Diffuse Pollution: Summary of Research Achievements, Policy Developments, and Implementation Barriers Summary of an independent observer
Gundula Prokop Federal Environment Agency / Austria
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Atmospheric deposition of exhaust gases from vehicles and industry
Diffuse Pollution in the context of the soil/water cycle
Sedimentation of diffuse particles from waste water discharges in surface waters
Agricultural practices i.e. direct input of nutrients (fertilisers) and pesticides, application of sewage sludge and manure
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Key Features of Diffuse Soil and Water Pollution
In contrast to local pollution diffuse inputs to soils and water are • intentionally generated (planned processes) • for a defined benefit
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Recent Policy Developments
Water
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) • • Management of groundwater at the scale of river basins Definition of environmental quality objectives “good chemical status” and the “no deterioration clause” Clear timeframe to achieve defined objectives “Groundwater Daughter Directive ” - tool to achieve the objectives of the WFD
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Recent Policy Developments
Soil (1) Soil Thematic Strategy (EU Communication)
• • 1st Recognition of major soil threats at European level Definition of the need for a common European Soil Policy to conserve European soils and to combat major threats • 2 horizontal working groups being “soil monitoring” and “research” are currently drafting a strategy for soil protection. results of the working groups are expected in 2004. • 3 thematic working groups, “soil contamination”, “soil organic matter” and “soil erosion”, and
Task Group “Diffuse Inputs”
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Recent Policy Developments
Soil (2)
Interim Results & Task Group Diffuse Inputs (1) To reduce diffuse inputs to soil to tolerable levels as far as technically and economically achievable when no clear benefit of the action resulting in inputs can be recognised. (2) To abate effects of contaminants that are added to the soils in relation to a beneficial agricultural or other activity.
Revision of quality and quantity of inputs to soil
diffuse inputs
remediation or stabilisation of inputs
soil
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Recent Policy Developments
Soil (3)
Interim Measures proposed by Task Group Diffuse Inputs • • • • • review diffuse inputs to soil in quality and quantity and to consider their effects in a broad environmental context: i.e. soilwater-air. reconsider intensification in agriculture à proposed revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Revision of existing approval system for agrochemicals and pesticides revision of directive on biowaste recycling in view of the general decrease of organic matter in European soils.
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Recent Policy Developments
Soil (4)
Proposed Research Needs by Task Group Diffuse Inputs • • • research on the ecological benefits of soil, development management practices with low emissions and to review their eco-efficiency, further research in line with the balance approach (how much of a certain substance can be added under defined circumstances); i.e. models to calculate substance flows and balances for soils with weak data availability, definition of minimum data-sets, uncertainty reduction, to perform research on waste derived sources (compost) of organic matter in view of a possible application on soil, and to perform research on socio-economic matters of future farming practices. (Can farmers make a profit by offering/ managing ecological services of soil ?)
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Research Achievements
KA 1.4
Wetland restoration
PRO- WATER aims at developing decision support tools for controlled rewetting and surveys the phosphorus transport mechanisms in peat soils.
Diffuse inputs from agriculture Intense agricultural practices have lead and are still leading to contamination of groundwater and surface waters with pesticides and fertilisers.
AGRIBMPWATER: focus on agricultural practices and evaluates the actual implementation of “best management practice (BMP)” guidelines; production of a grid which allows comparing existing BMPs in terms of environmental efficiency, economic practicability and the potential acceptability by farmers.
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Research Achievements
KA 1.4
Diffuse inputs from agriculture
DESPRAL: focus on phosphorus transport mechanisms to surface waters; production of (1) a soil test to identify areas with a high potential of particle and hence phosphorus transfer and (2) development of a GIS based decision support tool and a guideline to effectively implement the most suitable best management practices. PEGASE: focus on predictive modeling of pesticide contamination of representative European aquifers; development of alternative scenarios of agricultural practices to provide a socio-economic assessment of the implementations of alternative land uses and agricultural practices.
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Research Achievements
KA 1.4
Restoration of heavy metal contaminated soils • • • • • sources of heavy metal contamination: sewage sludge and manure (i.e. Cr, Cu, Zn) through atmospheric deposition (i.e. Pb, Cd, Ni) and traffic (i.e. Pt) mine drainages.
PHYTO- DEC: remediation of soils moderately contaminated by heavy metals by phyto-remediation; development of a decision support tool to allow end users to calculate the time and costs of phyto-remediation
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Research Achievements
KA 1.4
Sedimentation processes Sedimentation of diffuse particles from waste water discharges in surface waters
SED- NET: thematic network, international exchange platform to allow water managers, port authorities, researchers and consultants to exchange their experience and to develop a riverine sediment management guideline based on a multidisciplinary, co-ordinated and harmonised approach DESPRAL: sedimatation processes due to transport mechanisms of soil particles and phosphorus to surface waters PHYTO- DEC: tested phyto remediation with a variety of heavy metal polluted dredged sediments
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Research Achievements
KA 1.4
Integration of soil and water protection
SOWA: functions as multidisciplinary forum for those who deal with diffuse pollution and behaviour of pollutants in in soils sediments and groundwater.
Dissemination of information
EUGRIS: Accompanying measures, functions as information provider for all those who deal with soil and groundwater issues and is a web based user-friendly information platform for contaminated land and groundwater information
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Integration soil & water SOWA
Overview of Research Topics
Sedimentation SED-NET, PHYTODEC,DESPRAL
Agricultural practices AGRIBMPWATER, DESPRAL, PEGASE
Wetland restoration PRO WATER
Heavy metal contamination PHYTODEC
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Dissemination of information: EUGRIS
Orleans/ Nov 03
First Conclusions
• • • • • Most diffuse inputs to soils are intentionally generated for defined benefits. Combating diffuse water pollution cannot be addressed without considering diffuse soil pollution. Existing strategies are complex and require a high degree of socio-economic considerations. Review of inputs: Types and quantities and specific circumstances of inputs need to be reviewed The mentioned research projects reflect very well the complexity of the matter since they do not simply focus on technology options but very much consider socio-economic aspects,(i.e. management practices, cost benefit ratios), geographical diversities and individual acceptance.
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Barriers to Research Implementation
• Obtained research achievements are implemented on an experimental level or pilot scale level. For broad recognition and practical implementation, input practices have to be reassessed both at the policy level and at the level of end users in terms of awareness raising, education and training. The proposed revision of the Common Agricultural Policy can pave the way for new innovative practices, it offers a decoupling of agricultural subventions from production quantitie s (direct payments to individual farms linked to environmental services) and puts emphasis on strengthening rural areas, the production of high quality products, and conserving the environment. Orleans/ Nov 03
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