Chapter 3: Latvia
(continued)
Transboundary Pollution - According to reports made by the Cooperative Program for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Long Range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe by the Meteorological Synthesis Center (EMEP MSC-EAST) in 1991, the levels of transboundary emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides entering Latvia was double that domestically produced, while in 1992, transbounary emissions exceeded the domestic pollution by four times. Latvia joined the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution in 1994 and has ratified the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Transboundary Water Pollution - Latvia's largest rivers have their origins in neighboring countries, thus some 53 percent of the discharge from Latvian rivers to the Baltic Sea originates beyond the country's borders. This carries the accompanying pollution produced in neighboring countries and poses a direct threat to the health of Latvia's residents.
Significant amounts of wastewater from the Mazeikai oil refinery, other industrial enterprises, small towns, and runoff from intensive agriculture in Lithuania leach into watercourses of the Venta and Lielupe catchment areas. It should also be noted that coastal pollution from Lithuania (Klaipeda, Palanga) enters Latvia's territorial waters due to the prevailing currents and winds and has a significantly negative effect on the biotopes of the Kurzeme coastal waters. In this regard, the decision of the Lithuanian government to construct an oil terminal at Butinge should be mentioned. Implementation of this project will significantly increase the risk of ecosystem damage and destruction and could lead to a decrease in tourism.
Eutrophication of Watercourses and Degradation of Water Ecosystems - Serious harm to Latvia's natural aquatic ecosystems and habitats has occurred not only in their aquatic zones but also in their littoral and riparian zones through hydro-construction, amelioration and other previous activities. Measures for the rehabilitation of natural watercourses and for increasing the self-purification abilities of aquatic ecosystems, for instance restoring the natural courses of straightened rivers or the rehabilitation of overgrown lakes, have been planned.
Risks Created by Economic Activities - The identification of hazards and the control of hazardous objects are tasks undertaken by various institutions. Instruments for the implementation of the concept "controllable risk" have been developed including various laws, registrations, permit systems, monitoring, risk assessments and safety reports.
Environmental Impact of Waste - Waste can be a complex problem, and with the quantity of hazardous waste expected to rise, preventive measures are required. Among these, waste minimization, waste storage, its final disposal, waste recycling, biological treatment, establishment of separate waste collection systems, incineration, organized waste dumping, and the clean-up of old landfills are suggested. By 1998, the re-establishment of the packaging re-use system should result in the re-use of up to 75 percent of used packaging.
Environmental Impact of Transport - Among the measures and instruments necessary to curb environmental impact are the development of transport infrastructure, regulation and optimization of types and flows of transport, emission of hazardous substances and reduction of noise, and the implementation of a system for the final disposal of substances (such as lubricants, coolants, etc.) and spare parts used in the course of vehicle operation.
Environmental Impact of Agriculture - The environmental effects of agriculture have decreased in line with the closure of large scale enterprises. A reduction in the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and other biogenous substances from fertilizers by up to 50 percent is planned by 2010.
Loss of Biodiversity - Latvia has successfully maintained a rich level of biodiversity, although further measures need to be taken to protect this, including the protection of species in situ and ex situ, the protection and restoration of migratory habits, and improvements to the network of protected areas.
Landscape Degradation - The effects of many years of degradation by human settlements, conflict, and industrialization have adversely affected the Latvian landscape. Measures to clean up and restore the land to its previous state are required. However, national consciousness to environmental issues must be raised as a prerequisite for sustainable development.
Nonsustainable Use of Natural Resources - Measures to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources are needed including the establishment of a resource management system; optimization of production mechanisms and elaboration of sectoral programs that include economizing on resources, substituting exhaustible with alternative energy sources, and the promotion and introduction of environmentally friendly consumption.
Poor Quality Drinking Water - Latvia possesses adequate water resources to provide its entire population with drinking water. Both surface water (53 percent) and groundwater (47 percent) are used for water supply and different measures are planned in the future to increase and improve the groundwater supply.
The three main environmental problems identified by companies in order of significance were hazardous waste (disposal and treatment), wastewater (treatment) and air pollution caused by boiler houses. Other forthcoming issues of importance included the substitution of oil consumption in heating systems for gas and the implementation of cogeneration processes, industrial and household waste collection and treatment, industrial waste treatment, dehydration of wastewater sludge, elimination of emissions and the reduction and purification of wastewater.
Table 3.9 presents the major environmental problems identified by survey respondents for the coming years. Most respondents indicated that these problems are of national significance and that it is not possible to solve these locally, particularly with regard to solid household waste and hazardous waste management, since this requires a large financial investment.
| TABLE 3.9: MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN LATVIA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Problem Description and Expected Duration | Location |
| Water | Treatment of drinking water to EU standards, 10 years | Preili, Jurmala |
| Riga water and environment project, 5 years | Riga | |
| Reconstruction and building of wastewater treatment works, 5 years | Daugavpils, Jurmala | |
| Drinking water supply using groundwater resources, 3 years | Daugavpils, Olaine | |
| Investigation of Liepaja Lake, 5 years | Liepaja | |
| Water supply at Parogre, 2 years | Ogre | |
| Construction of Parogre sewerage system, 5 years | Ogre | |
| Reconstruction of wastewater works in small towns, 5 years | Bartava, Saldus, Kekava | |
| High content of iron in drinking water, 10 years | Saldus | |
| Groundwater pollution, 10 years | Daugavpils | |
| Rain water runoff, 5 years | Daugavpils | |
| Degradation of lake ecosystems, 5-10 years | Daugavpils | |
| Coastal zone development, 10 years | Ventspils | |
| Elaboration of electroplating wastewater treatment systems, 1-3 years | National | |
| Elaboration and reconstruction of industrial wastewater treatment systems, 3 years | National | |
| Water recycling in industry, 3 years | Riga | |
| Reduction of water consumption and wastewater discharge in industry, 3 years | Broceni | |
| Sludge removal during wastewater treatment, 3 years | Ogre | |
| Air | Air pollution in cities, 10 years | Riga |
| Transboundary air pollution from industrial enterprises of Lithuania, 5-10 years | National | |
| Air pollution from Broceni cement factory, 5 years | National | |
| Need for complex program on air protection, air monitoring, 3 years | Daugavpils, Liepaja | |
| Need for elaboration of air pollution standards, 5 years | National | |
| Need for elaboration of air pollution control systems and software, 3 years | National | |
| Treatment of industrial flue gases, 1-3 years | Riga | |
| Waste | Urgent need for hazardous waste disposal, 10 years | National |
| Solid waste management for municipalities (collection, transportation, recycling, composting, landfill management, waste minimization and reduction), 5 years | National | |
| Hazardous waste treatment and landfill management, 10 years | National | |
| Remediation of ex-Soviet military sites, 3 years | Liepaja | |
| Utilization of used tires, 5 years | Daugavpils | |
| Hazardous waste incineration, 10 years | Daugavpils | |
| Transparency of waste regulations, 5 years | National | |
| Illegal dumping in forests and ditches, 10 years | National | |
| Closure and remediation of existing dump sites, 10 years | National | |
| Energy | Diffuse pollution from small boiler houses, 5 years | Preili |
| Optimization of the heating system network, burning processes, 5 years | National | |
| Modernization of thermo-electric power stations, 10 years | National | |
| Elaboration of an effective energy program, 3 years | National | |
| Elaboration of effective heating systems in industry, 3 years | Dobele | |
| Reconstruction of boilers, 10 years | Jelgava | |
| Sources: Water: 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 Waste: 6, 7, 9, 12, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 46, 50 Air: 9, 12, 15, 20, 22, 24, 44 Energy: 5, 12, 13, 20, 27, 35, 37, 41, 42 |
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Table 3.10 shows where the necessary environmental improvements are required for the improvement of air quality. It is clear that most investments should be concentrated on the district heating sector. Relatively large amounts of CO emission demonstrate the low efficiency of the fuel burning process while the relatively large amount of SO2 emissions are related to the burning of low quality fuels.
| TABLE 3.10: RELATIVE SHARE OF AIR POLLUTION PRODUCED BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF STATIONARY SOURCES, 1996 (%) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Particles | SO2 | NOx | CO | |
| Latvenergo, state owed joint-stock company | 4 | 30 | 30 | 1 |
| District heating systems, owned by municipalities | 45 | 67 | 48 | 89 |
| Industry (Technological processes) | 51 | 3 | 22 | 10 |
Project opportunities in the water management sector are mainly related to the construction of new and modernization of existing water supply and wastewater treatment systems throughout the country. The upgrading of current systems may be hampered by the limited capacity of existing plants and financial problems. Nevertheless, construction and modernization of treatment plants will continue over the next few years.
Contamination of groundwater resources from oil-based substances, organic solvents, and heavy metals is a potential threat that should be reduced (particularly with former military bases). Significant project opportunities regarding site remediation and the clean-up of contaminated land are also expected to arise over the coming years.
Waste management practices are expected to improve with the new Law on Solid Waste Management, due in 1998. The implementation of the elaborated Solid Waste Management Strategy (2005) and the implementation of the Hazardous Waste Management Strategy in 1998 are also expected to improve levels of waste management. The new legislation will address the most critical issues in waste management, including waste minimization, disposal of packaging waste, distribution of waste disposal fees, and other issues.
Among the different water supply and wastewater treatment projects, the following should be mentioned:
The first two listed projects are the largest in scale and importance. The first is a complex program which aims to reduce health risk, improve water quality, and prevent the degradation of water ecosystems. The development of environmental management, and services in water supply and wastewater treatment will be carried out in the near future. An inventory and case study analysis of Latvian towns to identify the current problems and necessary response measures was performed as the first step in the program. Projects on the construction of wastewater treatment facilities in four towns (Ligatne, Strenci, Cesis and Ugale) were performed in 1997. Projects in 10 other towns are currently being implemented with a further 26 at the preparatory stage. The projects within the 800+ Program framework are supported by different financial sources, including the state budget, municipal budgets, and foreign investments. Environmental consultants from Latvia, Sweden, Denmark and Finland have been involved in 13 Latvian towns.
The "Riga Water and Environment Project" aims to develop drinking water supplies and sewerage systems in Riga. The reconstruction and improvement of drinking water treatment, water supply and the sewage network are the main objectives of the project. Foreign investments, direct investments made by local authorities and state budget subsidies are likely to total more than USD 60 million.
The Valmiera region, which includes Valmiera, Limazi, Valka and Cesis, was chosen to serve as a demonstration project. It will cover approximately one-sixth of the territory of Latvia and serve some 200,000 inhabitants. The region was selected because the average income of its population is higher than the national average. The project is expected to take place in several stages. In 1998, old dump sites will be closed, with the follow-up aimed at selecting a site and assessing the environmental impact of a new, safe landfill. During 1998, all necessary information will be gathered on the situation in the region in order to develop the household waste management plan for the territory served and to establish the cost of the required equipment. By the end of the year 2000, construction of the new landfill is expected to be completed. The project will be 30 percent financed by the state budget, 40 percent by NEFCO (the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation) and Environmental Investments Fund (credit without state guarantees), a maximum of 20 percent from bilateral grants, at least 10 percent from the municipal budget, and a handful of private investment initiatives. Foreign contributions will be made by the European Union, NEFCO and the Danish Government.
According to a Cabinet of Ministers resolution, a special joint-stock hazardous waste management company called BAO was established. This company is carrying out the practical implementation of the hazardous waste management strategy. Presently, BAO manages the Gardene site and collects nonliquid pesticides in accordance with agreements concluded with the MoE. BAO is also responsible for research on developing recycling technologies and for the management of the hazardous waste. BAO organizes the design, construction, operation and repair of the hazardous waste management facilities. The company also organizes training courses and seminars on hazardous waste management.
During 1995-1996, the main activities with regard to the development of the hazardous waste management strategy were established. In 1996, the first phase of the Gardene site plant construction was completed, with an accompanying assessment of the pollution made and the development of the monitoring system. In 1997, the collection and disposal of non-liquid agricultural chemicals at the Gardene site began, while in 1998, plans to create incineration capacity and other means of disposal are to be determined.
Project preparation took place from January to June 1997, and the development of environmental surveys was due to be finished in January 1998. The demonstration projects are to be completed in 1998. Project evaluation is planned between 1998-2000. By the end of 1998, the following tasks should be completed: the development and testing of the resource materials and training programs for educational purposes; the development of professional skills within the cleaner technologies network in order to provide a high quality environmental consulting service for industrial branches in Latvia; the development of a strategy for the development of cleaner technologies; the adoption of a methodology for environmental surveys in Latvia, and the implementation of the cleaner technologies demonstration project in three industrial enterprises.
Other projects targeted toward industry include:
| TABLE 3.11: MAJOR SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | |
|---|---|
| Source of Information | Respondents |
| Personal contacts | 80% |
| Catalogs and advertisements | 62% |
| Daily newspapers | 55% |
| Regional Environmental Protection Boards | 45% |
| Conferences/seminars | 42% |
| Trade shows and fairs | 30% |
| Ministries (Environment, Finance, Economics) | 26% |
| Consultations (e.g. Universities, Latvian Environmental Data Center, Environmental Consulting and Monitoring Center, Latvian Pollution Prevention Center, National Environmental Health Center) | 23% |
| Professional associations | 21% |
With regard to trade shows and fairs, only one specialist environment exhibition (Ecobalt) exists. Table 3.12 outlines all the major fairs and exhibitions related to the environment in Latvia. It is possible to obtain information on environmental technologies at other exhibitions in the region from fairs in Tallinn and Tartu. Some Latvian tourism companies offer business trips to European environmental fairs in Germany, Italy and France. The number of Latvian participants in these fairs and exhibitions is low, but hopefully it will grow in the future. Some seminars and demonstrations are held annually in Latvia that concentrate on new environmental technologies, organized by well-known foreign environmental companies. Information on these seminars, however, could be more widely distributed in the future to reach a greater number of potential participants.
| TABLE 3.12: ENVIRONMENTAL FAIRS IN LATVIA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name of Fair | Approximate Date | Focus |
| Ecobalt | Annually in May or June | Ecology and environment |
| Energetika | Annually in March | Energy supply systems, energy resources |
| Kimija | Annually in May | Household and industrial chemistry |
| Metexpobalt | Annually in March | Machine building and metal finishing |
| Maja I,Ii (Haus) | Annually in April or October | Architecture, building and construction materials |
| Baltic IT & T | Annually in April | Information technology and telecommunication |
| Medicina | Annually in May | Medicine and health care |
| Baltexpo | Annually in May | Production and services within the Baltic States |
| Baltijas Tranzita Cels | Annually in June | International transport, communication and logistics |
| Riga Food | Annually in September | Food, drinks, packaging, equipment for shops and restaurants |
| Intertextil Balticum | Annually in September | Textile and leather industry |
| Note: All the listed environmental fairs are held in the city of Riga | ||
Interestingly, professional associations were mentioned by only one-fifth of the respondents as a major source of information on business opportunities. Nevertheless, the Society of Heat, Gas and Water Engineering, and the Latvian Waste Management Association organizes training sessions and distributes information on new technologies. It is expected that the role of professional associations in the field of information dissemination and training will increase.
Newspapers and magazines are a rather popular source of information on the environmental market. The most popular newspapers read by survey respondents are listed in Table 3.13. The most popular source for information is the newspaper Dienas Bizness (Daily Business), mentioned by 64 percent of respondents. Dienas Bizness is a daily business newspaper covering the most important events in trade, business, and the development of companies. Many articles are devoted to companies with an environmental orientation. Another popular source is Bizness & Baltija (Business & Baltics) which also introduces trade and business events and problems. The above mentioned newspapers, as well as the central daily newspaper Diena (Day), publish a wide range of advertisements that relate to the environmental market. Some respondents also read the newspaper Latvijas Vestnesis (The News of Latvia), which offers details on changes in legislation, including environmental laws and regulations.
| TABLE 3.13: MAIN BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL RELATED PUBLICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Publication | Readership among Respondents |
| Dienas Bizness (Daily Business) | 64% |
| Bizness & Baltija (Business & Baltics) | 29% |
| Diena (Day) | 27% |
| Latvijas Vestnesis (The News of Latvia) | 11% |
| Lauku avize | 11% |
| TABLE 3.14: USEFUL CONTACT POINTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|
|
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Peldu iela 25, Riga, LV-1494, Latvia Tel: (371-7) 026-400, Fax: (371-7) 820-442 Public Health Department, Ministry of Welfare Skolas iela 28, LV-1331, Riga; Tel: (371-7) 021-677 Projects Department, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of Latvia Peldu iela 25, Riga, LV-1494, Latvia Tel: (371-7) 026-401, Fax: (371-78) 20-442 Ministry of Agriculture Republikas lauk. 2, LV-1010, Riga; Tel: (371-7) 325-107 Environmental Protection Department, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of Latvia Peldu iela 25, Riga, LV-1494, Latvia Tel: (371-7) 026-501, Fax: (371-7) 820-442 Privatization Agency K.Valdemara iela 33, LV-1010, Riga; Tel: (371-7) 332-082 Ministry of Finance Smilsu iela 1, LV-1050, Riga; Tel: (371-7) 211-762 Development Agency of Latvia Perses iela 2, LV- 1442, Riga; Tel: (371-2) 83-425 Ministry of Economy Brivibas bulv. 55, LV-1519, Riga; Tel: (371-7) 013-101 Program 800+ Pils iela 17, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia; Tel: (371-7) 227-331 Latvian Environmental Protection Fund Pils iela 17, LV-1050, Riga Tel: (371-7) 222-427, Fax: (371-7) 221-729 Program 500- Peldu iela 25, LV-1050, Riga Tel : (371-7) 025-407, Fax: (371-7) 820-442 Latvian Environmental Investment Fund Pils iela 17, LV-1050, Riga Tel: (371-7) 225-644, Fax: (371-7) 225-641 Vides projekti (Environmental Projects) Pils iela 17, LV-1050, Riga Tel: (371-7) 227-331, Fax: (371-7) 229-553 Credit Fund of Municipalities Brivibas iela 55, LV-1010, Riga Tel: (371-7) 013-232, Fax: (371-7) 013-231 Latvian Waste Management Association Aizkraukles iela 21, Riga Tel: (371-2) 558-896 Latvian Society of Heat, Gas and Water Technology Engineers a/k N 526, LV-1010, Riga Tel: (371-7) 615-191, Fax: (371-7) 615-191 Latvian Pollution Prevention Center Gertrudes 33/35, LV-1011, Riga; Tel: (371-2) 293-683 University of Latvia Center for Environmental Science and Management Studies Raina bulv. 19, LV-1586, Riga Tel: (371-7) 229-356, Fax: (371-7) 228-286 |
Another information source for industries is training courses and projects on cleaner production technologies. The project "Waste Minimization for Industrial Enterprises in Latvia" (organized by the World Environmental Center) operated during 1993-1996. A new project called "Capacity Building for Cleaner Technologies in Latvia" is being offered from 1997-1999 (organized by Carl Bro International).
The Latvian Pollution Prevention Center, various universities, the Environmental Data Center, and other environmental institutions are also considered useful information sources regarding new environmental technologies. However, these institutions are of greater importance to industry. The Latvian Pollution Prevention Center offers various support to industries including technical assistance to enterprises, training in waste minimization techniques, collection and dissemination of technical information, and provision of training materials.
The conference "Business and Environment" was organized by the Latvian Pollution Prevention Center in collaboration with the University of Latvia, Center for Environmental Science and Management Studies in 1996.
