background and concept paper for investigative …

European Union Water Initiative Plus

for the Eastern Partnership (EUWI+ 4 EaP) - Results 2 and 3

ENI/2016/372-403

BACKGROUND AND CONCEPT PAPER

FOR INVESTIGATIVE MONITORING

Investigative Monitoring Report Georgia

Final version

Responsible EU member state consortium project leaders

Alexander Zinke; Umweltbundesamt (AT)

EUWI+ country representative in Georgia

Zurab Jincharadze, Representative of the EUWI+ EU Member State Consortium in Georgia (GE)

Responsible international thematic lead expert

Philipp Hohenblum, Umweltbundesamt (AT)

Authors

Philipp Hohenblum

Magda Aptsiauri

Elina Bakradze

Marina Arabidze

Alexander Zinke

Arnulf Schönbauer

Daniel Trauner

Kristina Schaufler

Zurab Jincharadze

Vahagn Tonoyan

Yannick Pochon

Florence Pintus

Disclaimer:

The EU-funded program European Union Water Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership Countries (EUWI+) is im-

plemented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Organisation for Economic Co-

operation and Development (OECD), both responsible for the implementation of Result 1, and an EU Member

States Consortium comprising the Environment Agency Austria (UBA, Austria), the lead coordinator, and the In-

ternational Office for Water (IOW, France), both responsible for the implementation of Results 2 and 3. The pro-

gram is co-funded by Austria and France through the Austrian Development Agency and the French Artois-Picar-

die Water Agency.

This document was produced 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 of 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

Spittelauer Lände 5

1090 Vienna, Austria

Office International de’l Eau (IOW)

21/23 rue de Madrid

75008 Paris, FRANCE

Responsible IOW Communication officer:

Chloé Dechelette

[email protected]

May 2021


ENI/2016/372-403 3

PREFACE

Scope of this document is to address the principles of the EU Water Framework Directive’s concept of

investigative monitoring.

Part I of the document describes the background and relevant technical details of this concept, which

are of general relevance for all countries that intend to carry out this tool in line with the WFD. It describes

the agreed concept and fundamentals to establish an investigative monitoring. This part, consequently,

is the official basis for the national investigations and are integral part of the relevant contracts which

lay down the execution of the practical investigation.

Part II addresses specific national considerations, which have been identified in the course of EUWI+.

They build the basis for national investigations which were carried out in autumn 2020. Thus, this doc-

ument acted as a living document and shall summarize the investigative monitoring process for one

EUWI+ country from the first considerations to the final conclusions. Part II was intended to be the

template for reporting of national results, conclusions and lessons learnt within the practical investiga-

tion. It is integral part of the contracts and lay down the execution of the practical investigation.

Thus, Part II of this document presented a template for reporting after the survey, once the fieldwork

was accomplished. The activity concludes with reflections on lessons learnt.


4 ENI/2016/372-403

CONTENTS

Inhalt PREFACE ................................................................................................................................................ 3

PART I – General Issues ....................................................................................................................... 8

1 Scope of the Document ...................................................................................................................... 9

2 General Terms and Definitions ,....................................................................................................... 10

3 General Aspects of Investigative Monitoring .................................................................................... 12

3.1 Planning and preparedness ...................................................................................................... 12

3.2 Suggested pool of institutions to be involved ........................................................................... 12

3.3 Design of concept for investigative monitoring within EUWI+ .................................................. 13

4 Planned Implementation within EUWI+ ............................................................................................ 16

4.1 Break down to national requirements, Workshop and practical implementation ...................... 16

4.1.1 Identification of national entities ..................................................................................... 16

4.1.2 Identification of subjects for investigative monitoring ..................................................... 16

4.1.3 Workshop ....................................................................................................................... 16

4.1.4 Pilot exercise in EaP countries ....................................................................................... 17

4.1.5 Data management, evaluation, reporting ....................................................................... 17

PART II - National chapter Georgia .................................................................................................... 19

1 Rationale for an investigative monitoring exercise ........................................................................... 22

1.1 Short description of the situation and a rational of survey subject ..................................... 22

1.2 Selection of sampling sites and parameters to be analysed ............................................... 23

1.3 Involved institutions, participants of Investigative Monitoring ............................................. 25

2 Field report ....................................................................................................................................... 31

2.1 Survey program ........................................................................................................................ 31

2.1.1 Selected pilot river basins and sampling sites ............................................................... 31

2.1.2 Sampling period.............................................................................................................. 34

2.1.3 Analyses ......................................................................................................................... 35

2.1.4 Responsibilities............................................................................................................... 36

2.2 Sampling and field methods ..................................................................................................... 36

2.3 Laboratory analyses ................................................................................................................. 37

2.4 Quality assurance ..................................................................................................................... 37

3 Results .............................................................................................................................................. 38

3.1 Field protocols and hydro-morphological site description ........................................................ 38

3.2 Chemical analyses .................................................................................................................... 38

3.3 Biological analyses ................................................................................................................... 39

4 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................................... 41


ENI/2016/372-403 5

5 Lessons Learnt ................................................................................................................................. 42

Annex 1: Field protocols summary ........................................................................................................ 43

Annex 2: Field protocols ........................................................................................................................ 44

Annex 4: Photo documentation ............................................................................................................. 47

Annex 5: Chemical data summary ........................................................................................................ 48

Annex 6: Chemical data certificate format ............................................................................................. 64

Annex 7: protocols for sample delivery and handover .......................................................................... 65

Annex 8: Biological data summary ........................................................................................................ 66

Annex 10: Metadata .............................................................................................................................. 67


6 ENI/2016/372-403

General Abbreviations

ADA ...................... Austrian Development Agency

DoA ....................... Description of Action

DG NEAR ............. Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations

of the European Commission

EaP ....................... Eastern Partnership

EC ......................... European Commission

EECCA ................. Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia

EMBLAS ............... Environmental Monitoring in the Black Sea

EPIRB ................... Environmental Protection of International River Basins

ESCS .................... Ecological Status Classification Systems

EU ......................... European Union

EU-MS .................. EU-Member States

EUWI+ .................. European Union Water Initiative Plus

FD ......................... Floods Directive

GEF ...................... Global Environmental Fund

ICPDR ................... International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River

IM .......................... Investigative monitoring

INBO ..................... International Network of Basin Organisations

IOWater/OIEau .... International Office for Water, France

IWRM .................... Integrated Water Resources Management

MSFD .................... Marine Strategy Framework Directive

NESB .................... National Executive Steering Board

NFP ....................... National Focal Point

NGOs .................... Non-Governmental Organisations

NPD ...................... National Policy Dialogue

OECD ................... Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

RBC ...................... River Basin Council

RBD ...................... River Basin District

RBMP ................... River Basin Management Plan

RBO ...................... River Basin Organisation

ROM ..................... Result Oriented Monitoring

SCM ...................... Steering Committee Meeting (of the EU Action EUWI+)

SEIS ..................... Shared environmental information system

TA ......................... Technical Assistance

ToR ....................... Terms of References

UBA ...................... Umweltbundesamt GmbH, Environment Agency Austria

UNDP .................... United Nations Development Programme

UNECE ................. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

WISE ..................... Water Information System for Europe

WFD ...................... Water Framework Directive


ENI/2016/372-403 7

Country Specific Abbreviations Georgia

MEPA .................... Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture

NEA ...................... The National Environment Agency

NWP ..................... National Water Partnership


8 ENI/2016/372-403

PART I – GENERAL ISSUES


ENI/2016/372-403 9

1 SCOPE OF THE DOCUMENT

Excerpt from the Logframe of EUWI+:

Results chain Indicators Base-

line Targets

Sources and

means of verifi-

cation

Assumptions

Acti

vit

ies

2.3.5: Investigatory

monitoring of water

bodies at risk of high

pollution or related is-

sues

Number of investigatory

surveys carried out (sur-

face water chemistry) in

all EaP countries

0 6 Investigatory

survey reports

for all EaP coun-

tries

Preliminary risk

assessment is

successful as a

basis for site se-

lection

The European Union’s Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC1) aims at the improvement and

protection of all water bodies at river basin level, including inland surface waters, transitional waters,

coastal waters and groundwater bodies. Harmonized monitoring programmes are required to describe

uniformly the quality of the water bodies involved. According to the WFD, three different types of surface

water monitoring programmes have to be established at national levels:

Surveillance Monitoring

Operational Monitoring

Investigative Monitoring

This document aims at describing the general rationale for the type of investigative monitoring (IM) and

providing general considerations on the necessary steps for implementation of an investigative monitor-

ing. Ideally, the document can provide guidance to establish an investigative monitoring action along or

back-to-back with the planned field surveys in each of the EUWI+ project countries.

Before summer 2020, six webinars have been organised to bring across the concept of investigative

monitoring to the six countries and to discuss details of the planned IM surveys. The national experts

have been asked to submit a short concept comprising the basic idea behind the investigation, a de-

scription of the selected sites, a concept for sampling and analysis of the samples and the expected

conclusions. The information received is summarised in PART II of this document in a country specific

chapter. PART II will also be the template for later reporting of results, concluding and to summarize

lessons learnt.

1 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Commu-

nity action in the field of water policy


10 ENI/2016/372-403

2 GENERAL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 2,3

Monitoring is a key activity in integrated water management. There are three different principal forms of

monitoring foreseen in the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (see also Figure 1

below).

Surveillance monitoring: This serves to supplement and validate impact assessment proce-

dures for all water bodies; to enable the adequate preparation of future monitoring programmes; and to assess long-term changes in natural conditions or as a result of anthropogenic activity. Results of 12 months surveillance monitoring programmes enable the development of river ba-sin management plans.

Operational monitoring: This serves to describe the status of water bodies which are at risk of failing their environmental objectives, to evaluate the effectiveness of measure taken or to monitor according to international obligations. Chemical and physical parameters are analysed 12 times per year, biological quality elements are checked, depending on the quality element, once to six times a year. It is suggested to run two campaigns per RBM cycle4.

Investigative monitoring is undertaken in special cases at certain rivers or river sections when

o more data are needed to understand the causes for failure of environmental quality objectives.

o results of the surveillance monitoring suggest a mismatch with objectives, but without having an operative site available.

o the impact of accidental pollution needs to be assessed. o some more checking is needed of the impact of not yet monitored substances. o Some practical testing of new methods is advised.

Investigative monitoring might also include alarming or early warning monitoring. In particular, this sum-

marizes monitoring of water bodies close to an abstraction point for drinking water by continuous or

semi-continuous monitoring, e.g. by measuring chemical parameters like conductivity, dissolved oxy-

gen, turbidity or alike or biological parameters like fish[3]. In the last couple of years, a lot of knowledge

has been gathered in terms of precautionary measurements to protect the supply of safe drinking water

against contamination5 or on biological assays.

2 COMMON IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (2000/60/EC), Guidance Document No 7, Monitoring under the Water Framework Directive 3 COMMON IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (2000/60/EC), Technical Report - 2009 – 025, Guidance Document No. 19, GUIDANCE ON SURFACE WATER CHEMICAL MONITORING UNDER THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE 4 EUWI+ Thematic Summary Reports for each EUWI+ country 5 https://erncip-project.jrc.ec.europa.eu/networks/tgs/water


ENI/2016/372-403 11

Figure 1: Surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring in the WFD’s six years cycle


12 ENI/2016/372-403

3 GENERAL ASPECTS OF INVESTIGATIVE

MONITORING

3.1 Planning and preparedness

While surveillance and operational monitoring, as part of an integrated water management, is carried

out on a pre-determined basis with well-defined sampling sites in the water bodies, defined parameters

and monitoring at a certain frequency, investigative monitoring has to be carried out upon special need.

Potential reasons for investigative monitoring can be:

The achievement of the good environmental status is at risk, but available data are not sufficient to determine the reason, and samples from more and different sites are needed to investigate the hypothesis why the environmental objective is likely to fail in certain river areas.

(Non-)Deliberate water contaminations, like accidents or spills, or observed fish deaths suggest a severe contamination of a water body, and investigative steps have to be taken to better identify the nature and magnitude of the incident under time critical conditions.

For this reason, investigative monitoring needs a different approach to ultimately identify a problem by

addressing it in the most appropriate monitoring design. This requires some flexibility in identifying the

best determinants and individual approaches, to serve the needs of each unique situation. Provident

organisational planning is therefore of utmost importance. This requires organisational and responsibility

structures in place among the relevant authorities and a clear communication between all entities in-

volved, especially when it comes to time-critical conditions along an accident or any other spontaneous

contamination. Preparedness of all institutions along a clear and approved concept of investigative mon-

itoring is key to be able to react promptly and properly to situations of uncertainty, which demand a high

degree of flexibility and adaptation.

In a special case, continuous monitoring stations, which are used to monitor some water quality param-

eters for drinking water abstraction, can be built in. Involving early warning systems in investigative

monitoring campaigns is mentioned here as a supportive instrument.

3.2 Suggested pool of institutions to be involved

This chapter narrows down the EU WFD concept of investigative monitoring to the framework and model

application the EUWI+ project and introduces which organization should potentially be involved in in-

vestigative monitoring. In order to clarify their roles and responsibilities, it is suggested to bring them

together and to discuss roles and responsibilities along a realistic scenario. In terms of water monitoring

it is recommended to appoint a Point of Contact (POC) at the relevant entity (e.g. Ministerial Department)

being responsible for surface water monitoring to coordinate all activities and to liaise with all other

responsible authorities in case of emergencies (e.g. police, civil protection), particularly when it comes

to accidental contaminations.

The necessary framework for investigative monitoring could be established among the following entities,

which play an important role in the national integrated water management. This is a suggested general

scheme and obviously needs to be adapted to the national structures and competences in each of the

six EUWI+ countries:


ENI/2016/372-403 13

Ministerial Department responsible for the preparation of the RBMP (MDRBM); particular the entity in charge for the status assessment of water bodies and for drafting the programme of measures; they are the recipients of the monitoring results, take care of data management, the evaluation of results and deduction of measures; they need to work closely together with

Ministerial Department responsible for Surface Water Monitoring (MDSW). Definition of target of monitoring – which question has to be answered by which action; drafting of a moni-toring concept which lays down individual actions and which is ideally agreed by all stakehold-ers. This entity could act as the Point of Contact for the investigative monitoring and take the responsibility to coordinate with all other involved entities.

River Basin Management Authority (RBMA). For the IM, this institution has the knowledge about all pressures identified in the river basin. It can help with the identification of pressures (e.g. industries emitting certain pollutants) which are not fully covered or their impact is not fully clear.

Ministerial Department for Emergency (e.g. in Ministry for the Interior). Involvement in case of an industrial/transport accident with high impact, floods or alike, depending on general na-tional procedures. This entity has in place the procedures to assess and scope an emergency and to communicate restrictions to the affected people (Civil Protection) or affected users (e.g. drinking water utilities).

Blue light organizations. This term summarizes the police, fire fighters and ambulance ser-

vices as first responders in case of accidents. Their role is to mitigate the situation and record evidence. Normally, these organizations are the first on site and thus play an essential role in communicating an unusual case to the competent and responsible authorities.

Sampling unit. This is the institution or group which carries out sampling according to well

established procedures, even in emergencies; the sampling unit has a strong communication with the involved laboratory or laboratories in order to meet the requirements set for the sam-pling procedures.

Laboratory. Provides the analytical service ordered by the leading organization. The laboratory is in close contact with the other organizations in order to establish the procedures, which are required to achieve the information, needed (specific parameters, limits of detection etc.). The laboratory produces a report about analysed samples which is essential for the lead organisa-tion to take decisions (e.g. impact-mitigating measures).

3.3 Design of concept for investigative monitoring within

EUWI+

Once all relevant entities have been identified, a concept can be derived that clearly lays down the

responsibilities of the organisations respectively. There are three conceivable scenarios with different

implications on the extent of investigative monitoring:

1. Investigations to determine the reason why a water body is likely to fail the good environmental status;

2. Investigations to determine the magnitude of a spontaneous contamination caused e.g. by a transport or industrial accident or deliberate contamination;

3. Monitoring carried out by an independent entity to assess the quality of water (e.g. drinking water utility).


14 ENI/2016/372-403

These three different scenarios afford a different degree of involvement of the above mentioned entities.

Scenario 3 is somehow a specificity, as its data are gathered for an internal reason but could be sup-

portive to other scenarios when it comes to early warning.

Above the different degrees of collaboration that is needed in these three scenarios, there is a pattern

of interaction between the entities, which is of general importance, and validity.

Table 1: General decisions and pathways for communication to elaborate a concept for

investigative monitoring

Appointment of a Point of Contact (POC) for investigative monitoring taking the

overall responsibility to coordinate the monitoring activity and to establish the communication between all involved entities

By: national decision

The determination of chemical and/or biological parameters that have to be analysed.

By: MDRBM, RBMA and/or MDSW

The determination of sites to be sampled and monitored By: MDRBM, RBMA and/or MDSW It can consist of existing sites for surveillance of operational monitoring, in

case further information is needed But it may need also additional sites for better determining the

magnitude of contamination

Downstream of potential polluters, maybe with reference upstream of a suspected emission point

The determination of pre-requisites for sampling By: Communication between laboratory, sampling unit and POC Choice of appropriate sampling and transport containers for each parameter Stabilization of samples on site and by which means for all parameters Specification of sample filtration/treatment on site, for all parameters Specification of the transport conditions

Determination of the sampling procedure (spot, mix by volume/time etc.) to best respond to the problem

By: Communication between laboratory, sampling unit and POC

Definition of necessary and feasible quality parameters as a requirement for the analysis

By: Communication between laboratory, sampling unit and POC determination of LOD/LOQ for all parameters definition of (a) standard method(s) for all parameters

Determination of an adequate time for delivery of results By: laboratories and POC

Delivery of results to the responsible entity (POC)

Assessment of results, deduction of needed measures

MDRBM, MDE, RBMA and/or MDSW with support of laboratory

1. Investigative monitoring triggered by water body at risk

This may be needed, if data from surveillance and operative monitoring suggest that a water body is at

risk failing the good environmental status, or if the available set of data is not sufficient to explain why

the good status cannot be reached. The assessment of pressures might give an indication of potential

emissions, which have not yet been monitored, or the network of sampling sites might not be suitable

to deduct conclusions. In this case, a strong collaboration between the RBMA and the MDSW is needed

to identify whether further parameters have to be measured or additional measuring sites have to be

investigated. A clear exchange with the sampling unit and the laboratory is needed; the concept follows

more or less the general decision and communication pathways, as laid down in Table 1.


ENI/2016/372-403 15

2. Investigative monitoring triggered by accidental contamination/emergency

Contaminations as a result of emergencies (accidents) are mostly time-critical events and need a thor-

ough organizational preparedness to be tackled promptly and without delay. Apart from recording evi-

dence of an event, samples and analyses are needed to assess the potential impact on the environment,

to take appropriate measures to prevent subsequent damages (e.g. for the drinking water supply) and

to mitigate the impact situation.

Police and fire fighters are mostly the first to be on site as first responders. Depending on the magnitude

of contamination, several additional steps have to be taken to investigate the situation and to clarify the

impact on the water body and connected uses (e.g. irrigation, recreation). Therefore, the roles and re-

sponsibilities should be clear to all entities involved and, ideally, first responders can alert directly the

POC at the responsible water authority to enable the chain of action and start with preparing investiga-

tions. Relevant information from the field should be delivered to the Point of Contact who then can

decide to rapidly send a sampling unit to the site to take samples and to initiate investigations and

laboratory analyses.

3. Continuous water quality monitoring

Investigative monitoring might also include alarming or early warning monitoring. In particular, this sum-

marizes monitoring of water bodies close to an abstraction point for drinking water by continuous or

semi-continuous monitoring, e.g. by measuring chemical parameters like conductivity, dissolved oxy-

gen, turbidity or alike, or biological parameters like fish toxicity. Mostly, continuous water quality moni-

toring is applied by drinking water utilities to monitor the abnormalities in the composition of the water.

Data can be used to feed early warning systems that support taking decisions. Data are normally not

promptly available to authorities, as their use for reporting is limited. However, in case of emergencies,

this kind of monitoring can assist drinking water suppliers in taking decisions to prevent contamination

of the supply system. In case sensors are installed at the point of abstraction from the raw water source,

data can help to monitor the status of the water. Involving early warning systems in investigative moni-

toring campaigns is mentioned here as a supportive instrument.


16 ENI/2016/372-403

4 PLANNED IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN EUWI+

In order to establish a scheme for investigative monitoring in each EUWI+ country, this chapter deals

with the necessary pre-requisites that have to be prepared in the countries and which should end up in

a workshop to explain how to deal with the concept and to initiate small investigative surveys to test its

practical application.

4.1 Break down to national requirements, Workshop and

practical implementation

EUWI+ provides an opportunity to introduce and practically test a case of investigative monitoring, and

to use the gained experience for responsible water management institutions to conclude subsequent

steps of preparedness for future investigative monitoring situations, when swift and clear action by Gov-

ernment institutions is needed. The piloting EUWI+ activity will be targeting investigative monitoring

triggered at a water body at risk. This will include the available knowledge on pressures in the river

basins and information from previous monitoring activities (surveillance monitoring, see chapter 2).

4.1.1 Identification of national entities

For each EUWI+ country it is suggested to identify all entities, which are relevant along the scenario

described in Table 1 and to check whether there are additional authorities or institutions to be involved.

As a template, Table 2 can be used to compile the relevant national entities. EUWI+ country represent-

atives will support this step with their specific knowledge on the institutions. In the national tables in

chapter 5, all relevant data should be completed by the end of May 2020. Responders are invited to

amend with the right names of entities or add relevant ones in the table.

4.1.2 Identification of subjects for investigative monitoring

In a second step, specificities in the countries will be identified, which suggest the framework for an

investigative monitoring. This can build on the results of former surveys or on the results of the risk

assessment carried out in the course of elaborating the river basin management plans. Relevant infor-

mation should be collected and compiled accordingly, initiated by the country representatives, by the

national water management institution (MDSW or RBMD) which will be refined and rendered more pre-

cisely by the EUWI+ team (RBMP planning). The result will be a short national chapter of this document,

which expands from the general concept to a national chapter for investigative monitoring, containing

the relevant institutions, contacts and technical specificities. It is targeted for June 2020.

4.1.3 Workshop

As a third step, a workshop will be held with the countries to bring together all identified entities and key

persons (tentatively 3 participants per country, eg. POC, water agency and laboratory) and to discuss

the national concept for investigative monitoring. The result will be a concrete step-by-step plan for a

pilot investigative monitoring exercise, confirming the institutions and persons to be involved and re-

sponsible, the location of sampling, the parameters to be analysed and the overall timeline up to deliv-

ering the monitoring report to the MDRBM. As a consequence of the Covid19 lock-down, the workshops

will be conducted in July 2020 in a web-based setting.


ENI/2016/372-403 17

4.1.4 Pilot exercise in EaP countries

As soon as the CoVid-19 situations allows and the timing fits to other EUWI+ calendars, a pilot investi-

gative monitoring will take place: It starts with the field action when, at a pre-selected water body with a

certain pollution risk issue, national experts take water samples, send them to the pre-selected labora-

tory for the analyses. The resulting report of the laboratory will then be sent to the MDRBM and other

institutions involved in the monitoring conclusions (e.g. MDE, RBMA and/or MDSW).

4.1.5 Data management, evaluation, reporting

The results of the nationally tested investigative monitoring will be documented in an IM report which

will include

the overall IM concept (basically the first part of this document),

the report from the workshop (country-specific IM plan) and

the results of the national IM exercise with

o sampling and laboratory results and their primary interpretation

o lessons learned and

o any suitable follow-up action, as deemed necessary.

Depending on the country-specific institutional situation, which determines at which institution the ex-

pertise for the IM interpretation is available, the report will be prepared by the MDRBM, MDSW and /or

RBMA under the supervision of the EUWI+ team.


18 ENI/2016/372-403

Table 2: General template for specifying national authorities, entities and experts for

establishing the framework for investigative monitoring in the EUWI+ countries. All

designations are indicative and shall be adopted or replaced by the authentic descriptions in

the relevant national chapters.

Entity (in case of

additional entities,

please add below) Function/responsibilities

Contact, please

complete information Remark

Ministerial

Department

responsible for the

preparation of the

RBMP

Ministerial

Department for

Surface Water

Monitoring

Environment Agency Monitoring Department

River Basin

Management

Authority

To be multiplied for

additional RB

Ministry for

Emergency

Emergency coordinator

Police Contact person for

emergency coordination

Fire fighters Contact person for

emergency coordination

Sampling Unit for

surface water

sampling

Responsible person for

surface water sampling

Laboratory Head of lab


ENI/2016/372-403 19

PART II - NATIONAL CHAPTER GEORGIA

This chapter contains all relevant information, which has been disclosed by the implementing national

organisations and institutions. The first part contains the first country feedback, which comprises an

appraisal of stakeholders and the summary of the intended investigative monitoring, as received from

the country representatives.

Break down of national specificities. Please share in your national chapter (tables) all relevant organi-

sational information needed. The templates for specifying national authorities, entities and experts for

establishing the framework for investigative monitoring in the EUWI+ countries are provided for each

country. All designations are indicative and shall be adopted or replaced by the authentic descriptions

in the relevant national chapters.

Any additional information deemed relevant for the process (potential river basins, contami-

nants, information from status assessment etc.) as well as other national institutions or stake-

holders to be involved is highly appreciated!


20 ENI/2016/372-403

NATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE ON STAKEHOLDERS

This chapter describes the organizational landscape for Georgia.

Table 3: National authorities, entities and experts for establishing the framework for investigative monitoring in Georgia.

Entity (in case of additional entities, please add below) Function/responsibilities Contact, please complete information/ name, function, email

address Remark

Ministerial Department responsible for the preparation of the RBMP

Environment and Climate Change Department, Division of Water

Ms. Mariam Makarova, Head of Water Division, E-mail: [email protected]

The State Sub-Agency Department of Environmental Supervision

Chief State Inspectorate Ms. Neli Korkotadze, Deputy Head of Department, Chief State Inspector, E-mail: [email protected]

National Environment Agency - NEA Pollution Monitoring Department Ms. Marina Arabidze, Head of Department, E-mail: [email protected]

River Basin Management Authority No river basin authority exists for the moment

Emergency Management Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs

Emergency coordinator Mr. Jojik Tabatadze, responsible for environmental disasters, E-mail: jojik@[email protected], Tel: +995 577 995-163

Police (if deemed necessary) Contact person for emergency coordination

E-mail: [email protected], Tel: +995-032 241-4479

Both Police and firefighters are contacted by calling 112 during

an emergency

Fire fighters (if deemed necessary)

Sampling Unit for surface water sampling NEA Pollution Monitoring Department

Deputy Head of Pollution Monitoring Department, E-mail: [email protected]

NEA Laboratory NEA Atmospheric Air, Soil and Water Laboratory

Ms. Elina Bakradze, Deputy Head of Pollution Monitoring Department, E-mail: [email protected]

Ms. Bakradze is an Acting Head of NEA Lab

If there is any relevant information or if there are already considerations about potential investigative monitoring activities (specific river basin, pressures, contaminations), please add here:


ENI/2016/372-403 21

Entity (in case of additional entities, please add below) Function/responsibilities Contact, please complete information/ name, function, email

address Remark

The following SWBs of the Iori River have been selected as pilot investigative monitoring locations, related to a pressure caused by sand and gravel extraction from the river bed: Ior118, Ior119, Ior120.


22 ENI/2016/372-403

1 RATIONALE FOR AN INVESTIGATIVE

MONITORING EXERCISE

This chapter contains the concept, which has been received from the expert authorities/organisations in

the EUWI+ countries. It describes the intended concept, selected area, sampling sites, parameters to be

analysed and the conclusions expected from the investigation.

1.1 Short description of the situation and a rational of survey

subject

Initial discussion with the project key beneficiaries – the MEPA Water Management Division and NEA

Pollution Monitoring Department, as well as the Department Environmental Supervision (Inspection) re-

vealed few potential locations and related economic/industrial activities as a potential investigative moni-

toring subjects in the two pilot basins for Georgia. Namely, they are related to a copper and gold mine in

the Khrami-Debeda RB District (RMG Gold and RMG Copper) and extraction of sand and gravel from

river beds for construction material, mostly practiced in the Alazani-Iori RBD.

However, as further discussions showed, since copper and gold mining are well covered and closely

monitored by the NEA Pollution Monitoring Department and Environmental Supervision, the beneficiary

had a preference for the pilot Investigative Monitoring to the sand and gravel extraction. Problems related

to this particular activity and discharge of partly untreated wastewater in rivers have also been discussed

at the last Public Consultation meeting, related to the discussion of Programme of Measures developed

for the Alazani-Iori RBMP.

Table 4 from the Pressure-Impact Analysis chapter of the Alazani-Iori RBMP presents a list of major

enterprises in the basin, discharging industrial wastewater at natural waterbodies as a result of sand and

gravel extraction. The table does not mention how many untreated waters are discharged and if treatment

of wastewater is necessary for such activities. However, according to the information of Environmental

Inspectorate (Department of Environmental Supervision), damages caused by some of these workshops

are visible in the Iori sub-basin. Furthermore, some basin stakeholders who are responsible for rural

drinking water supply complain about these activities as well and believe that deterioration of natural

sources for drinking water quality should be investigated including these enterprises.


ENI/2016/372-403 23

Table 4: Major enterprises in the Alazani-Iori RBMP with relevance for this exercise

Name of entrepre-

neur Activity

Water object

wastewater is dis-

charge in

Amount of

discharged

m3/year

Biologi-

cally tre-

ated

Mechani-

cally trea-

ted

LTD Iori 2008

Sand and gravel

production Iori River

41,100 41,100

LTD Dila 95

Sand and gravel


34,560

34,560

LTD Caucas-auto-

magistral

Sand and gravel


39,500

39,500

LTD B/I

Sand and gravel

production

Vardisubniskhevi

(Alazani sub-b) 70,000

70,000

LTD Serpantini

Concrete produc-

tion

Turdo River (Ala-

zani sub-b) 20,000

20,000

LTD Andeziti

Sand and gravel

production

Kabali River (Ala-

zani sub-b) 40,000

40,000

LTD Buba

Sand and gravel

production

Kisiskhevi River


40,000

LTD Mshenebeli

Construction mate-

rials

Kisiskhevi River


17,000

1.2 Selection of sampling sites and parameters to be

analysed

Exact locations of the sampling sites were discussed by the project staff and appropriate units of MEPA

and NEA (Water Management and Pollution Monitoring). However, a major role in this process has to be

played by the Kakheti Regional Branch of MEPA’s Environmental Supervision Department, which by na-

ture of its responsibility and functions is directly involved in controlling emissions/discharges from local

enterprises. They have been included in the process of defining the project area.

Activities related to the sand and gravel extraction on the Iori River were reported in the Alazani-Iori RBMP

technical summary and the Pressure-Impact Analysis report. The extract from the map below (Figure 2)

shows fragment of the Iori river basin, where the stretch of river section from the SWB Ior115 to SWB

Ior125 is considered as the area of interest for pilot Investigative Monitoring.


24 ENI/2016/372-403

Figure 2: extract map from the Iori river basin with location of relevant sampling sites

Further discussions with the MEPA Environmental Supervision Department and their regional represen-

tation services revealed the following sites next to enterprises (Table 5) are suggested to be checked for

possibly untried, or not fully treated wastewater discharge and impact on water ecosystems, for deterio-

ration their chemical and hydro-biological quality:

Table 5: Locations of enterprises where river samples could be taken downstream their discharges

# Name of entre-

preneur Activity ID Code X (UTM-38) Y (UTM-38) Lat-N (DD) Long-E (DD)

1. LTD Timali Sand and gravel

extraction 205268921 513695 4623403

41.7623420

785

45.16475172

61

2. LTD Iori 2008 Sand and gravel

extraction 206331049 513966 4622930

41.7580770

435

45.16800074

79

3. LTD Boran Mai-

ning & Co

Sand and gravel

extraction 205257924 513909 4622265

41.7520883

792

45.16729952

74

4. LTD Millennium

Mining

Sand and gravel

extraction 404506209 513647 4623555

41.7637119

696

45.16417777

52

5. LTD Dila 95 Sand and gravel

extraction 401946374 517546 4617488

41.7089897

699

45.21090486

74

6. LTD Caucas-au-

tomagistral

Sand and gravel

extraction 238109202 517780 4617084

41.7053457

19

45.21370550

39


ENI/2016/372-403 25

As emissions of these enterprises may compromise the quality of surface waters, which are used for the abstraction of drinking water as well, the beneficiaries decided to analyse along with the general physi-cochemical parameters also oil products and biological quality elements, specifically macro-inverte-brates. Table 6 and Table 7 list the parameters suggested for the survey:

Table 6: general physicochemical field parameters

General physico-chemical field measurements

Water temperature °C

Colour

Odour

Electric conductivity µS/cm

Turbidity

Oxygen concentration mg/l

Dissolved oxygen mg/l

Oxygen saturation %

Total suspended solids mg/l

pH value

BOD mg/l

Total Phosphorus mg/l

Total Nitrogen mg/l

Table 7: dissolved heavy metals

Dissolved metals

Iron Fe mg/l

Lead Pb mg/l

Cadmium Cd mg/l

Nickel Ni mg/l

Silver Ag mg/l

Arsenic As mg/l

Chromium Cr mg/l

Copper Cu mg/l

The selected sampling sites include the above (Table 5) six (6) sand and gravel extraction workshops, as well as reference and control sites. The sites are presented on the maps in Figure 3 to Figure 7. Two more sites (REF-1 and REF-2) will act as reference as they are located upstream north of the study area. Two more sites (CONTR-1 and CONTR-2) were selected to check the water quality downstream of the sand and gravel extraction sites and before and after the abstraction point for drinking water production for the town of Sagarejo and the surrounding settlements. Altogether, ten sites were proposed for this investigation.

1.3 Involved institutions, participants of Investigative

Monitoring

The following institutions and sectoral units participated in the pilot Investigative Monitoring campaign in Georgia:


26 ENI/2016/372-403

The State Sub-Agency Department of Environmental Supervision of the Ministry of Environmen-tal Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (Leading)

o Ms. Neli Korkotadze, Deputy Head of Department, Chief State Inspector o Ms. Ema Barkalaia, Senior Specialist at Integrated Environmental Control Service o Mr. Ioseb Abuladze, Kakheti Regional Division of the Environmental Supervision Depart-

ment o Mr. Vasil Datishvili, Kvemo Kartli Regional Division of the Environmental Supervision De-

partment

National Environmental Agency, Department of Environmental Pollution Monitoring o Ms. Marina Arabidze, Head of Department o Ms. Elina Bakradze, Deputy Head of Department, Acting Head of a Laboratory of Atmos-

pheric Air, Water and Soil Analysis o Mr. Gela Sandodze, Senior Specialist at Environmental Technogenic Assessment and Ex-

pedition Services Division, Department of Environmental Pollution Monitoring o Mr. Irakli Kordzaia, Senior Hydro-biology Specialist at Atmospheric Air, Water and Soil

Analysis Laboratory, Department of Environmental Pollution Monitoring o Ms. Ani Gabritchidze, Junior Hydro-biology Specialist at Atmospheric Air, Water and Soil

Analysis Laboratory, Department of Environmental Pollution Monitoring

MEPA Environment and Climate Change Department, Division of Water Resources Management o Ms. Mariam Makarova, Head of Water Resources Management Division o Ms. Gvanca Sivsivadze, Senior Specialist at Water Resources Management Division

Figure 3: Overview Map of Investigative Monitoring for the Iori River


ENI/2016/372-403 27

Figure 4: Investigative Monitoring Sites for the Iori River, Northern Part


28 ENI/2016/372-403

Figure 5: Investigative Monitoring Sites for the Iori River, Southern Part


ENI/2016/372-403 29

Figure 6: Investigative Monitoring for the Iori River, Reference Points


30 ENI/2016/372-403

Figure 7: Investigative Monitoring for the Iori River, Control Points


ENI/2016/372-403 31

2 FIELD REPORT

The objective of the survey in autumn 2020 was to exercise a substantial cooperation

with the Georgian survey team in the preparation of the survey, the exchange and com-

parison of survey results and to fulfil reporting.

The scope was to research water samples from different points on Alazani-Iori river

basin in Georgia.

Table 8: Parameters analysed in the field and in the laboratory.

Country Georgia

River basin Alazani-Iori

Campaign 1) 2020

Objective Surface Water Monitoring Program

Quality elements Biological quality components:

Macrozoobenthos Supporting elements:

Hydro-morphological site description

General physico-chemical quality elements

Preparation of field work 22-23 October, 2020

Field work From 22nd to 23rd of October, 2020

Chemical analyses 30 October

Biological analyses 30 November

Reporting 30 November

Submission of technical report 22-23 December

2.1 Survey program

2.1.1 Selected pilot river basins and sampling sites

The following parameters were measured at each sampling point on Iori (LTD “Millennium”, Timali, Iori

2008, Boran mining, Paldo, Kochbaani, Iori-Dila 95, Caucasus Highway, Control-1, Control-2): Water

temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation. Chemical analyses of other pa-

rameters (Total suspended solids, BODs, COD and selected heavy metals) were performed at the labor-

atory (see below).

Samples were treated separately at the sites according to the ISO 5667 standard, cooled at 4°C where it

was necessary and transported to the laboratory.

Table 9: List of sampling sites with geographical coordinates.

Basin River name Site name Site No. Latitude 1) Longitude 1)

Iori Iori LTD “Millennium” 1 42.00833333 45.21444444

Iori Iori Timali 2 41.90805556 45.222222222

Iori Iori Iori 2008 3 41.82666667 45.22277778

Iori Iori BORAN mining 4 41.75416667 45.19972222

Iori Iori Paldo 5 42.04388889 45.16388889


32 ENI/2016/372-403

Basin River name Site name Site No. Latitude 1) Longitude 1)

Iori Iori Kochbaani 6 41.96305555 45.18027778

Iori Iori Iori-Dila 95 7 41.82194444 45.375

Iori Iori Caucasus Highway 8 41.7 45.38388889

Iori Iori Control-1 9 41.76611111 45.47361111

Iori Iori Control-2 10 41.67666667 45.47888889

1) Latitude, Longitude: Format = Degree with six decimals (e.g. as 44.630139, conversion from 44° 37’

48.5’’ through calculation 44 + 37 / 60 + 48.5 / 3600)

Table 10: Characterization of the sampling sites.

River name Site name SWB Nr River type HMWB 1)

Risk 2)

Significant Pressure 3)

Iori LTD “Millennium” Ior 118 1 XVI Yes R HM

Iori Timali Ior 118 2 XVI Yes R HM

Iori Iori-2008 Ior 118 3 XVI Yes R HM

Iori BORAN mining Ior 118 4 XVI Yes R HM

Iori Paldo Ior 118 5 XVI No PR H

Iori Kochbaani Ior 115 6 VI No NR N

Iori Iori-Dila 95 Ior 120 7 XVI Yes R HM

Iori Caucasus Highway

Ior 120 8 XVI Yes R HM

Iori Control-1 Ior 124 9 XVI No PR H

Iori Control-2 Ior 125 10 XVI No NR N

1) Assignment as provisional HMWB: yes / no

2) Assignment of the risk status: R = at risk, PR = possibly at risk, NR = not at risk

3) Significant pressure: N = no significant pressure, P = organic pollution, E = eutrophication, T = toxic

impact, H = hydro-morphological alterations, M = multistressor, O = other, U = unknown


ENI/2016/372-403 33

Figure 8: Map of sampling sites.

Figure 9a: Map of sampling sites.


34 ENI/2016/372-403

Figure 10b: Map of sampling sites.

2.1.2 Sampling period

Sampling was carried out on 22-23 October, 2020 in Alazani-Iori river basin. The team took samples from

seven sampling sites on the 22nd of October and other three sites were done on the 23rd of October.

Detailed information is available in Table 4 and Annex 2.

Table 11: Sampling dates and information on meteorological and hydrological conditions.

River Basin Date Site No. Sampling team Meteorology Hydrology

Iori 22.10.2020 1 EB,IK,GK,ZJ, OK, KB

Dry Medium

Iori 22.10.2020 2 EB,IK,GK,ZJ, OK, KB

Dry Low

Iori 22.10.2020 3 EB,IK,GK,ZJ,OK, KB

Dry Medium


Dry Medium


Dry Low

Iori 22.10.2020 6 EB,IK,GK,ZJOK, KB

Dry High

Iori 23.10.2020 7 OK, KB,IK,GK,ZJ Dry Medium

Iori 23.10.2020 8 OK, KB,K,GK,ZJ Dry Medium



OK=Omar Kenia, EB=Elina Bakraze, IK = Irakli Kordzaia, GM = Georgi Kargareteli, ZJ = Zurab Jincharadze


ENI/2016/372-403 35

2.1.3 Analyses

Fieldwork for chemical and biological sampling was carried out within the project for training purposes.

Both the weather conditions and the season may have an influence on the results of the analyses.

Analyses of the samples were done in accordance with the ISO standards and the appropriate SOPs

which are implemented in the laboratory.

The parameters WT, DO, O2-Sat, pH and EC were analysed both in the field and in the laboratory.


Chemical parameter

Analysis according to standard (ISO, EN) /technique applied Unit LOQ LOD remarks

Field measurements

Water temperature (WT) °C

Oxygen concentration (DO) (EPA 2540)1998 mg/L

Oxygen saturation (O2-Sat) oxymeter %

pH EL. metrical

Electric conductivity (EC) conductometer µS/cm

Laboratory analyses

Water temperature (WT, lab control)

°C

Oxygen concentration (DO, lab control)

(EPA 2540)1998 mg/L

Oxygen saturation (O2-Sat, lab control)

oxymeter %

pH (lab control) EL. metrical

Electric conductivity (EC, lab control)

conductometer µS/cm

Total suspended solids (TSS) SFS-EN 872 mg/L

Biological oxygen demand (BOD5)

ISO 5815:2010 mg/L

Chemical oxygen demand (K2Cr2O7) (COD)

ISO 6060:2010 mg/L

Ammonia-N (NH4-N) ISO 7150-1:2010 µg/L 0.015 0.005

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) ISO 10304-1:2007 µg/L 0.0135 0.0045

Orthophosphate, as P (PO4-P)

ISO 10304-1:2007 µg/L 0.069 0.023

Total phosphorus (TP) Yu.Yu. Lurie "Unified methods of water analysis"

mg/L

Chloride (Cl) ISO 10304-1:2007 µg/L 5.88 1.96

Sulphate, total ion (SO4) ISO 10304-1:2007 µg/L 20.89 6.83

Calcium (Ca) ISO 6058:2008 mg/L

Magnesium (Mg) ISO 6058:2008 µg/L 0.15 0.05

Sodium (Na) ISO 9964-3:2010 mg/L


36 ENI/2016/372-403

2.1.4 Responsibilities

Table 13: Responsible institutions and persons in preparation and during the survey.

Responsibilities Institution, contact person, email-address

General

Responsible for the organisation of surface water body sampling

Institute: EUWI+ country representative Contact person: Zurab Jincharadze E-Mail: [email protected]

Field work

Responsible for field work (biological and chemical sampling, hydro-morphological site description)

Institute: Pollution Monitoring Department, NEA

Contact person: Elina Bakradze

UBA expert: xxx

Supporting person(s): Giorgi Kargareteli, Irakli Kordzaia

E-Mail: [email protected]

Responsible for functional check of sampling equipment


Contact person: Giorgi Kargareteli


Responsible for calibration of on-site measuring equipment




Chemical analysis

Overall responsible for the chemical analysis in the lab, including reporting and data delivery




Responsible for sample transport from the field to the laboratory




Analysing laboratory and contact person

Institute: Atmospheric Air, Water and Soil Laboratory, NEA



Biological analysis

Overall responsible for the biological analysis in the lab, including reporting and data delivery


Contact person: Irakli Kordzaia


2.2 Sampling and field methods

Field measurements were carried out according to the methods listed in Table 12. Samples were taken

in accordance with ISO 5667 and were put immediately at 4°C for transport.

Before the analyses were done, the measurement and test equipment were calibrated internally by the

laboratory staff.

mailto:[email protected]



ENI/2016/372-403 37

2.3 Laboratory analyses


Parameter Unit LOD Standards/technique

Field measurements

Water temperature (WT) °C

Oxygen concentration (DO) mg/L (EPA 2540)1998

Oxygen saturation (O2-Sat) % oxymeter

pH EL. metrical

Electric conductivity (EC) µS/cm conductometer

Laboratory analyses

Water temperature (WT, lab control) °C

Oxygen concentration (DO, lab control) mg/L (EPA 2540)1998

Oxygen saturation (O2-Sat, lab control) % oxymeter

pH (lab control) EL. metrical

Electric conductivity (EC, lab control) µS/cm conductometer

Total suspended solids (TSS) mg/L SFS-EN 872

Biological oxygen demand (BOD5) mg/L ISO 5815:2010

Chemical oxygen demand (K2Cr2O7) (COD) mg/L ISO 6060:2010

Ammonia-N (NH4-N) mg/L 0.005 ISO 7150-1:2010

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) mg/L 0.0045 ISO 10304-1:2007

Orthophosphate, as P (PO4-P) mg/L 0.023 ISO 10304-1:2007

Total dissolved phosphorus, as P (DP) mg/L

Total phosphorus (TP) mg/L Yu.Yu. Lurie "Unified methods of water analysis"

Chloride (Cl) mg/L 0.0143 ISO 10304-1:2007

Sulphate, total ion (SO4) mg/L 0.0095 ISO 10304-1:2007

Acid neutralizing capacity (pH4,3) (ANC) mMol/L ISO 6058:2008

Calcium (Ca) mg/L 0.299 ISO 6058:2008

Magnesium (Mg) mg/L 0.145 ISO 9964-3:2010

Sodium (Na) mg/L 0.672 ISO 9964-3:2010

Potassium (K) mg/L 0.726 ISO 10304-1:2007

2.4 Quality assurance

Sampling AQC’s were done in accordance with the contract in a professional way in the accordance of

SOPs and accredited procedures.

The laboratory uses reference materials. All standard solutions were prepared from reference materials,

which are labeled with the date of preparation, expiry date and the name of person who prepared the

solution. These solutions are kept in conditions specified in the test method. Accordingly, field measure-

ments and laboratory procedures were done with the internal quality controls.


38 ENI/2016/372-403

3 RESULTS

3.1 Field protocols and hydro-morphological site description

The field protocols are provided as separate attachment in Annex 1 (Excel format) and Annex 2.

The photos are provided as JPG as separate files in the folder Annex 4.

3.2 Chemical analyses

The results of the physico-chemical analyses are summarized in Table 15 and Table 16. Additional data

are provided in excel format as Annex 9. MHS protocols.

The certificate reports of the laboratory are provided in Annex 6 (national language or English). Scans of

sample delivery and handover protocols are given in Annex 7 (JPG format).

Table 15: Results of the chemical analyses from 10 sampling sites in autumn 2020.

Nr River Sampling site WT field

DO field

pH field

EC field BOD5 TP

Units °C mg/L µS/cm mg/L mg/L

1 Iori LTD Millennium 12.5 10.26 8.2 340 1.08 0.325

2 Iori Timali 12.3 9.19 8.0 280 0.96 0.374

3 Iori Iori 2008 13.2 8.21 7.8 260 0.86 0.289

4 Iori BORAN mining 12.8 9.82 8.1 275 1.01 0.356

5 Iori Paldo 11.9 8.86 8.0 210 1.13 0.412

6 Iori Kochbaani 12.0 9.05 8.2 164 1.63 0.422

7 Iori Iori-ila 95 12.1 9.99 7.8 275 1.23 0.378

8 Iori Caucasus Highway 11.6 10.47 8.2 330 0.99 0.365

9 Iori Control-1 12.4 8.74 7.9 405 1.20 0.402

10 Iori Control-1 12.9 8.57 8.1 480 1.05 0.399


ENI/2016/372-403 39

Table 16: Results of the chemical analyses – heavy metals. Parameters are measured according

to the ISO 11885:2007 standard

Nr River Sampling site Fe Cu Pb Cd Ni As Cr Ag

Unit mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L

1 Iori LTD Millennium 2.6866 0.0058 0.0028 0.0003 0.0062 0.0038 0.0052 0.377539

2 Iori Timali 0.9155 0.0246 0.0035 0.0001 0.0025 0.0005 0.0021 0.021574

3 Iori Iori 2008 9.1731 0.0266 0.0013 0.0001 0.0185 0.0022 0.0153 0.053934

4 Iori BORAN mining 0.9957 0.0021 0.0062 0.00007 0.0032 0.0020 0.0019 0.03236

5 Iori Paldo 0.1012 0.0003 0.0018 0.0001 0.0002 0.0018 0.0009 0.006472

6 Iori Kochbaani 0.1001 0.0002 0.0030 0.00008 0.0009 0.0056 0.0011 0.006472

7 Iori Iori-Dila 95 0.4754 0.0014 0.0020 0.0002 0.0027 0.0008 0.0013 0.053934

8 Iori Caucasus Highway 3.9611 0.0063 0.0045 0.0001 0.0078 0.0044 0.0063 0.053934

9 Iori Control-1 0.6905 0.0006 0.0014 0.0003 0.0021 0.0029 0.0014 0.021574

10 Iori Control-2 1.2828 0.0024 0.0033 0.0001 0.0017 0.0022 0.0019 0.043147

3.3 Biological analyses

The biological raw data are provided as Annex 8. The MHS protocols are provided as separate attach-

ments in Annex 9.

During the analyses of the biological samples, 29 taxa of benthic invertebrates were identified. They be-

long to 25 different families and 30 major groups (Table 10).

At the monitoring points, we came across a picture of biocenosis. In some places the river valley was very

different than expected. Despite this fact, we still have found little amount of species of macroinverte-

brates. This fact could have been caused by floods and brought from the related processes in nature.

About macrophytes, they almost did not exist, due to the fact that the river valleys change frequently.

Mainly, small stones and the sand were present (cobbles, pubbles, sand, etc.).

Table 10: Taxa list of benthic invertebrates

Major group Family Genus/species AQEM code

Atherix sp. Athericidae Atherix 4365

Baetis sp. Baetidae Baetis 4419

Bezzia sp. Ceratopogonidae Bezzia 4452

Caenis sp. Caenidae Caenis 4528

Chironomidae Gen. sp. Chironomidae Chironomidae 4642

Chrysops sp. Heptageniidae Ecdyonurus 5053

Ecdyonurus sp. Heptageniidae Ecdyonurus 5053

Elmidae Gen. sp. Elmidae Elmidae 8470

Elmis sp. Elmidae Elmis 12072

Empididae Gen. sp Empididae Empididae 5097

Epeorus sp. Heptageniidae Epeorus 5119

Ephemera sp. Ephemeridae Ephemera 5128


40 ENI/2016/372-403

Major group Family Genus/species AQEM code

Gammarus sp. Gammaridae Gammarus 5293

Goeridae Gen. sp. Goeridae Goeridae 9981

Gomphidae Gen. sp. Gomphidae Gomphidae 8410

Gyrinidae sp. Gyrinidae Gyrinidae 8633

Hexatoma sp. Limoniidae Hexatoma 5481

Hydrachnidae Gen. sp. Hydrachnidae Hydrachnidae 15453

Hydropsyche sp. Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche 5605

Leuctra sp. Leuctridae Leuctra 5790

Limnius sp. Elmidae Limnius 12093

Perla sp. Perlidae Perla 6372

Perlodidae Gen. sp. Perlodidae Perlodidae 8432

Polycentropodidae Gen. sp. Polycentropodidae Polycentropodidae

8478

Prionocera sp. Tipulidae Prionocera 10341

Psychomyiidae Gen. sp. Psychomyiidae Psychomyiidae

6663

Rhithrogena sp. Heptageniidae Rhithrogena 6747

Rhyacophila sp. Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila 6780

Simulium sp. Simuliidae Simulium 6853

Valvatidae Gen. sp. Valvatidae Valvatidae 9617

Table 10a. Ecological Status of Sampling Points according to Biological Analyses

River name Site name nEQR Ecol.Status

Iori LTD “Millennium” 0.62 GOOD

Iori Timali 0.40 MODERATE

Iori Iori-2008 0.76 GOOD

Iori BORAN mining 0.71 GOOD

Iori Paldo 0.74 GOOD

Iori Kochbaani 1.0 HIGH

Iori Iori-Dila 95 0.76 GOOD

Iori Caucasus Highway 0.73 GOOD

Iori Control-1 0.74 GOOD

Iori Control-2 1.0 HIGH


ENI/2016/372-403 41

4 CONCLUSIONS

LEPL National Environmental Agency in the frame of its competence and meeting the contract made

sampling, analyses and reporting. Agency can act only in its competences and therefore needs to involve

other responsible bodies.

Generally, the investigative monitoring procedures were conducted for the first time in Georgia. NEA

gained first experience about this type of field working activities and identified a need for further exercise

in this regard.

10 samples were taken in the Alazani-Iori river basin area. Field work, analytical procedures and methods

were trained in other phases of the project and could be implemented during this exercise and all steps

have been performed in a professional manner, as described in the chapters before. However, meteoro-

logical conditions at the time of sampling and the season chosen limited the representability of the results.

The results of this survey were not evaluated or interpreted by the contracted laboratory, as this compe-

tence is with the Environmental Supervision Department. Thus, this report summarises the activities dur-

ing the inception of this survey (training on the principle of investigative monitoring), the contracting, prep-

aration for and execution of the field work, the analytical work and reporting. The main aim of this inves-

tigation was to interpret the results and seek a discussion with relevant other authorities and entities to

mitigate a problem, could not be achieved. The results have been sent to the Environmental Supervision

Department for interpretation on 8 March 2021 by NEA. NEA provided the following statement on 2 April

2021 upon closure of the reporting phase (original text slightly adapted for better readability):

“According to the decision of the EUWI + Project Expert Group, in the project participating countries and pilot basins were planned to conduct the "investigative monitoring" campaign, which was pro-ceeded to prepare the appropriate concept and discuss this concept and methodology with beneficiary institutions participating in the project.

In Georgia, this demonstration investigative monitoring was conducted on the basis of consultation with the Department of Environmental Supervision, research points were selected on the river Iori - mainly on the objects employed by sand-gravel from the river bed. The samples were taken together and have been sent to the Laboratory of the Agency, which has prepared the test report on the basis of conducted surveys. The results reflect the influence caused by the activities of enterprises on water bod-ies. In accordance with the established practice [the testing report] for further reaction was sent to the Department of Environmental Supervision. Main tasks of the department among others are:

• Implementation of state control in the field of environment protection and use of natural resources, prevention, detection and suppression of facts of illegal use of natural resources;

• Prevention, detection and prevention of environmental pollution;

NEA had communication with the Environmental Supervision Department once again. They are working on the issue in the frames of their competence. Currently, we are not able to add any other information to the report written by NEA. Due to this fact, we ask you to accept the provided text.“


42 ENI/2016/372-403

5 LESSONS LEARNT

All field work could be done with sufficient respect of personal safety, especially during the sam-

pling of water and sediment in deep and fast-flowing river sections or at unstable sediment and

riverbanks.

One conclusion and immediate lesson learned is the fact that the size of the basins like Iori re-

quire a lot of transport and travel time.

The previous biological sampling practiced by the NEA required collecting 10 subsamples per

site. The AQEM/STAR methodology (required for this contract following the training and recom-

mendation of UBA) doubles the time required for sampling, as 20 subsamples are needed. This

made it difficult to stick to the suggested period. For the next survey it may be needed to agree

on less sampling sites per day.

The minimum number of individuals as required by the AQEM/STAR protocol (700 individuals)

was not reached in most samples. This is an issue to be discussed before the sample pro-

cessing of the next survey;

There is need of more trainings for investigative monitoring and for more involvement and re-

sponse of other competent and responsible institutions In Georgia, as stipulated by WFD.

A general observation of the UBA coordination team across all six countries is that the need to

collaborate among affected entities did not fully work out. In the inception phase of the survey in

spring/summer 2020, a series of webinars took place to bring across the principles of this envi-

ronment assessment tool, to show its role and function among the WFD monitoring schemes, and

encourage the beneficiaries to liaise with other relevant entities (water users, affected communes,

inspection authorities etc.). For this reason, also this document intended to compile relevant

stakeholders beyond the water sampling and analysing responsibility of the beneficiary. In prac-

tice, however, an adjustment of actions to be taken, the sharing and discussion of data from the

Minister’s office down to the civil protection did not sufficiently take place in most cases. More

emphasis of this communication and information process would have gone far beyond the limits

of this survey. The principle of collaboration and “thinking out of the box” should receive a central

role in the future.


ENI/2016/372-403 43

ANNEX 1: FIELD PROTOCOLS SUMMARY

See separate attachment in Excel format


44 ENI/2016/372-403

ANNEX 2: FIELD PROTOCOLS

First three sampling site field protocols presented. For further details, please see annex 2. (word docu-

ment).

1. LTD Millennium


ENI/2016/372-403 45

2. Timali


46 ENI/2016/372-403

3. Iori 2008


ENI/2016/372-403 47

ANNEX 4: PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

See separate attachments in JPG format

Each digital photo shall have data and time included

The photo documentation per site shall include:

At least 1 photo which includes the GPS coordinates, gives a general overview of the river at the

sampling site and allows evaluating the meteorological and hydrological conditions

At least 1 photo which shows the members of the sampling team

optionally: details of substrate, habitats, anthropogenic impacts etc.


48 ENI/2016/372-403

ANNEX 5: CHEMICAL DATA SUMMARY

THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

MONITORING

AMBIENT AIR, WATER and SOIL ANALYSIS LABORATORY

Marshal Gelovani St. #6, Tbilisi, Georgia O159

- Test report – #136-2020


ENI/2016/372-403 49

- Test report – #136-2020

Registered sample number: #1651-#1656; #1672-#1675

Number of Parties to the Protocol: 5

Name of customer: “European Union Water Initiative Plus for the Eastern Partnership (EUWI+

4 EaP)

Address of customer: Spittelauer Lände 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria, UBA

Tel.: (+99532) 593 080 011

E-mail: [email protected]

Identification of samples by the applicant: #1-#6; #7-#10

Description and identification of the sample (matrix): Surface water

Identification of the used method: Ttitrimetric, weight, spectrophotometer, mobile apparatus

The date of receipt of the sample: 22.10.2020; 23.10.2020

The date of examination: 22.10.2020 – 30.10.2020

Date of issue: 30.10.2020

Note: Fieldwork for chemical and biological sampling was carried out within the project for train-

ing purposes, hence the data are the result of the investigative monitoring training, the degree of

their confidence might be poor /not representative due to the time/season of sampling, weather

conditions etc.

.



50 ENI/2016/372-403

#1651 (1) Iori-Alazani-Iori, LTD “Milennium”

N-41045.930’ E0-45010.172’ 22.10.2020 10:20

# Measured

Parameters Unit Results Methods

1 Temperature 0C 12,5 Mobile apparatus -YSI PRO

30

2 Conductivity

𝜇s/cm 340 Mobile apparatus -YSI PRO

30

3 Turbidity NTU 0,66 Mobile apparatus

4 Dissolved oxygen

mg/l 10,26 Mobile apparatus -YSI PRO

30

5 Suspended Solids mg/l 192,4 ISO 11923:2007

6 BOD5 mg/l 1,08 ISO 5815-1:2010

7 Total nitrogen mg/l 0,80 Ю.Ю. Лурье ”Унифициро-ванные методы анализа

вод” 8 Total phosphorus mg/l 0,325

#1652 (2) Iori-Alazani-Iori, Timali

N-41045.569’ E0-45010.209’ 22.10.2020 10:55

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 0,96 ISO 5815-1:2010




ENI/2016/372-403 51

#1653 (3) Iori-Alazani-Iori, Iori 2008

N-41045.276’ E0-45010.202’ 22.10.2020 11:30

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 0,86 ISO 5815-1:2010



#1654 (4) Iori-Alazani-Iori, BORAN mining

N-41045.015’ E0-45010.119’ 22.10.2020 12:00

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 1,01 ISO 5815-1:2010




52 ENI/2016/372-403

#1655 (5) Iori - Paldo

N-41050.758’ E0-45008.110’ 22.10.2020 12:45

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 1,13 ISO 5815-1:2010



#1656 (6) Iori - Kochbaani

N-41052.947’ E0-45008.169’ 22.10.2020 13:20

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 1,63 ISO 5815-1:2010




ENI/2016/372-403 53

#1672 (7) Alazani-Iori, Iori-Dila 95

N-41042.439’ E0-45012.630’ 23.10.2020 10:22

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 1,23 ISO 5815-1:2010



#1673 (8) Alazani-Iori, Caucasus Highway

N-41042.000’ E0-45013.602’ 23.10.2020 11:19

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 0,99 ISO 5815-1:2010




54 ENI/2016/372-403

#1674 (9) Alazani-Iori, Control-1

N-41.42.238’ E0-45015.805’ 23.10.2020 12:39

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 1,20 ISO 5815-1:2010




N-41.40.036’ E0-45023.347’ 23.10.2020 14:24

# Measured



30

2 Conductivity


30


4 Dissolved oxygen


30


6 BOD5 mg/l 1,05 ISO 5815-1:2010




ENI/2016/372-403 55

Note: The customer/stakeholder complaints to the atmospheric air, water and soil analysis laboratory

and/or re-analysis of the sample may be carried out within 14 calendar days from the issuance of the test

report.

Executors:

M.Khvedeliani

M.Chigitashvili

L.Salamashvili

Head of laboratory: Elina Bakradze


56 ENI/2016/372-403

THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

MONITORING

ATMOSPHERIC AIR, WATER and SOIL ANALYSIS LABORA-TORY

Marshal Gelovani St. #6, Tbilisi, Georgia O159

- Test report – #136a-2020


ENI/2016/372-403 57

- Test report – #136a-2020

Registered sample number: #1651-#1656; #1672-#1675

Number of Parties to the Protocol: 6

Name of customer: “European Initiative Plus for Eastern Partnership” (EUWI+ 4 EaP)

Address of customer: Spittelauer Lände 5, A-1090, Wien, Austria, UBA

Tel.: (+995) 593 080 011

E-mail: [email protected]

Identification of samples by the applicant: #1-#6; #7-#10

Description and identification of the sample (matrix): Surface water

Identification of the used method: ICP-OES

The date of receipt of the sample: 22.10.2020; 23.10.2020

The date of examination: 22.10.2020– 30.10.2020

Date of issue: 30.10.2020

Note: Fieldwork for chemical and biological sampling was carried out within the project for training

purposes, hence the data are the result of the investigative monitoring training, the degree of their

confidence might be poor /not representative due to the time/season of sampling, weather condi-

tions etc.



58 ENI/2016/372-403

#1651 (1) Iori-Alazani-Iori, LTD “Milennium”

N-41045.930’ E0-45010.172’ 22.10.2020 10:20

#1652 (2) Iori-Alazani-Iori, Timali

N-41045.569’ E0-45010.209’ 22.10.2020 10:55

# Measured Para-

meters Unit Results Methods

1 pH 8,2 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

2,6866

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0058

4 Lead 0,0028

5 Cadmium 0,0003

6 Nickel 0,0062

7 Arsenic 0,0038

8 Chromium 0,0052

9 Silver 0,0035

# Measured Para-


1 pH 8,0 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

0,9155

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0246

4 Lead 0,0035

5 Cadmium 0,0001

6 Nickel 0,0025

7 Arsenic 0,0005

8 Chromium 0,0021

9 Silver 0,0002


ENI/2016/372-403 59

#1653 (3) Iori-Alazani-Iori, Iori 2008

N-41045.276’ E0-45010.202’ 22.10.2020 11:30

MPC* - Maximum permissible concentrations On Approval of Technical Regulations for Protection of

Surface Water Pollution in Georgia (Government of Georgia Resolution # 425 December 31, 2013 Tbilisi)

#1654 (4) Iori-Alazani-Iori, BORAN mining

N-41045.015’ E0-45010.119’ 22.10.2020 12:00

# Measured Para-


1 pH 7,8 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

9,1731

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0155

4 Lead 0,0013

5 Cadmium 0,0001

6 Nickel 0,0185

7 Arsenic 0,0022

8 Chromium 0,0153

9 Silver 0,0005

# Measured Para-


1 pH 8,1 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

0,9957

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0021

4 Lead 0,0062

5 Cadmium 0,00007

6 Nickel 0,0032

7 Arsenic 0,0020

8 Chromium 0,0019

9 Silver 0,0003


60 ENI/2016/372-403

#1655 (5) Iori - Paldo

N-41050.758’ E0-45008.110’ 22.10.2020 12:45

#1656 (6) Iori - Kochbaani

N-41052.947’ E0-45008.169’ 22.10.2020 13:20



# Measured Para-


1 pH 8,0 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

0,1012

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0003

4 Lead 0,0018

5 Cadmium 0,0001

6 Nickel 0,0002

7 Arsenic 0,0018

8 Chromium 0,0009

9 Silver 0,00006

# Measured Para-


1 pH 8,2 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

0,1001

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0002

4 Lead 0,0030

5 Cadmium 0,00008

6 Nickel 0,0009

7 Arsenic 0,0056

8 Chromium 0,0011

9 Silver 0,00006


ENI/2016/372-403 61

#1672 (7) Alazani-Iori, Iori-Dila 95

N-41042.439’ E0-45012.630’ 23.10.2020 10:22

#1673 (8) Alazani-Iori, Caucasus Highway

N-41042.000’ E0-45013.602’ 23.10.2020 11:19

# Measured Para-


1 pH 7,8 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

0,4754

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0014

4 Lead 0,0020

5 Cadmium 0,0002

6 Nickel 0,0027

7 Arsenic 0,0008

8 Chromium 0,0013

9 Silver 0,0005

# Measured Para-


1 pH 8,2 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

3,9611

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0063

4 Lead 0,0045

5 Cadmium 0,0001

6 Nickel 0,0078

7 Arsenic 0,0044

8 Chromium 0,0063

9 Silver 0,0005


62 ENI/2016/372-403


N-41.42.238’ E0-45015.805’ 23.10.2020 12:39




N-41.40.036’ E0-45023.347’ 23.10.2020 14:24



# Measured Para-


1 pH 7,9 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

0,6905

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0006

4 Lead 0,0014

5 Cadmium 0,0003

6 Nickel 0,0021

7 Arsenic 0,0029

8 Chromium 0,0014

9 Silver 0,0002

# Measured Para-


1 pH 8,1 ISO

10523:2010

2 Iron

mg/l

1,2828

ISO

11885:2007

3 Cupper 0,0024

4 Lead 0,0033

5 Cadmium 0,0001

6 Nickel 0,0017

7 Arsenic 0,0022

8 Chromium 0,0019

9 Silver 0,0004


ENI/2016/372-403 63

Note: The customer/stakeholder complaints to the atmospheric air, water and soil analysis laboratory

and/or re-analysis of the sample may be carried out within 14 calendar days from the issuance of the test

report.

Executors:

S.Khmiadashvili

Head of laboratory: Elina Bakradze


64 ENI/2016/372-403

ANNEX 6: CHEMICAL DATA CERTIFICATE

FORMAT

See separate attachment(s) in Word or JPG format


ENI/2016/372-403 65

ANNEX 7: PROTOCOLS FOR SAMPLE

DELIVERY AND HANDOVER

See separate attachments in JPG format


66 ENI/2016/372-403

ANNEX 8: BIOLOGICAL DATA SUMMARY

See separate attachment in Excel format


ENI/2016/372-403 67

ANNEX 10: METADATA

See separate attachments in PDF format

www.euwipluseast.eu

background and concept paper for investigative …

Documents