangers from flood events National Emergency Center, Local Coordinating Civil Protection Boards of the Municipalities General Secretariat for Civil Protection, Informing the public on self-protection Decentralized Administration of Macedonia - 4. measures from flooding dangers Thrace, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Regional Units, Municipalities Special Secretariat for Water, Water 5. Evaluation and management of Flood Risk Directorates of the Decentralized Administration National Meteorological Service, Operations Center of the General Secretariat for Civil Prediction of dangerous weather phenomena Protection, Decentralized Administration of 6. – Increased readiness Macedonia - Thrace, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Regional Units, Municipalities General Secretariat for Civil Protection, Greek Informing the public and issuing instructions Police, Region of Eastern Macedonia and 7. on potential dangers Thrace, Central Coordination Board of Regional protection, Ministry of Health Greek Police, Fire Service,National Emergency Initial warning – First assessment of impacts 8. Center, Municipalities, Decentralized from flood events Administration of Macedonia - Thrace,

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Prevention / Readiness / Mitigation Levels No. according to General Secretariat of Civil Authorities involved Protection. Operations Center of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection. Greek Police, Fire Service, National Emergency Center, National Center for Health Operations Mitigation of emergencies and managing 9. Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, impacts from flood events Regional Units, Municipalities, Decentralized Administration of Macedonia - Thrace Greek Police, Fire Service, National Emergency Center, and in an auxiliary role to facilitate operations, Municipalities, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Water Supply and 10. Search and Rescue Operations Sewerage Municipal Companies, Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator, Public Natural Gas Company, Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator. Greek Police, Fire Service, Utilities Mitigation of emergencies and managing Municipalities, Decentralized Administration of 11. impacts from ensuing phenomena (*) Macedonia - Thrace, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace General Secretariat of Civil Protection, Declaration of areas in emergency status / Operations Center of the General Secretariat 12. Coordination of authorities for Civil Protection, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Municipalities, Decentralized Administration of Macedonia - Thrace, Region of Eastern 13. Organized Evacuation of Citizens Macedonia and Thrace, General Secretariat for Civil Protection Civil Protection Coordinating Boards of the Regional Units, Local Coordinating Civil 14. Volunteer organizations participation Protection Boards of the Municipalities, General Secretariat for Civil Protection 15. International Assistance General Secretariat for Civil Protection Municipalities, National Center for Social Solidarity, Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Ministry of Development, 16. Social provisions and help to affected citizens Hellenic Organization for Agricultural Insurance, General Secretariat for Civil Protection General Secretariat for Civil Protection, with 17. Record-keeping of special catastrophe dossier the support of all involved authorities (*) “Ensuing phenomena” refers to natural or technological catastrophes that may be caused as a result of flooding, such as landslides, dam breaches, leakage of dangerous substances, etc.

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INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE EVROS RIVER BASIN

The international cooperation framework in the field of transboundary water resources management shared between Greece and its neighbouring countries, Bulgaria and Turkey, is governed by the relationship of each country with the European Union and the subsequent obligations to implement the European legislation. Bulgaria, being a full member-state of the EU since 2007, is obliged to implement the Flood Directive. In the case of Turkey, the situation is different as the country is not a member of the EU and hence it has no obligation to implement the FD. It is worh mentioning that both the Greek and Turkish side, as downstream countries, place particular emphasis on the joint mitigation of the Evros River flooding problems. Cooperation with Bulgaria On 27th July 2010 the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change of Greece and the Minister of Environment and Waters of Bulgaria, signed a Common Declaration «for the understanding and cooperation in the sector of water resources use in the respective territories of the common river basins” shared between the two countries. On 16th of May 2011, at the city of Drama, Greece, on the basis of the above Common Declaration, a meeting between national delegations was held and a Joint Expert Working Group (JEWG) was formed. Also a sub working group has been set up between Greece and Bulgaria for the exchange of technical data and experience on the implementation of the requirements of Directives 2000/60/EC and 2007/60/EC. So far, several meetings of both Working Groups have been held. Cooperation with Turkey On 14th May 2010 the (then) Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change of Greece and the Minister of Environment and Forests of the Republic of Turkey signed a Joint Declaration «for the implementation of a system of permanent cooperation for the sustainable development of the Evros River Basin». On the basis of this Joint Declaration, a Joint Committee for the Evros River was established which convened for the first time on 30th May 2010 and agreed on the establishment of a Joint Working Group to exchange information on the qulity and the quantity of the Evros river water as well as data and assessments for managing the flood risks in the river. ARDAFORECAST Programme International cooperation also took place in the context of the Greek-Bulgarian programme «Installation of an Early Warning System for Floods in the hydrological basin of Ardas River to reduce the danger of flooding in the transboundary zone / short title «ARDAFORECAST», concerning the creation of an Early Warning System for floods on Ardas River.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

Among the transboundary basins of Greece, the most prone to flooding problems are the Strymon River Basin in RBD 11 and the Evros River Basin in RBD 12, which is the subject of this FRMP. The Evros River Basin, however, is particular due to the adverse flood events that stem from the parts of the river basin that lie outside the Greek territory.

The Evros river basin, with a total area of 53,000 square kilometers, occupies part of the Eastern Balkan Peninsula and is shared between Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. The Evros river in parts of its length constitutes the border between Greece and Bulgaria and Greece and Turkey. The total length of the river is 528 km, out of which, 310 km flow within Bulgaria, while 208 km form the borderline between Greece and Bulgaria and Turkey. The river basin is split between the three states as follows:

• 35,085 sq.km (66,2%) in Bulgaria • 14,575 sq.km (27,5%) in Turkey, and • 3,340 sq.km (6,3%) in Greece. The main tributaries of Evros are the rivers Arda, Tundja and Ergene. In the Greek part, the main tributaries are the rivers Ardas and Erythropotamos. Table 2 summarizes their characteristics. The length and sub-basin area mentioned in the table refer to the Greek part of the river basins.

TABLE 2. RIVER EVROS AND MAIN TRIBUTARIES IN GREEK TERRITORY.

River River Name Length Sub-basin area Basin (km) (km2) Code

EL1210 EVROS 208,2 2.030

EL1210 ARDAS 42,6 344

EL1210 ERYTHROPOTAMOS 170,9 971

According to the official division of Greek territory into fourteen (14) River Basin Districts (RBDs) and forty-five (45) River Basins (RBs), the Evros River Basin belongs to RBD 12 (Thrace), bears the RB code EL1210 and is named Evros River Basin.

The geographical location of Evros RB with respect to the boundary of RBD 12 and to the much broader total Evros river basin boundary, shared between Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, is shown on the map in Figure 1.

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L1210)

E

e Greek part of the basin (

transboundary Evros River Basin and th

Figure 1. The

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PRELIMINARY FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT Evaluation of flood risk Natural environment The environmental protection areas within the study area that will be potentially affected by future flooding events are shown in the following Table 3:

TABLE 3. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AREAS INFLUENCED FROM FLOOD EVENTS Area type No. of Remarks areas Nature protection areas 1 Area GR1110007 (Evros Delta and Western Branch) NATURA (SCI) These are the areas GR1110006 (Evros Delta) and Nature protection areas 2 GR1110008 (Riparian forest of Northern Evros and NATURA (SPA) Ardas) Floods influence all zones of the National Wetland Park of Evros Delta except zones “Β” (Beta) and “Δ” National Parks 2 (Delta). Zones B1 and B2b of the National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli are adjacent to flood areas.

Human environment The tables below present the results of the assessment on exposure to flood risk for various land use categories and human activities in the study area. TABLE 4. LAND USE AND ACTIVITIES INFLUENCED FROM POTENTIAL FLOOD EVENTS Type of installation Count Remarks Industrial and agricultural Concerns three packaging plants for agricultural 3 installations products owned by farmers’ cooperatives. Wastewater Treatment Plants Concerns the WWTPs of Orestiada, Didimoticho and 3 (WWTPs) Soufli townships. Pig-raising famrs 1 Concerns one unit of capacity> 50 animals Concerns borehole pumps and associated facilities of Irrigation infrastructure > 250 the collective irrigation network managed by the General Irrigation Board of Orestiada. It concerns collective irrigation netweorks pumping Irrigation pumping stations and 11 stations of Local Irrigation Boards adjacent to Evros intakes and Ardas rivers. It concerns drainage pumping stations of agricultural Drainage pumping stations 19 areas adjacent to Evros river. It concerns two closed-down uncontrolled landfills, Uncontrolled landfill areas 2 in Nea Vissa and Lavara townships.

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Name of local Municipal Unit Municipality Community Agricultural area community center affected (ha) Loutros Traianoupolis ALEXANDROUPOLIS Loutros 1,369 Ardanio Ferres ALEXANDROUPOLIS Ardanio 30 Doriskos Ferres ALEXANDROUPOLIS Doriskos 7,110 Peplo Ferres ALEXANDROUPOLIS Peplo 25718 Ferres Ferres ALEXANDROUPOLIS Ferres 46.078 Didimoticho Didimoticho DIDIMOTICHO Didimoticho 7.696 Isaakio Didimoticho DIDIMOTICHO Isaakio 2.534 Petrades Didimoticho DIDIMOTICHO Petrades 1.682 Praggi Didimoticho DIDIMOTICHO Praggi 6.738 Pythion Didimoticho DIDIMOTICHO Pythion 11.418 Sofikon Didimoticho DIDIMOTICHO Sofikon 10.694 Kavyli Vissa ORESTIADA Kavyli 300 Kastanies Vissa ORESTIADA Kastanies 60 Nea Vissa Vissa ORESTIADA Nea Vissa 24.962 Rizia Vissa ORESTIADA Rizia 5.942 Kyprinos Kyprinos ORESTIADA Kyprinos 1.365 Fylakio Kyprinos ORESTIADA Fylakio 2.047 Thourio Orestiada ORESTIADA Thourio 4.998 Neo Chimonio Orestiada ORESTIADA Neo Chimonio 11.435 Orestiada Orestiada ORESTIADA Orestiada 33.650 Arzos Trigono ORESTIADA Arzos 768 Dikea Trigono ORESTIADA Dikea 3.268 Elea Trigono ORESTIADA Elea 1.720 Therapio Trigono ORESTIADA Therapio 2.026 Komares Trigono ORESTIADA Komares 6.299 Marasia Trigono ORESTIADA Marasia 4.365 Milea Trigono ORESTIADA Milea 1.465 Ormenio Trigono ORESTIADA Ormenio 4.739 Platis Trigono ORESTIADA Platis 3.488 Ptelea Trigono ORESTIADA Ptelea 1.966 Amorio Orfeas SOUFLI Amorio 5.259 Lavara Orfeas SOUFLI Lavara 11.711 Mandra Orfeas SOUFLI Mandra 2.155 Kornofolea Soufli SOUFLI Kornofolea 5.621 Lykofos Soufli SOUFLI Lykofos 4.319 Lagyna Soufli SOUFLI Lagyna 6.708 Soufli Soufli SOUFLI Soufli 6.617 Lyra Tychero SOUFLI Lyra 2.233 Tychero Tychero SOUFLI Tychero 24.268 Fylakto Tychero SOUFLI Fylakto 5.774

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It has to be noted that the areas influenced by floods in the forty (40) local communities as indicated in Table 4 above, are predominantly agricultural and fallow in character. Among the settlements neighbouring the river Evros and its tributaries and having legislated township boundaries, only Poros lies entirely within an APSFR. Many of the settlements are in contact with the boundaries of APSFRs and flood zones (e.g. Tychero, Fylakto, Soufli, Lykofos, Lavara, Lagyna, Praggi, etc.). Low-lying sections of these settlements have been inundated in the past as a result of previous significant flood events. The most severe and recent such episode was the inundation of the Lavara township during the 2010 floods, involving the flooding of several households. Identification of APSFRs The process of identifying APSFRs considered information available on the spatial extent of previous significant flood events. Spatial extent data were obtained from various sources for the flood events of 1998, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2010. These flood events are among the largest to have impacted the area of study and definitely among the most severe events of the past twenty (20) years.

Three (3) APSFRs were finally identified in the Greek part of the Evros River Basin. The identified APSFRs are presented on the map in Figure 2.

The total area covered by the identified APSFRs is 42,647ha.

TABLE 5. IDENTIFIED APSFRS IN EVROS RIVER BASIN (EL1210) Area Code Description (ha)

GR12RAK0002 Riparian and floodplain areas south of Nea Vyssa and at the 36,410 Evros River Delta

GR12RAK0003 Coastal and floodplain areas west of Loutros stream 1,216

GR12RAK0004 Riparian and floodplain areas of Northern Evros and Ardas rivers 4,444

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Figure2: APSFRs in the Evros River Basin (EL1210)

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FLOOD HAZARD AND RISK MAPS

Flood hazard maps display in a suitable scale the spatial extent of the flood event, the depth of water or, in some cases, the water surface elevation and, again in some cases, the flow velocity or the relative velocity of the floodwaters. The purpose of the flood hazard maps is to reproduce the characteristics expected of each flood event in the geographical areas that might be inundated, according to hydrodynamic modelling for each of the following hydrological scenarios:

 Low probability floods (including scenarios of extreme phenomena)  Medium probability floods (suggested return period T ≥ 100 years)  High probability floods, on a case-by-case basis. For the study area examined in the present FRMP the flood sources considered are (a) fluvial source and (b) sea water source (sea level rise), as indicated also by the results of the PFRA.

Flood risk maps are also prepared for the three aforementioned hydrological scenrios (floods of low, medium and high probability) and display the potential negative impacts associated with these events. The purpose of the flood risk maps is the identification of areas where management measures are needed, through the evaluation of the negative impacts of flood events, thus facilitating the preparation of FRMPs focused on specific areas and actions. The maps also facilitate the FRMP consultation process by making the potential negative impacts of flood events known to the public. The content of the flood risk maps includes the following:

 Indicative number of inhabitants likely to be influenced.  Types of economic activity in the area that are likely to be influenced.  Installations that may cause random pollution in case of a flood.  Other information judged useful by the member-state. Characteristics of Flood Hazard Maps The flood hazard maps can be viewed on the MoE/SSW website floods.ypeka.gr.

The map scale chosen for all return periods, flood event scenarios and sources of flooding is the 1:25.000. Each map is comprised of four (4) sheets corresponding to the sections shown below:

 Sheet 1: Section Feres – River Mouth (APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0003)  Sheet 2: SectionLavara – Feres (APSFR GR12RAK0002)  Sheet 3: SectionNea Vyssa – Lavara (APSFR GR12RAK0002)  Sheet 4: Section Ormenio – Kastanies and River Ardas (APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0004). Exception to the above is made for the maps of flood scenario ScIII and the maps presenting the impacts from sea level rise; both are limited to one (1) sheet; scenario ScIII concerns APSFR

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GR12RAK0004 while the sea level rise maps all concern APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0003.

The depth of water for all maps where the source of flooding is fluvial, has been displayed with a blue-color scale in five levels. For the maps concerning the sea level rise as source of flooding, a blue-color scale in three levels is used.

Due to the slow development of the flood events the flow velocities on the floodplain do not exceed at any point the 1.0 m/s mark. Therefore, the relevant cartographic information is not required and is not displayed. Hydrological scenarios considered According to the provisions of the Directive the hydraulic simulation of river flows must be undertaken for flood events of low, medium and high probability. These events were determined in Greece as corresponding to flood events with return periods of Τ=1000, 100 and 50 years respectively. In the Evros River Basin case in particular, the event with a return period of Τ=20 years is additionally considered, following coordination with the Bulgarian side.

Due to the size of the drainage basin, the existence of large tributaries (Tundja, Arda, Erythropotamos and Ergene) contributing at different locations on the main river and the complexity of the flood-producing mechanisms historically encountered, each flood probability scenario as defined above, has been considered on the basis of one or more “flooding scenarios”. These are comprised of different combinations of the various contributing factors, which collectively make up the flood response of the drainage basin.

Table 6 presents in brief the “flooding scenarios” examined for the fluvial sources of flooding. For the case where the source of flooding is sea water, the expected sea level rise (mean seawater surface elevation rise) was estimated by the MoE/SSW taking into account the astronomical tide, storm surge and wave setup factors, for events corresponding to return periods of Τ=50 and Τ=100 years; therefore high and medium probability events as defined above.

The ultimate sea level rise in meters estimated for each scenario are presented in Table 7. Hydraulic modelling The following Figure 3 displays the envelope of the flood surface, i.e. the maximum inundation extent regardless of hydrological scenario and source of flooding examined, with respect to the identified APSFRs. It is observed that all the identified APSFRs are affected while in some cases the extent is significant.

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TABLE 6. FLOOD EVENT SCENARIOS (SOURCE OF FLOODING: FLUVIAL) Scenario ScΙ, base scenario (*) Scenario ScΙΙ (*) Scenario ScΙΙΙ (*)

Sub- Failure of Downstream River Sub-scenario ScIa scenario manmade flood ScIb infrastructure

Return Periods (years) orMaximum discharges

Τ=100 + dam Evros Τ=20 Τ=50 Τ=100 Τ=1000 Τ=50 Τ=20 failure

Ardas 300 m3/s 500 m3/s 700 m3/s 1.000 m3/s 1.500 m3/s 700 m3/s 700 m3/s

Tundja Τ=10 Τ=20 Τ=50 Τ=100 Τ=20 T=10 T=10

Erythropotamos Τ=20 Τ=50 Τ=100 Τ=1000 Τ=50 T=100 Τ=20

Ergene Τ=10 Τ=20 Τ=50 Τ=100 Τ=20 T=100 Τ=20

Minor Tributaries Τ=20 Τ=50 Τ=100 Τ=1000 Τ=50 T=100 Τ=20 Greek basin

Note: The reference rerurn period (max discharge for ScIb) for each scenario is marked in bold. (*) Scenario description: ScI: Base scenario for fluvial sources of flooding. The bulk of the floodwaters is entering the study area from the main river Evros and from Ardas. Tributaries Tundja, Erythropotamos and Ergene have secondary influence. Two sub-scenarios are distinguished: - ScIa: The bulk of the floodwaters is entering through the main river Evros. Ardas is assumed fully regulated by the Bulgarian dams. Maximum discharges in Ardas for each return period are assigned according to a threshold analysis based on empirical cumulative probability distributions of annual maximum discharges for several stations along Evros (above and below the Ardas confluence). Flood flows in the main river Evros correspond to natural discharges for all examined return periods. - ScIb: The bulk of the floodwaters is entering the study area from Ardas river, due to high flows spilling from Ardas dams in Bulgaria. The main Evros river flood corresponds to a high probability event (Τ = 50 years). ScII: In this scenario the bulk of the floodwaters are coming from the Erythropotamos and Ergene tributaries. Main river Evros contributes with a high probability event (Τ = 20 years), while Ardas is regulated at 700m3/sec (low- disturbance discharge threshold). ScIII: This scenario examines the effects of the artificial augmentation of a medium probability flood event (T = 100 years) in the main river Evros due to the simultaneous failure of a small dam in the Bulgarian part of the basin. Ardas river is regulated at 700m3/sec (low-disturbance discharge threshold). TABLE 7. FLOOD EVENT SCENARIOS (SOURCE OF FLOODING: SEA WATER) APSFR code Description Τ=50 years Τ=100 years

GR12RAK0002 Riparian and floodplain areas south of Nea 1.17 m 1.23 m Vyssa and at the Evros River Delta Coastal and floodplain areas west of GR12RAK0003 1.18 m 1.29 m Loutros stream

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Figure 3: Envelope of modelled flood extents and APSFRs in the Evros Basin

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Strategic conclusions drawn out of the flood hazard maps preparation process

TABLE 8. STRATEGIC CONCLUSIONS OF FLOOD HAZARD ANALYSIS Item Strategic conclusions of flood hazard analysis Related APSFR

The existing primary flood protection levees along the main Evros river south of Nea Vyssa (initially constructed in the 1950s) if not breached, provide sufficient protection (elevation-wise) from fluvial sources of flooding and for flood events with a return 1. period up to 100 years under various adverse combination GR12RAK0002GR12RAK0004 scenarios of flood event occurence. The level of protection for the flood protection levees along the Northern Evros (from the Greek- Bulgarian border up to the Ardas confluence) and along Ardas river itself may be even higher, under the same condition of no breach.

The existing secondary flood protection levees (overtopping or “summer” levees) constraining the Evros riverbed south of Nea 2. Vyssa provide a flood protection level which, under any GR12RAK0002 circumstances, is lower to significantly lower than the flood event with a return period of 10 years.

The existing proposals by the Turkish side cannot contribute to mitigating the impacts from flooding especially if the current constrained width of the river bed is maintained (as proposed by 3. the Turkish side). This is because the current discharge capacity is GR12RAK0002 already very low (smaller than the 10-yr natural main river flow) not considering adverse contributions from Ardas or other factors (e.g. backwater effects).

Any potential interventions on the main river bed must be limited to those absolutely necessary in order to restore a minimum capacity (e.g. of the 10-yr natural flow). All natural flood events of 4. lower probability (T = 20 years and above) or those arising out of GR12RAK0002 adverse combinations of multiple contributing factors, will be GR12RAK0004 discharged into the floodplain zone as currently defined by the existing primary flood protection levees. This flood zone should be subject to specific flood management measures.

The flood hazard level throughout the study area is primarily related to the combination of contributing sources that occurs each time and only secondarily related to the magnitude of each source per 5. GR12RAK0002 se; this holds for all flood events with return periods up to 100 GR12RAK0004 years. The only exception to this general conclusion is the Ardas river flood discharge, which, due to the sudden spilling from Bulgarian dams induce signifivant negative impacts on its own.

Regarding combined negative impacts from flooding, the most significant source is the Ardas river flood discharge. The relevant 6. sub-scenario (ScIb) showed that the high and sudden overflow GR12RAK0002 discharge coming from Ardas can magnify the impacts of a high GR12RAK0004 probability flood event (Τ= 50 years) in the main Evros river to match those consistent with flood events of much lower probability (significantly largerthanan event of 100 years return period and

p.17 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

Item Strategic conclusions of flood hazard analysis Related APSFR

slightly less than an event of 1000 years return period).

The impacts from a potential failure of one of the multitude of small dams in Bulgarian territory, in the intermediate Evros 7. catchment between Harmanli and Svilengrad, appear to be GR12RAK0004 confined in the Northern Evros area. However, the ipmacts can be quite signifivant in this particular area.

Flooding due to sea water covers a significant part of the Evros Delta area, reaching up to the boundary of the Alexandroupolis city 8. GR12RAK0003 plan in the west. However, the maximum inundation depth is GR12RAK0002 relatively limited (<1.30 m), while it is not substantially different between the return periods examined (T=50 and 100 years). Characteristics of Flood Risk Maps The flood risk maps can be viewed in the MoE/SSW website, floods.ypeka.gr.

The flood risk maps provide information to evaluate the potential impacts of floods to the population, economic activities and infrastructure and to the natural and man-made environment. Impacts on these broad categotries are examined in the study area on the basis of the following parameters:

 Indicative number of inhabitants likely to be affected.  Types of economic activity that are likely to be affected; for the study area the activities evaluated are related to land use, transportation infrastructure (road and railway network), irrigation and drainage pumping facilities, natural gas conveyance pipelines and the primary flood protection levees.  Installations likely to cause random pollution in case of flooding. In the study area there exist no IPPC and Seveso installations, open uncontrolled landfills or other types of installations that could cause accidental pollution. The influence on floods on the operation of wastewater treatment plants within the flood zone is examined.  Protected areas likely to be affected; these are areas for the provision of water intended for human consumption, recreation and bathing areas and protection zones of habitats. For the study area the areas evaluated for potential impacts from flooding are groundwater bodies and boreholes for potable water, nature protection areas (SCI and SPA) and bathing areas. To better visualize the information provided, two sets of maps have been prepared per source of flooding and flood event scenario as follows:

 R1 Map sets: Impact on population, economic activities and infrastructure.  R2 Map sets: Impact on protected areas. Each map is comprised of four (4) sheets corresponding to the following sections:

 Sheet 1: Section Feres – River Mouth (APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0003)

p.18 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

 Sheet 2: Section Lavara – Feres (APSFR GR12RAK0002)  Sheet 3: Section Nea Vyssa – Lavara (APSFR GR12RAK0002)  Sheet 4: Section Ormenio – Kastanies and River Ardas (APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0004). As for the flood hazard maps, exception to the above is made for the maps of flood scenario ScIII and the maps presenting the impacts from sea level rise; both are limited to one (1) sheet; scenario ScIII concerns APSFR GR12RAK0004, while the sea level rise maps all concern APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0003.

In case that a hydrological scenario includes more than one return period (e.g. base scenario ScIa and sea level rise) the same map displays all the assessments of spatial flood extent in a blue-color chromatic scale. Results and discussion The present FRMP summary document, in the interest of economy, discusses the results of only the base scenario (ScIa) for the medium probability flood event, i.e. the flood event of 100 years return period. This is the basic planning scenario used in formulating the flood risk management measures. Reference can be made to the full text of the FRMP (available at floods.ypeka.gr) for the analytical presentation of the results according to all scenarios and return periods examined.

Impacts on population The Directive specifies that the impact on the population is expressed through the number of inhabitants likely to be affected and includes impacts on human health and on the community.

The first includes potential impacts on the population due to pollution, interruption of potable water supply or loss of human life. The second refers to potential impacts on public administration, education, health and social services, including the ability to respond quickly in case of emergency.

The number of inhabitants likely to be affected was determined on the basis of population density as derived from the census data of the National Statistical Authority (2011 census data) and the urban area inundated, for settlements and townships with over 3,000 inhabitants.

For settlements and townships with less than 3,000 inhabitants, it was considered that even partial inundation of the town area impacts – both directly and indirectly – the totality of the inhabitants of the settlement or township. The total number of inhabitants is therefore reported, rounded up to the next decadal figure. The results of this analysis are presented in the following table.

The urban area affected is determined on the basis of the limits of the approved city or town plan with respect to the inundation extent. However, it must be noted that the assessment of

p.19 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN potentially impacted population is to an extent theoretical since the approved city or town plan limits do not necessarily reflect built-up areas but also include undeveloped lots and fallow areas. Hence, these results should be interpreted as the theoretically maximum number of inhabitants affected on condition that the urban fabric in the future spreads to the limit of the city plan, while maintaining the current population density.

TABLE 9. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF FLOODING ON THE POPULATION(NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS) Return period Τ=100 years APSFR Total Per individual settlement or township Didymoticho =1.100 GR12RAK0002 4.200 Praggi =300 Nea Vyssa =2.800 GR12RAK0003 - - GR12RAK0004 140 Marasia =140

TABLE 10. LAND USE TYPES AT POTENTIAL INUNDATION RISK Χρήσεις Γης ΖΔΥΚΠ

Inundated area (ha) Base scenario ScIa or sea level rise, return period T=100 years Land Use type / APSFR GR12RAK0004 GR12RAK0002 GR12RAK0003

Continuous urban fabric n/a n/a n/a Disconnected urban fabric 31 99 Industrial-commercial zones n/a n/a 8 Cropland 1,162 9,722 63 Permanent crops 1 29 Forests 71 43 Other natural areas 579 238 Welands - water bodies 775 6,756 748 ΣΥΝΟΛΟ: 2,619 16,887 819

Transportation infrastructure The main national road transportation infrastructure in the study area are parts of the A2 motorway (Egnatia Odos) and the under construction branch highway Α21/Ε85 Ardanio-Soufli- Didimoticho-Orestiada-Kastanies-Ormenio. The “Democritus” airport of Alexandroupolis lies outside of the identified APSFRs.

The A2 motorway (Egnatia Odos) runs through the study area in its southwestern part for a length of 59 km, from the northern outskirts of Alexandroupolis to Ardanio at a considerable distance to the boundaries of the identified APSFRs and outside the flood zones. The A2 branch highway A21 has a total length of 124 km, is of strategic importance and a significant road connection to neighbouring Bulgaria. The road embankment is generally constructed higher

p.20 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN than the maximum water level. However, the existence of multiple underpasses and drainage culverts allows the transfer of water under flood conditions to the adjacent areas causing inundations of land to the west of A21, mostly on the eastern side of Didimoticho.

The national road network includes also the national road EO2, section Alexandroupoli – Kipi bridge. However, the EO2 lies away from the identified APSFRs and the flood zone. The rest of the regional and local road network follows generally the ground elevation and therefore is susceptible to flooding when inside the flood zone, with the notable exception of regional road ΕπΟ9, section Pythio-Rigio-Sofiko, which runs on hillsides located higher than the adjacent low- lying areas and is not affected by floods.

TABLE 11. POTENTIAL INUNDATION RISK TO THE ROAD NETWORK

Base Scenario ScIa,return period Τ=100 years APSFR Total length (km) Individual roads (km) GR12RAK0002 1.7 Didimoticho-Isaakio(ΕπΟ9) = 1.7 GR12RAK0003 - - GR12RAK0004 1.4 Kanadas-Rizia = 0.6 Kastanies-Marasia = 0.8 The railway line is of particular importance for the flood protection of several settlements and townships due to the fact that it passes along the boundary of the built-up areas with the flood zone. Its embankment thus serves indirectly as a flood protection barrier. The existing line is under reconstruction and upgrading. The flood modelling took into account the future elevation of the railway embankment as indicated in the detailed design studies of the project.

Information from the railway line owner and operator suggests that the existing line is prone to frequent flooding in the following sections:

 In APSFR GR12RAK0002: sections Mandra – Lavara and Didimoticho-Pythio  In APSFR GR12RAK0004: sections Marasia – Dilofos and Dikaia - Ormenio The indundated area within APSFR GR12RAK0003 does not affect the railway line. TABLE 12. POTENTIAL IMPACT OF FLOODS TO THE RAILWAY LINE

APSFR Base Scenario ScIa,return periodΤ=100 years GR12RAK0002 Section Didimoticho – Petrades, especially at the Didimiticho and Praggi township limits. GR12RAK0004 Section Marasia – Dilofos, especially at the Marasia township limit. Irrigation and Drainage Pumping Stations The study area includes extensive agricultural areas with irrigated crops. There is a significant number of irrigation and drainage pumping installations as well as individual boreholes, that serve the irrigation and drainage networks. All pumping facilities are located on ground level and therefore are subject to flooding within the inundation zone. Nineteen (19) drainage pumping stations και eleven (11) irrigation pumping stationswere identified in all within APSFRs

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GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0004; no pumping stations are located within APSFR GR12RAK0003.

Natural Gas Conveyance Pipeline TAP (Trans Adriatic Pipeline) The TAP pipeline alignment lies generally outside of any APSFRs in the study area. The only exception is a relatively small section 0.85km in length near the Kipi bridge location (approx. 2 km north of Gemisti village) within APSFR GR12RAK0002. At this location the pipeline crosses through the Evros river from Turkey into Greece. The pipeline corridor in this particular section is therefore inundated in all hydrological scenarios and even for high probability (low return period) flood events.

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) Three (3) WWTPs were identified within APSFR GR12RAK0002 (WWTP Soufli, WWTP Didimoticho and WWTP Orestiada, near Palea Sagini). Of these, the WWTP of Orestiada is close to but outside of the western limit of the inundation zone. WWTP of Didimoticho is constructed on an artificially elevated location. WWTP of Soufli is protected from flooding with a protection levee around it. The exact elevations of the WWTPs were not available, however it appears that they are protected from inundation.

The impact of flooding on these installations (especially WWTP Didimoticho and Soufli) does not concern the flooding of the facilities themselves, but rather that due to the submergence of the surrounding area for several days and the extent of the inundation, they face limitations in operation in times of floods due to the inability of discharging the effluents properly. Impacts on protected areas Nature protection areas The National Wetland Park of River Evros Delta (designated with JMD 4110 (ΦΕΚ 102/Δ/16-03- 2007) with a total area of 18,429 ha is affected by inundation for all examined sources of flooding, hydrological scenarios and return periods within APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0003.The designation of the Park includes the land and sea areas of the Evros Delta wetlands at the mouth of river Evros and its adjacent areas. It lies entirely within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis (municipal departments of Alexandroupolis, Feres and Traianoupolis).

Two sub-areas of the National Wetland Park, also subject to inundation, are designated as habitat and nature protected areas. They are the SPA “Evros Delta” (GR1110006) and SCI “Evros Delta and Western Branch” (GR1110007). Moreover, the estimated extent of flooding extends into the Peripheral Zone of the park, designated as the land areas outside the approved city and town plans and township boundaries of less than 2,000 inhabitants.

The inundation due to fluvial sources of flooding is also affecting SPA GR1110008 “Riparian forest of Northern Evros and Ardas” which extends along the river Evros from Pythio to

p.22 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

Ormenio and along section of the river Ardas. It lies within APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0004. The broader area has been additionally designated as Important Area for the Birds of Greece (SPPE code GR001).

Groundwater Bodies (GWBs) The estimated flooding area extends within the boundaries of the following GWBs used for water abstraction intended for human consumption (Article 7 of the WFD):  GWB GR1200130 Alexandroupolis (APSFR GR12RAK0003): sea level rise  GWB GR120T020 Evros Delta and Riparian Area (APSFRs GR12RAK0002 and GR12RAK0003): sea level rise and fluvial source of flooding  GWB GR1200140 Evros (APSFR GR12RAK0002): fluvial sources of flooding  GWB GR12BT150 Soufli-Didimoticho (APSFR GR12RAK0002): fluvial sources of flooding  GWB GR12BT010 Orestiada (APSFR GR12RAK0004 and GR12RAK0002): fluvial sources of flooding

Potable Water Boreholes One potable water borehole exists at the western end of APSFR GR12RAK0002, borehole “Γ4” of Poros village, operated by the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company (MWSSC) of Alexandroupolis. This borehole is on the boundary between GWBs GR120T020 and GR1200140, far from the River Evros main channel and is not affected by inundation in any hydrological scenario and flood return period examined.

Because of the administrative re-arrangements following the implementation of the public administration plan “Kallikrates” which involved the reorganization of Municipal and Regional level government, some of the Municipalities in the area of Evros (namely Soufli and Didimoticho) did not report the geographical information of all the potable water boreholes within their jurisdiction in time for them to be included in the 1st River Basin Management Plan for RBD EL12. The information contained in the RBMP was used directly in the present FRMP. However, due to the above shortcoming, in the course of the public consultation for the present FRMP, it was revealed that at least two (2) other potable water boreholes are located within the flood zone but no precise location was given. To address this issue a relevant action has been included in the programme of measures of this FRMP to identify the potable water boreholes within the flood zone and propose relocation or other protective measures.

Bathing Water Areas

Flooding due to sea water level rise is affecting Bathing Area GRBW129006011 in APSFR GR12RAK0003 for both return periods examined. Flooding due to fluvial sources does not affect any designated Bathing Areas.

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FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES Objectives for flood risk management The FRMP objectives are formulated according to the following:

 The requirements of the 2007/60/ΕC Directive. According to the Directive, the FRMP objectives should focus on:

- reducing the negative consequences of floods to human health, the natural environment, cultural heritage and economic activities,

- reducing the likelihood of flooding by structural or non-structural means, including the raising of public awareness and improving the flood forecasting capacity.

 The analysis of the study area that was undertaken in order to prepare the flood hazard and flood risk maps.

 The past experience from responding to the consequenses of flood events in the area and lastly,

 The priorities set by implementing a series of measures that derive from the need to overcome still existing uncertainties concerning the analysis and modelling of flood events in the area.

Table 13 below lists the FRMP objectives indicating the level of flood risk to which they are relevant. TABLE 13. FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES AND RELATED FLOOD EVENTS.

ID FRMP RB Evros Objective Description Related Flood Events

Flood events of medium probability (Τ=100 Securing the protection level attainable by years). The objective aims to restoring the existing facilities from flood events of theoretically attainable protection level medium probability (Τ=100 years) by afforded by the existing primary flood restoring and completing the perimeter of protection embankments which is not the flood zone as defined by the existing available today due to ageing, repeated primary flood protection embankments repairwork and damages from past floods. It (restoration / reinforcement / extension of Σ1 also aims at providing a management existing primary flood protection framework for the flood zone defined by embankments and auxiliary works); Setting these works. The objective will provide a management framework for the flood protection from either naturally occurring zone (land use regulation / terms for floods or floods due to both natural and specific activities / increase of human causes, where human causes do not preparedness / codification of emergency substantially modify the characteristics of action plans). the natural flood response.

p.24 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

ID FRMP RB Evros Objective Description Related Flood Events

Provide protection from flood events of Flood events of high probability (Τ=20 and high probability (Τ=20 and 50 years) 50 years). The restoration actions for the including actions to restore the protection Σ2 secondary flood protection works will help in level of secondary flood protection increasing the protection level from floods of embankments («summer» or even higher probability (e.g. Τ=10 years). «overtopped» embankments).

The objective concerns, on the one hand, Prevention of, protection from and high and medium probability natural floods increased preparedness against flood of the River Evros which are artificially events due mainly to human causes (dam augmented due to concurrent overflow of breach) and against flood events due to Ardas River dams in the Bulgarian territory Σ3 both natural and human causes where and, on the other, floods due to possible human intervention drastically modifies breach of dams in the territory of neighbor the characteristics of the natural flood countries either with or without the response (magnitude and/or timing of simultaneous occurrence of a natural flood flood peak – dam overflow). event.

The objective concerns high and medium Protection and increase of preparedness probability natural floods due to sea water Σ4 from flood events due to sea water level level rise occurring as a result of combined rise. causes of astronomical tide, storm surge from meteorological causes and wave setup.

This objective concerns flood events due to all examined sources of flooding and for all the considered return periods in this FRMP. The objective aims to achieve completeness, Obtaining, improving and organizing improve accuracy and systematize data information regarding technical data of the collection regarding the flood protection Σ5 flood protection infrastructure and infrastructure. It mainly includes completing reducing of uncertainties related to and improving accuracy of topographical estimation of flood hazards and flood risks. data, obtain and confirm crucial ground and structure elevation data, data on the river network, riverbed geometry and actions related to data collection and management.

p.25 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

Description of the flood risk management objectives Management objective Σ1 Securing the protection level attainable by existing facilities from flood events of medium probability (Τ=100 years) by restoring and completing the perimeter of the flood zone as defined by the existing primary flood protection embankments (restoration / reinforcement / extension of existing primary flood protection embankments and auxiliary works); Setting a management framework for the flood zone (land use regulation / terms for specific activities / increase of preparedness / codification of emergency action plans).

This objective concerns the medium and low probability flood events examined in preparing the FRMP (Τ=100 and 1000 years). The objective aims at achieving protection from flood events of entirely natural causes as well as flood events originating from a combination of natural and human causes (with the provision that the human-related causes of flooding – such as dam overflows – do not substantially alter the characteristics of the natural flood response). The highest level of the anticipated flood protection is against the medium probability flood events (T=100 years); a proportionallyincreased (though not complete) protection level is anticipated against the low probability floods (T=1000 years).

The objective includes measures and actions to identify, design and execute the technical works required to complete and restore the perimeter of the flood zone as defined by the existing primary flood protection embankments; this involves the restoration / reinforcement / extension of the existing primary flood protection embankments and associated auxiliary works.

The objective also includes the formulation and application of measures to manage the flood zone so defined (corresponding roughly to the area between the river channels of Evros and Ardas Rivers and the primary flood embankments). The management measures include regulating land uses in the area, establishing terms and conditions applicable to the exercise of certain activities, applying economic instruments, introducing early warning systems and streamlining the emergency response action plans. All the above are proposed under the general understanding that the flood zone (for medium and low probability flood events) will be always subject to partial or complete flooding depending on the rarity of the experienced flood event. Management objective Σ2 Provide protection from flood events of high probability (Τ=20 and 50 years) including actions to restore the protection level of secondary flood protection embankments («summer» or «overtopped» embankments).

This objective concerns natural flood events of high probability examined in the preparation of the FRMP (T=20 and 50 years). It is obvious that measures and actions to enhance protection

p.26 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN from these flood events will also achieve an increased protection level from usual floods (i.e. floods of even lower return periods) that impact the area due to natural causes (without significant contribution to flood discharges from River Ardas). The analysis conducted for the preparation of the flood hazard maps showed that the actual mean discharge capacity of the Evros River main channel south of Nea Vyssa is about 1000 m3/s which is lower than even the 10-year natural flood event. It is of interest to note that this conclusion is shared by the technical staff of the relevant Turkish authorities as often discussed in numerous past technical meetings between representatives of both sides.

This objective includes measures toward performing minimum technical interventions to restore the discharge capacity of the Evros main channel (defined between the “summer” or “overtopped” embankments) at the level of the 10-year event. The corresponding target capacities have been estimated as 1200 m3/s from the Greek-Bulgarian border up to the Ardas River confluence (Kastanies) and 1400 m3/s downstream of Nea Vyssa. In practice this objective concerns localized actions to reduce the frequency of “usual” floods (very high probability) and at the same time reduce the impacts anticipated by high probability floods of natural origin in the flood zone as defined previously. Management objective Σ3 Prevention of, protection from and increased preparedness against flood events due mainly to human causes (dam breach) and against flood events due to human causes where the human intervention drastically modifies the characteristics of the natural flood response (magnitude and/or timing of flood peak – dam overflow).

The FRMP management objectives Σ1 and Σ2 concern natural flood events of the Evros River, i.e. without adverse contribution in floodwaters from the Ardas River. The analysis of data for the preparation of flood hazard maps identified a discharge threshold for the Ardas River flood flows which distinguishes between “high nuisance” and “low nuisance” discharges coming from Ardas. This discharge threshold was estimated at 700 m3/s. Whenever Ardas River flood discharge is kept below this threshold, the main Evros River flood event downstream of its confluence with Ardas is not modified in terms of frequency of occurrence. Statistically, for Ardas flows above the 700 m3/s mark, the frequency of the combined flood event downstream of the Ardas –Evros confluence is increased. During the hydrological and hydraulic modelling analysis for the preparation of flood hazard maps, a specific flood scenario (ScIb) was dedicated to the the analysis of flood events with Ardas River as main source. The results showed that the Ardas dams overflows in Bulgaria can totally overturn the conclusions drawn from a standard analysis of flood frequency in the downstream area. According to the results of scenario ScIb, a 50-year flood event on the main River Evros is magnified in terms of negative impact (extent of inundation zone) to the level of almost the 1000-year event.

The Ardas flood capacity to multiply the effects and impact of a flood event with a certain level of “natural” probability led to the need to define as a separate objective of the FRMP the

p.27 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN management of flooding from Ardas. An additional reason is that any meaningful approach to manage the problem necessarily entails international cooperation with Bulgaria and striving towards preparing in the future a common FRMP for the transboundary river basins as provided for in the Floods Directive.

This objective includes actions to promote cross-border cooperation and proposals for management measures fro prevention and protection from Ardas River floods which could ameliorate the problem and at the very least reduce the consequences from the specific flood events. Management objective Σ4 Protection and increase of preparedness from flood events due to sea water level rise.

This objective concerns the protection and increased preperedness against potential flooding from sea water level rise due to a combination of astronomical tide, stormsurge from meteorological causes and wave setup. No such combination events have been experienced before in the study area. Within the areas potentially affected by flooding of this kind, there are no permanent installations or settlements. However, the areas potentially affected include areas of significant environmental value. Management objective Σ5 Obtaining, improving and organizing information regarding technical data of the flood protection infrastructure and reducing uncertainties related to the estimation of flood hazards and risks.

This objective concerns flood events due to all examined sources of flooding and for all return periods considered in this FRMP. The objective aims to complete, improve the accuracy of and organize information concerning the technical infrastructure of flood protection in the area (flood protection works, drainage works, etc.) as well as data concerning the river bed geometry of Ardas and Evros Rivers and their large tributaries.

The actions foreseen are mostly collection, confirmation and improvement of topographical data information on the infrastructure but also actions to improve the ability of hydraulic modelling to simulate flood events in the area for updating the flood hazard and risk maps.

The measures and actions included in this objective will not only improve the future capacity to analyze and simulate flood events but also provide invaluable help to those planning and carrying out in actual conditions emergency action plans in the event of flooding.

p.28 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

MEASURES PROPOSED BY THE FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN

The classification of proposed measures in categories and types follows the provisions of the Directive 2007/60/EC and other guidance documents issued by the European Commission.

The porposed measures are classed into four basic groups according to the Floods Directive: Prevention, Protection, Preparedness and Recovery and Review. Proposed management measures Table 14 below lists the types of measurs each basic group of measures includes and a short description of those. The list of proposed measures by this FRMP follows this measure classification scheme. Each proposed measure is associated to a basic measure group and a type within that group. Prioritization of FRMP proposed measures. Prioritization of measure implementation is done on the basis of three distinct time horizons of implementation. These are as follows:

- Short-term measures. The time for implementation extends to one (1) year from FRMP approval. Short-term measures are usually measures of direct implementation (e.g administrative actions) and measures of urgent nature. - Medium-term measures. The time frame for implementation of medium-term measures is set until the end of the current 6-year implementation cycle (i.e. for this FRMP, up to 2021). This group includes measures that require management actions requiring enough time to be fully specified and in some cases require the prior implementation of design and other support studies. - Long-term measures. The time frame of implementation for this group exceeds the 6- year implementation cycle of the Directive. This group includes measures for which objectively, at the present time, the required time horizon for implementation cannot be determined. A characteristic example is the proposals and guidelines concerning cross-border cooperation where any progress largely depends on the degree of third parties involvement in the process. In formulating the final list of proposed measures every effort was made to keep the number of the measures in the long-term group to a minimum.

The proposed list of measures are presented in Table 15 below. From a total of 24 proposed measures in Table 15, eight (8) belong to the short-term group, twelve (12) to the medium- term group, two (2) to the long-term group, while another two (2) measures are composed of actions extending into all three time horizons for implementation.

p.29 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

TABLE 14. CATEGORIES AND TYPES OF FRMP MEASURES ACCORDING TO DIRECTIVE 2007/60/ΕC

p.30 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

Competent authorities and other relevant authorities for the implementation of the FRMP. The implementation of the proposed measures is attributed to specific authorities for each measure which may be one or more depending on the subject-matter. In general the authorities responsible for individual measure implementation are those listed in Table 1 of this Executive Summary. A number of measures need the involvement of various Ministries for their implementation. It has to be noted that the allocation of measures to specific authorities for implementation was the subject of repeated and in-depth discussions during the public consultation phase, the results of which were fully taken into account.

The general overview and management of the FRMP implementation is exercised by the Competent Authority for RBD EL12 Thrace, which includes the River Basin of Evros. The Competent Authority is therefore the Water Directorate for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia - Thrace.

p.31 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

On a national level, the coordination of implementing the Directive 2007/60/ΕC rests with the Special Secretariat for Water of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

The list of proposed measures in Table 15 is in its final form, including all revisions and amendments to date as a result of the public consulatation process. Information on proposed measures also includes a short description and the estimated cost of implementation.

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TABLE 15. PROPOSED MEASURES OF THE EVROS RIVER BASIN FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN. FRMP Time Measure ID Title Category Type Description APSFR Cost (€) Objective horizon Topographical survey of existing flood protection works via LIDAR and verification/correction ground surveys to uncertain points. Topographical surveys/ Other Verification of critical reference elevations in riparian settlements. GR12RAK0002 EL12-24-001 Technical Infrastructure Σ5 Prevention Short-term 150.000 Prevention Data on selected drainage channels and other infrastructure (large GR12RAK0004 database culverts, etc.) Preparation of a database holding the collected information.

Update of river Other Ground survey of riverbed geometry of Evros, Ardas Rivers and GR12RAK0002 Short- EL12-24-002 Σ5 Prevention 60.000 geometry data Prevention large tributaries of the Greek part of the basin. GR12RAK0004 term

Very high resolution, satellite-derived digital terrain model (i.e. Procurement of Digital corrected for vegetation effects) for the extent of the APSFRs and GR12RAK0002 Other Short- EL12-24-003 Terrain Model (DTM) Σ5 Prevention auxiliary ground survey of several control points for ortho- GR12RAK0003 80.000 Prevention term of Very High Resolution rectification. The anticipated elevation accuracy should be <1.0 GR12RAK0004 m. This measure involves the installation, repair and/or additional calibration of new and existing automatic gauge water level and Improving the flow recorders at various locations on Evros, Ardas and functionality of the Other GR12RAK0002 Short- EL12-24-004 Σ5 Prevention Erythropotamos rivers. It also involves integrating instruments 75.000 hydrometric data Prevention GR12RAK0004 term installed by other agencies into a common hydrometric network. collection network A total of twelve (12) automatic stations will be installed/repaired/calibrated under this measure. Geotechnical and hydraulic study for assessing the status of the Status assessment, existing primary flood protection works (embankments), propose Channel, restoration and restoration actions where necessary and design reinforcements as Coastal and GR12RAK0002 Medium- EL12-33-001 reinforcement of Σ1 Protection needed. The flood protection works involved are those 1.150.000 Floodplain GR12RAK0004 term primary flood constructed parallel to the river channels of Evros and Ardas Works protection works Rivers and their tributaries. The studies under this measure may be prepared by sections (e.g. per primary embankment or area) Design study to construct supplementary works of the primary Channel, Design of flood protection works at selected locations to complete the Coastal and GR12RAK0002 Medium- EL12-33-002 supplementary flood Σ1 Protection perimeter of the flood zone. It also involves the study to extend 100.000 Floodplain GR12RAK0004 term protection works (by height or length or both) identified sections of the existing Works primary embankments.

p.33 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

FRMP Time Measure ID Title Category Type Description APSFR Cost (€) Objective horizon Design of flood Channel, protection Design study for protective embankments upstream of National Σ1, Σ2, Coastal and Medium- EL12-33-003 embankments for Protection Road A21 underpasses to block the flood waters while ensuring GR12RAK0002 25.000 Σ3 Floodplain term National Road A21 smooth vehicle passing during normal periods. Works underpasses

Design study for a new low weir of variable height to replace the so-called “dam” at the Evros Delta Alignment, using inflatable Removal and gates or other suitable technologies. The purpose of the weir is to replacement of Evros Σ1, Σ2, Water flow block the seawater wedge intrusion during the summer while EL12-32-001 Delta “dam” by a Protection GR12RAK0002 Long-term 100.000 Σ3, Σ4 regulation allowing flood waters to pass uninhibited during winter and early structure of variable spring. The study will also prepare tender documents to remove height. the existing inefficient structure and restore the environment in the surrounding area. Identification and execution of immediate actions needed to restore flood protection works and restore discharge capacity of Immediate actions for Channel, the Evros main channel and its tributaries. An indicative list of restoration and Σ1, Σ2, Coastal and GR12RAK0002 EL12-33-004 Protection actions follows: reducing excess riparian and channel vegetation, Short-term 350.000 maintenance of flood Σ3 Floodplain GR12RAK0004 removal of accumulated sediment at specific locations, restoration protection works Works and reinforcement of flood protection works, restoration of culverts on tributaries, etc. Study suitable locations to reinstall water supply boreholes located within the flood zone. Study alternative means of Mitigation of impacts to Σ1, Σ2, discharging effluents from WWTPs located within the flood zone. GR12RAK0002 Medium- EL12-23-001 water supply and Prevention Reduction 25.000 Σ3 The purpose of the measure is to protect public health and allow GR12RAK0004 term sewerage operations continued operation of WWTPs when their outlets into Evros River are submerged in times of flood. Develop a tool and related early warning infrastructure for the Flood whole Evros River Basin, using the data of the upgraded Development of an Σ1, Σ2, Preparedne Forecasting hydrometric network (see related measure ΕL12-24-004) and GR12RAK0002 EL12-41-001 early warning / flood Short-term 1.000.000 Σ3 ss and other information. The tool should incorporate fully in due time GR12RAK0004 forecasting system Warning the ARDAFORECAST tool according to developing requirements and extend the warning capacity to major tributaries of Evros. Updating and redrafting the existing Emergency Action Plans for Update existing Σ1, Σ2, Preparedne Emergency GR12RAK0002 EL12-42-001 responding to flooding situations taking into account the results of Short-term 15.000 Emergency Action Plans Σ3 ss Event GR12RAK0004 / Codification of Response flood hazard and risk analysis of this FRMP.

p.34 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

FRMP Time Measure ID Title Category Type Description APSFR Cost (€) Objective horizon emergency flood Planning / Drafting of a memorandum of flood response actions among the response actions Contingency Municipalities and Municipal Units within the flood zone according planning to actions provided for in the Emergency Action Plans.

Update existing town plans and village boundaries to reflect the defined flood zone. Include (where at present unavailable) Urban planning and building code regulation for new buildings to provide protection GR12RAK0002 building code Σ1, Σ2, EL12-23-002 Prevention Reduction from and adapt to floods. GR12RAK0003 Long-term 15.000 regulations for riparian Σ3 GR12RAK0004 Evros settlements Update building regulations for new buildings outside the city and town plans for towns and villages exposed to flood risk (regulate basement building, introduce elevated constructions, etc.) Study and propose a restructuring scheme for crops within the flood zone, by making use of existing information and decision support tools of soil surveys and agronomy in the area. Assess Restructuring of Σ1, Σ2, sensitivity to floods for existing and proposed crops, draft a list of GR12RAK0002 Medium- EL12-21-001 agricultural crops Prevention Avoidance 30.000 Σ3 recommended crops for the area, research and propose economic GR12RAK0004 term within the flood zone and other incentives to facilitate changes in crops and cropping patterns and assess the need for any necessary administrative actions. Study and propose necessary measures for building restriction and specific building terms and conditions for new buildings within the Restrictions in building 100-year flood zone. GR12RAK0002 and regulation of land Σ1, Σ2, Medium- EL12-21-002 Prevention Avoidance Identify zones to be used for controlled flooding beyond the flood GR12RAK0003 50.000 use within the 100-year Σ3 term zone (as defined by the primary flood protection works) and GR12RAK0004 flood zone assess the protection level they can afford. Research and propose the legislative framework and actions needed to induce this land use change. Modify and upgrade existing systems for registering and Upgrade existing evaluating flood-related damages to agricultural production, systems of registering Individual building stock and mechanical equipment of collective irrigation GR12RAK0002 Σ1, Σ2, Recovery EL12-51-001 and evaluating and societal works. GR12RAK0003 Short-term 25.000 Σ3 and Review damages from flood recovery Define direct and indirect indices of flood damage assessment and GR12RAK0004 events financial evaluation and define protocols and standardized forms of flood damage registration from relevant services. GR12RAK0002 Medium- EL12-51-002 Modify existing criteria for financial compensation to damaged 15.000 Modification of criteria Σ1, Σ2, Recovery Individual agricultural activities from floods to introduce compensation GR12RAK0003 term

p.35 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

FRMP Time Measure ID Title Category Type Description APSFR Cost (€) Objective horizon for financial Σ3 and Review and societal terms related to type of crops and products; promote export crops GR12RAK0004 compensation of recovery and crops linked to food processing industry. damages to agricultural activities from floods

Establish an administrative mechanism to facilitate relocation of agricultural activities and building installations used in these activities to areas facing reduced flood risk. Initially, under this Relocation of activities measure, legislationshould be issued to lay out the process and GR12RAK0002 and installations Σ1, Σ2, Removal or Medium- EL12-22-001 Prevention responsibilities of related public bodies, the criteria applied to GR12RAK0003 - outside of the flood Σ3 relocation term approve relocation, financial and economic incentives (e.g. GR12RAK0004 zone subsidize relocation costs, provide consulting services, assist with organizing the activity at the new site, etc.) Actual application shall begin after the the legislation has come into effect. Medium- Optimal land Surface This measure concerns a pilot project targeted to developing land term (pilot management Σ1, Σ2, Water management techniques to reduce surface runoff from GR12RAK0002 project) EL12-34-001 techniques for reducing Protection 80.000 Σ3 Manageme agricultural areas, detain flood waters and reduce diffuse pollution GR12RAK0004 Long-term surface runoff from nt downstream. (widespread agricultural areas application) This is a study of the potential impacts from floods on the protected ecosystems of the Evros River Delta combined with a Evaluation of flooding study to restore the natural flooding regime of these areas from Σ1, Σ2, Other Medium- EL12-35-001 impacts in the National Protection fluvial sources. GR12RAK0002 200.000 Σ3 Protection term Wetland Park of Evros The study includes redesign and reconceptualization of the local drainage works (ditches, pumping stations) and management of sea water intrusion into the wetland areas. Study to identify restoration measures for sections of the river network with hydromorphological modifications, in ways that will not impact adversely the routing of the floodwaters. This measure Channel, concerns surface water bodies in the Evros basin that were not Restoring the natural GR12RAK0002 Σ1, Σ2, Coastal and designated as HMWBs in the RBMP of RBD EL12 Thrace but in Medium- EL12-33-005 pathways of Protection GR12RAK0003 50.000 Σ3 Floodplain which hydromorphological modifications have been identified term watercourses GR12RAK0004 Works which in and of themselves could result in an ecological status assessment of “less than good”. The purpose of this measure is to identify and recommend restoration actions for these surface water bodies that will not affect flood routing in a negative way.

p.36 FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN OF EVROS RIVER BASIN

FRMP Time Measure ID Title Category Type Description APSFR Cost (€) Objective horizon Development of a database on coastal monitoring data, registering spatial and temporal information on the development 25.000 Monitoring of the Other and status of coastal formations (sand dunes) that act as barriers GR12RAK0002 Medium- EL12-35-002 Σ4 Protection (5 years x coastal zone protection to flooding from sea water level rise; monitoring of the coastline GR12RAK0003 term 5.000 / yr) evolution under the combined effects of erosion from wave action and sedimentation from the Evros River sediment load. This measure includes the following: 1. Investigate requirements and possibilities to develop natural retention interventions at Erythropotamos River and draft Short-term Pilot project to develop tender documents and specifications for the necessary design (investigatio lateral retention of Channel, n)/ Medium- study. flood waters at Coastal and term (design EL12-33-006 Σ1, Σ2 Protection 2. Prepare the design study for a pilot project in area; include GR12RAK0002 700.000 Erythropotamos River Floodplain study) / (natural retention Works evaluation indices to assess the efficiency of proposed Long-term interventions). interventions (pilot 3. Realize the pilot project, monitor the results and undertake project) cost-benefit analysis. Prepare a report of guidelines on developing such projects elsewhere in the country.

This measure aims to increase the capacity and preparedness of local public services to respond quickly and efficiently in order to restore damaged flood protection embankments in case of Identification of borrow emergencies. This is done by providing a permanent legislative pits and extraction and administrative framework (missing today) that will do away areas for materials used with the need to invoke emergency status procedures every time Other in restoration and Σ1, Σ2, Recovery protection works are damaged in times of flood. GR12RAK0002 Medium- EL12-53-001 recovery 100.000 maintenance of flood Σ3 and Review GR12RAK0004 term and review The measure involves (i) identification of suitable locations from protection the point of view of geographical dispersion and proximity to flood embankments in case protection embankments; (ii) geotechnical tests (trial pits) and of emergencies. analyses to establish suitability of materials for restoration and maintenance purposes; (iii) determination of allowable abstraction qu