APLINKA 2001

Transcription

APLINKA 2001

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2001
State of Environment
UDK 504(474.5)
St112
© Ministry of Environment
of the Republic of Lithuania
© Cover: Common Gull a rare bird hatching in
natural environment. Photo of S.Paltanavièius
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Editorial commission:
A. Dragûnas, L. Budrys, A. Èepelë, V. Greièiûnas, V. Kruðinskas, S. Motiejûnas, D. Pivoriûnas,
R. Sakalauskas, V. Vaièiûnas
Executive editor:
L. Stoðkus
Technical editor:
Text:
E. Cuzanauskienë
T. Adomaitis, K. Armolaitis, J. Arustienë, G. Balkuvienë, G. Berlinskas, V.D. Bernotienë,
Z. Bitvinskaitë, V. Bieliauskienë, P. Bluzma, A. Braþiûnienë, S. Bucevièiûtë, I. Dailidienë,
V. Daubarienë, R. Gagienë, G. Gaigalas, K. Gaigalis, V.A. Galvonaitë, J. Giedraitienë,
G. Godienë, D. Gudaitienë, V. Januðka, D. Jarmalavièius, A. Jaðinskaitë, R. Jokûbauskaitë,
R.M. Jonavièienë, V. Juozefaitë, K. Kadûnas, V. Kesminas, I. Kriðèiukaitienë, N. Kupstaitis,
A. Lebedys, L. Loþys, R. Maþeikytë, J. Maþvila, L. Morkeliûnas, S. Motiejûnas, S. Mozgeris,
A. Naktinis, V. Naruðevièius, I. Olenina, G. Paltanavièiûtë, A. Pumputytë, V.R. Repeèka,
J. Satkûnas, S. Stakënas, V. Stakënas, A. Steponënas, L. Stoðkus, N. Ðarkauskienë,
R. Ðatkauskas, Z. Ðilienë, B. Ðimanskienë, D. Ðopauskienë, S. Ðvaþas, J. Taminskas,
R. Tijûnaitë, K. Ulkienë, J. Urbelionytë, V. Valantiejienë, V. Vincevièienë, T. Virbickas,
P. Zolubas, D. Þelvytë, R. Þydelis, D. Þidonytë, G. Þilinskas
Information provided by following institutions:
Environmental Quality Department, MoE
Nature Protection Department, MoE
Territorial Planning, Urban Development and Architecture Department, MoE
Environmental Strategy Department, MoE
Forest Department, MoE
Joint Research Centre, MoE
Marine Research Centre, MoE
Klaipëda Regional Environmental Protection Department, MoE
Lithuanian Geological Service at the MoE
Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service at the MoE
State Protected Areas Service at the MoE
General Forest Enterprise at the MoE
Department of Statistics at the Government of the Republic of Lithuania
Institute of Ecology
Institute of Physics
Lithuanian Institute of Agrarian Economy
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Clean environment is our most precious wealth
that is of vital importance for human kind to survive. Our future depends on the way we will cherish this wealth and use natural resources. This
publication not only discusses the state of environment but also analyses reasons that caused
changes as well as environmental protection measures used to minimize adverse impact from human activity to the environment.
Lithuania has only now took this difficult road
in order to solve environmental tasks in integrated
way taking into account both economic and social
issues. The whole Europe goes the same direction.
Sustainable development strategy and political
principles based on the strategy very well illustrate the environmental standpoint of the European
Union. Seeking the EU membership, Lithuania will
have to follow the same principles.
A role of environmental information is very
important while implementing the sustainable development strategy. Sufficient information helps
to make an evaluation if the current economic
policy is in compliance with sustainable development principles and good enough to implement the
objectives. On the other hand, these principles are
still not completely established in our country.
Moreover, just as compilation of this publication
has proved, we lack clear environmental indicators to assess the progress made in economic development of the country and minimization of pressure on environment. Lithuanian sustainable development strategy, which is currently under preparation by the Ministry of Environment together
with representatives from scientific institutions,
will help to fill in this gap. The strategy will foresee mid-term and long-term objectives, select indicators for evaluation of the progress achieved.
In principle, this publication differs from previous reports as it seeks to provide more information to decision-makers and all others who care
about environmental problems. Living environment depends on human influence. I do hope that
the material presented in this publication will provide a possibility for each reader to distinguish
major tendencies of changing environmental components and help to select proper measures for
implementation of sustainable development strategy of the country.
I would like to express my gratitude to the staff
of the Joint Research Center for their innovative
approach and all others who assisted in compilation of this publication or otherwise helped with
its preparation and publishing.
Arûnas Kundrotas
Minister of Environment
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The appearance of this publication has been influenced by few main factors. Firstly, it is a constantly
increasing demand for information on the state of
environment. Such information is needed to assist
other environmental institutions in setting up their
goals and enabling them to evaluate achieved
progress. Such information can help to identify environmental priorities where joint actions are needed
from local and central authorities in order to improve
the environment. Information analysis, justified
evaluation of the whole complex of data and facts
can help to find actual reasons that influence the state
of environment and assist in defining the optimal
measures for environmental policy.
Secondly, there is an existing demand for public awareness on the state of environment. Efforts
are made to provide the public with objective information about the state of environment as degradation of environment may affect human health. The
public has the right to know about potential threats
and measures taken by environmental institutions to
eliminate them.
The main objective of this publication is to provide answers to the following questions:
·
·
·
·
what processes happen in the natural environment?
why do they happen?
are changes influenced by the processes significant?
what are environmental measures taken so far?
Material for the publication has been collected
and the publication itself put into certain structure in
order to:
·
·
·
·
discuss major environmental problems, influencing the status of the main environmental sectors such as air, water, soil, and biota. Four chapters of the publication are used for that purpose;
discuss specific environmental problems related
to depletion of stratospheric ozone layer, radioactivity and waste management;
discuss some specific problems related to conservation of landscape;
discuss use of the main natural resources (except of fish).
The chapter on biota in its composition differs
from other sections that analyse the status of different environmental sectors. Emphasis in this chapter
is made on biodiversity conservation. In principle,
biodiversity is the main (and most probably the only)
parameter characterizing the status of biota. Talking
about the status of biota, it is impossible to avoid
description of the status of biodiversity. Meanwhile,
definition of biodiversity is rather broad. In order to
define what is biodiversity a lot of information is
needed on the status of all species of organisms living in every ecosystem, habitats as well as the status
of genetic diversity. However, it is not an intention
of this publication even if sufficient information is
available. Therefore, it concentrates on specific topics of biodiversity conservation although leaving out
diversity of genetic resources.
A very complex problem of landscape protection is also analysed only to a limited extend. It covers dynamics of the Baltic Sea coastline and karst
processes in Northern Lithuania. The chapter on landscape protection provides general information on
protected areas in Lithuania. Material presented in
the chapter gets off the tradition understanding of
landscape as it turns to biological diversity issues,
etc. However, the definition landscape is used in
this publication in broad sense as the whole complex of natural, social and economic processes and
factors as well as their inter-relations at certain time
and in certain place. The landscape is a complex with
its natural, cultural and aesthetic value.
The chapter on natural resources significantly
differs from other chapters of this publication as it
contains information about the use of natural environment. Availability of natural resources and possibility to use them provide favorable conditions for
the country to ensure economic wealth. Such countries as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Norway became
the riches countries in the world due to their natural
resources. Lithuania has limited number of renewable strategic resources such as oil. However, rather
sufficient amounts of solid resources are available
in Lithuania. At present renewable wildlife resources
allow to meet existing demands, but overuse of those
resources may have significant ecological and economic consequences. One of the main tasks for environmental institutions is to ensure sustainable use
of such resources. The countrys ability to rationally
use natural resources is partly a reflection of the abil7
State of Environment 2001
Executive summary
DPSIR model (driving force à pressure à state
à impact à response) has been developed by European Environment Agency basing on the conception prepared by OECD. Such model based on causality link principle is used by EEA and most of the
European countries in their reports about the state
of environment. Usually, EU Directives and UN Conventions set up quantitative objectives for countries
to achieve. Specific indicators provide a possibility
to evaluate progress made by the country in achieving the set objectives.
Apparently, applications of such or any other
model simplify processes that exist in reality. In fact,
links between different phenomena are very complicated and meaningful. However, analysis of the
main or consequential factors provides us with a
possibility, although sometimes very small, to feel
pulse of the health of environment and select the
treatment needed to stabilize it.
Each chapter of the publication starts with
the executive summary presenting:
·
·
·
·
·
objectives and tasks of the international and
national environmental policy in the context of
a specific sector;
existing situation in the context of a specific
sector;
main problems;
problems discussed in the publication;
indicators selected to present the problem.
Selected indicators represent the parts of DPSIR
model mentioned above. A summarizing conclusion
is presented in the end of analysis of each indicator.
The conclusion starts with conventional symbol that
presents trend of indicator:
J means a positive trend of indicator from environmental point of view. Driving forces develop
in the same direction, thus, having less negative
impact on environmental quality, pressure on
environment reduces, state of environment improves or environmental protection measures are
strengthened, etc.;
Figure 1. DPSIR model is used to define causality link between individual processes..
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?
means that indicator does not change;
means a negative trend of indicator from environmental point of view; driving forces develop
in the direction that intensifies negative impact
on environmental quality, pressure on environment increases, state of environment deteriorates
or environmental protection measures do not
give any results, etc.
due to changed data collection methods it is impossible to draw a conclusion on the direction
of changing trend of an indicator.
General evaluation of every analysed problem
is presented in the summary of the publication. The
summary also provides a table with all indicators used
in the publication.
K
L
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Table 1. List of indicators used in the publication
Driving forces
CLIMATE CHANGE
V1.1. Structure of energy
sources
Pressure on
environment
State, impact
A1.1. Greenhouse gas
emissions into environment
B1.1. Air temperature
change
B1.2. Precipitation change
B1.3. Sea water level
change in Klaipeda strait
G1.1. Number of boiler
houses reconstructed to
use biofuel
B2.1. Number of cases
when NO2 limit value is
exceeded
G2.1. List of measures to
improve ambient air
quality
AIR QUALITY
TRANSPORT IMPACT ON URBAN AIR QUALITY
V2.1. Number of
transport vehicles
A2.1. NOX, CO, CH4,
NMVOC emissions from
road transport sector
STRATOSPHERIC OZONE LAYER
DEPLETION OF OZONE LAYER
V3.1. Consumption of
B3.1. Total thickness of
ozone layer depleting
substances
EUTROPHICATION
V4.1. Size of milk and
meat production
V4.2. Number of cattle
A13.1. Crop area
ozone layer
WATER QUALITY
A4.1. Nb, Pb, BOD
emissions from point
pollution sources
GROUND WATER
A13.1. Crop area
10
G3.1. Suspension of
import and use of ozone
layer depleting
substances regulated by
the Montreal Protocol.
B4.1. Nb, Pb ir BOD
annual concentrations of
median trends in rivers
B4.2. Nb ir Pb average
annual concentrations in
the Curonian Lagoon
B4.3. Concentration of
Chlorophyl A in the
Curonian Lagoon
B4.4. Nb and Pb average
annual concentrations in
the Baltic Sea near the
coast
B4.5. Chlorophyl A
concentration in the Baltic
Sea
G4.1. Wastewater
treatment
G4.2. Taxes on pollution
by Nb, Pb and BOD
A5.1. Number of registered
oil spills
A5.2. Amount of collected
oil
A5.3. Number of
administrative fines and
civil actions for
environmental pollution
B5.1. Difference between
number of killed
waterfowls due to oil
spills out of total number
of dead waterfows
B5.2. Concentration of oil
products in the surface
water
G5.1. Number of
inspections (ships,
terminals) per year
G5.2. Differnce between
number of found and
penalized polluters out of
the total number of
polluters
-
sulphates in ground water
nitrates in ground water
-
OIL SPILLS IN CURONIAN LAGOON AND BALTIC SEA
V5.1. Storm winds (>20
m/s) in Klaipëda
V5.2. Oil cargo turnover
in Klaipëda harbour and
Bûtingë terminal
V5.3. A number of ships
entering the harbour
Measures to
improve the state
Pressure on
environment
State, impact
CONDITION OF SOIL
ACIDIFICATION OF MEADOW AND FOREST SOILS
V7.1. SO2, NOx and
NH3 emissions in EU
countries
A7.1. SO2, NOx and NH3
deposits from the
atmosphere
MANAGEMENT OF OBSOLETE PESTICIDES
A8.1. Number of pesticide
storage sites
B7.1. Change of forest
soil reaction
B7.2. Change of meadow
soil reaction and
influencing factors
G7.1. Liming of
Lithuanian soils
G12.1. Ratio of pure and
mixed forest stands
B8.1. Level of pollution
with pesticides in
investigated areas
G8.1. Number of utilised
pesticides
G8.2. Financing of
management of pesticide
storage sites
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE MANAGEMENT
A9.1. Collection of
municipal waste
A9.2. Generation of
hazardous waste
RADIONUCLIDE CONTAMINATION
V10.1. Part of nuclear
energy out of total
production of energy
V11.1. Number of
patients with malignant
tumour
A10.1. Radioactive releases
from INPP into air and
water
A10.2. Unplanned
operation shut downs
A10.3. Amount of spent
nuclear fuel disposed in the
nuclear fuel repository
A10.4. Amount of
radioactive waste produced
in Ignalina NPP
A11.1. Amount of imported
radioactive materials
A11.2. Registered cases of
illegal import, export and
storage of radionuclides
B10.1. Total âradioactivity of fall outs
B10.2. Volumetric activity
of radionuclide aerosols
B10.3. Radionuclide
concentrations in bottom
sediments of Drûkðiai lake
B10.4. Maximum relative
gamma dose rate annual
means
A12.1. Clear cut forest area
ratio with afforested area
A23.2. An area of burnt
forest
A23.3. Amount of illegal
timber fellings
A13.1. Crop area
A18.1. Violations of
protection regime of
protected areas
A25.1. A number of
cervidaes (red deers, elks,
roe) out of total evaluated
number of cervidaes
B12.1. Change of average
age of forest stands
B12.2. Average
defoliation of trees
B12.3. Area of damaged
forest stands
B13.1. Area of seminatural territories out of
total territories
B14.1. Abundance of
roe) out of total area
P15.1. Mortality rate of
wintering waterfowls
B15.1. Abundance of
Stellers Eider in
witnering sites by the
coast
B16.1. Change tendencies
of small mammals as a
feeding basis in separate
biotopes
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
V23.1. Export of round
and sawn timber
V13.1. Purchase of
agricultural crop
production
V13.2. Export of
agricultural crop
production
Measures to
improve the state
Driving forces
G9.1. Recycling of
secondary raw materials
G10.1. Number of
stationary radiation
meters in the border posts.
G11.1. Summarised part
of returned spent radiation
sources activity out of
total annual activity of
radioactive waste
G12.1. Ratio of pure and
mixed forest stands
G18.1. Establishment of
protected areas
G25.1. Number of permits
issued for hunting of
roe) out of total number
of evaluated cervidaes
G.24.1 List of wild flora
and fungi species
collection and trade of
which is restricted or
prohibited
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Driving forces
Pressure on
environment
CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSTIY
PROTECTED AREAS
V18.1. Number of
inhabitants in protected
areas
A18.1. Violations of
protection regime in
protected areas
A19.1. Amount of ground
dumped in deep water
TREND OF KARST PROCESSES
B1.1. Change of air
temperature
B17.1. Migrating fish
prevalence in Lithuanian
rivers
B17.2. Fish abundance
and biomass in
Lithuanian lakes
and biomass in the
Curonian Lagoon
and biomass in the Baltic
Sea
B18.1. A number of
species in protected areas
included into the
Lithuanian Red Data
Book out of total number
of species in the Red
Data Book
G18.1. Establishment of
protected areas
B19.1. Perennial balance
of surface coast drifts
G19.1. Financing of
coastline improvement
B20.1. Gypsum
denudation
P20.1. Development of
karst region
-
NATURAL RESOURCES
MINERAL RESOURCES
A21.1. Total extraction of
B21.1. Map on
-
-
mineral resources (except
of peat and oil)
A21.2. Peat extraction
A21.3. Oil extraction
distribution of mineral
resource deposits
V22.1. Surface water
consumption for diferent
economic needs
V22.2. Ground water
consumption for different
economic needs
A22.1. Amounts of surface
and ground water
abstraction
B22.1. Annual balance of
surface water resources
B22.2. Ground water
level
G22.1. Public investment
into water supply and
wastewater treatment s
V23.1. Export of round
and sawn timber
A23.1. Felling totals
A23.2. Burnt forest area
A23.3. Amount of illegal
timber felling
A12.1. Clear cut forest area
ratio with afforested area
B23.1. Change of timber
volume
B23.2. Forest cover
change
B12.2. Average
defoliation of trees
G23.1. Size of fine to
citizens for illegal felling
of trees and shrubs in
forest land
SURFACE AND GROUND WATER RESOURCES
FOREST RESOURCES
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Measures to
improve the state
LANDSCAPE PROTECTION
BALTIC SEA COASTLINE PROTECTION
V19.1. Cargo turnover in
Klaipëda port
V5.1. Storm winds (>20
m/s) in Klaipëda
State, impact
Pressure on
environment
State, impact
BERRIES, MUSHROOMS AND OTHER RESOURCES
V24.1. Purchase of
mushrooms, berries,
herbs or their parts, reeds
per year
GAME FAUNA RESOURCES
A25.1. A number of
-
roe) out of total evaluated
number of cervidaes
B.14.1. Abundance of
cervidaes (red deers,
elks, roe)
Measures to
improve the state
G24.1. List of wild flora
and fungi species
collection and trade of
which is restricted or
limited
Driving forces
G25.1. Number of
permits issued for hunting
of cervidaes (red deers,
elks, roe) out of total
number of evaluated
cervidaes
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Ambient air quality
Air pollution remains to be the main global environmental problem. Pollutants are persistant in the
air for rather long period of time and they are transported by air far from their origin source. In addition, air pollutants influence different processes such
as climate change (CO2, CH4, N2O), reduction of urban air quality (CO, non-methane VOC, NOx, SO2,
SP), formation of trophospheric ozone layer (CH4,
non-methane VOC, CO, NOx), acidification of soil
and surface water (NH 3, NO x, SO 2) as well as
euthrophication (NH3, NOx). It has an impact on human health, declining productivity of agriculture,
changes in biodiversity, poor state of forests, etc.
On international level first attempts to control
air pollution were made by signing the United Nations Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air
Pollution in 1979. The implementation of the Convention has proved that it was possible to achieve
significant results by joint efforts of all countries.
Two Protocols have been adopted for the implementation of the Convention during the first 10-15 years,
providing for the reduction of pollutants, which are
emited into the atmosphere and have a negative environmental impact. In order to stabilize climate
change processes the United Nations Convention on
Climate Change was sined in 1992. It controls greenhouse gase emissions into the atmoshpere (United
Nations Convention on Climate Change, 1995).
In European Union air quality is regulated by
11 main EU Directives and Resolutions (http://
europa.eu.int/comm/environment/enlarg/handbook/
air.pdf). Most of them set up requirements for the
road transport sector
other sectors
100%
90%
80%
use and storage of air polluting products (fuel, organic solvents).
Reduction of air pollution is among environmental priority tasks in our country. Lithuania has accessed to the aforementioned UN Conventions.
Lithuania has in principle completed transposition
of the EU air quality requirements into the national
legislation. Best progress has been achieved transposing EU requirements for pollution reduction in
energy and industrial sectors as well as evaluation
of air quality. Lithuania has committed itself to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere
by 8% compared with 1990 level. These requirements
are set up in Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations
Convention on Climate Change. Lithuania has also
made a commitment to ensure that SO2 emissions do
not exceed 142 000 tons per year, NOx 110 000
tons per year, non-methane volatile organic compounds 92 000 tons per year, NH3 84 000 tons
per year until 2010.
Economic sectors have different influence on
ambient air quality. The main influencing factors are
transport, industry, energy, agriculture and household
(Environment in the European Union at the turn of
the century, 1999).
According to statistics, mobile sources are the
main factors influencing air quality and climate
change in all Europe (Environmental signals 2001,
2001). The main pollutants emitted from mobile
sources are nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and
volatile organic compounds (see Figure 2). Pollutants from industry are emitted into the higher levels
of the atmosphere where they are dispersed over the large area. Meanwhile,
pollutants emitted from mobile sources
can generate close to the ground surface,
thus posing direct threat to human health.
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
NOx
CO
NMLOJ
NMVOC
KD
SO2
NH3
Fig. 2. Emissions from mobile sources of the total amount
of emissions. Data of 2000. Data base of Air Division of
the Ministry of Environment.
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Influence by mobile sources to urban air
quality. A number of road transport is selected as
the main indicator describing driving forces. During
five years of the last hunderd years registered number of vehicles increased by 40%. Obviously, not all
of them are used constantly. Situation can be better
reflected by amount of fuel consumed for road transport. According to statistics, the amount has decreased during the last few years. This indicator is
also used to calculate emissions from mobile sources
of individual pollutants. Althoug emissions from
mobile sources contain materials harmful to human
health such as lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the main air pollution problem in the cities is
caused by NO2 concentrations. Therefore, a number
of cases when single limit NO2 value is increased in
the areas with intensive transport has been selected
as an indicator describing the status of air quality.
Concentrations of pollutants emitted from other
mobile sources in the ambient air are relatively low
and usually do not exceed set limit values. A list of
environmental improvement measures indicate actions taken by environmental institutions in order to
reduce negative impact from mobile sources to ambient air quality.
Climate change is a global enviromental problem posing a serious threat to environment. Therefore, this chapter seeks to analyse Lithuanian input
into the global process. According to statistics, the
main sources of greenhouse gas emissions into the
atmosphere in Lithuania are energy, transport and
household where energy sector plays the major role.
According to energy consumption, in opposite to
other countries, industrial sector is not considered
among the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions
into the atmosphere in Lithuania(Environment in the
European Union at the turn of the century, 1999).
Thus, the sector is not analysed in this publication.
Transfer from organic energy sources to hydro- and
nuclear energy or the other way round may significantly influence pressure on environment. Hence, an
indicator structure of energy sources represents driving forces. This information has a special value in
the context of closure of Ignalina Nuclear Power
Plant. Three indicators are selected to describe processes of climate change. They include air temperature, amount of percipitation and change of the Baltic Sea water level in Klaipëda strait. An indicator
of a number of reconstructed boiler houses to use
biofuel reflects efforts of environmental institutions
made in order to use alternative energy sources and
reduce CO2 emissions consequently.
References:
Environment in the European Union at the turn of
the century, 1999, Copenhagen, pg. 446.
Environmental Signals 2001, 2001, Copenhagen,
pg.112.
Handbook for Implementation of EU Environmental Legislation http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/
enlarg/handbook/air.pdf
United Nations Convention on Climate Change,
1995, Vilnius, pg.35.
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Therefore, this chapter presents ambient air
quality in the light of transport influence on urban
air quality.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Driving forces
V1.1. Structure of energy sources
oil products
12
natural gas
coal
nuclear energy
other fuel
10
8
Mtne
Structure of energy from natural sources or produced energy.
6
4
2
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: Publications Lithuanian energy, 1994 2001 of the Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Lithuanian
Energy Institute
Primary energy structure in 2000 compared with
1993 has changed. Consumption of oil products and
coal decreased respectively by 50% and 80%. Use
of renewable energy sources has grown and today
makes about 8% in total balance of fuel and energy.
In 2000 the largest share of the total balance of energy sources belongs to nuclear energy 31%. This
has influenced reduction of CO2, SO2, NOx and VOC
emissions into the atmosphere.
Energy and transport are the largest sources of
greenhouse gas emissions as most of greenhouse
gases are caused by organic fuel burning processes.
Forecasts of Lithuanian economic development
foresee tendency of economic growth and, at the
same time, increase of energy demand. Therefore,
planned closure of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant will
influence an increase of pollution due to changes in
the structure of fuel balance.
J Decreased use of oil products and coal reduced CO2, SO2, NOx ir VOC emissions into the
atmosphere.
16
Pressure on environment
A1.1. Greenhouse gas emission into the atmosphere
Greenhouse gas emission according to sectors (CO2 equivalent).
8000
energy
7000
thousand tons
6000
5000
household
transport
4000
3000
2000
DATA SOURCE:
1000 Climatic data base CLIDATA of Hydrometeorological Service and Lithuanian Climate Reference Book
“Air Temperature, 1992, Vilnius”.
0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: Publication of the Department of Statistics at the Government of Lithuania Fuel and energy balance,
2001
Greenhouse gas emission is closely related to
economic changes and has similar trend. Fluctuation
of greenhouse gas emission (CO2 equivalent) in energy and transport sectors is explained in terms of
decreased production size and use of fuel. In household sector it is explained in terms of fuel structure
changes. Local fuel sources are used more often for
heat production.
Comparing the amount of CO2 emissions in the
context of emissions in other countries, in Lithuania
as well as in Latvia and Estonia the level of CO2
emissions into the atmosphere has been decreasing
during the last years due to decreased energy consumption.
J CO2 and CH4 emission have decreased due to declined production size and lower fuel
consumption as well as introduction of new technologies related to effective energy consumption.
17
State
B1.1. Changes of air temperature
Changes of air temperature year after year, sliding decades. Vilnius 1777-2001
8
°C
7
6
5
4
3
2
m etaverage
in is v idannual.
.
1
sliding
s lan
k ieji ddecades
e im t m eèiai
1997
1987
1977
1967
1957
1947
1937
1927
1917
1907
1897
1887
1877
1867
1857
1847
1837
1827
1817
1807
1797
1787
1777
0
DATA SOURCE: Climatic data base CLIDATA of Hydrometeorological Service and Lithuanian Climate Reference Book
Air Temperature, 1992, Vilnius.
Climate change research methods are based on year-after-year investigation results. A complex system forms
global climate. It covers not only atmosphere but also oceans, cryosphere, terrestrial land, fresh water and flora as well
as sun energy that forces changes in the whole system. Time of climate change is unlimited, but change of one part of
climate system can be observed in shorter intervals.
Atmosphere is the most active part of the climate system. Changing weathers indicate climatic fluctuations.
Analysing distribution of climate indicators (temperature, precipitation) and annual motion some features of climate
change became evident. Summarising data about temperature from the last two hundred of years and a temperature
curve of last decades, we can draw a conclusion that there were warmer and colder periods during all this time. The
difference between periods is 4-5oC.
If air temperature changes in the last decade
(1991-2000) are compared with the thirty years
(1961-1990) climatic norm, it becomes clear that
annual air temperature has raised by 0.8oC, winter
(in particular January) and first part of spring have
become warmer, and autumn became early and
colder. Winter has become warmer in the Eastern part
and spring in the Western and Southwestern parts of
Lithuania. Meanwhile, autumn has become colder
in the Eastern part of Lithuania (see Figure B1.1.1)
Fig. B1.1.1 Annual air temperature
Lithuania
LIETUVA
Vilnius
Varëna
Utena
Ukmergë
Telšiai
Ðilutë
Šiauliai
Raseiniai
Panevëþys
Nida
Lazdijai
Laukuva
Klaipëda
norm (1961-1990)
Kybartai
Kaunas,
Dotnuva
Dûkðtas
1991-2000
°C
Birai
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
“Air Temperature, 1992, Vilnius”.
18
Comparing air temperature changes in 2001 with
the climate norm of 1961-1990, it appears that air
temperature in different month varied. The average
air temperature in the last years was nearly the same
as the average temperature of 0.9oC in 1961-1990.
However, second part of winter (in particular January) and spring were warmer but first part of summer (June) and winter (December) was colder (see
Table B1.1.2).
Months/
Periods
1961-1990
1991-2000
Differences
2001
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
Annual
-5.1
-2.1
3.0
-0.9
-4.6
-2.2
2.4
-3.0
-0.7
0.6
1.3
-0.2
5.4
7.2
1.8
7.6
11.9
11.9
0.0
12.1
15.5
15.6
0.2
14.1
16.7
17.6
0.9
20.7
16.2
17.0
0.8
17.7
11.9
12.0
0.1
12.0
7.2
7.0
-0.2
9.1
2.0
1.2
-0.8
2.0
-2.4
-2.1
0.3
-5.6
6.2
7.0
0.8
7.1
K Situation remains rather stable, except of single annual variations providing they do not
have significant influence on climate (as a complex system).
B1.2. Changes in amount of precipitation
Changes of annual amount of precipitation in the territory of Lithuania.
800
norm (1961-1991)
700
1991-2000
600
2001
mm
500
400
300
200
100
0
annualM etinis
cold (11-03)
(11-03)p eriod
laikotarp io
Šaltojo
warm
(04-10)
p eriod
Šiltojo
(04-10)
laikotarp io
Precipitation is one of the most complicated climatic elements. The amount of precipitation is a conditional
quantity that depends on wind speed, composition of precipitation phases, size of raindrops and speed of fall. The
amount of precipitation cannot fully reflect an actual amount of precipitation fallen on the total area due to difference
in density of measurement network and spread surface heterogeneity. It happens that in case of no precipitation in a
month time or even longer period, suddenly a monthly norm or even double precipitation norm falls out just in few
hours.
The annual precipitation in Lithuania is 661.5
mm (year-after-year norm in 1961-1990 period).
According to the amount of precipitation, Lithuania
is located in surplus irrigation zone as only a part of
all precipitation evaporates. Comparing the amount
of the last decade with year-after-year norm, it is
obvious that the annual amount of precipitation remains nearly unchanged. However, the amount of
precipitation in different months has changed: increased in colder period, in particular in February.
19
Table B1.1.2 Changes in monthly air temperature (°C) for Lithuania
Comparing data from 2001 with year-after-year
climatic norm of many years, it is clear that the total
amount of precipitation has been higher 766 mm.
In colder period the amount has slightly increased,
but in warmer period increased significantly.
Summer months, in particular, second part and beginning of autumn (November) became drier. From
territorial point of view no significant regularities
can be noticed.
B1.3. Changes of water level in Klaipëda strait
Average annual water levels in Klaipëda strait and the Curonian Lagoon near Nida settlement in
1961-2000.
K laip ëd a s t rait
30
C u ro n ian L ago o n n ear N id a
25
20
15
cm
10
5
0
-5
-10
1999
1997
1995
1993
1991
1989
1987
1985
1983
1981
1979
1977
1975
1973
1971
1969
1967
1965
1963
-15
1961
K Situation remains rather stable, except fluctuations in some years providing they do not
have significant influence on climate (as a complex system).
DATA SOURCE: Database of the Marine Research Centre
Preparing diagrams of water level as an indicator, monitoring data from the Marine Research Centre is used. Analysis of average annual and average
monthly water levels in Klaipëda strait (Winter
harbour) and central part of the Curonian Lagoon
(Nida) is carried out. Strong attention is paid to
changes of water level in Klaipëda strait, as most of
background data covering a hundred years period
(1898-2000 m.) is available. During this period water level has raised by 1,35 mm per year. Basing on
the long-term trend of average water level (Barnett,
1984, cit. Raudsepp and other, 1999) this number
illustrates that water level in Southeastern Baltic
raises approximately 1,7 mm/year. According to
German scientist Stigge (1993), water level in Southeastern part of the Baltic Sea during a hundred years
raised in average by 15 cm. In different periods water level changes differ. From the middle of XXth
century water level tendency to rise became apparent, in particular, in colder season (Fig. B1.3.1 and
B1.3.2). In the last two decades a sudden rise of
water level has been observed in the light of shortterm average annual water level fluctuations. According to Lithuanian scientists (Jarrmalavièius,
Þilinskas, 1996), a sudden rise of water level (6,5
mm/year) from 1976 to 1990 cannot be explained
20
by izoastic fluctuations of earth-crust. Water level
rise in the last decades is related to more frequent
adequacy of warm and humid air streams in colder
period, global air circulation changes, stronger transfer from the west, rising air temperature, warm winters with higher amount of precipitation and less
snow, stronger influence from macro circulation processes that cover not only Lithuania (Bukantis,
Rimkus, Stankûnavièius, 2001). Rising water level
is influenced by increased volume of water (Robin,
1989, cit. Þaromskis, 2001), caused by rising water
temperature (Lazarenko, 1961; Basalykas, 1985).
Scientists and oceanologists from many countries
show their attention to rising level of the ocean. More
sudden rise of water level observed in the last decades is a matter of concern (Hofstede, 1993; Kalas,
1993). Basing on the calculations of different forecast, scenarios are prepared. They state that water
level will rise from 8 to 25 cm by 2025 and from 31
to 110 cm by 2100 providing that climate gets
warmer and so is water temperature, glaciers melt
depending on regional variations (International Conference of Climatologists, 1990, cit. Subrata Paul
and other, 1993). Rising water level is directly related to floods, erosion of coasts and stability of
hydrotechnical installations depend on water level
fluctuations.
50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
1950
average monthly water level
1955
1960
1965
1970
Linear (average monthly water level)
1975
ye ars
1980
1985
1990
1995
water level, cm
Fig. B1.3.1 Sliding average water level of 12 months in Klaipëda strait and rectilinear trend in
cold period (months 10 03) in 1950-2000
2000
DATA SOURCE: Database of the Marine Research Centre.
water level, cm
Fig. B1.3.2 Sliding average water level of 12 months in Klaipëda strait and rectilinear trend in
warm period (months 04-09) in 1950-2000
50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
1950
average monthly water level
1955
1960
1965
1970
Linear (average monthly water level)
1975
ye ars
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
DATA SOURCE: Database of the Marine Research Centre.
L Water level in Southeast Baltic near the coast of Lithuania rised by 14 cm during the last
hundred year.
Since the mid of XXth century rising water level tendency became very obvious, in particular, in cold period of a year. The tendency manifested itself in the last two decades.
References:
Basalykas A. Þemë þmonijos buveinë, 1985,
Vilnius, pg. 256
Bukantis A., Rimkus E., Stankûnavièius G. Lietuvos
klimato svyravimai ir kaita (ið: Klimato svyravimø poveikis
fiziniams geografiniams procesams Lietuvoje), 2001,
Vilnius, pg. 27-107
Jarmalavièius D., Þilinskas G. Pietinës ir Pietrytinës
Baltijos jûros daugiameèiø vandens lygiø svyravimo
ypatumai, 1996, Geografija 32, pg. 2832
Þaromskis R. Klimato pokyèiø poveikis Baltijos jûros
ir Kurðiø mariø krantams (ið: Klimato svyravimø poveikis
fiziniams geografiniams procesams Lietuvoje),
2001,Vilnius, pg. 122 -164
Hofstede J.L.A. Coastal defence policy in the Federal State of Schleswing-Holstein: adapting to changing
hydrographic conditions (from: International Workshop,
Sea Level Changes and Water Management, Session 6:
Costal management and measures to sea level rise), 1993,
VI - 3
IPCC. Climate change: the IPCC scientific assessment, Cambrige Universiteti Press, 1990, New York
Kalas M. Characteristic of sea level changes on the
Polish Coast of the baltic Sea in the last forty five years
(ið: International Workshop, Sea Level Changes and Water Management, Session 1: Observed Sea Level Changes
and Land Subsidence), 1993, I 51.
Stigge H.J. Sea level changes and high-water probability on the German Baltic Coast (ið: International Workshop, Sea Level Changes and Water Management, Session 1: Observed Sea Level Changes and Land Subsidence), 1993, I 19.
Raudsepp U., Toompuu A., Kouts T. A stochastic
model for the sea level in the Estonian costal area, Journal of Marine Systems 22, 1999, pg. 69-87
Subrata P., Zillur Rahman M., Bhuiya A.H. Sea level
rise and cyclonic disaster in the coastal belt of bangladech:
a perspective plan for disaster preraredness programme
(ið: International Workshop, Sea Level Changes and Water Management, Session 6: Costal management and measures to sea level rise), 1993, VI - 25.
Lazarenko N. N. Kolebanija urovnia moria,
Hydrometizdat, 1961, Leningrad, pg. 108.
21
Measures to improve the state
G1.1. Number of boiler houses reconstructed to use biofuel
Counties
Utenos county
Vilniaus county
Panevëþio county
Klaipëdos county
Kauno county
Alytaus county
Marijampolës county
Ðiauliø county
Tauragës county
Total
Number of boiler
houses
5
9
7
8
8
4
4
1
6
52
DATA SOURCE: Publication Possibilities for use of biofuel
in Lithuania, 2000, Vilnius.
Since 1993 Lithuania participates in the Swedish environmental energy systems programme which
aims to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources in the Baltic Region and Eastern European countries. This programme is implemented through co-operation with the Swedish National Energy Administration (STEAM). Within the
frame of the programme more than 10 projects have
been implemented and their total investment
amounted to more than 4 mln. USD. Part of boiler
houses have been newly constructed or reconstructed
with the assistance from AB Kazlø Rûdos metalas,
UAB Germeta and UAB Singaras. Today there
are 52 boiler houses using wood for fuel that are new
or reconstructed. Total average heat production from
boiler houses using wood reached up to 466,4 thousand MWh., while total production was 16,6 million
MWh in Lithuania in 1999. A National Energy Strategy adopeted by Lithuanian Parliament (Decision No.
VIII 1348, dated October 5, 1999) foresees intensive use of renewable energy sources. A strong emphasis is made on use of recycled forest and timber
waste. More boiler houses of such type are concentrated around Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipëda as there
are more sawmills located in the area and more timber waste recycled.
Tax for 1 TJ of energy produced from burning
timber is approximtely 126 Lt, and from burning coal
approx. 659 Lt.
J Use of wood fuel is more favorable from environmental point of view. An amount of heat
produced in the reconstructed boiler houses forms only a small part of a total amount of
energy produced in the country. However, use of cleaner technologies improves situation
at the local level.
22
TRANSPORT IMPACT ON URBAN AIR QUALITY
Driving forces
V2.1. A number of vehicles
other road vehicles
petrol
dysel
1400
1200
1200
1000
1000
800
800
600
600
400
400
200
200
0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
thousand tons
thousand units
motor cars
1400
0
DATA SOURCE: Publications of the Department of Statistics at the Government of Lithuania Transport and communications, 1997 - 2001
From 1996 to 2000 a total number of road vehicles has increased by approx. 40%. A number of
motor cars in the priod of 1996-2000 has increased
by some 49%. In 2000 there were 1055.7 thousand
motor cars older than 10 years and their share accounted to 90% of a total number of motor cars. In
1997 there were 84% of such cars, while in Latvia
and Estonia motor cars of that age formed 80% and
71%m respectively. Although a number of vehicles
used in Lithuania increased, a total amount of fuel
consumed decreased by 6%. This number proves
more effective use of vehicles.
L A total number of road vehicles as well as threat to air pollution increases, in particular in
larger cities where traffic is more intensive.
23
A total number of vehicles registered in Lithuania
A2.1. NOX, CO, CH4, NMVOC emission from road transport sector
250
200
thousand tons
Antrophogenic pollutants emitted from Lithuanian transport sector, tons per year, evaluated
according to the amount of consumbed fuel
NOx
150
NMVOC
NM
LOJ
100
CO
CH4
50
0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: A publication of the Department of Statistics at the Government of Lithuania Fuel and energy balance,
2001.
The main source of pollutant emission in
Lithuania, as in many other countries, are mobile
pollution sources. A share of pollutant emission from
road transport in 2000 accounted to 97% of a total
emission amount, and from other transport means
(railway, aviation, navy, etc.) - only 3%.
The structure of pollutants remains similar to
earlier years. The largest share belongs to carbon
monoxide (CO) 73.8%, nitrogen oxide 13.2%,
non-methane volatile organic compounds 12.9%.
The largest share of fuel consumed by transport
in 2000 belongs to dysel approx. 50%. Liquefied
gas consumption in transport increased by 76% in
2000 in comparison with 1996.
Despite the increased number of motorcars in
Lithuania, the total amount of consumed fuel in 2000
decreased by 6% compared with 1996.
J Due to the declined consumption of fuel, the amount of pollutants emitted from mobile
sources also decreased.
24
State
B2.1. Number of cases when NO2 limit value is exceeded
During investigations air is absorbed through filters for 30 minutes and NO2 concentration in each
sample is compared with a single limit value of 85 mg/m3 that is valid in Lithuania.
number of cases
80
1997
1999
60
2000
2001
50
40
30
20
10
nëra d.
0 0
0
0
0
0
Vilnius
Klaipëda
Kaunas
Këdainiai
Naujoji Akmenë
DATA SOURCE: Joint Research Center.
During the last years the main source of pollutant emission in the largest cities was from mobile
pollution source. Nitrogen oxide emissions have significant impact on air quality. According to research
data, in case of unfavorable metheorological conditions to dispersion of pollutants, concentrations of
nitrogen dioxide often exceed the allowable limit
value near streets and cross-roads where traffic is
heavy. The most frequent detection of exceeded limit
value was in Vilnius in 1997-1999 (no data is available from 2000 and 2001) near streets where traffic
is heavy. Values of this indicator at the cross-road of
Kalvarijø Kareiviø streets fluctuated from 52 to 73
cases per year. Less cases from 8 to 43 - identified
in Kaunas and Klaipëda where traffic is less inten-
sive. Fluctuations of this indicator were influenced
not only by the amount of pollutants emitted but also
by differeny metheorological conditions. Main parameters that influence dispersion of pollutants are
wind speed and direction, state of the surface atmosphere layer, precipitation. In large cities unfavorable conditions for dispersion of pollutants appear
when the weather is quiet, temperature inversion due
to fall of the earth surface temperature occure at night
and in the early morning hours causing vertical mixture of air and accumulation of pollutants on the surface of earth. When the weather is influenced by
cyclones formed over Atlantic, intensive mixture of
air streams appear and pollutants are quickly dispersed or washed away by precipitation.
Fig. B2.1.1 Recurrence of cases in Kaunas when NO2 limit value is exceeded and wind is weak
Kaunas
number of
cases
30
exceeded number
still weather
%
14
12
25
10
20
8
15
6
10
4
5
2
0
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Hydrometeorological Service, Joint Research Centre
25
1998
70
In Këdainiai and Naujoji Akmenë where transport is not that heavy, limit values are exceeded only
in some years. Pollutants emitted from stationary
sources have stronger impact to pollution of ambient air in smaller industrial centres. Higher concentrations can be observed in these towns only when
wind blows from the direction of large industries.
In 2001, NO2 limit value was exceeded from July
23 to 26 in Naujoji Akmenë when weak northern
wind was blowing from the direction of AB
Akmenës cementas.
In the future air pollution with nitrogen oxides
will increase near heavy traffic crossroads, providing that there is growing number of vehicles in cities.
K Amount of emitted pollutants and meteorological conditions have strongest impact on
air pollution. Depending on air conditions, NO2 concentration in some years exceeded
the limit value and in other years just a few cases were observed. Presently applied calculation methods of pollutants emitted from transport are not sufficient to draw reliable
conclusions on development of this indicator in heavy traffic places without detailed
investigations.
26
G2.1. A list of measures to improve ambient air quality
CO
M anufactured until O ctober 1, 1986
P ercent of volum e
4
H ydrocarbons
ppm
1200
M anufactured after O ctober 1, 1986
3
600
0.5
0.3
100
100
W ith three com ponent neutralization system s for
exhausted gas:
-at m inim u m frequency of revolution
-at regulated by m anufacture but not less
frequent revolution than 2000 m in. -1
Pollution norm s for m otor cars w ith O tto engines that are in use
Exhausted fum e standard for vehicles with diesel fuel engines
Turbo non-inflatable
Turbo inflatable
C oefficient of light
absorption, m -1
2.0
O ptim al density, percentage
2.5
66
58
C om pulsory qualitative indicators
N am e of co m pulsory qualitative indicator
m in. lim iting value
m ax. lim iting value
All type of petroleum (except aviation fuel)
A m ount of lead
-
0.013g/l
A m ount of benzene
-
5.0 % volum e
-
0.05% of m ass
A m ount of sulpher
D iesel fuel for road (m otor cars) transport
A m ount of polycyclic aro m atiniu hydrocarbons
-
11% of m ass
A m ount of sulpher
-
0.035% of m ass
51
-
C etanic num ber
Liquefied gas for road transport (according to GO ST 27578-87)
U nsaturated hydrocarbons
Q uantity of propane when air tem perature is
above m inus 20 0 C
W hen air tem perature is low er than m inus 20 0 C
Q uantity of sulphur and sulphur com pounds
-
6% of m ass
40% of m ass
-
80% of m ass
-
0.01% of m ass
Liquefied gas for road transport (according to EN 589)
Engine octanic num ber
89
-
Total am ount of sulphur
-
0.01% of m ass
Normative documents LAND 14-2000 and
LAND 15-2000 setting up requirements for quality
of exhausted gas were approved by the Order of the
Minister of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania
No. 89 dated 8 of March 2000.
Seeking to improve the quality of oil products,
Ministers of Economy, Environment and Transport
of the Republic of Lithuania issued the Order No.135/
221/137 dated April 20, 2001 approving quality indicators for petrol, diesel fuel and liquified gas used
in Lithuania. Transposing requirements of the EU
Council Directive No.1999/32/EB relating to Reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels and
the EU Council Directive No. 98/70/EB relating to
Quality of petrol and diesel fuels, some compulsary
qualitative indicators became stricter. Environmental indicators for petrol and diesel fuel quality were
approved by the Orders No.438/268/266 of Ministers of Environment, Economy and Transport of the
Republic of Lithuania. These indicators regulate
sulfhur amount in fuel oil and gasoline, environmental quality parameters for petroleum and diesel fuel
and determines special regulation conditions for use
of fuel oil and gasoline as well as control measures
for petroleum and diesel fuel market. Since January
1st, 2005 sulphur content in petrol has to be reduced
to 50 mg/kg. Quantity of benzene has to decrease to
1% of volume.
J Requirements for quality of petrol and exhausted gas became stricter with the help of
newly adopted documents in the last few years.
27
Stratospheric ozone layer
Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer increases ultra-violetn radiation which cause development of skin cancer. In the beginning it was only
observed by scientists. Whereas, when a significant
depletion of the ozone layer was observed around
1980s, this problem received appropriate attention
at the political level.
The thinnest ozone layer (30-40% of its usual
thickness) was observed over Antarctica. In 1998
the largest so-called ozone hole was observed
reaching 27 million km2. This area is equil to the
territory of Europe (Environment in the European
Union at the turn of the century, 1999). Since 1990
similar observations have been made over Antarctica.
Today it is known that the main reason for
depletion of ozone layer use of special chemical
materials produced by people. Already in the beginning of 1970s, first concern about negative impact of halogen compounds made from chlorine,
fluorine, bromine, carbon and hydrogen, to the
stratospheric ozone layer was expressed. Half an age
chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) that are inert, very stable,
inflammable and non-toxic, easy to handle, cheap
to produce were considered as a miracle invention
to satisfy needs of the society. In 1928 it was discovered that CFC are suitable materials for cooling
equipment. Since 1950s they started to be widely
used in other industrial sectors: production of plastic foam, aerozoles, as a solvent in production of
metering equipment all over the world and in
Lithuania. Each decade the society came up with a
new area for adoption of these materials.
In the beginning it was supposed that only CFC
deplete the ozone layer. However, with the development of science it was recognized that other
chemical materials such as halones (used for fire
fighting), methylchloroform (solvent), carbon tetrachloride (solvent), methylbromide (pesticide and
fungicide), hydrobromofluorocarbons HBFC,
hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFC (used instead of
CFC) also deplete the ozone layer. HCFC invented
for temporarily replacement of CFC also deplete the
ozone layer only on smaller scale.
Aerozolic chlorine and bromine compounds are
very stable, whereas they disintegrate under the influence of short wave sun radiation in the stratosphere. Even one atom of chlorine or bromine released during chemical reactions may deplete thou28
sands of ozone molecules, thus causing the ozone
holes.
First attempts on international level to prevent
further depletion of the ozone layer were made in
1985 when Vienna Convention was signed. The
Montreal Protocol of Vienna Convention approved
a timetable for phase out of ozone depleting substances. In 1992 in Copenhagen limits for HCFC
production were set up. European Union sets forward even stricter requirements as it is done in the
Protocol of the Convention.
Lithuania signed Vienna Convention on Protection of Ozone Layer and Montreal Protocol in 1995
and ratified London and Copenhagen amendments
to the Protocol in 1998.
Lithuania is not a producer of ozone depleting
substances. All of such substances needed in household are imported. First of all, an indicator Consumption of ozone layer depleting substances shows how
widly regulated materials are used in the country.
From the other point of view, consumption of pure
materials is related to emission of regulated materials into the atmosphere. Even when appropriately
handled, some of them are released into the atmosphere. Thus, this indicator was selected in order to
identify driving forces of the environment. In 2000,
comparing with 1995, consumption of ozone layer
depleting substances in Lithuania declined by 88%.
In the last years, the main consumers of ozone layer
depleting substances were the sectors of cooling and
air conditioning equipment of operation and maintenance.
A total thickness of ozone layer measured in
Kaunas provide a picture of its trend over Lithuania
that is influenced by global processes. An input from
our country to such processes is rather low. Nevertheless, Lithuania has committed itself to all the requirements of the Montreal Protocol. An indicator
of Import and phase out of ozone depleting substances that are under the Montreal Protocol identifies measures taken by the country in order to diminish its input into the process of ozone layer depletion.
References:
the century, 1999, Copenhagen, pg. 446
DEPLETION OF THE OZONE LAYER
Driving forces
V3.1. Consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS)
450
methylbromide (exceptional cases)
400
HCFH
350
carbon tetrachloride (exceptional cases)
methylbromide
Calculated level, tons
Consumption of ozone depleting substances in Lithuania is defined by a formula: consumption of
pure (unused) ODS = import of pure ODS export, that shows an existing demand for pure substances
in Lithuania. This publication also provides an evaluation of the consumption in cases that are
exceptions according to the Montreal Protocol. Consumption level of a specific controlled substance
is calculated multiplying consumed amount of the substance expressed in meters by potential of the
ozone depletion, specified for this substance in annexes of the Montreal Protocol.
halons
methylcloroform
CFC
carbon tetrachloride
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1995
1996
1997
years
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: Chemical Materials Division of the Ministry of Environment.
The amount of ozone depleting substances
needed to satisfy demands in Lithuania are imported.
A diagram provides data about consumption of ozone
depleting substances in Lithuania from 1995 to 2000.
Data about ODS are presented using the calculated
level, i.e. after the evaluation of negative impact of
ozone depleting substances.
In 1995 55% of ODS (mostly CFC12 and freon
12) were used in cooling and air conditioning equipment, 13% - in production of aerozoles, 20% - for
fat removal and treatment, 12% - other purposes. The
main consumer of ODS in Lithuania is cooling and
air conditioning sector.
J Lithuania implemented its commitment to reduce import of these substanced by 86% in
2000 comparing with 1996. Although import of pure materials for use in cooling, air
conidition and fire fighting equipment maintenance is refused, utilised materials may be
still in use for some time.
29
State
B3.1. Thickness of total ozone layer
2001 m
2001
19932000
1993
- 2000 m
550
450
dobsonai
400
350
300
250
361
346
331
316
301
286
271
256
241
226
211
196
181
166
151
136
121
106
91
76
61
46
31
16
200
1
500
days dienos
DATA SOURCE: Total ozone layer measurements performed by Kaunas meterological station of Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service.
Since 1993, the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service observes thickness of ozone layer by filter ozonemeter M-124 in Kaunas, and since 2000
started obesrvations and measurements of ultra-violet rays by UV-Biometer in Kaunas and Palanga.
Period of observations is not sufficient to make
deeper analysis, although it is possible to state that,
in principle, changing tendency of total ozone layer
thickness corresponds to tendencies of measurement
results received from other regional stations. Thickness of total ozone layer over Northern Hemisphere
is the largest in spring and smallest in autumn and
winter. In January, March and April of 2001 comparing with averages of 1993 2000, thickness of
ozone layer was higher by 7 11 percent, in July
and August lower by 10 11 percent. Comparing
annual levels, an average in 2001 was lower by 0,3
percent than in 1993 2000.
It should be noted that accumulation of ozone
depleting substances in the atmosphere continues
even when their emission is decreased. Any changes
in concentrations of these substances or meteorological conditions may have a global impact, i.e. pollution increase in other country has an impact on the
ozone layer over Lithuania, and the other way round.
In 2001 ozone layer depletion was below dangerous limit. The thinnest ozone layer of 230 Dobson units was registerd on 17th of November 2001.
K The situation is stable. Althoug the average in 2001 is lower by 0,3%, this difference is not
significant.
30
G3.1. Import and phase out of ozone depleting substances that are controled by the
Montreal Protocol
Methylcloroform
Carbon tetrachloride
Hydrofluorocarbons
HCFC
Hydrobromofluorocarbon
s HBFC
Methylbromide
Import/phase out actions
Import of pure substances is prohibited from January 1, 2001.∗
Phase out of utilised substances from maintenance of cooling
and air conditioning equipment is planned in 2003 2004.
Import of pure substances is prohibited from January 1, 2001*
Phase out of halons from existing installations is planned in
2003 2004 and dismounting of installations or replacement by
fire fighting systems filled in with halons is planned untill the
EU membership.
Import of pure substances is prohibited from January 1, 2001*
Use of these substances is allowed only for special laboratory
analysis and in exeptional cases.
Prohibition on import of pure and utilised substances is planned
from 2010.
Phase out of utilised substances in maintenance of cooling and
air conditioning equipment from 2015.
Not used in Lithuania
Prohibition on supply to the market and consumption of this
substance will be valid from 2005*, except of its use for
quarantine and processing before export.
DATA SOURCE: Chemical Materials Division of the Ministry of Environment.
On January 18, 1995 Lithuania signed Vienna
Convention on Protection of Ozone Layer of 1985
and the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances of 1987, and on February 2, 1998 ratified
London and Copenhagen ammedments to this Protocol.
In 1996 Lithuania prepared and approved a National programme for Phase out of ozone depleting
substances, that was revised in 1997. Basing on the
programme, in 2001 Lithuania prohibited use and
import of pure CFC, methylchloroform, carbon tetrachloride, halons (with special exceptions when no
effective alternative measures are available for replacement). Seeking EU membership, Lithuania has
committed itself to prohibit import of HCFC and
methylbromide earlier than it is set up in the
Montreal Protocol.
In order to implement the Programme for phase
out of ozone depleting substances, a number of investment projects have been implemented with financing from Global Environment Facility. These
projects have helped to phase out ODS from cooling equipment and production of aerosoles. ODS are
not used in the production of refrigerators in
Lithuania. As a result of implemented investment
project on refrigerant CFC 12 recovery and recycling, 16 enterprises received equipment for recov-
ery of this refrigerant, 3 enterprises were provided
with primary treatment facilities. Seminars on refrigerants recovery and recycling to were conducted
to specialists working with maintenance of cooling
and air conditioning equipment. Used CFC 12 is
permitted to be used as a supplement for existing
installations as well as for maintenance.
Supply of ODS into the market is regulated
though single permits issued for the import of those
substances into Lithuania. Single import permits are
issued following requirements of the Montreal Protocol on control of ODS trade with other countries.
In order to ensure safe handling of ODS and control
of their consumption, enterprises related to ODS
handling (in particular, wholesale and storage of
ODS) have their commercial activities regulated.
Such enterprises must have a special licence issued
by the Ministry of Environment. Seeking to reduce
ODS emission into the atmosphere, the draft Law
on Pollution Taxes foresees taxes for emission of
these substances into the environment and penalties
in case emissions exceed the set limits.
Futher actions to phase out ODS in Lithuania
as well as to reduce emissions into the atmosphere
are foreseen for the period of 2002 2004. Import
of products and articles with ODS to Lithuania will
be prohibited, measures promoting ODS recovery
* Prohibition to import to Lithuania and use substances is not applied in exceptional cases when the Montreal
Protocol allows to use controled substances due to absance of effective replacement measures.
31
Substance or group of
substances
Chlorofluorocarbons CFC
(CFC 12 or freon 12,
CFC 113 or freon 113,
etc.)
Halons
from intallations while maintaining or dismounting
will be implemented and recovered substances collected. In order to reduce ODS emission from installations during their maintenance or dismounting,
it is foreseen to strengthen control of ODS recovery
and installations containing ODS. In addition, it is
foreseen to limit prohibition on use of HCFC only
to particular areas.
Consumption of ODS has decreased in
Lithuania due to implemented measures.
J Today Lithuania is in full compliance with the Montreal Protocol requirements that are
set for developed countries and there are plans to set up even stricter requirements than
the ones of the Montreal Protocol. Present strategy for ODS management in Lithuania is
formed taking into consideration countrys political decision to become a member of
European Union.
32
Water quality is assessed on the basis of quantity of pollutants reaching water bodies and their
characteristics. The main polluters of water bodies
are household, industry and agricultural sectors. Discharges from household and industry are considered
as point source pollution, meanwhile, agricultural
sector is a non-point source pollution. Such division
gives a background information about the nature of
dispersion.
In order to have good water quality, a strong
attention is given to such materials that cause pollution eutrophication, water acidification processes and
threat to human health. Pesticides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, heavy metals are just few to be mentioned. The main 17 EU directives in water sector
provide basis for the management of these problems
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/enlarg/handbook/water.pdf. Some of them have an objective to
maintain water quality, others minimise pollution
discharges, cover aspects of integrated management
of water resources and quality assessment. Lithuania,
as other countries that are parties to the Convention
on the Baltic Sea Environmental Protection, has the
same objectives.
Lithuania has made a progress in minimising
pollution from point sources. Modernised or newly
constructed wastewater treatment plants in the largest cities enabled Lithuania to reduce total pollution
load to surface water by half. In the last decade an
area of cultivated land was reduced to approximately
one third, cattle-breeding and poultry farming decreased more than twise, farming principles changed.
Thus, non-point source pollution from agriculture had
to be reduced as well.
According to the surface water monitoring data,
the main problem of water quality in Lithuania is
rather high trophication of water bodies caused by
pollution.
Increased water acidity is one of the main problems in Scandinavian countries, as in many other
countries where water bodies have low quantity of
carbonates. This problem is not specific to Lithuania
though and it is not discussed in this publication.
In Lithuania pollution with hazardous substances has a local character. It is more related to
single emergency cases. This subject is also left out
of the publication. However, additional discussion
is required on intensive oil recycling and export activities as one of the strongest environmental pollution risk factors. This chapter is limited to oil spills
in the Cronin Lagoon and the Baltic Sea as one of
the most acute problems from environmental and
political point of view. This problem is closely related to operation quality of Bating Oil Terminal.
Discussion on ground water quality also requires special attention. Firstly, due to the fact that
ground water is the only drinking water source in
Lithuania and its quality of ground water is directly
linked with human health. Discharge of polluted
water into the ground water aquifers is strictly prohibited in Lithuania. In such way, it seems that there
is no threat to ground water quality. However, due
to non-point source pollution caused by intensive
agricultural activities, cattle breeding and poultry
farming, fertilizer storage sites, leachate from landfills, quality of ground water in many territories is
of concern. According to data, ground water is mostly
polluted with nitrogen in all Lithuania and with fluoride, sulphate and chloride in the Northern part of
the country. This chapter covers few main aspects
of ground water quality development. Another serious problem of drinking water quality is not discussed in this publication. Drinking water is influenced by the quality of natural ground water resources, effectiveness of iron removal from drinking water, state of centralized drinking water supply
network. Nitrates prevail in dug wells and cause another acute problem. Today there are 300 thousand
Eutrophication is an ordinary and natural phenomenon. It is a process when water ecosystems were
concentrations of nutrients (biogenic substances) are low transform into ecosystems with high concentrations of nutrients. Due to human activities this process became very active causing degradation of water
ecosystems. It is defined by prevailing biomass of phytoplankton algae (water blossom), deficit of oxygen,
and increased amount of transported materials, decreased fauna diversity. Lakes with biogenic substances
overgrow with algae. Thus, aesthetic and recreational values of such lakes are lost. Deficit of oxygen pose a
threat on fish extinction, which may have rather significant economic consequences.
33
Water quality
dug wells (2-5 meters deep) in Lithuania. They serve
1/4 of all Lithuanian inhabitants (assessment of
implementation consequences of Directive 98/83/EB
on the quality of water intended for human consumption // Client European Committee at the Government of Lithuania. Executed by Dr. Bernardas
Paukðtys. Vilnius, 2001). High concentrations of nitrates prevail in half of all dug wells.
Another serious problem is bacteriological and
microbiological pollution in natural bathing water.
Since 2002 a Bathing Water Monitoring Program was
approved and detailed investigations of bathing water started. It is foreseen to implement the bathing
water monitoring program until the end of 2004.
During the implementation analysis of the state of
bathing water, cause-effect relation, factors affecting the quality, programs established to improve the
state will be carried out. As detailed activities have
just started, water quality from microbiological point
of view is not analysed in this publication.
Eutrophication. The main chemical substances
influencing eutrophication intensity are nitrogen and
phosphorus compounds. Therefore, eutrophication
process is caused by economy branches where discharged wastewater is highly polluted with such compounds. Municipal wastewater has the largest share
of input. The quantity of wastewater is closely related to the number of population of households and,
thus, it is not discussed in this publication. Discharges
from dairies and meat processing enterprises contain rather high concentrations of biogenic and organic substances and they were selected as the main
indicator that reflects regulated forces of point source
pollution. To characterize non-point source pollution
two indicators were selected. One is a cultivated land
(described in the chapter on Biodiversity Conservation), another a number of cattle. The latter in a
complex way reflects the development of cattle
breeding and poultry farming, which are the main
biogenic sources discharged together with manure
and sewage into the environment and a level of potential impact on eutrophication. The cultivated land
reflects extensiveness of farming and indirectly specifies the dimension of areas where use of fertilizers is
allowed. Annual consumption of fertilizers could be
an appropriate indicator, however, due to lack of data
it cannot be used at this stage.
Pressure on the environment is assessed using
data on N, P and BOD discharges from point pollution sources. Due to different calculation methodic
that are used and hardly comparable results, it is
impossible to assess the amount of substances discharged from agriculture. According to the statistical data, cattle breeding and poultry farming were
34
more intensive in Lithuania in soviet period. Manure
and sewage collection reservoirs were constructed
only in the large farms. Other farms discharged manure and sewage directly into water bodies. Situation has improved with changing attitude to farming
and reduced number of cattle-breeding farms. However, territories of the farms left over from the soviet
period, due to their negligence to environment in the
past, form zones of increased pollution. Large quantities of nutrients are washed away from these territories.
Meanwhile, development processes in plant production had less revolutionary character. With changing structure of cultivated land only some changes
reduced leakage of nutrients, for example, ploughing of pastures has even increased it. Bearing in mind,
that large quantities of fertilizers have been used in
soviet times without any attention to their impact on
the environment, and relatively small amounts were
used recently, most likely, today, the pressure on environment is lower. However, it was noticed that if
uncultivated land is not taken care of for at least few
years, leakage of nutrients will be higher for at least
some years.
Large quantities of unused nutrients reserve in
soil, slow implementation of agroenvironmental
measures as well as strong momentum of natural
processes do not provide a sufficient basis to consider that pressure on environment has significantly
diminished due to diffused pollution in the last decade.
In order to describe eutrophication levels in surface water bodies, following indicators were used:
fluctuation of the average annual concentration of
total N and total phosphorus in rivers, the Cronin
Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. The average annual fluctuation of BOD in rivers indicates the level of organic pollution and its indirect impact on eutrophication processes. The concentration of chlorophyll
A, pigment of plankton algae that causes photosynthesis in the Baltic Sea and the Cronin Lagoon,
directly indicate the productivity of a water body,
eutrophication level and pressure with biogenic substances. Eutrophication of lakes is also a serious problem, although not discussed in this publication.
The most effective measure to reduce point
source pollution is an improvement of wastewater
treatment quality. Introduction of complete biological treatment enables to reduce N and P discharges
into surface waters. Pollution taxes on total N, total
P and BOD serve as economic measures to encourage polluters to reduce their discharges and comply
with the EU requirements and objectives of the
Lithuanian environmental protection strategy.
Agricultural development is one of the main
factors that determines underground water quality,
namely its upper part ground water on a country
scale. Meanwhile, dynamics of cultivated land (see
the chapter on Biodiversity Concservation) could
partly give a slight and indirect hint on change of
driving forces with respect to ground water quality.
Under natural conditions ground water quality is
determined by physical, geographical, climatic,
airgraphic, hydrographic, biological, geological as
well as hydrogeological factors (Lietuvos gamtinë
aplinka, Lithuanias Environment, 1994). Depending on a balance of these factors even under the identical conditions of diffused pollution, ground water
quality may differ. The concentration of nitrates in
ground water is an indicator used to determine
ground water quality in Lithuania. A quality of deeper
aquifers used for drinking purpose is determined by
concentrations of sulphates and chlorides in ground
water. The change of both parameters limited by
drinking water standards are presented using an example from Klaipëda wellfield.
Protection of ground water quality is very important when people take drinking water from wells.
Ground water quality is usually influenced by local
pollution, the main reason for pollution is not clear,
major environmental protection measures are directed towards alternative supply of drinking water
to people, for example, installation of dug wells,
rather than improvement of the environment. However, due to lack of comprehensive data no reliable
indicator was selected that could help to evaluate
improvement measures.
References:
enlarg/handbook/water.pdf
Assessment of implementation consequences of Directive 98/83/EB on the quality of water intended for human consumption // Client European Committee at the
Government of Lithuania. Executed by Dr. Bernardas
Paukðtys. Vilnius, 2001
Lithuanias Environment. Status, processes, trends,
1994, Vilnius, pg.114
35
Oil spills in the Curonian Lagoon and the
Baltic Sea. One of driving forces posing potential
threat to the environment is transportation of oil and
oil products through Klaipëda harbor and Bûtingës
terminal. Oil cargo turnover in Klaipëda Harbor and
Bûtingë Terminal indirectly shows the risk level. Oil
is discharged into water not only from tankers but
also from other ships together with ballast water, in
case of accidents, etc. Growing ship traffic increases
possibility of ship collision. Hence, a number of ships
entering the harbour, technical condition of ships,
fuel used illustratesp potential oil pollution risk.
Basing on year-after-year experience, accidents with
significant ecological consequences happen when
weather conditions are unfavorable. Thus, frequency
of storm winds (>20 m/s) at the coast is an indicator
used to reflect influencing power of nature.
Typically it is difficult to exactly assess oil spill
size in case of an accident. Therefore, three indirect
indicators are used in this publication to evaluate the
pressure on environment, namely, a number of registered oil spills, amount of oil collected, and administrative penalties as well as civil action imposed
for environmental pollution. Partly it helps to estimate pressure.
A number of birds that die due to oil spills out
of a total number of birds killed represents an impact of oil spills to bird populations, although, due
to unequal abundance of bird populations and concrete localisation of oil spills, this indicator is insufficient to demonstrate the impact. An indicator showing the concentration of oil products in water of the
Bûtingë terminal environment facilitate evaluation
of impact from operation of Bûtingë terminal to the
environmental quality.
A number of inspections carried out in the ships
and Bûtingë terminal per year and a number of
penalised polluters indicate an improvement of the
inspection work in order to prevent pollution and
compensate damage made to the environment.
EUTROPHICATION
Driving forces
V4.1. Milk and meat production scale
3500
meat production
3000
thousand tons
Amount of meat and meat products produced and a milk yield received (thousand tons) in 19902000.
milk production
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1990
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: The Department of Statistics at the Government of the Republic of Lithuania
A part of wastewater is discharged from meat
processing industries and dairies. Chemical composition of discharges from meat processing industries
and dairies is similar chemical composition of discharges from household, but with higher concentrations. They contain large quantities of organic substances as well as nitrogen.
Since 1990, meat and milk production decreased
by 2-3 times. Therefore, wastewater pollution discharged from industries decreases respectively.
K Situation in 1995 2000 is rather stable. Size of milk and meat production has not
changed significantly in 1995-2000.
36
V4.2. Number of cattle
The average annual number of cattle recalculated into conditional units of cattle.
CUC (CONDITIONAL UNITS OF CATTLE)-1 milch-cow or 3 heifers (from 1 year) or 5 calfs (up to
1 year), or 2 cattle for meat up to 2 years, or 3 production pigs with sucking-pigs, or 8 fatling pigs, or
150 laying hens, or 2500 chickens, or 2 hourses, or 9 sheep.
number
1600
1448,6
1390,7
1284,1
1149,9
1134
1200
800
400
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Department of Statistics at the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
A total number of cattle constantly decreased.
It is a positive change from environmental point of
view.
Fig. V4.1.1 Density of cattle (conditional cattle) falling to one ha of farming land
CC
CC/ha
1,5
1
0,5
0,43
0,41
0,38
0,34
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: The Department of Statistics at the Government of the
Republic of Lithuania
Density of cattle should not exceed 1,7 of conditional cattle to one hectare of farming land in a
farm. According to data of the Department of Statistics, it was calculated that density of cattle (conditional cattles) in Lithuania to one ha of farming
land was 0,43 CC/ha in 1997, and 0,34 CC/ha in
2000 (see Fig.V4.2.1). Thus, according to these calculations a number of conditional cattle in Lithuania
is still far from reaching the maximum norm, however, in some some farms situation can differ.
37
conditional number of cattle
2000
Therfore, pollution impact to some water bodies can also differ, depending on the type of water
body where a cattle farm is located, the way it is
constructed, conditions for manure storage, etc.
thousand t
tûkst.t.
Fig. 4.2.2 Amount of total nitrogen and phosphorus accumulated in manure
per year
160
140
120
Pb
100
Nb
80
60
40
20
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Department of Statistics at the Government
of the Republic of Lithuania
According to data from the Department of Statistics, an amount of 144,9 thousand tons of nitrogen and 22 thousand phosphorus accumulated in
manure in 1997 and 113,4 thousand tons of nitrogen
and 17 thousand tons of phosphorus in 2000 (see
Fig. V4.2.2). These numbers indicate declining number of cattle in Lithuania and, respectively, decreasing amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in manure.
However, tendencies may vary in some areas as they
depend on a number of cattle in a farm. Moreover,
there is a lack of evaluation and calculation methodic
for assessment of pollution discharged into water
bodies.
Assessing requirments of the EU Nitrates Directive, a Code of Good Agricultural Practices has
been prepared. It specifies that seeking to reduce
pollution with nitrates, an annual amount of manure
from each farm inserted into soil or received from
pasturage, cannot exceed 170 kg of nitrogen per farming land hectare. Other water protection requirements
from nitrogen pollution caused by agriculture are
approved by a common Order of the Minister of
Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania and the
Minister of Environment of the Republic of
Lithuania.
In order to protect water bodies from pollution
originated by cattle-breeding farms, the manure and
sewage storage sites have to be properly installed.
For this reason, LAND 33-99 Environmental requirements for manure and sewage handling in farms
was issued.
J A slight decrease in number of cattle over the last five years continued in Lithuania.
Relatively discharges of Nt and Pt into the fields and surface run-off into water bodies
decreased, although situation in some farms may differ.
38
A4.1. Nt, Pt, BOD discharges from point pollution sources
18000
BOD7
16000
total nitrogen
14000
total phosphorus
tons
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Water Division of the Ministry of Environment.
During 1996-2001 the amount of main pollutants discharged into surface water bodies from point
pollution sources has decreased significantly, even
by 50%. The decrease was influenced by biological
treatment introduced in Vilnius Wastewater Treatment
Plant in 1996, Kaunas Mechanical Wastewater Treatment Plant constructed in 1999, Klaipëda and
Ukmergë Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant
constructed in 1998, and Utena Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant reconstructed in 1998 and
Alytus in 1999.
Fig. 4.1.1. BOD7 discharges from the largest cities
6000
Vilnius city
tons/year
5000
Kaunas city
4000
3000
Klaipëda city
2000
1000
0
1996
1997 1998 1999
years
2000 2001
DATA SOURCE: Water Division of the Ministry of Environment
Most of pollutants discharged from the largest
cities in Lithuania reach water bodies together with
municipal wastewater. Although after the construction of Vilnius Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant
organic pollution in wastewater decreased by eight
times, Vilnius city remains to be the largest polluter
of the river Neris municipal wastewater discharged
from Vilnius city contains 60% of BOD7 and total
nitrogen and 87% of total phosphorus (see Fig. A4.1.1
A4.1.3)
39
Change of total discharged amount of main pollutants, calculated basing on enterprises accounts
for environmental pollution on Lithuania scale. Information is provided only by those enterprises
that have a compulsory requirement to obtain permit for use of natural resources.
tons/years
Fig. A4.1.2 Total nitrogen discharges from the largest cities
Vilnius city
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1996
1997
Kaunas city
1998
1999
Klaipëda city
2000
2001
ye ars
Fig. A4.1.3 Total phosphorus discharged from the largest cities
Vilnius city
200
Kaunas city
Klaipëda city
tons/year
150
100
50
0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Municipal wastewater discharged from Kaunas
city contains 66% of BOD7, 75% of total nitrogen,
57% of total phosphorus out of total amount of
BOD7, total nitrogen and phosphorus discharged into
the river Nemunas from point pollution sources.
After construction of Mechanical Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant Kaunas city pollution has decreased by
three times.
After construction of Biological Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Klaipëda organic pollution discharged into the Curonian Lagoon decreased by 5
times.
J Due to newly constructed or reconstruction biological treatment plants in the largest
cities of Lithuania, discharges of BOD7, total N and total P from point pollution source
significantly decreased in 1996-2000. Situation became stable in 2000-2001. Vilnius,
Kaunas and Klaipeda remain to be the largest surface water polluters.
40
State
Figure B 4.1. Change trends of Nt, Pt and BOD annual concentrations in rivers
The average annual concentration of biogenic and organic substances in the monitoring research
sites during the 9 year period (50 rivers, 105 sites).
total N, mg/l
4
0,25
0,20
3
0,15
2
0,10
1
0,05
0,00
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
N mediana
Ntotal
bendrojo
mediana
total N tendency
N bendrojo tendencija
1999
2000
2001
P mediana
Ptotal
bendrojo
mediana
total P tendency
P bendrojo tendencija
mgO2/l
4
3,5
3
2,5
2
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
BDS7
BOD7mediana
mediana
1998
1999
2000
2001
BOD7tendencija
tendency
BDS7
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center data base VANMON on water quality in rivers.
One of the main problems of water quality in
rivers is pollution with biogenic and organic substances. The amount of biogenic substances in water is indicated by concentrations of total nitrogen
and total phosphorus. Nitrates form the largest share
of total nitrogen composition, another part is ammonium nitrogen that is toxic to water fauna. The main
pollution sources of water with biogenic substances
are non-point source pollution from agriculture and
urban wastewater. Fluctuation of concentrations depends on biochemical processes in water. Higher
concentrations of biogenic substances may cause the
eutrophication process in the slow streams and that
may cause deteriorated ecological conditions in water bodies. It is necessary to reduce biogenic pollu-
tion in rivers in order to improve ecological state of
water bodies. The amount of organic substances in
water is assessed on the basis of an indicator of biochemical oxygen demand for 7 days (BOD7), i.e. the
amount of dissolved oxygen needed for biochemical
oxidation of organic materials present in water. The
main sources of water pollution with organic materials are industries, wastewater discharged from
households or cattle-breeding farms. These materials also form during disintegration process of water
vegetation. Low chemical and microbiological quality of water is caused by high values of the BOD7
indicator and has negative impact on water
biodiversity. In 1993- 2000 concentrations of organic
substances, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in
41
total P, mg/l
Fig. B4.1.1 Change trends of the average annual concentrations of ammonium nitrogen and
nitrates in 1993-2001
NH4-N, mg/l
0,8
NO3-N, mg/l
2
1,5
0,6
1
0,4
0,5
0,2
0
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
NO3-N mediana
NH4-N mediana
tendency
NO3-N tendencija
NH4-N tendency
tendencija
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center database VANMON on water quality in rivers
In 1993-2001 declining tendency of ammonium
nitrogen concentrations was noticed, but concentra-
tions of nitrates in rivers remained stable (see Fig.
B4.1.1).
Fig. B4.1.2 A number of investigation sites in the rivers (%) according to average annual concentrations of total nitrogen in 1993-2001
total N, mg/l
>7,5
80%
2,5-7,5
60%
40%
0,75-2,5
20%
0,3-0,75
0%
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
<0,3
1993
number of river investigation
sites
100%
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center database VANMON on water quality in rivers.
Fig. B4.1.3 Number of investigation sites in the rivers (%) according to average annual concentrations of total phosphorus in 1993-2001
number or river investigation
sites
total P, mg/l
100%
>0,500
80%
0,250-0,500
60%
0,125-0,250
40%
0,050-0,125
0,025-0,050
20%
<0,025
0%
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center database VANMON on water quality in rivers.
42
Fig. B4.1.4 Number of investigation sites in the rivers (%) according to average annual concentrations of BOD7 in 1993-2001
BOD7, mg/l
BDS7 , mgO2/l
80%
60%
>5
40%
3,5-5
tyrimø
vietø skaièius
number ofupiø
river
investigation
sites
100%
2-3,5
20%
<2
0%
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center database VANMON on water quality in rivers
According to the National Monitoring Program
15 investigated sites out of 150 are on the border, 4
for reference conditions, 25 under the influence
of agricultural farming and 60 on the rivers effected
by cities. On the basis of conditionally selected intervals of concentrations, the data shows fluctuation
of total nitrogen from 0,75 to 2,50 mg/l, total phosphorus from 0,050 to 0,125 mg/l from more than
50% of monitored rivers. From 10% of monitored
sites, concentration of total nitrogen is higher than
7,50 mg/l, total phosphorus more than 0,500 mg/
l (Fig. B4.1.2), (Fig. B4.1.3). The highest concentrations of these substances are observed in rivers
of Mûða-Lielupë catchment area below the cities
that discharge insufficiently treated wastewater and
in Panevëþys, Ðalèia and Lomena (Fig.B4.1.5).
Fig. B4.1.5 Concentrations of organic and biogenic substances in rivers in 2001
JRC, Monitoring
information centre
J According to the monitoring results of the last nine years, concentrations of biogenic (total
nitrogen and total phosphorus), ammonium nitrogen and organic substances (BOD7) in
rivers decreased. However, change trend of nitrate concentrations during the same period
remains the same.
43
Fig. B4.2. Average concentrations of Nt and Pt in the Cronin Lagoon
Average annual concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the Curonian Lagoon in
1997 – 2001
N,mg/l
2
1,5
1
0,5
0
1997
0,15
1998
1999
2000
2001
P,mg/l
0,1
0,05
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center data base.
There is no significant change tendency in
amounts of total nitrogen in the Cronin Lagoon during the last five years. Highest average annual value
of total nitrogen (1.7 mgN/l) in the Cronin Lagoon
observed in 1999. In the vegetation period when concentrations of organic substances in water increase,
the amount of total nitrogen near Ventë reached 3.0
mgN/l. Due to decreased quantity of phytoplankton
the amount of organic substances also decreased in
cool summer and due to lasting vegetation, quantity
of mineral nitrogen was lower than usual. In 2000
the lowest average annual value of total nitrogen,
lower than in 1999 by 1.5 times, was observed. In
winter 60 % of the amount of total nitrogen in the
Cronin Lagoon consist of mineral nitrogen. During
vegetation in summer time amounts of nitrogen decreases and the largest part of total nitrogen (80-90%)
consists of organic nitrogen.
44
Concentrations of total phosphorus in the
Curonian Lagoon decrease. In 2000 the average annual concentration of total phosphorus (0.081 mgP/
l) was the lowest during the last five year and 1.7
times lower than in 1997. Concentrations exceeding
the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC = 0.2
mgP/l) are observed in summer time when organic
substances prevail in the Curonian Lagoon. In 1999
high concentrations of total phosphorus ( 0.21 0.65
mgP/l) exceeded MAC set in 1996 by 2-3 times. In
winter mineral phosphorus prevail in the lagoon and
form 60 80% of total phosphorus amount, meanwhile, in spring, summer and autumn more organic
phosphorus (60 80%) is observed in the lagoon.
Fig. B4.2.1 Trend of average season concentrations of nitrates in the Cronin Lagoon near Ventë
0,8
mg/l
0,6
winter
Þiema
Vasar
summer
0,4
0,0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Marine Research Center database.
Trend of mineral substances is characterized by
seasonal changes that correspond to a cycle of biological processes. Basing on surface water classification system in Lithuania, and according to amounts
of mineral nitrogen, the Cronin Lagoon water is considered as moderately polluted (quality class No.3)
in winter. In cold period of a year concentrations of
nitrates increase in the lagoon. From 1998 to 2000,
the average season concentration increased by 2.3
times (see Fig. B4.2.2). During vegetation in summer time, when growth of phytoplankton is intensive, concentrations of nutrients significantly decrease. Significant rather strong fluctuations of nutrients indicate responsive reaction of ecosystem to
surplus amounts of mineral and organic substances.
Fig. B4.2.2 Average season concentrations of nitrates in the Curonian Lagoon
1,2
mg/l
1,0
winter
Þie
ma
summer
Vas
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
A great amount of mineral and organic substances inflow into the Cronin Lagoon is observed
from Nemunas river. Aquatoria near Ventë is by far
most influenced by water inflow from Nemunas river.
Thus, average annual season values of nitrates are
by 1.3 1.6 times higher than in the lagoon in winter
(see Fig. B4.2.1). Strong influence from natural processes to changes in the amounts of mineral substances is indicated by concentrations of nitrates being lower near Ventë than in the other aquatoria of
the Cronin Lagoon in the summer time.
K There is no significant change trend of the amount of total nitrogen during the last five
years. The amount of nitrates increases in the Curonian Lagoon in the cold period of a
year. In 2000 their average season values exceeded the level of 1998 by two times in
winter. The amount of total phosphorus decreases in the Curonian Lagoon.
45
0,2
B4.3. Concentration of chlorophyll A in the Cronin Lagoon
Dynamics of year-after-year concentration of chlorophyll “A” (annual average) in the Curonian
Lagoon as well as level of water trophication (10-100 mg/m3 – eutrophic level).
90
3
mg/m
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
After many years of investigations on dynamics of chlorophyll A concentrations and basing on
the description scale of water trophication proposed
by Vinberg (Âèíáåðã, 1954), it is possible to conclude that water in the Curonian Lagoon corresponds
to eutrophic state waters: the average annual concentration of chlorophyll A fluctuates within 10
100 mg/m3 limits. In principle, the values of average
annual concentration of photosynthetic pigment
chlorophyll A depends on the quantitative development of phytoplankton all the year round. The
average annual values of chlorophyll were highest
in years (for example, 1997, 1999, 2001) when hydrological conditions in the Curonian Lagoon were
favourable to intensive growth of phytoplankton species in summer and autumn. Phytoplankton biomass
reaches the intensive blooming level in summer time
(Fig. B4.3.1). Though, lower average values are
caused by shorter phytoplankton growth period in
spring as in some years the lagoon is ice-covered for
unusually long time (for example, until the end of
March in 1994, and even until 25th of April in 1996).
Fig. B4.3.1 Year-after-year dynamic of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae biomass (mg/l, logarithmic
scale) in the Curonian Lagoon and water blooming level
mg/l
1000
hyperblooming
100
inte nsive blooming
10
ave rage le ve l blooming
46
2001
1999
1997
1995
1993
1991
1989
1987
1985
1983
1
1981
80
70
lion filaments/l in average; biomass 20 mg/l. Basing on Reimers scale (Ðåéìåðñ, 1990), it corresponds
to the level of intensive blooming (Fig. B4.3.1). A.
flos-aquae biomass reaches hyperblooming level
(over 100 mg/l) in particular hot summers. Intensive
growth of cyanobacteria, their strong prevailance in
phytoplankton is an unquestionable sign of
anthrophogenic eutrophication. (Àáàêóìîâ, 1980).
Fig. B4.3.2 Aphanizomenon flos-aquae biomass growth tendency in the central part of
Curonian Lagoon
160
mg/l
Biom., mg/l
Nulyginta biom.
Trendas
120
80
40
0
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
DATA SOURCE: The Marine Research Center data base
Fig. B4.3.3 Development tendency of Chlorophyll A concentrations in the central
part of Curonian Lagoon
320
mg/m3
280
Chl. mg/m3
240
Nulygintas
Level
off chl. mg/m3
T rTrend
endas
200
160
120
80
40
0
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
DATA SOURCE: The Marine Research Center data base
Due to increased concentrations of nitrates and
phosphates (biogenic substances used by phytoplankton) in the Cronin Lagoon (Olenina, 1998), phytoplankton biomass as well as A. flos-aquae biomass and chlorophyll A concentration constantly
increases (see Fig. B4.3.2 B4.3.3). Comparing recent results with earlier data (Óñåëèòå, 1959) it is
possible to conclude that A. flos-aquae biomass increased over 10 times in the last 5-6 years. It proves
that eutrophication in the Cronin Lagoon continues.
47
Water blooming is related to the intensive
growth of cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon flos-aquae.
In vegetation period this type of biomass amounts to
80 90% out of total phytoplankton in the Curonian
Lagoon. A. flos-aquae is sensitive to strong water
mixture, thus, its prevailance in aquatoria of the lagoon is caused by long quiet summers. Year after
year investigation results proved that abundance of
A. flos-aquae in blooming period exceeds 10 mil-
L Chlorophyll “A” concentration in the Curonian Lagoon increases. Water “blooming” phenomenon occures in the Curonian Lagoon annualy and continues from June to November.
In blooming period total phytoplankton biomass reaches such level when sings of biological pollution appear and water quality decreases.
References:
Àáàêóìîâ Â.À. Ïðîêàðèîòû è îáëèãàòíî àãàìíûå
ïðîñòåéøèå êàê èíäèêàòîðû ñîñòîÿíèÿ ïðèðîäíîé ñðåäû
è îñîáåííîñòè èõ ïîïóëÿöèé // Ïðîáëåìû ýêîëîãè÷åñêîãî
ìîíèòîðèíãà ìîäåëèðîâàíèÿ ýêîñèñòåì. 1980, ò. 3, ñ. 21
50.
Âèíáåðã Ã.Ã. Ñîäåðæàíèå õëîðîôèëà êàê ïîêàçàòåëü
êîëè÷åñòâåííîãî ðàçâèòèÿ ôèòîïëàíêòîíà // Òðåòüÿ ýêîë.
êîíô. 1954, c. 7073.
Ðåéìåðñ Í.Ô. Ïðèðîäîïîëüçîâàíèå. Ìîñêâà, 1990.
Olenina I. Long-term changes in the Kurðiø Marios
Lagoon: eutrophication and phytoplankton response // Ekologija, Nr. 1, 1998, p. 5665.
Óñåëèòå C. Ôèòîïëàíêòîí çàëèâà Êóðøþ Ìàðåñ è
åãî ñåçîííàÿ äèíàìèêà // Êóðøþ Ìàðåñ. Èòîãè
êîìïëåêñíîãî èññëåäîâàíèÿ. 1959, c. 139163.
Fig. B4.4. Average annual concentrations of Nt and Pt in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea
Average annual concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosporus in water of coastal zone of the
Baltic Sea in 1997 2001.
N,mg/l
1
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2000
2001
P,mg/l
0,04
0,03
0,02
0,01
0
1997
1998
1999
DATA SOURCE: The Marine Research Centre database.
In the last four years concentrations of total nitrogen in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea decreased.
From 1998 to 2001 the average annual values decreased by 2.7 times. In the summer of 1998 high
concentrations of total nitrogen were observed near
Klaipëda (2.22 mgN/l) and Karklë (2.47 mgN/l) in
the zone influenced by water flows polluted with organic substances from the Cronin Lagoon.
48
In the last five years concentrations of total phosphorus in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea were stable.
The average values (0.025 0.032 mgP/l) were 3
5 times lower than in the Cronin Lagoon and rather
similar to concentrations observed in the open sea.
Fig. B4.4.1 Trend of concentrations of nitrates in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea in winter.
0,5
7 st.
6 st.
0,4
5 st.
0,3
4 st.
0,2
3 st.
0,1
2 st.
0,0
1997
1 st.
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Marine Research Centre data base.
Water in coastal zone differs according to concentrations of nutrients. Based on hydrochemical
conditions the highest inflow of water from the
Cronin Lagoon into the Baltic Sea is near Smiltynë
(5 st.) and Melnragë (4 st.) aquatoria. Moreover, intensive inflow influences water near in coastal zone
north from Klaipëda (see Fig. B4.4.1). Aquatoria near
Nida (7 st.) and Juodkrantë (6 st.) are very little influenced by anthropogenic factors. Concentrations
of nutrients fluctuate not only due to human activities but also under the influence of natural processes.
The highest concentrations of nutrients are in cold
period of a year when biological production efficiency is low and inflow from inland is high. Concentrations in winter times indicate size of nutrients
reserve and, thus, eutrophication potential. In the last
year (2001) the average winter value of nitrates (0.25
mgN/l) in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea was close to
their average season value of the last decade. Winter
concentrations of nitrates in coastal zone was about
5 times higher than in the open sea, and in summer
time the total concentrations in the whole monitored
Baltic Sea aquatoria were similar (0.01 0.02 mg/l).
K During the last five years the amount of total nitrogen in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea
decreases and the amount of total phosphorus remained low. According to amount of
nutrients water in coastal zone differes. Eutrophication in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea is
a local effect in the areas where pressure of pollutants is high, but its conditions alter. The
quality of water in coastal zone of the Baltic Sea is influenced by water inflow from the
Curonian Lagoon that is saturated with nutrients 3-5 times more than the sea water.
49
mg/l
Fig. B4.5. Chlorophyll A concentration in the Baltic Sea
Year-after-year dynamics of chlorophyll “A” concentration in the southeastern part of the Baltic
Sea (the annual mean) and water trophication level (1-10 mg/m3 – mezotrophic level).
mg/m 3
Littoral zone
Open sea
12
10
6
4
2
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Marine Research Centre data base.
The Baltic Sea water blooming is most often
observed in July-August. Most intensive blooming
of cyanobacteria occurs in water zone influenced by
the Cronin Lagoon: up to 35 km north from mouth
of the lagoon. Water blooming period in the sea is
shorter (from few days to few weeks); it is mostly
dependant on hydrological conditions (streams, wind
direction and speed) and does not reach such high
level as in the Cronin Lagoon. As in the lagoon water blooming is related to intensive growth of
cyanobacteria (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Anabaena spp., Microcystis spp.). Water blooming is
observed in the open sea areas in very hot summers.
Usually, it is cyanobacteria Nodularia spumigena that
blooms. Biomass of this type most often reaches the
average level (1 10 mg/l) in the Southeastern part
of the Baltic Sea in blooming period. Intensive water blooming influenced by growth of N. spumigena
was noticed only two times in the Southeastern part
of the Baltic Sea during the last 18 months of investigation: in July in 1994 and 1997 when N. spumigena
biomass was up to 80-90 mg/l.
Based on Vindberg scale (Âèíáåðã, 1954) and
according to Chlorophyll A concentration, the
Baltic Sea water near Lithuanian coasts corresponds
to mezotrophic water: annual concentrations of Chlorophyll A fluctuates within limits of 1-10 mg/m3.
Fig. B4.5.1 Growth tendency of Chlorophyll A concentrations in coastal zone and the open part
of Southeastern Baltic Sea
30
25
20
mg/m 3
15
10
5
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
0
1993
8
At virasea
jûra
Open
P riekrant
ë
Coast
al zone
virasea)
jûra)
Linear (At
(open
Linear(coast
(P riekrant
ë)
Linear
al zone)
DUOMENØ ÐALTINIS: Jûriniø tyrimø centro duomenø bazë
Year-after-year Chlorophyll A data (19932001 m.) analysis shows that growth tendency of
cyanobacteria biomass is observed in Lithuanian part
of the Baltic Sea and the Cronin Lagoon (see Fig.
B4.5.2). Fig. B4.5.1).
50
It is reasonable to expect that with reduced number of fertilizers used in agriculture, less biogenic substances will enter water bodies. However, it is possible
that there are too many of them accumulated in the
Lithuanian coastline ecosystems and, thus, intensive
growth of water blooming is still observed.
K Water blooming period is shortest in the Southeastern part of the Baltic Sea. It is mostly
influenced by hydrological conditions and increases average level seldom.
Chlorophyll A concentration remains relatively high.
êîëè÷åñòâåííîãî ðàçâèòèÿ ôèòîïëàíêòîíà // Òðåòüÿ ýêîë.
êîíô. 1954, c. 70–73.
References:
Âèíáåðã Ã.Ã. Ñîäåðæàíèå õëîðîôèëà êàê ïîêàçàòåëü
G4.1. Wastewater Treatment
Untreated, only mechanically treated, partly biologically treated (mechanical + biological treatment
processes), fully biologically treated (mechanical + biological treatment processes) wastewater discharged
200
180
14%
160
19%
24%
61%
58%
8%
12%
18%
2%
17%
1%
1999
2000
2001
mln.m
3
140
120
100
66%
80
full treatment
(mechanical+biological)
partial treatment
(mechanical+biological)
only mechanical
treatmet
untreated
60
40
20
0
Most of polluted wastewater (82%) was fully
and partly treated in mechanical+biological wastewater treatment plants: 58% partly treated in
mechanical+biological wastewater treatment plant,
24% fully treated in biological+mechanical (with N
and P) wastewater treatment plants. 17% of wastewater was treated only in mechanical wastewater
treatment plants. Another part of wastewater (1%)
discharged untreated.
Fig. G4.1.1 Wastewater treatment effectiveness according to BOD7, N, P
200
180
13%
160
14%
18%
3
120
mln.m
140
100
treated up to
MAT norms
insufficiently
treated
untreated
75%
84%
80
81%
60
40
20
12%
0
1999
2%
1%
2000
2001
51
In 2001 in cities according to BOD7, N ir P and in
cities and settlements up to 10 000 PE according to
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD7) in total 31 million m3 or 18% of wastewater (in 2000 14%) were
treated up to maximum allowable pollution (MAT)
norm usidariusiø uþterðtø nuotekø (2000 m. 14%),
and 139 million m3 or 89% of insufficiently treated
wastewater (in 2000 84%) were discharged (see
Fig.G4.1.1).
In 2001 removal of biogenic substances (N and
P) was performed in 20 towns but not all of them had
wastewater treated up maximum allowable pollution
(MAT) norms. In 2001 about 82% (in 2000 86%) of
all discharged wastewater did not correspond to the
requirements of European Union.
J Every year the amount of untreated wastewater decreases and treated to MAC level increases. However, part of biological wastewater treatment plants are very old, they need
to be reconstructed and supplemented by removal of total nitrogen and phosphorus.
G4.2. Environmental pollution taxes according to Nt, Pt and BOD
Tariff for a ton of pollutants discharged into the environment paid by polluter discharging > 5
cubic meters of wastewater into water bodies.
2000
2000
(Lt/t)
total nitrogen
1800
1600
BOD
1417,83
1479,5
total phosphorus
1480
1479,5
1480
1400
1480
1200
1000
800
600
400
416,9
416,9
435
435
435
435
1998
1999
485
435
573
435
649
435
714
550
200
0
1997
2000
2001
2002
2003
DATA SOURCE: Economics and Programs Division of the Ministry of Environment.
Water pollution taxes are paid by those enterprises
that discharge pollutants into water bodies and that are
required to have a permit for use of natural resources.
The main tax payers are water supply companies that
pay taxes according to water pollution tariffs in accordance with the requirements set up in the Law on Environmental Pollution Tax (Valstybës þinios Official
Gazette, 1999, No. 47-1469).
Tariff according to BOD7, total nitrogen and total
phosphorus is raised every year. It has to encourage
polluters to reduce discharges of polluted water at the
pollution source and comply with the objectives defined in relevant EU Directives as well as Lithuanian
Environmental Protection Strategy.
Taxes collected from environmental polluters are
distributed in the following way: 10 % - to the state
budget, 20 % - to the Lithuanian Environmental Investment Fund and 70 % - to the municipal nature protection funds.
Table G4.2.1 Total amount of pollution taxes, including taxes for pollution of air and soil in
20002001
Y ear
S u m (th o u san d L t)
E n v iro n m en tal
p o llu tio n tax
S tate b u d g et
2028
2000
F unds*
19965
2001
S tate b u d g et
F u n d s*
3610
J Economic measures are strengthened
*
52
Municipal nature protection funds and Lithuanian Environmental Investment Fund.
31840
OIL SPILLS IN THE CURONIAN LAGOON AND THE BALTIC SEA
Driving forces
V5.1. Storm winds (>20 m/s) in Klaipëda
Year
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
01
1
2
1
4
4
02
6
1
5
3
2
03
1
2
0
4
0
04
2
0
1
0
0
05
0
0
0
0
0
06
0
0
0
1
0
07
0
0
0
1
0
08
0
0
0
0
0
09
5
0
0
0
1
10
2
8
2
1
5
11
0
1
0
0
10
12
0
2
16
0
6
Annual
17
16
25
14
28
DATA SOURCE: Database CLIDATA of Hydrometeorological Service and Lithuanian Climate Reference Book Vëjas.
1961-1990, 1992, Vilnius.
Data about wind speed and direction is important in relation to analysis of oil spill problem in the
Cronin Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. Strong winds are
driving forces that may influence accidents in terminals, etc.
Although Lithuania is considered to be the country of average and weak winds, strong winds (in particular at the coastline) are rather frequent. Wind that
has a speed of 21- 24 m/s (number 9 according to
Bofort scale) is called a strom. Stronger winds (2528 m/s) are called heavy storms, when speed of wind
is 29-33 m/s severe storms, and hurrican rages when
wind speed exceeds 33 m/s. Such dangerous meteorological phenomena are rather frequent at the coast.
The average wind speed at the coast is 5.2-5.7 m/s
(in Lithuania 2.7-3.1 m/s). Winds are the strongest
in the cold period of a year (autumn and winter), in
particular, in the end of October or in November. In
average wind stronger than > 20 m/s (according to
annual norm) is observed at the coastline 15-20 days
a year.
During storms and hurricanes western winds (W,
SW, NW) prevail.
Fig. V5.1.1 Wind rose of Klaipëda MS (1961-1990)
Wind speed and direction are not constant magnitudes. They change together with atmospheric cir-
culation and other factors the same way as temperature and precipitation (see Fig. V5.1.1) from year to
year.
K In average wind at the coast reaches 20 m/s (according to the annual norm) 15-20 days per
year. At this time a threat for potential oil spill in the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea
increases. Although in 2001 more storms at the coast were registered, it does not give a
background to consider storm winds as more frequent phenomenon.
53
A number of days divided by years when wind speed in Klaipëda was> 20 m/s.
V5.2. Oil cargo turnover in Klaipëda harbour and Bûtingë terminal
The amount of oil products reloaded in Klaipëda harbour and Bûtingë terminal.
12
Bûtingë
terminal
Klaipëda
harbor
Quantity (million tons)
8
6
4
2
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: AB Klaipëdos nafta - http://www.oil.lt/lt/pav/P004.html and AB Maþeikiø nafta branch office
in Bating
Due to started operation of Bating oil terminal,
the total amount of reloaded oil increased from 3,6
million tons to 10,3 million tons per year. Basing on
plans prepared by oil stevedoring companies, a possible increase of reloaded oil amounts may be expected in the future.
L Oil turnover increases and so is a possibility of pollution.
V5.3. Number of ships that entered the harbour
Change trend of ships that entered Klaipëda harbour and Bating terminal in 1997-2001 (including
tankers that entered Bûting terminal).
Bûtingë
terminal
Klaipëda
harbor
8200
8000
7800
Number of ships
10
7600
7400
7200
7000
6800
6600
6400
6200
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: Klaipëda State Seaport Authority and Bûtingë oil terminal.
54
2001
tion company. Pollution with oil is usually observed
in areas where human activities related to navigation, construction and maintenance of ships are intensive. An example of such an area is Malkø bay
aquatoria. Due to decreased circulation in this place
water can hardly recover from oil products and other
pollutants as well as biogenic substances. Every year
approximately 20 thousand m3 of polluted water and
oil waste, about 80 m3 of greasy rags and 150 m3 of
waste are collected.
K Although a number of ships entering the harbour increases, it remains below the level
of 1998.
A5.1. Number of registered oil spills
A number of reports on pollution in Klaipëda harbour, the Baltic Sea, Bûtingë terminal per year.
80
Number of reports
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Marine Environmental Protection Agency of Klaipëda Regional Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Environment
In 2001 a number of reports on pollution in
aquatoria and the Baltic Sea was the lowest in the
last three years. An active preventive work has been
carried out. The harbour companies were concerned
about environmental protection issues. In 2000 the
Marine Environmental Agency registered 76 reports
on pollution. 11 of them were reported from
Lithuanian coastal zone of the Baltic Sea, and another from harbour aquatoria. In 2000 only one
oil spill was registered and in 2001 - two oil spills
in Bûtingë terminal.
Most reports on pollution were received in the
cold period of a year.
J Situation improves. In 2001 more ships entered the harbour than in 2000, however, a
number of reports on pollution decreased by 40 percent.
55
A number of ships that entered Klaipëda harbour
is below the total number of 1997 1998, but slightly
increases since 1999 (1,8 %). The number is influenced by a cargo flows through the harbour. It is expected that a number of ships will increase in the
future due to the harbour and region developments.
Klaipëda harbour covers an area of 1038 ha
where private companies perform their commercial
activities. At present there are 7 stevedoring companies, 3 ship repair companies and one ship construc-
A5.2. Amount of collected oil (per year)
The amount of collected oil products in Klaipëda harbour aquatoria, the Baltic Sea and coastal
zone, tons per year.
amount of collected oil, m
3
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Marine Environmental Protection Agency of Klaipëda Regional Environmental Protection Department
of the Ministry of Environment.
L Amount of collected oil increases. Situation deteriorates due to consequences of the last
accident that took place in Bûtingë oil terminal on 23 of November 2001.
A5.3. Administrative penalties and civil actions imposed for environmental pollution
amount (Lt) from administrative
penalties and civil actions
Monetary expression of administrative penalties and civil actions imposed for pollution of the
environment per year.
Bûtingë
terminal
3000000
2500000
2000000
1500000
1000000
500000
0
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Marine Environmental Protection Agency of Klaipëda Regional Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Environment.
A number of administrative penalties and civil
actions imposed for environmental pollution depends
on a number of large-scale accidents when perpetra-
tor is established. These are accidents that took place
in Bating terminal in March 6, 2001 and November
23, 2001.
.
L An increased number of imposed penalties indicates increasing pollution.
56
State
B5.1. Number of waterfowl killed due to oil spills out of the total number of killed
waterfowl
Relative abundance of waterfowl killed due to oil spills at the Lithuanian coastline (number of
killed individuals/calculation km) and its share (%) out of the total number of killed waterfowl.
2,95
% out of found dead waterfowls
100
90
ind/km
abundance of
killed birds due to
oil spils
2,5
2
part of killed
birds due to oil
spills out of total
numer
1,5
3
80
70
60
50
40
1
0,82
30
20
0,5
0,09
0,07
0,04
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
0,02
0,03
1998
1999
0,05
0,05
10
0
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The environmental monitoring data fund, a database of registered waterfowls killed at the Lithuanian
coastline (Laboratory of Birds Ecology, EKOI).
A proportion of birds covered by oil products
out of the total number of birds identified, reflects a
general level of the sea aquatoria pollution and enables to define pollution tendencies in the course of
a year as well as compare with pollution level in the
other parts of the world. At present, direction or trend
of the process is still intangible and impossible to be
interpreted due to the short monitoring period (according to experience from other other countries
performing such observations, the optimal monitoring period for reliable evaluation of trend is 20-30
years). It is possible to consider that background
pollution with oil products in coastal zone of the
Baltic Sea is yet evaluated as satisfactory and stable.
A part of birds covered with oil products at the coast
of Lithuania is rather low compared with other Western European countries (Holland, Denmark, Germany), where navigation is more intensive. However,
it exceeds the number in neighbouring Latvia
(Camphuysen & van Franeker, 1992; Urtans &
Priednieks, 1996).
On the other hand, oil spills in the sea during
accidents have crusial negative impact on the Baltic
Sea ecosystems. In 1995 and 1997 a number of birds
killed due to the background oil pollution increased
by 11 42 times due to oil spills in case of accidents. The number of birds killed due to oil spills
exceeded the total number of killed birds from 46%
to more than 90%. It is necessary to emphasise that
rather small part of birds killed due to oil spills are
casted ashore and this part is quickly eaten by predators or covered by sand. Thus, registered numbers
are lower than the real number. This indicator also
depends on weather conditions during the research
period and oil product persistance on water surface.
Two oil spill accidents in Bûtingë terminal in 2001
have proved it - part of killed birds, if any, were
moved further offshore when strong winds prevailed.
Moreover, oil spills occurred under the water and
rather large part before it sank to the bottom shortly
remained on the surface due to oil bounding chemicals that were used. Thus, a number of birds killed
due to oil spills did not indicate a significant harm
caused to birds.
With growing navigation intensity, pressure to
Bûtingë terminal and, in particular, possible start of
57
oil extraction in the Baltic Sea, the impact on water
quality and biodiversity of marine ecosystems from
background pollution with oil products may become
dangerous, in particular, if oil spill control in the sea
remains not strengthened.
K Most likely, the background pollution with oil products is satisfactory and rather stable
as no clear change tendencies in a number of birds covered with oil products have been
observed.
References:
Camphuysen K. C. J. & van Franeker J. A. 1992.
The value of beached bird surveys in monitoring marine
oil pollution. Technisch Rapport Vogelbescherming 10,
Vogelbescherming Nederland, Zeist.
Urtans E. & Priednieks J. 1999. Seabird mortality
in Latvian coastal fishery. Putni daba 9.2: 2-8 (in Latvian
with English summary).
B5.2. Concentration of oil products in surface water
Concentration of oil hydrocarbons in water environment of Bûtingë terminal.
Concentrations of oil hydrocarbons observed in surface and in lower water layer (mg/l) and bottom
sediment (mg/kg of dry weight) are presented.
mg/l
0,08
2001 03
0,07
0,06
2001 05
0,05
2001 08
0,04
0,03
2001 10
0,02
2002 03
0,01
0
B T -1
B T -2
B T -3
B T -4
B T -5
B T -6
DATA SOURCE: Environmental monitoring of Bûtingë oil terminal. Annual report 2001. Environmental monitoring of
Bûtingë oil terminal. First quarter report 2002.
A continuous monitoring of impact from Bûtingë
terminal is carried out in the surrounding environment
of Bûtingë terminal. According to the program, sampling is done in different water levels 4 times a year in
6 regular monitoring sites. B4 monitoring site is at the
buoy, B3, B5, B6 near the buoy, B1 and B2 in
coastal zone between the buoy and the coast.
According to the research data, the average concentration of oil hydrocarbons changed within the limits
of 0,01-0,04 mg/l and did not exceed the maximum
allowable concentration (0,05 mg/l) in the last year.
The results are similar to the ones from investigations
performed in neighboring regions of the sea. In May
58
concentration of oil hydrocarbons was equal to maximum allowable concentration or even exceeded it in
all monitoring sites of Bûtingë oil terminal.
Results of this year water quality investigations
show that concentrations of oil hydrocarbons are within
ordinary limits. In all monitoring sites concentrations
were below 0,03 mg/l.
In addition to water quality investigations, analysis on sediment contamination with oil products are
performed in all monitoring sites once a year. In all
cases, concentrations of oil hydrocarbons complied
with clean soil requirements (less 20 mg/kg of dry
weight).
mg/l
0,14
0,13
0,12
0,11
0,10
0,09
0,08
0,07
0,06
0,05
0,04
0,03
0,02
0,01
0,00
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T17 T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23 T24 T25 T26 T27
Fig. B5.1.2 Oil hydrocarbon concentrations in the lower water layer
mg/l
0,07
0,06
0,05
0,04
0,03
0,02
0,01
0,00
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T17 T18 T19 T20 T21 T22 T23 T24 T25 T26 T27
Fig. B5.1.3 Amount of oil hydrocarbons in bottom sediments
mg/kg of dry ground
50,00
40,00
30,00
20,00
10,00
0,00
T3
T4
T5
T7
T11
T20
T21
T22
T24
T25
T26
1,96
2,17
3,56
1,34
9,45
2,93
1,30
2,91
42,42
0,77
18,41
DATA SOURCE: The Marine Research Centre of the Ministry of Environment.
After the accident of November 23, 2001 in
Bûtingës oil terminal, an oil spill in the sea was approximately 59 tons. During an expedition on 7-8 of
December 2001 water samples were taken in the surface water layer and sediment water interface in the
area of the oil spill and drift of oil slick forecasted. In
most of analysed water samples low concentrations of
oil hydrocarbons were observed. Concentration exceeding maximum allowable concentration (MAC-0,05 mg/
l) by 2,8 times was observed in the surface water layer
and by 1,4 times in the sediment water interface in one
monitoring site of the oil collection area (T17-23 sampling stations).
The highest concentrations of oil hydrocarbons
are observed in bottom sediments in the sampling stations T11, T24 ir T26. These stations are located further from the buoy, i.e. in drift of oil trajectory.
The amount of oil hydrocarbons observed in bottom sediments of the station T24 exceeded requirements set up for clean ground, and such sediments
59
Fig. B5.1.1 Hydrocarbon concentrations in the surface water layer
tions are not typical to the eastern coastal zone of the
Baltic Sea. Concentrations of oil hydrocarbons in bottom sediments of other sampling sites are rather low
and comparable to the ones observed in a similar type
of sediments in the eastern coastal zone of the Batlic
sea.
During the expedition there were no oil products
found neither on the sea surface, bottom sediments,
nor on stones of various size. Nevertheless, according
to the results of chemical analysis, the amounts of oil
hydrocarbons exceeding MAC and non-characteristic
to the eastern coastal zone of the Baltic Sea were observed in some areas of oil collection and drift of oil
slick These amounts are caused by pollution due to
antrophogenic impact and provides an assessment that
operation of Bûtingë terminal has direct connection
with these pollutants reaching the marine environment.
In addition, unlikely small concentrations of oil hydrocarbons in the surface water layer of the buoy area
prove that oil dispergents were used. Assessment of
impact of these materials to the environment is very
contradictory.
belong to the moderately polluted ground class
(Klaipëdos uosto akvatorijos ir jûrinio kanalo
gilinimo, valymo ir gruntø gramzdinimo jûroje
laikinosios taisyklës(Provisional Rules for Dredging,
Cleaning and Dumping of Dredged Ground in Klaipëda
Harbour Aquatoria and the Sea Canal), Klaipëda,
1994).
Similar amounts were registerd in dumping region only in 1997 and near Smiltynë in 1998. Ability
of bottom sediments to accumulate pollutants is mostly
dependant on granular composition of sediments.
Therefore, the highest concentration was observed in
aleuritic silt (the station T24) which is very receptive
of pollutants compared with other sampling sites where
sand and grave of various coarseness prevail. High oil
hydrocarbon concentrations unequal to ground sediment composition were observed in stations T11 and
T26. According to level of saturation with oil hydrocarbons, these sediments comply with the requirements
of the clean ground class. However, these concentra-
Fig. B5.1.3 Scheme of water and bottom sediments sampling after the accident in Bûtingë terminal
56.06
56.04
T1
T2
SPM
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T15
T16
56.02
BÛTINGË
T14
ÐVENTOJI
T17-23
56.00
T24
55.98
T25
55.96
55.94
T26
20.92
T27
20.94
20.96
20.98
PALANGA
21.00
Sampling sites (oceanographic stations)
21.02
21.04
21.06
21.08 21.10
SPM - Buoy
Bottom trawling
K There were no significant changes of oil hydrocarbon concentrations observed in the area
of Bûtingë terminal. Direct negative impact on the environment from oil spill during the
accident (November 23, 2001) was short-term due to high dilution of water, active hydrodynamics of water mass and processes of biochemical decomposition. An impact on marine organisms can be observed in a long-term when they accumulate bioaccumulating
mutagenic oil hydrocarbons through the nutrition chain.
References:
Klaipëdos uosto akvatorijos ir jûrinio kanalo
60
gilinimo, valymo ir gruntø gramzdinimo jûroje laikinosios
taisyklës. Klaipëda, 1994 (manuscript).
G5.1. A number of inspections (ships, terminals) per year
A number of inspections of ships that entered Klaipëda harbour and Bûtingë oil termina per year.
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Marine Environmental Protection Agency of Klaipëda Regional Environmental Protection
Department of the Ministry of Environment.
With increased number of ships that entered
Klaipëda harbor in 2001, a number of inspections
have also increased. In 2000 a number of reports on
pollution was 40 percent more than in 2001, it was
among preventive measures for pollution reduction.
Bûtingë oil terminal started operation in July 23,
1999. There were no inspections performed for tankers that entered in 1999. 10 % of ships that entered
the terminal were inspected in 2000 and 79% - in
2001.
One of the measures used to reduce pollution
in the Baltic Sea is a requirement to keep ships with
accumulated pollutants in Klaipëda State Port. Moreover, it is necessary to introduce a sanitary tax for
fishing vessels and other small ships. Ships for collection of accumulated pollutants and waste could
pay a small annual fee.
J Situation improves. In 2001 twice as many ship inspections as in 2000 were performed.
Meanhile, a number of reports on pollution decreased by 40 percent compared with the
same year. A number of inspected ships that entered Bûtingë terminal of AB Maþeikiø
nafta increased.
61
number of inspected ships
800
G5.2. A number of identified and penalised polluters out of the total number
of polluters
number of indentified
polluters (%)
A part of identified and penalised polluters out of the total number of fixed violations in that year.
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Marine Environmental Protection Agency of Klaipëda Regional Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Environment
Growing inspection number of ships that entered
Klaipëda harbour in 2001, declining number of reports on pollution, increased number of identified
and penalized polluters are the results of efficient
inspection work.
The size of penalty for a ton of spilled oil
changes depending on the size of damage made to
environment using a coefficient set up in the damage calculation methods.
J In 2001 a number of identified polluters significantly increased.
62
GROUND WATER
State
B6.1. Concentrations of sulphates in ground water
Cl
mg/l
300
Debit
Debitas
45000
40000
250
35000
200
30000
150
25000
100
20000
50
15000
0
10000
yield, m3/day
SO4
350
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
year
DATA SOURCE: Vilniaus hidrogeologija and Lithuanian Geological Service data base, well field
monitoring results carried out by SP UAB Klaipëdos vanduo.
The highest level of drinking water consumption in Lithuania was reached in 1989 1990. At
that time water mineralisation, sulphate and chloride concentrations increased in a number of well
fields of the country. In some cases water quality did
not comply with drinking water standard requirements. Inflow of mineral water is typical to well fields
using water from deep aquifers. Klaipëda III,
Ðiauliai I II, Joniðkis, Këdainiai, Panevëþys,
Marijampolë, Druskininkai and Vilkaviðkis well
fields are considered characteristic well fields. In
Klaipëda III well fields ground water quality
changes due to mineral water curve (coming from
south) that occupies mostly one third of II well field.
Therefore, total mineralisation, total hardness and
concentrations of mostly all ions increased in water
pumped out of these well fields year by year. Changes
of groundwater quality in these well fields is influenced by hydrogeological reasons (most frequently
mineralised water curve). The diagram represents
water quality trend since 1990. At that time consumption of water started to decline. Decreasing water
yield in well fields influenced reduction of chloride
and sulphate quantity in drinking water. Similar situation is observed in other well fields mentioned
above.
J Since 1990 the amount of water taken from many well fields in Lithuania has decreased.
At present the number amounts to 20 30 % of 1990 level. Such situations has influenced
water quality. Mineralisation of drinking water decreased as well as the amount of sulphate and chlorine ions. These tendencies provide a background for expections that in
case sustainable water intaken is ensured, drinking water quality will be improved.
63
Change of chloride ir sulphate ion concentrations in ground water using Klaipëda well field II as an
example. It represents well fields that use deep aquifers with low inflow of mineralised water.
B6.2. Concentration of nitrates in ground water
In natural water nitrate ions form during nitrification process of ammonium ions, come into water
together with precipitation as well as industrial and municipal wastewater, sewage and nitrided
fertilizers.
➨ ↔
Significantly increased (10-30)
↔
0,25
Increased (1-10)
Slightly decreased (-1-1)
Decreased (1-10)
14.05
0
0.21
0.35
Significantly decreased (10-30)
21
➨
↔↔
➨
↔➨
↔
↔
↔
➨
↔ ↔
↔ ↔
↔ ↔ ↔ ↔
➨
➨
↔
↔↔ ↔
↔
↔
0,3
1,2
2.4
5.61
17.38
0,4
67
0
0,3
1
55
0
110
5,7
➨
Quantity of nitrates,
mg/l 2001
0
16
0
82
➨
2,3
0,7
DATA SOURCE: Lithuanian Geological Survey, the State ground water monitoring.
The State ground water monitoring observes
ground water quality forming under lithological conditions and the impact of regional anthropogenic factor. Increase of the amount of nitrates, when their
concentrations are very low in natural conditions, is
closely related with intensive use of land. According
to monitoring data, concentrations of nitrates in
ground water below 1 mg/l prevail. In 2001 the maximum allowable concentration (50 mg/l) was exceeded only in 4 dug wells. Comparing data from
1995-1996 with 2000-2001 data, slight changes in
concentrations of nitrates below 1 mg/l in most of
dug wells are noticeable. In territories where farm-
ing is intensive, the largest amounts of nitrates prevail. Although intensiveness of farming (use of fertilizers) goes down thus stabilizing concentrations
of nitrates in most of dug wells, in some of them
growing tendency remains.
High concentrations of nitrates existing in dug
wells is another acute problem. However, it is not an
object of the state monitoring as the problem is
closely related with the local pollution and does not
reflect regional regularities. This problem is solved
through programmes on drinking water supply. Measures needed to prevent water pollution will be influenced by the implementation of Nitrates Directive and decisions taken.
Fig. B6.2.1 Concentrations of nitrates in ground water with different pressure (Mikuþiai post)
50
40
mg/l
14
➨
➨
þy
➨
➨
↔↔
6,9
➨
➨ þyp
➨p
↔
➨ su
0,9
3,6
Change of nitrate quantities from 1995 till
2001 (mg/l)
30
20
10
0
1995 1996
arable land
1997 1998
meadow
1999
2000 2001
forest
K Intensive use of land impacts ground water pollution with nitrates. The largest pollution
is in farming land, the lowest in forest. With declining farming stabilisation tendency in
the amounts of nitrates is noticable.
64
Even though soil is as important component of
the environment to human beings as air and water,
its protection receives significantly less attention.
One of the reasons influencing such attitude to the
state of soil is a fact that degradation of soil in opposite to air and water pollution, has boundaries.
Thus, it can be only considered as local, internal problem of the country. Therefore, it is not surprising that
the European Union (EU) environmental policy still
has no clear objectives and tasks related to soil, protection of which is indirectly regulated by air and
water protection Directives. A lack of attention is
demonstrated not only by absence of clear policy and
legal norms but also limited available information
on the state of soil. At present in the EU there are
300.000 contaminated sites indentified, while there
are almost 1,5 million of such sites according to preliminary evaluations.
Since 2001 there are changes on-going in the
EU environmental policy indicating increase of appropriate attention to soil quality in the nearest future. The European Commission has started development of the EU Soil Strategy (Consultation paper
on the future EU Soil Strategy. Drafted by the European Commission, 2001). The European Environment Agency (EEA) makes attempts to prepare a
common soil monitoring and assessment program
(European soil monitoring and assessment framework. EIONET workshop proceedings. EEA,2001).
Absence of unified soil investigations and assessments performed in different states burdens preparation of the programme. Nevertheless, priority problems of soil degradation are already identified:
·
pollution at local level
·
non-point source pollution
·
acidification
·
erosion
·
loss of soil due to urbanisation (expansion of
settlements, road construction, etc.).
Problem of pollution at local level is identified
as the priority problem due to the fact that it is easy
to unify monitoring of local soil pollution. In 2002
Lithuania together with other European countries
started reporting to the EEA on soil pollution at local level.
Lithuania, being associated country of the EU,
complies its national environmental policy with the
EU requirements. Absence of transparent soil protection policy in the EU predetermined that soil pro-
tection problems were moved behind other environmental problems in our country. Situation is also ,
complicated due to lack of financial resources. Soil
investigations, in particular, sanation works and restoration requires substantial financial resources.
Soil investigations carried out within the frame
of the State Environment Monitoring Program of the
Ministry of Environment covers 2 out of 5 soil degradation problems identified by the EEA: soil acidification and loss due to urbanisation of territories. A
problem of soil acidification is analysed in the Section on Soil acidification in Meadows and Forests.
Currently on-going CORINE project of the EEA and
the Ministry of Environment on the earth surface will
facilitate evaluation of loss of soil due to urbanisation
process from 1995 to 2000 already in 2003.
Analysis of soil pollution at local level are not
included into the State Environmental Monitoring
Program, hence, they are carried out irregularly. Systematic reseach is performed only in former pesticides storage sites after the fire. Investigation of pollution of soil with oil products, heavy metals and
other pollutants are performed based on special orders. Results of such work are only available from
the client and institutions that fulfilled the order.
Unfortunately, so far there is no information system
developed in Lithuania capable to integrate all data
on soil investigations. Therefore, a very brief discussion on problem of soil pollution at local level is
provided in this publication The publication Section
on Management of obsolete pesticides reviews problems of potential pollution sources, namely, pesticide storage sites, sites after fires and pesticide underground storage sites.
Management of obsolete pesticides. During the
period of 1995-2001 more than 900 potential pesticide pollution sources have been identified in
Lithuania. These are pesticide storage sites, sites after fires and pesticide underground storage sites inherited from the soviet period. New owners inherited pesticide storage sites from former collective
farms together with the dangerous content large
amounts of pesticides from which significant part is
obsolete and outdated pesticides. As all other dangerous chemical substances, pesticides must be stored
in well maintained storage sites, safe packaged, floor
of storage sites must have ground that prevents entering of chemicals into soil. Inventory of pesticide
storage sites shows that rather large number of such
65
Condition of soil
sites do not follow these requirements. There are
cases when pesticides stored in improper conditions
caused fires due to chemical reactions. Attempts to
get rid of unwanted materials by disposing them in
remote places became more frequent. Underground
disposal of pesticides is very mostly dangerous due
to possible leackage into the ground and surface
water. Most of obsolete pesticides are listed among
prohibited or limited chemical substances that are
very toxic, have carcinogenic, mutagenic impact, and
can accumulate in human organisms. Thus, even very
small concentrations of such substances in drinking
water are very dangerous. Balance of microhydrobionts starts changing even if there is minor surface
water pollution from pestides. This will inevitably
impact vegetation and fauna of water bodies, meanwhile, larger concentrations can be even deadly or
impact their reproductivity, growth, behavior, etc.
Pesticide contamination level in investigated territories proved that pollutants from pesticide storage
sites after fires have already spread to both nearby
territories as well as surface and ground water. Improper pesticides storage conditions may have the
same consequences to surrounding areas, thus, it is
necessary to move chemicals to specially arranged
and well maintained sites. In 1995 the MoE initiated
Obsolete Pesticides Management Program. The program foresees measures to improve the state which
cover procedures for pesticide storage, use of usable
pesticides and utilisation of prohibited pesticides.
Soil acidification in meadows and forests. Soil
acidification is undesirable phenomenon both for
agricultural land and forests. Increased acidity reduces soil fertility, affects growth of nurseries and
formation of wood. Moreover, pollutants that enter
soil in more acid media, take mobile shapes and thus,
are easier absorbed by vegetation and infiltrate into
66
the soil layers. Besides other factors, the most influential factor of soil acidification is acid precipitations that enter soil. Acid precipitations are caused
by acidifying substances such as SO2, NOx and NH3,
emitted into the atmosphere from energy and other
inustrial sectors as well as transport and agriculture.
Continues ambient air monitoring proved that the
main depositions acidifying the environment come
to Lithuania along with long-range transboundary
pollution from Western Europe (A. Milukaite and
others, 2001). SO2, NOx and NH3 emissions significantly decreased in EU countries in 1980-2001. Reduction of emissions is determined by ambient air
monitoring data on analysis of SO2, NOx and NH3
depositions from atmosphere and change of forest
soil reaction. Change of forest soil reaction and influencing factors demonstrate a problem of acidification of cultivated land. Acidification of agricultural land is caused not only by acid precipitation
but also by use of nitrogenous fertilizers, intensive
farming, type of cultivated plants. The acidification
process develops quickly, thus, in order to preserve
existing fertility, liming of soil is needed. Volume of
Lithuanian soil liming in 1949-2001 shows that since
1997 liming of Lithuanian soil was very poor.
References:
Consultation paper on the future EU Soil Strategy.
Drafted by the European Commission, 2001.
www.iclei.org/europe/soil/
European soil monitoring and assessment framework.
EIONET workshop proceedings. EEA,2001.
http://themes.eea.eu.int/Specific_media/soil/reports
A.Milukaite, A.Mikelinskiene and B.Giedraitis.
Characteristics of SO2, NO2, Soot and Benzo(a)pyrene
concentration variation on the Eastern Coast of the Baltic
Sea. Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 130, pg. 1553-1558,
2001
ACIDIFICATION OF MEADOW AND FOREST SOILS
Driving forces
V7.1. SO2, NOx and NH3 emissions in EU countries
Acidifying gas emission into the environment in EU countries in 1980-1998
1600
350
1400
300
SO2
1200
250
1000
200
800
150
600
100
400
50
200
1998
1996
1994
1992
1990
1988
1986
1984
0
1982
0
NH3
acid-base equivalent of NOx, NH3 emissions,
thousand tons
NO2
1980
acid-base equivalent of SO2, SO2+NOx+NH3
emissions, thousand tons
SO2+NOx+NH3
DATA SOURCE: Indicator Fact Sheet Signals 2001 – Chapter Air Pollution, EEA.
One of the main reasons causing soil acidification is SO2, NOx and NH3 emissions into the atmosphere. These substances, when emitted into the atmosphere, participate in formation of acid compounds that return together with precipitation. These
pollutants have different potential of acidity. Their
input into acidifying the environment may be assessed with a helo of a relative indicator acid
equivalent of emission that is calculated by multiplying individual pollutant emission (Em, Gg) from
weight coefficient w the size of which depends on
acid-base potential (Emissions of acidifying substances, EEA). Thus, acid-base equivalent of the total emission is equal:
In 1998 in EU countries a total acid-base equivalent of emissions comprised 36 percent of SO2, 33%
of NO2, and 33% of NH3 emissions. The largest pollutants were energy sector (29%), agriculture (29%),
road transport (18%) and industry (13%). During
1980-1998 acidifying gas emissions significantly
decreased. The decrease was mostly influenced by
70% reduction of sulphur dioxide emissions. Reduction of NO2 emissions during the same period was
not significant and almost achieved the emission level
of 1980. It is difficult to assess and control NH3 emissions from agriculture the main pollution source.
Possibly, that is why NH3 emissions remained stable
during the period of 1980-1998.
w(SO2)*Em(SO2) + w(NOx)*Em(NOx) +
w(NH3)*Em(NH3), whereas
w(SO2) = 2/64 acid-base equiv./g = 31.25 acidbase equiv./kg
w(NOx) = 1/46 acid-base equiv./g = 21.74 acidbase equiv./kg
w(NH3) = 1/17 acid-base equiv./g = 58.82 acidbase equiv./kg
67
Fig. V7.1.1 SO2 emission in EU countries in 1980-1998
other
30000
transport
emission, thousand tons
industry
energy production
20000
15000
10000
5000
1998
1996
1994
1992
1990
1988
1986
1984
1982
1980
0
years
DATA SOURCE: Indicator Fact Sheet Signals 2001 – Chapter Air Pollution, EEA
In 1980-1998 SO2 emission in EU countries decreased by more than 70%, and in 19901998 – more than 50%. Such substantial decrease
was mostly influenced by substitution of solid and
liqued fuel for gas in energy and other industrial
sectors, introduction of new technological decisions in energy production and consumption of coal
and fuel oil containing less sulphur. In 1980-1998
SO2 emission in energy production sector decreased by 49%, other industrial sectors - 53%.
Anthropogenic SO2 emission is caused by combustion of fuel that contains sulphur. In 1998 the
main emission sources were the following: energy
production (65%), industry (22%), heating in commercial and private sectors (7%) and transport
(5%).
Fig. V7.1.2 NOx emission in EU15 countries in 1980-1998
other
14000
transp ort
12000
emission, thousand tons
industry
energy production
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
1998
1996
1994
1992
1990
1988
1986
1984
1982
0
1980
25000
years
DATA SOURCE: Indicator Fact Sheet Signals 2001 – Chapter Air Pollution, EEA.
68
The main source of pollution of nitrogen oxide
is road transport (see Fig. V7.1.2). In 1998 nitrogen
oxide emission from road transport in EU15 countries achieved 47%, from energy sector - 18%, and
industry - 12%. NOx emission from road transport
in 1980-1990 inceased by 20%, later started declining and in 1998 reached the level of 1980. Emission
reduction was determined by a compulsory installation of exhausted gas catalyst in vehicles (Directive
J
91/441/EEC) and introduction of emission standards
for heavy transport (Directive 91/542/EEA) and
motor cars (Dirctive 94/12/EC). Without these measures, in 1998 emissions of nitrogen oxides from
transport would have increased by 50%. In 1999
when the implementation of measures foreseen in
the Transport and Fuel Program of European Commission started, NOx emissions were expected to
decrease by 6-10% already in 2000. Meanwhile, significant decrease is expected only in 2005.
After electrical power plants changed fuel and technologies acidifying gas emissions
decreased by 32% in 1980-1998 in EU countries.
References:
Emissions of acidifying substances, EEA, 2001.
http://themes.eea.eu.int/Specific_media/air/indicators/acidification/index_html
A7.1. SO2, NOx and NH3 depositions from the atmosphere
Change of atmospheric sulpher and nitrogen depositions in Lithuania.
1600
1400
mgS(N)/m2 met
1200
1000
SO4-S
800
NO3-N
600
NH4-N
400
200
0
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center data base “EcoData”.
Seeking to assess atmospheric depositions of
pollutants in Lithuania, atmosphere precipitation and
air samples were taken in areas that are least affected
by anthropogenic pollution sources. For this purpose
atmosphere background monitoring stations were
installed in Aukðtaitija (LT01), Dzûkija (LT02) and
Þemaitija (LT03) national parks. Annual sulphur and
nitrogen depositions in the atmosphere are assessed
by summing up wet and dry depositions.
69
Sulpher and nitrogen are considered as the main pollutants in the atmosphere for the last few decades (Erikson E., 1952),
and their depositions have direct or indirect impact on natural chemical processes and related live cycles of surface and
ground water, soil and forest ecosystems. Return rate of pollutants from the atmosphere is mostly influenced by physical
and chemical characteristics as well as meteorological factors. Gaseous sulphur and nitrogen compounds (SO2, NOx, NH3)
emitted into the atmosphere, stay there for a couple of days before they are transported hundreds of kilometers from their
source of emission, and usually in the form of aerosolic particulates transform to sulphates, nitrates and ammonium.
Precipitation eliminates sulphur, nitrogen gasous and aerosolic chemical compounds from the atmosphere that are soluble
in water. Size of their depositions depends on the amount of precipitation and factors that determine concentrations of
pollutants in the atmosphere and precipitation. Dry depositions of pollutants are calculated basing on measured concentration of pollutants in precipitation as well as the amount of precipitation. Pollutants from the atmosphere reach surface
of the earth not only in form of precipitaion but also directly. Latter depositions are called dry depositions. Dry deposition
of pollutants from the atmosphere is caused by it’s turbulancy, and it’s size is determined by physical-chemical and
surface, where pollutants settle, characteristics. Analysing interaction factors between the main sulphur and nitrogen
compounds and the surface, according to the adsorption features due to high chemical activity they are divided into
groups such as HNO3, H2SO4, NH3 and SO2, and according to slow interraction with the surface such as NO, N2O and NO2.
(Sehmel A. George., 1980). Dry depositions of pollutants are calculated measuring concentrations of pollutants in the
atmosphere samples and choosing dry pollutants sedimentation rate (Vd) that are used in modelling of pollutants dispersion in the atmosphere: HNO3 - 3 cm s-1, NH3 - 1.0 cm s-1, SO2 - 0.5 cm s-1, NO2 –0.1 cm s-1, and for aerosols NH4+, NO3as well as SO42- - 0.1 cm s-1 (Kasibhatla P.S., 1993).
A7.1.1 pav. Sieros ir azoto vidutiniai srautai ið atmosferos
mgS(N)/m2 year
Aukðtaitija (LT01), Dzûkija (LT02) and
Þemaitija (LT03) national parks
LT01
1000
900
800
700
600
LT02
LT03
500
400
300
200
100
0
SO4
NO3
NH4
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research Center database “EcoData”.
Annual values of atmospheric depositions in
1994-2000 presented in Fig. A7.1.1 show that the
lowest depositions of sulphur and nitrogen compounds are in Aukðtaitija. Higher concentrations of
sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in Dzûkija and
Þemaitija determined higher sulphur and nitrates
dry depositions, which amount to 30 % of the total
amount deposition of these pollutants. Due to higher
concentrations of NH3 in the air from local pollu-
70
tion sources, higher ammonia nitrogen depositions
were observed in Dzûkija and, in particularly, in
Þemaitija. NH3 neutralizes acid in the atmosphere
but, due to possible nitrification processes, it can
transform into acidifying compound in the soil
(Derwent R.G., 1989). It happens when the amount
of nitrogen in soil is higher than its biological consumption, thus, under the influence of O 3 and
miocroorganisms, during chemical reaction NH4+
turns into nitric acid.
Fig. A7.1.2 Change of sulphur and nitrogen depositions from the atmosphere in Aukðtaitija
SO4-S
NO3-N
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
NH4-N
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Fig. A7.1.2, A7.1.3 and A7.1.4 present change of
sulphur and nitrogen atmospheric depositions in three
Lithuanian regions.
Analysis of annual change of sulphur depositions
shows noticeable reduction: in 2000 in Aukðtaitija it
was 73 % lower compared with 1994, in Þemaitija
61 % compared with 1996, and Dzûkija 42 %. Ammonia nitrogen deposition during this period in all three
regions decreased by 50%. Compared with start of presented period, reduction tendency (about 14 %) of nitric acid deposition is observed in Aukðtaitija and
Þemaitija. However, there are no significant changes
in the annual change in Dzûkija.
Extent of ecosystems destruction is influenced not
only by the amount of pollutants entering ecosystems
but also sensitivity of ecosystems to pollutants
(Kuylenstierna J.C.I., 2001, Granat L., 2001). Thus,
assessing pollutants impact on forests, water ecosystems and soil in each region, it is necessary to take into
account their chemical and physical characteristics.
Due to decreasing anthropogenic pollution of SO2
in Europe, sulphur depositions into ecosystems are reducing significantly in Lithuania (Sopauskiene D.,
2001).
Fig. A7.1.3 Annual sulphur and nitrogen depositions from the atmosphere in Dzûkija
Dzûkija, LT 02
SO4-S
1400
NO3-N
mgS(N)/m2 year
1200
NH4-N
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
With the decreasing gaseous SO2, and decreasing concentrations of aerosolic SO42- in Lithuania,
concentration of aerosolic NH4+, connected with
SO42-, also reduces in air. It decreases atmospheric
depositions of ammonia nitrogen into ecosystems in
Lithuania. However, their reduction rate is slower
than of sulphate sulphur. Approximately 50% of
ammonia nitrogen in the total atmospheric deposition falls to dry depositions share the size of which
is determined by ammonia concentration in air mostly
caused by local sources. Slight changes of nitric acid
atmospheric depositions into ecosystems are observed.
71
mgS(N)/m2 year
Aukštaitija, LT 01
A7.1.4 pav. Sieros ir azoto metiniø srautø ið atmosferos kaita Þemaitijoje
emaitija, LT03
SO4-S
2500
mgS(N)/m2 year
NO3-N
2000
NH4-N
1500
1000
500
0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: Joint Research Center data base “EcoData”.
J Situation improves due to significant decrease of atmospheric depositions of potential
ecosystem acidifiers, namely, sulphur and ammonia nitrogen.
Literatûra:
Derwent R.G., Hov O., Asman W.A.H., Jaarsveld
J.A. and De Leeuw F.A. (1989) An intercomparison of
long-term atmospheric transport models; The budgets of
acidifying species for the Netherlands. Atmos. Environ.,
9, 18931909.
Erikson E. (1952 ) Composition of atmospheric precipitation. Tellus 4, 280303.
Granat L., Das S.N., Tharkur R. S. and Rodhe H.
(2001) Atmospheric deposition in a rural area in India
net and potential acidity. Water, Air, and soil pollution,
130, 469474.
Kasibhatla P.S., Levy II. H., Moxim W.J. and
Chameides W.L. (1993) Global NOx, HNO3, PAN and
72
NOy distributions from fossil-fuel combustion emissions:
A model study. J.Geophys.Res. 98, 71657180.
Kuylenstierna J.C.I., Rodhe H., Cinderby S. and
Hicks K. (2001) Acidification in developing countries:
Ecosystem sensitivity and the critical load approach on a
global scale. Ambio, 1, 2028.
Sehmel A. George. (1980) Particle and gas dry deposition: A Review. Atmos.Environ., 14, 9831011.
Ðopauskienë D., Jasinevièienë D. and Stapèinskaitë
S. (2001) The effect of changes in European anthropogenic emissions on the concentrations of sulphur and nitrogen components in air and precipitation in Lithuania.
Water, Air, and soil pollution, 130, 517522.
State
B7.1. Change of forest soil reaction
7,0
pHCaCl2
1992 m.
6,5
1998 m.
Change of pHCaCl2 in different types of forest soil.
Change of soil reaction in spruce and fir-tree forest stands.
6,0
5,5
5,0
4,5
4,0
O (forest
litter)
0-5 cm
10-20 cm
5-10 cm
Depth
DATA SOURCE: Forest soil database of the Lithuanian Forest Institute.
Acid precipitations may cause negative changes
of physical and chemical characteristics of forest
soil: soil acidity, leakage of nutrients and pollution
with heavy metals (Matzner and Murach, 1996;
Vanmechelen et al., 1997). Change of forest soil
reaction can reflect negative changes in the most
obvious way.
Different types of soil have different buffer (resistance) environment to impact from acidifying
pollutants. According to buffer index, namely ratio
of Ca2++Mg2+/Al3+ in Lithuanian forest monitoring
(16x16 km, in total 67 plots of frequent monitoring), approximately 50% of investigated soil is sensitive to pollutants, and 3-6% of soil very sensitive. Comparing data from 1992 and 1998, it is possible to conclude that during the last 6 years acidification has covered 56% of all forest litters. Mean-
while, reaction of the rest part (8%) remained the
same and even became alkaline (36%). Opposite
tendency is observed in the upper mineral and peat
soil layer which is 20 cm deep: alkalinity is defined
in 69%, acidification in 28% and stable reaction in
3%.
After more thorough analysis of data received
from pine and fir forests has been carried out, it became obvious that, in principle, reaction of forest
litters and mineral soil layer which is 20 cm deep
has not changed during the last 6 years. This could
have been influenced by decreased air pollution and
rainy summer of 1998 (compared with 1992, precipitation in June-August of 1998 exceeded the level
by 2-5 times). After decreased pollution and due to
excess quantity of precipitation the upper forest soil
layers could have become more alkaline as leakage
of mobile sulphur appeared and basic cations together with ground water or capillaries migrated
from deeper less acid or even alkaline layers.
73
Fig. B7.1.1 Change of mobile sulphur in forest soil
mg kg
-1
1992
100
1998
80
60
40
20
0
Miðko paklotë
Forest litter
0-20 cm
Deep
Gylis
DATA SOURCE: Forest soil monitoring database of the Lithuanian Forest
Institute.
Fig. B7.1.2 Change of forest soil reaction from 1992 to 1998
0-20 cm
Forest litter
more alkaline
more acid
state reaction
K Comparing data from 1992 and 1998, it is possible to conclude that forest soil reaction in
Lithuania during 6 years remained the same, i.e. more acid rather than alkaline.
References:
Matzner, E. and D.Murach. Soil changes induced
by air pollutant deposition and their implication for forests in Central Europe. Water, Air and Soil Pollution,
1996, 85, pg. 63-76.
74
Vanmechelen L., Groenemans R., Van Ranst E. Forest Soil Condition in Europe (Results of a large-scale soil
survey). 1997, FSCC. Pg. 261.
B7.2. Change of meadow soil reaction and its influencing factors
Change of soil reaction area (%) in humus layer in different types of soil in Lithuanian soil regions.
Year of
survey
Investigated area, ha
(in 60
objects)
Total of
relatively acid
Soil reaction (pHKCl)
≤4,5
4,6-5,0
5,1-5,5
5,6-6,0
6,1-6,5
6,6 ir >
pH≤5,5
±
1993-1996
1998-2001
3249,3
0,3
3,5
12,5
30,5
32,2
21,0
16,3
3,5
9,6
18,5
21,8
20,8
25,8
31,6
+15,3
Middle Lithuania
1993-1996
1998-2001
4873,8
0,4
0,8
2,8
9,1
19,0
67,9
4,0
0,3
1,4
4,0
8,3
11,4
74,6
5,7
+1,7
East Lithuania
1993-1996
1998-2001
4071,1
0,2
3,4
9,9
27,4
34,5
24,6
13,5
1,7
7,2
13,3
23,6
22,6
31,6
22,2
+8,7
Lithuania
1993-1996
1998-2001
12194,2
0,3
2,4
7,8
20,9
27,7
40,9
10,5
1,6
5,5
11,0
17,0
17,7
47,2
18,1
+7,6
DATA SOURCE: Monitoring of soil features and analysis of pollution in the main types of Lithuanian soil, LÞI, 2001.
Assessing features of soil in used land areas as
well as relevant changes, it is necessary to take into
accound different farming conditions in Lithuania
before and after independence. Period before independence was different due to very intensive liming
of soil, extensive use of pesiticides, mineral and organic fertilizers. Liming activities have stopped after the middle of ninth decade, meanwhile, liming
was carried out in 160-200 thousand ha of acid soil
a year since 1965 till 1990. Before intensive liming
took place, there were 40,7% of relatively acid soil
(pH 5,5 and less) in the country, out of which up to
5,0 pH - 27,7%. Due to intensive liming the area
decreased down to 18,7% out of which up to 5,0 pH
8,5%. (Dirvoþemio rûgðtumas ir kalkinimas/
Þemdirbystë. LÞI-LÞÛU mokslo darbai, -T.71
Akademija, 2000, p.3-20, Soil acidity and liming/
Agriculture. LÞI-LÞÛU scientific studies, -V.71,
Academia, 2000, pg. 3-20).
Reduced scope of liming and use of pesticides,
mineral fertilizers had rather significant impact on
change of agrochemical features of Lithuanian soil
in used land areas and contamination level.
Completed comparative investigations concluded that in 1995-1999 without repeatedly liming
of soil in more than 186 thousand ha area of the farmers and collective farms in 13 administrative regions
of the country and approximately 200 ha area in 60
monitoring sites (1993-2001), acidification of soil
was noticeable. It means soil slowly returns to its
previous condition. Strongest acidification was observed in Western Lithuania where soil has deeper
carbonate layer and subsoil is acid due to podzolic
veins that stretch into the depth. In particular, acidification is noticed in the areas where soil of very
acid or in average acid reaction prevailed before intensive liming.
Transfer of chemical compounds and fallouts
from air, activity of soil microorganisms, gas circulation in roots of vegetation, physiologically acid
fertilizers, and others add to soil acidification. For
example, nitrogenous fertilizers also acidify soil.
75
West Lithuania
Fig. B7.2.1 Impact from nitrogenous fertilizers to soil acidification (1993)
N
P
K
200
7,0
180
6,5
140
6,0
120
100
5,5
80
5,0
60
40
pH (0-10 cm)
average annual norms kg/ha
4,5
20
Fertilisation
options
P90K90
P180K90
P90K0
P0K90
P0K180
P180K30
P180K180
P30K30
N100
P180K180
P30K180
P150K150
P90K90
N20-80
P120K120
P60K60
P30K30
P0K90
P180K180
N0
P0K180
P90K0
4,0
P90K90
0
Netrêta
160
N120
DATA SOURCE: J.Maþvila. Agrochemical features and their change in Lithuanian soil. Kaunas, 1998.
Long-term fertilization test was established in
1971 in Skëmiai, Radviliðkis region where
daugiamete grass was cultivated from 1989 till 1993.
Grass was fertilized by nitrogenous fertilizers up to
120kg/ha annually. In some cases during those 4 years
soil layer of 0-10 cm became more acid (Fig. B7.2.1).
Fertilizers have rather significant impact on two
most important guards of harvest, namely, calcium
and magnesium as well as stronger leakage of sulphur being important nutrition element for vegetation.
K Due to discontinuation of soil liming, transport of chemical compounds and fallouts from
air, use of physiologically acid fertilizers and soil natural processes, acidification of
Lithuanian soil increases. Fortunately, it has not yet reached critical limits.
References:
Dirvoþemio rûgðtumas ir kalkinimas/ Þemdirbystë.
LÞI-LÞÛU scientific studies, -V.71 Akademija, 2000,
pg.3-20.
76
G7.1. Lithuanian soil liming
Extent of Lithuanian soil liming in the period of 1949-2001.
200
160
thousand ha
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
1998-2001
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1981-1990
1976-1980
1961-1975
1949-1961
0
DATA SOURCE: Soil acidity and liming/ Agriculture. LÞI-LÞÛU scientific studies, -V.71 Akademija, 2000.
Intensive liming in the country started in 1961.
During the last thirty years (1961-1990) liming was
carried out 4-5 times in the most of acid soil in
Lithuania. Since 1976 use of dust limestone powder, good quality liming materials from Akmenë
started. In 1961-1980 liming was performed in about
2,3 million ha of used land acid reaction soil. Liming of 160 thousand ha annually was carried out in
1976-1980 and 200 thousand ha annually in 19811990. However, today such work is practically not
performed.
Acidification of originally acid soil with no liming activities rapidly increases. Physical-agrochemi-
cal features and structure of soil degenerate, activity
of microorganisms slows down, mineral fertilizers
provide lower effect, quantity of mobile aluminium
and acid pollutants increase. Their leakage into subsoil becomes more intensive, radionuclides and heavy
metals easier reach vegetation, ecosystems are affected and their resistance to anthropogenic factors
declines.
Liming not only reduces actual, exchange and
potential acidity of soil, improves agrophysical, microbiological characteristics, structure and sorption
volume but also neutralizes and immobilizes pollutants, thus makes positive environmental effect.
L According to monitoring and other research data, after discontinued regular liming, slow
recovery of acidified soil reaction has started. Even if soil acidification is rather slow on
the country scale, this process is incomparably faster in soil where liming was carried out
earlier. Therefore, in order to keep soil fertility it is necessary to initiate liming.
77
180
MANAGEMENT OF OBSOLETE PESTICIDES
A8.1. Number of pesticide storage facilities
Potential sources of pollution with pesticides – pesticide storage facilities, sites after pesticide fires
and underground disposal of pesticides, 2001.
Pesticide storage sites
Inventory status
completed
uncompleted
DATA SOURCE: Database of potential pollution sources of geological environment, LGS, 2001.
In soviet times all collective farms had pesticide storage facilities the number of which in
Lithuania exceeded 1200. Supply of pesticides did
not correspond to the actual need, thus, in a short
period of time large quantities of unused pesticides
accumulated in storage facilities. After some time
rather large part of pesticides became unsuitable for
use: outdated pesticides were included into a list of
prohibited chemical substances, no information about
the content was left on their packages, etc. After collective farms collapsed, most of pesticide storage
facilities were left without any control and became
potential pollution sources. Due to improper storage
conditions and storage order of hazardous chemical
substances, they posed a risk to environment. In 1995
the Ministry of Environment initated an inventory
of former pesticide storage facilities. Until 2002 the
full inventory of potential pollution sources was carried out only in Birþai, Ignalina, Pasvalys, Pakruojis
and Zarasai regions. After completion of the inventory in other regions, a number of such sites will certainly increase. Therefore, distribution of pesticide
storage facilities on the map reflects only the state
of information rather than existing situation. Basing
on the inventory data of 1997, Lithuanian Geological Survey (LGS) prepared a database (DB) of potential environment pollution sources which is being constantly updated. At present the DB contains
information about 954 pesticide storage sites pesticide storage facilities, sites after pesticide fires and
underground pesticide disposal sites. However, situation in 2000-2001 is reflected only by the inventory
data from five regions mentioned above. The inventory of 172 pesticide storage sites was carried out in
these regions. 37 of these sites were identified as
posing threat to environment.
Detailed hydrogeological investigations were
carried out only once in the surroundings of 4 former
storage facilities. Systematic investigations of contaminated sites are carried out in Zigmantiðkës underground pesticide disposal sites and in territories
and surroundings of burnt underground pesticide disposal sites. Since 1994 15 pesticide storage sites after fires, territories of 2 pesticide storage facilities
and Zigmantiðkës underground pesticide disposal site
were included into a monitoring programme of pesticide residues carried out by the Joint Research Center (JRC).
L At present the database of potential pollution sources contains information on 172 investigated pesticide storage sites out of existing 954. That makes 18%. It is necessary to
78
carry out systematic inventory of pesticide storage facilities and underground disposal
sites in the whole country.
State
B8.1. Level of pollution with pesticides in investigated sites
Pollution extent in pesticide storage facilities after fires and underground pesticide disposal sites,
2001.
Pollution with pesticides
Polluted
Non-polluted
No research
G ground in the vicinity of storage facility, D soil outside
of the vicinity of storage facility, GV ground water, PV
surface water
DATA SOURCE: Pesticide residues monitoring data, JRC,
2001.
In 2001 objects where neighbouring territories are
not protected from pollution of both ground and surface water with pesticides were included into the investigation programme of sites polluted with pesticides
carried out by the JRC. Among these territories there
are 15 fully or partly burnt pesticide storage facilities
and Zigmantiðkës underground pesticide disposal site.
Kazlø Rûda ir Vieðvilë pesticide storage facilities are
two exemptions where large quantities of outdated pesticides are stored. Following samples were taken from
investigated sites:
·
ground in the vicinity of storage facilities,
·
soil (up to 20 cm deep) samples within the radius
of 200-300 metres outside of the vicinity of storage sites (background),
·
ground (wells) and surface (streamlets, ponds, land
reclamation canals) water sources that reached the
investigation zone.
From 43 pesticides investigated in samples, the following have been found:
·
chloride organic (ChOP) DDT and its metabolites (DDE, DDD), hexachlorcyclohexane (HCH)
a-, b-, g- and d-isomers, hexachlorbenzene (HCB),
quintozene, endosulphane,
triazine (TP) atrazine, simazine, propazine,
prometrine, sebuthylazine-desethyl, terbutilazine,
·
phosphorus organic (FOP) carbophos,
parathyon-ethyle and -methyle, diazinone,
phenyltrotione,
·
other trialate, propiconazole.
Investigation data showed that soil is contamined
with pesticide residues in all sites except of
Zigmantiðkës underground pesticide disposal site.
Sandy soil prevails in Zigmantiðkës site, thus, leakage
of pesticides to deeper layers occures and they have
already reached ground water. In all sites except of
Purviniai not only territories of former storage facilities are polluted but also the surrounding land. Usually
these are agricultural fields, uncultivated land or meadows used for pasturage. The higest pollution concentration is in the areas where pesticides have reached
ground and surface water. It should be noted that water is analysed only when water sources are in the vicinity of investigation zone, thus, it was possible to
analyse pollution of ground water with pesticides only
in 6 and pollution of surface water in 9 places out of
79
18.
·
Table B8.1.1 Contamination of pesticide storage sites after fires and undergound pesiticide disposal
sites, 2001
Maximum concentrations of pesticides
Location
mg/kg
Ground in the vicinity of the site
µg/l
Soil outside of vicinity of the
site
Ground water*
Surface water**
ChO
T
FO
Kt.
ChO
T
FO
Kt.
ChO
T
Kt.
ChO
T
Zigmantiðk
0
0
0
7.5
0
ës
Purviniai
~0
0
0
0
Ramutiðkës
0.1
0.1
0
0
0.3
0.4
<0.1
0
Kazlø
0.1
0.2
0
0
0.3
0.5
0
~0
2.9
2.5
Rûda
Utena
0.2
0.1
0
0
0
0.1
Vainutas
2.7
0.4
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0
0.2
0.2
6.3
57.4
0.02
554
Gudkaimis
0.4
2.9
<0.1
0.2
0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
0.04
85
Bauðiðkës
4.1
0.2
<0.1
0.3
<0.1
<0.1
0
0.1
0
6
0
1.4
0
S.Impiltis
17.0
0.4
<0.1
2.7
1.4
0.2
0
<0.1
4.5
0
0.01
Sakalinë
0.6
24.7
0
~0.1
0.4
<0.1
0
0
Saugonys
16.9
28.6
0.2
0
4.4
0.8
<0.1
0
Vieðvilë
144
22.4
1.2
0.7
0.3
0.1
0
0
Lenkimai
57
1.6
0
~0.1
4.2
0.3
0.1
1.3
0.07
1.8
249
Vaiðvydava
1.9
139
0
0
1.0
0.4
0
~0
0.03
0.3
0
0.01
0
Verðiai
154
66
3.1
0
3.3
0.4
~0
0
0
0
Audronys
3.9
260
0
<0.1
0.9
3.6
~0
0
Spadvilið339
11.6
<0.1
0
1.7
0.1
0
0
kis
Ðiaudinið1798
185
20.7
~0
0.5
0.4
0.1
0.6
0
0
kiai
Pesticide chemical class:ChO chloride organic, T triazine, FO phosphorus organic, Kt. azoles, thiocarbamates
*MAC of pesticides in drinking watere - 0.1 µg/l (Directive 80/778/EEA) for a single pesticide, 0.5 µg/l for total amount
**MAC of pesticides in surface water determined not for all identified pesiticides
The MAC for most of pesticides identified in
soil and ground samples is determined by translocation feature, i.e. limiting concentration for pesticides
to start accumulating in plants used for food. Such
standard is important only to evaluate pollution level
of soil in the vicinity of pesticide storage facilities.
According to translocation feature, Purviniai site is
not polluted, in Bauðiðkiai site pollution level is low,
Gudkaimis site is polluted, and surroundings of other
pesticide storage facilities are highly polluted.
Pollution with pesticides in the vicinity of storage facilities poses high risk due to possibilities for
pesticides to reach neighbouring territories and, in
particular, ground and surface water. This possibil-
80
Kt.
5.4
0
0
0
0
0
0
ity is determined by their chemical and physical characteristics, such as fragmentation semi-period, solubility in water and adsorbtion in soil as well as external factors such as type of soil, precipitation intensity, relief of an area, ground water depth, etc.
Therefore, it is difficult to identify direct link between pesticide concentrations in ground and spreading scale of pollutants. According to available data,
there is no possibility to determine limiting value
where pesticides could penetrate into groundwater
or disperse outside the vicinity of the storage site
area by rain streamlets. Nevertheless, there is a possibility to foresee general scenario for pesticides
behavior in soil which is characteristic to one or another chemical class of pesticides.
Triazines are very soluble in water and have weak adsorption in soil. Thus, contamination with these
pesticides is observed in the sites where soil is sandy, ground water layers are not deep and pollutants will
inevitably reach ground water as they are absolutely not decomposed. In clay soil rather large part of pesticides
will leak together with water into lower sites of the area. The dense structure soil layer will slow down penetration of pollutants into deeper layers. However, this natural barrier may be insufficient to protect ground water
from contamination as full process of triazine decomposition can continue up to 10 years. It is necessary to
emphasize that during fragmentation TP decompose to metabolites which are very dangerous and persistent.
Decomposition semi-period of chlororganic pesticides in soil continues from few months to several years.
They are nearly insoluble and have strong adsorption in soil. These characteristics demonstrate that residues of
these pollutants will remain for few more decades in soil polluted with ChO pesticides, if no sanation measures
are taken. During the whole period pesticides will slowly leak to deeper soil layers and nearby territories.
According to decomposition semi-period, solubility in water and adsorption in soi, phosphororganic pesticides are listed among ChO and triazine pesticides
L Pollutants from pesticide storage sites after fires and investigated storage sites that are
in use migrate to neighboring areas, ground and surface water.
81
G8.1. Amounts of utilised pesticides
Use of obsolete pesticides in 1997-2000 (t/year).
239
1997
1998
1999
2000
counties
15
26
41
60
33
84
53
38
22
41
53
26
5
4
24 17
0
Telðiø
28
52
Tauragës
0
26
6
68
Utenos
15
57
Ðiauliø
22
42
Klaipëdos
19
4
Kauno
39
22
46
104
80
Marijampolës
86
68
Vilniaus
49
127
Alytaus
135
Panevëþio
tons
DATA SOURCE: A publication of the Ministry of Environment “Environment‘2000”.
In 2000 189 tons of obsolete pesticides were
used, in 1999 292 tons, 1998 - 665 tons, 1997 730 tons. The largest quantities of pesticides were
used in Kaunas (397 t) and Panevëþys (339 t) county
regions, the smallest in Telðiai (45 t) and Klaipëda
(83 t) county regions in the last four years.
In the beginning of 2001 502 tons of not prohibited and usable pesticides, 214 tons of prohibited and 1 347 tons of unknown obsolete pesticides,
in total 2 063 tons (Fig. 6) were left in 185 storage
facilities. Most of them are stored in Marijampolë
(386 t) and Klaipëda (302 t) counties, the smallest
part in Telðiai (17 t) and Kaunas (72 t) counties.
Most of them (75%) are unknown and prohibited in agriculture chemical substances. Quite many
of them are stored in falling facilities, thus posing
threat to environment and human health. Due to
improper storage conditions mixed and unknown
chemical substances may be a reason of environmental pollution and fires, pose very big threat.
About 920 tons of pesticides require proper
handling (repackaging, sorting, transportation to
central storage facilities), about 800 tons of unknown
chemical substances (about 35 % of unknown pesticides will be identified in the second stage, to the
extent needed, in order to safely utilise in special
waste utilisation facility) require identification, 185
storage facilities have to be cleaned up and decontaminated. Outdated and prohibited pesticides have
to be utilised as well. Utilisation will be carried out
together with other hazardous waste after the appropriate capacity for hazardous waste incineration
and other type of utilisation (hazardous waste landfills) is in place.
J Situation improves. It will be possible to reduce the amounts of outdated and prohibited
pesticides after capacities for utilisation of hazardous wastes are in place.
82
G8.2. Financing of management of pesticide storage facilities
Municipal financing allocated for management of pesticide storage facilities in 19972000 (Lt/year).
206
1997
1998
1999
2000
thousand Lt
114
1029
3 3
15
0
5 5 3 0
DATA SOURCE: A publication of the Ministry of Environment “Environment‘2000”.
In 1995 the implementation of obsolete pesticides management program started. About 4,5 thousand tons of obsolete chemicals used in agriculture
were stored in 950 storage facilities. In 1995 - 1999
3280 tons of obsolete pesticides were repacked,
weighted, transported to central storage facilities and
sorted in 28 regions (approximate expenditure of 900
Lt per 1 ton). 618 tons of unknown pesticides (identification of 1 ton cost 3400 Lt) were identified using laboratories in 1996 1999 in 18 regions. An
amount of approximately 6 million litas was allocated for pesticides management from the state budget in the last five years.
In 2000 municipal allocations for installation
of storage facilities, management and maintenance
of those facilities amounted to 205 thousand Lt. In
1997-1999 municipal financing for management and
protection of storage facilities was 487 thousand Lt,
569 thousand Lt and 262 thousand Lt accordingly.
Financing of management of pesticide storage
facilities differ significantly from county to county.
In 1997-2000 the largest allocations were made by
Panevëþys county, the smallest by Telðiai and
Tauragë counties. Different financing level in counties is determined by diverse pesticide management
problems inherited from old times different quantities of obsolete pesticides, number of storage facilities and their condition, as well as different financial possibilities of individual municipality.
J Situation improves. A number of pesticide storage facilities have to be reduced leaving up
to one or two properly installed storage facilities. This would ensure their maintenance
and protection and reduce expenditures needed to maintain the facilities.
83
37
Telðiø
9 0 11
Tauragës
55
65
Utenos
15
48
44 44
Marijampolës
49
45
47
Alytaus
Kauno
Vilniaus
countie s
58
33
15 21
5 0
99
62
Panevëþio
52
8 11
Klaipëdos
64
44 80
Ðiauliø
110
Waste management
One of the most difficult environmental tasks is
to rationally manage wastes that generate in production and consumption processes. According to statistical data, generation of waste in the Free Market
Zone of Europe increased by approximately 10% in
1990-1995 (Environment in the European Union at
the turn of the century, 1999). Due to lack of reliable
statistical data on generation of waste and variety of
statistical methods used, it is difficult to forecast future trend of waste generation. However, it is rather
likely, that amounts of generated waste will increase.
According to OECD data, the main waste flows comprise recycled industrial waste (26%) and construction, demolition waste (25%). 18% are mining and
15% - household waste (Environment in the European Union at the turn of the century, 1999).
The main EU waste management requirements
are adopted in the light of Waste Management Strategy (1989). They aim at minimisation of specific
waste generation, improvement of production and
waste management technologies as well as regulation of transportation, import and export http://
europa.eu.int/comm/environment/enlarg/handbook/
waste.pdf. The Basel Convention controls
transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and
their disposal. The Convention was ratified by
Lithuania in 1998. There are three main principles
of the Convention, namely, to reduce transboundary
movement of hazardous wastes, to treat and dispose
hazardous wastes as close as possible to their source
of generation, and to minimise hazardous wastes
generation http://www.unep.ch/basel/about.html#
basic.
Waste management in Lithuania is one of priorities of the Environmental Protection Strategy
(Lietuvos Aplinkos apsaugos strategija, 1996
(Lithuanian Environmental Protection Strategy,
1996)). The main tasks are to establish a rational
waste management system, and reduce the amounts
of hazardous and municipal waste and their impact
on environment. Special attention is given to obsolete pesticides management (more detailed description is given in the Chapter on Condition of Soil). In
1999 the Government of Lithuania approved the
National Waste Management Strategy and action plan
where highest priorities were given to the principles
of waste prevention, utilisation and safe disposal. The
document is in compliance with the requirements of
EU directives and the Basel Convention.
84
In the National Waste Management Strategy and
Action Plan main emphasis is given to the development of infrastructure for household waste collection, minimisation of number of landfills, reduction
of biodegradable waste amounts disposed in landfills, development of recycling of secondary raw
materials, in particular, packaging waste. Lithuania
has committed itself to have municipal waste collection services provided to not less than 90% inhabitants until 2005 and reduce the number of operating
landfills to 30 until 2012, increase recycling from
up to 9-12% of secondary raw materials from total
amount of municipal waste until 2012, to reduce
amount of biodegradable wastes in landfills by 75%
until 2012 comparing with 1993 level. The above
listed tasks have to be reviewed in accordance with
the agreements made during the negotiation process
with the EU and results achieved so far in waste
management.
A problem of collection of reliable data about
waste quantities is rather significant in Lithuania. Due
to newly introduced waste classification, treatment
and accounting methods, it is difficult to compare
data from different years.
This Chapter provides the tendency of hazardous waste accumulation and municipal waste collection in the last decade. Partly, it reflects general
tendency of pressure on environment. However, most
likely, the change of municipal waste indicator does
not relfect real situation and it is effected by a new
data collection oder. Recycling of secondary waste
shows efforts made in reducing the amounts of accumulating wastes with part of them being returned
to a cycle of materials flow.
References:
Basic description of the Basel Convention http://
www.unep.ch/basel/about.html#basic
the century, 1999, Copenhagen, pg. 446.
enlarg/handbook/waste.pdf
Lietuvos aplinkos apsaugos strategija. Veiksmø
programa, 1996, Vilnius, pg. 42.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
A9.1. Collection of municipal wastes
Collection of municipal wastes, i.e. household and commercial, industrial, from institutions and
other type of origin, that are similar to household waste by their type and composition in 19922001.
2000
1800
1600
thousand tons
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Contaminated Sites and Waste Division, Ministry of Environment.
Data quality is insufficient due to small part that
is weighted (in Kariotiðkës and Lapës landfills), and
in other places only recalculated from m3 into tons.
Reducing amount of municipal wastes is explained
by newly introduced weighting of waste in the largest landfills and improved evaluation quality when
recalculating accumulated volume of waste into
mass. According to assessments of experts, the
amount of accumulated municipal wastes should be
even lower and reach about 750 thousand tons. It
was assessed that about 300 kg of municipal wastes
for one inhabitant per year are generated in large
cities, about 220 kg in smaller towns (regional
centers), and about 70 kg in settlements and countryside.
Table A9.1.1 Amount of mixe municipal wastes for one inhabitant, 2000 m.
Area
Amount,
Inhabitants,
kg/inhabitant
thousand t.
thousands
Vilnius city
Kaunas city
Klaipëda city
Ðiauliai city
Panevëþys city
Marijampolë city
Alytus city
Total in large cities
Total in Lithuania
201,085
112,569
106,603
50,987
50,000
23,582
14,179
559,006
1,084
578
413
203
147
134
52
78
1,603
3,650
347,9
272,8
526,4
347,8
374,0
453,5
183,0
348,7
297,5
DATA SOURCE: Status review of waste management, 2001, task force UAB „Ekobaltas“ and others.
85
Table A9.1.2 Comparative generation of waste per capita in European countries
Location
Household
wastes, kg/year
240
188
130
Riga, Latvia
Tallinn, Estonia
Tartu, Estonia
Sweden, Denmark,
Holland, Germany
Average in Europe
Municipal waste,
kg/year
312
401
398
359-409
399
DATA SOURCE: Baltic State of Environment Report, Riga 2000.
? Reduced amounts of collected municipal waste can be explained by new collection order
introduced since 2000 and more precise data currently available. However, it does not
mean that smaller amounts of municipal waste accumulate in Lithuania
A9.2. Generation of hazardous waste
Amounts of hazardous waste generated in 1992-2001.
250
thousand tons
200
150
100
50
0
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
It is foreseen to implement hazardous waste
collection, transportation and processing system combining regional hazardous waste storage sites, waste
incineration facilities, their physical and chemical
treatment and disposal company. In 2001 a regional
hazardous waste storage site was constructed in
Ðiauliai, and it is foreseen to finish construction of
such storage sites in Alytus and Klaipëda in 2002
and in Vilnius in 2003.
In 2001 according to the industrial origin, most
of hazardous waste generated in coke and oil refineries (44 %), 26 % - in transport and storage and 20
% - in construction.
In 2001 according to waste accounting data, 89
thousand tons of hazardous waste were handled. In
December 21, 2001 an amount of 118 thousand tons
of hazardous waste were untreated. Compared with
the same date of 2000, the stored amount of these
waste increased up to 22 thousand tons.
J During the last decade generation of hazardous wastes decreased in Lithuania.
86
G9.1. Recycling of secondary raw materials
Amounts of recycled secondary raw materials in 1998-2001.
thousand tons
14
14
120
48
11
11
45
41
plastic
glass
paper
49
80
40
80
64
41
36
0
1998
1998 m.
1999
1999 m.
2000
2000 m.
2001
2001m.
Paper and cardboard waste recycling capacities
are present but so is a problem of waste paper. In
Lithuania less than 40 thousand tons of waste paper
is collected, the rest part is imported. Waste paper
collection (purchase), sorting and packaging companies are not satisfied with the price set up for waste
paper purchase.
Glass recycling capacities are not sufficient
along with an existing problem of glass sorting and
preparation (washing) before recyling. Glass collection companies are not satisfied with the price proposed by factories for glass purchase.
In Lithuania more than 50 thousand tons of plastic waste are generated annually, however, only polyethylene waste are collected up to 2,5 thousand tons
per year. PET bottles are scarcely collected.
Recycling capacities of most common secondary raw materials (paper, glass and some sorts of plastic waste) are not fully used in Lithuania. Waste companies are not able to provide sufficient amounts of
secondary raw materials or supply quality is not in
compliance with the requirements set up by waste
recycling companies. Thus, cardboard, plastic wastes
are imported, meanwhile, rather big share of potential secondary raw materials are disposed in
Lithuanian landfills. Separation of secondary raw
materials from municipal waste streams is carried
out to the limited extend only in larger cities.
Development of economic mechanism in
Lithuania will ensure profitableness of collection
and utilisation of secondary raw materials. The main
principles of such mechanism are:
· strengthening the liability of producers and
availability of appropriate bussiness conditions;
· various ecological product charges for collection of money to subsidise and provide loans to
implement collection, sorting, processing for recycling of secondary raw materials recycling and encourage waste utilisation;
· voluntary commitments of state and municipal institutions to purchase products produced from
secondary raw materials.
J In general, recycling of secondary raw materials increases. The increase is caused by
recycled amounts of paper and cardboard, meanwhile, recycling volume of glass and
plastics remains the same.
87
160
Radionuclide contamination
There are two types of origin of ionising radiation sources in the environment natural and anthropogenic. At normal conditions the larger part of
people effected by radiation and radiation state of
the environment is caused by natural ionising radiation sources (cosmic radiation, cosmogenic and
earth-crust radionuclides). Artificial radionuclides
spread in the environment during experiments with
nuclear weapon in 1951- 1962 and the accident in
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 (Atlas of
ceasium deposition on Europe after the Chernobyl
accident, European Commission, Luxembourg,
1998, ; 2nd Baltic State of the Environmental Report
based on environmental indicators, Baltic Environmental Forum, Ryga, 2000, P.98).
Specific attention is given to nuclear and radiation safety in the EU and the rest of the world. At
present there are two main objectives: to minimise
probability of nuclear accident in nuclear power
plants and to set up unified safety standards. A number of conventions have been signed by countries in
order to define responsibilities in case of a nuclear
accident, physical protection measures from nuclear
substances, nuclear safety requirements and to agree
on early notification in case of a nuclear accident.
The most important is an International Nuclear
Safety Convention (1996) that aims to ensure implementation of the highest level security measures in
all nuclear power plants. In 2001 the Baltic Sea countries signed an agreement on exchange of radiation
monitoring data.
Prevention of risk from Ignalina NPP and reduction of radioactive pollution are among priority
tasks in the Lithuanian Environmental Protection
Strategy (1996). Ignalina NPP is the main source of
radioactive pollution. It has two RBMK type reactors of 1500 MW power capacity each, with their
maximum power capacity limited down to 1300 MW
in 1986. After restoration of independence a strong
attention is given to nuclear safety in Lithuania.
Necessary infrastructure has been developed in a
short time and over 200 million euros have been
invested into safety improvements of the Power
Plant. Despite of significant improvements in safety
of the Plant, RBMK reactors remain very sensitive
to possible damages as they have no containment
and have positive response coefficient. The National
88
Energy Strategy foresees to close the Ignalina NPP
Unit 1 by 2005. Presently discussions are on-going
reagarding deadlines for decommissioning of the
Unit 2.
In addition to nuclear energy, there are other
branches using radioactive sources. Medicine, science and different industrial branches are the ones
to be mentioned. Due to incautious behavior, improper management of radioactive waste, in case of
accidents and incidents radionuclides may be released into the environment, posing serious risk to
human health.
Lithuania successfully implements EU requirements in the field of radiation safety. Requirements
on nuclear safety that are valid in Lithuania comply
with appropriate EU safety standards (EC Directive
96/29/Euratom) and facilitate implementation of
commitments made at international level. Constant
radiation monitoring in Lithuania ensures effective
dissemination of information in case of increased
ionising radiation to Lithuanian people and the state
institutions.
One part of this Chapter is related to impact
assessment from INPP to environment, another to
safety problems of radiation sources.
According to production of electricity Lithuania
is a leading country in the world. Obviously, nuclear
energy plays an important role in the countrys energy sector. An indicator of driving forces clearly
illustrates this picture. The indicator describes part
of nuclear energy (%) out of total amount of produced energy. Radioactive releases from INPP into
the atmosphere and water indicate pressure on environment while Ignalina NPP is in operation. Certainly, the largest possibility for radioactive releases
into the environment occures during shut down or
start-up of reactors. Moreover, risk level is partly
reflected by unintended shut down of reactors. An
indicator of a number of unintended shut downs of
Ignalina NPP reactors was selected for this purpose.
Nuclear power plant generates large quantities of
radioactive waste that pose a long-term threat to
human health and environment. The highest risk is
posed by spent nuclear fuel most dangerous type
of radioactive wastes. It continues to pose risk for a
very long time (up to million years). Proper treatment of spent nuclear fuel is very expensive. Bas-
are most often used to diagnose and treat cancers.
Thus, a number of patients with malignant tumor is
used to indicate the main driving force. An input
(%) from different activities into the total amount of
accumulating radioactive wastes indicates economic
branches that pose the highest risk to environment.
Threat can be minimised if used ionising radiation
sources are returned to producers. Illegal registered
cases of radionuclides import, export and storage
show a possibility of illegal entry of radionuclides
into the country. A number of stationary radioactivity meters at the boarder posts indicate capacity of
boarder control services to register illegal import of
radionuclides. A number of ionising radiation
sources returned after use out of total amount of
radioactive waste generated per year demonstrates
effectiveness of specific radioactive waste
minimisation measures.
References
programa, 1996, Vilnius, pg. 42
Atlas of ceasium deposition on Europe after the
Chernobyl accident, European Commission, 1998, Luxembourg.
2nd Baltic State of the Environmental Report based
on environmental indicators, 2000, Ryga, pg. 98.
89
ing on initial assessments, underground disposal of
nuclear fuel requires about 70% of all NP decommissioning costs. The amount of spent nuclear fuel
is another indicator of pressure on environment.
Pollution of air, water and soil with radionuclides
may be caused by application of insufficently safe
nuclear waste treatment technologies. This pressure
from the Power Plant to environment is illustrated
by the amounts of radioactive waste generated in
INPP. Dispersion of 137Cs and 60Co radionuclides
in the bottom sediments of Drûkðiai lake reflects
impact from INPP to the state of Drûkðiai lake ecosystems. Volumentric activity of aerozolic radionuclides and general b-activity in fallouts provide an
opportunity to assess radioactivity of air masses.
Annual values of maximum relative gamma dose
power show increased ionising radiation. There was
no objective indicator found to reflect minimisation
measures for INPP impact to the environment. However, seeking to reduce radionuclide pollution of
environment caused by the power plant, an appropriate environmental legal act was prepared. It regulates limits for radionuclide releases from power
plants and sets up radiation monitoring order.
Basing on analysis of imported amounts of radioactive materials, most of them were imported to
Lithuania to satisfy medical needs. Such materials
Driving forces
V10.1. Amount of nuclear energy from a total amount of produced energy
Elektricity, TWh
electricity produced in Ignalina NPP
INPP share
18,0
100,0
16,0
90,0
14,0
80,0
70,0
12,0
60,0
10,0
50,0
8,0
40,0
6,0
30,0
4,0
20,0
2,0
10,0
0,0
0,0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Ignalina NPP share, %
Nuclear energy part ratio of electricity produced in Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant with total amount
of electricity produced in Lithuanian power plants expressed in percentage. This indicator also includes electricity consumed in Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (approximately 10-15 % of produced
energy).
2001
DATA SOURCE „Energy News, 2(20)/2000“; Ministry of Economy.
Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant has two operating reactors of 1500 MW. After the Chernobyl accident their maximum power capacity was limited (to
approximately 1300 MW). Due to limited demand
of electricity the power plant operates at limited capacity. During the last decade the power plant annually produces from 8 to 14 TWh of electricity (except of electricity consumed by the power plant; 1015%). It amounts to approximately 80% of the overall electricity produced in the country. Extensive use
of nuclear energy results in limited use of organic
fuel and low atmosphere pollution with combustion
products (CO2, SOx, NOx). Amount of produced electricity influences the amounts of spent nuclear fuel
and generated radioactive waste, and partly pollution of the environment with radionuclides. Pressure
on environment depends not only on intensity of electricity production but also on culture of power plant
operation.
K At present situation is rather stable. The power plant produces 70-80% of overall energy
produced in Lithuania.
90
V11.1. Number of patients with malignant tumor
A number of patients with malignant tumor included into medical list.
70000
Number of patients
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
DATA SOURCE: The Department of Statistics at the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
With economic growth of the country and introduction of modern technologies, use of radioactive materials should also increase in industry, scientific research and medicine. Demand for
radioizotopic preparations increases with more fre-
quent deseases of malignant tumor. On the other
hand, radioactive materials are used less intensively
in some industrial branches (for example, textile)
due to adopted laws that comply with EU requirements and implementation of modern technologies.
L Situation partly deteriorates due to more intensive application of radioactive materials
in some areas. Increased number of deseases with malignant tumor causes growth of
radioactive materials demand in medicine. Situation is also complicated by some industrial enterprises becoming banckrupt and some insolvent. They become unable to safely
handle used sealed sources.
91
60000
A10.1. Radioactive releases from INPP to atmosphere and water
Amount of radionuclide gases, aerosols, liquids or other shapes releases from Ignalina NPP to the
environment per year.
Release limit:
Inert gas 1,4 107 GBq per year,
Long-living radionuclides in shape of aerosols 940 GBq per year,
Iodine 131 990 GBq per year
1000
inert gas
aerosols
iodine
activity, GBq
100
10
1
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
0,1
Release limit 2,5 104 GBq per year
30
25,86
activity, GBq
25
22,57
20
16,62
15,17
15
10
7,68
5
0
3,22
3,03
0,13 0,14
0,096 0,23
4,19
5,91
6,10
3,69
5,55
3,56
1,25
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
DATA SOURCE: Division of Radioactive Materials, Ministry of Environment; Report on results of radiation
monitoring in the region of INPP 2001.
During Ignalina NPP operation part of generated radioactive waste is released into the environment atmoshpere, water. Inert radioactive gases,
long-living radionuclide aerosols and radioactive
92
iodine are released into the atmosphere. These releases are uninterrupttedly measured. The most intensive radioactive pollution of environment was
recorded in 1984-1968, right after the start up of
the same lake. Intensity of radionuclides is measured
in water discharge channels. The most intensive pollution of water ecosystem in 1990 and 1992 is related to unstable operation regime of the plant often alternation of power generated by the plant has
damaged part of hermetic fuel rods. Since 1995 decreasing tendency of pollution is observed at the lake.
Moreover, it should be noted, that data on discharges
from first few years are incompletly reliable due to
application of improper measuring methods.
After decomissioning of INPP no more inert
radioactive gas and radioactive iodine will be released into the environment, however, more intensive pollution with radionuclides in shape of aerosols is expected.
Fig. A 10.1.1 Normalised releases of Ignalinos NPP emissions and discharges
inert gas, *10+5
aerosols
iodine-131
effluents
16
12
10
8
6
4
2
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
0
1990
Normalised releases, Bq/W/year
14
DATA SOURCE: Division of Radioactive Materials, Ministry of Environment
Normalised release is a supplementary indicator used for better description of the plant operation.
It is a ratio of annual release of emissions and discharges with the amount of produced electricity. This
indicator is used to compare different reactors
(Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation, 2000).
In 1995-1997 average normalised releases of inert
gas from pressurized water reactors, boiling water
reactors and RBMK reactors were 13000, 180000
and 460000 Bq/W respectively, of aerosols 0,1;
350 and 8 Bq/W respectively and iodines 0,2, 0,3
and 7 Bq/W respectively (Sources and Effects of
Ionizing Radiation, 2000) (see Fig. A10.1.1).
J Since 1990, due to sufficiently good operation of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, environmental pollution with radionuclides caused by operation of the plant constantly decreases.
References:
Motiejûnas S., Nedveckaitë T., Filistoviè V., Maþeika J., Morkeliûnas L., Maceika E. Assessment of environmental impact due to radioactive effluents from
Ignalina NPP. Environmental and chemical physics.
Vilnius, 1999, 21, 1.
Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. United
Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of ionizing Radiation, 2000 Report to General Assembly, United Nations. New York, 2000.
93
operation of the plant. It amounted up to 50% of allowable release limits. In the last years releases have
significantly reduced and now they amount to 1% of
allowable limits. It was determined that dose of releases from the plant influenced by radionuclides
makes about 0,5% of natural radiation to the most
volnurable groups of inhabitants and does not exceed 1 % of allowable radiation dose (Motiejûnas
and others, 1999). Normalised release set by Ignalina
NPP are below the average values of RBMK reactors. This illustrates rather good operation culture of
the plant.
Water from Drûkðiai lake used to cool condensers of Ignalina NPP turbines is later discharged into
A10.2. Unplanned shut down of INPP reactors operation
Unplanned maintenance of INPP reactors, regular maintenance and shut downs due to absence of
energy demand.
shut down number
of Ignalina NPP
energy blocks
35
Unplaned shut down
25
20
15
10
5
0
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
DATA SOURCE: Progress report from the State Nuclear Energy Safety Inspection 2001.
One of the most informative indicators of safe
operation is a number of unplanned shut downs of
the plant reactors. Radioactive pollution of environment increases both during stops of nuclear reactors and start-up of operation compared with stable
reactors operation regime. In 2001 operation of
Ignalina NPP first unit was stopped and started-up
twise: once for regular maintenance, another time
for unplanned. Operation of the second unit was
stopped twice and both times due to low energy demand. The same number of stops of nuclear reactors operation increase the concern.
K There is no significant declining tendency of unplanned shut downs of nuclear reactors
for maintenance. It is necessary to put more efforts to ensure stable and reliable operation of the plant.
A10.3. Amount of spent nuclear fuel stored in nuclear fuel repositories
Total number of spent nuclear fuel assemblies stored in containers located in Ignalina NPP repository and cooling pools (1998 2001).
1 unit
2 unit
containers
7000
6000
SNF assemblies, units
30
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
1998
1999
DATA SOURCE: Data from Ignalina NPP.
94
2000
2001
pools for not less than five years. After reduced activity fuel is tranfered to dry repositories hermetic
metal and ferro-concrete containers. Storage duration up to 50 years. Fuel storage in containers is more
safe than in cooling pools.
Moreover, these containers are adopted for
transportation (for example, to spent nuclear fuel
repository) rather than storage of spent nuclear fuel.
Final treatment stage and most appropriate way of
storage of spent nuclear fuel is underground disposal.
Installation of such disposal facility requires longterm scientific research, it is time consuming and
costly. Lithuania has not yet made a decision on final treatment of spent nuclear fuel after the storage
period in dry storage facility expires. Discussions on
possibility by joint efforts of two countries to install
regional underground disposal facilities or to transport to repositories in other countries are on-going.
J Safety relating to spent nuclear fuel started improving after transfer of fuel to containers.
A10.4. Amount of radioactive waste generated in INPP
Amount of solid or liquid radioactive waste generated per year, tons.
solid, 1 group
solid, 3 group
ionic resins
2000
1800
solid, 2 group
bituminous waste
perlite
1600
Mass, tons
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Data from Ignalina NPP.
1) solid wastes are classified according to old classification system (ÑÏ ÀÑ-88, 1988).
2) as recycling or other type of reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel is not foreseen in
Lithuania, it is considered as radioactive wastes, but the amounts are analysed separately.
95
Processing of spent nuclear fuel is banned by
laws of the Republic of Lithuania (fuel processing is
very polluting and dangerous process, and processing of fuel from RBMK reactors is not profitable).
Thus, spent nuclear fuel is listed among radioactive
waste as one of the most hazardous type of waste.
The most serious threat to environment is caused by
long-living actinides contained in spent nuclear
fuel (plutonium-239 half period lasts 24 thousand
years). Because of that, spent nuclear fuel remains
hazardous for one million years.
Every day approximately two fuel assemblies
are withdrawn from Ignalina NPP reactors (one assembly contains about 230 kg of uranium dioxide).
About 99,9% of all radionuclides generated in
nuclear reactors remain in spent nuclear fuel. Due to
high activity spent nuclear fuel radiates thermal energy and, therefore, this fuel is let in cooling water
The main source of radioactive waste is Ignalina
Nuclear Power Plant (input from other generators
of small radioactive waste was only 0,15% in 2000
and 0,5% in 2001 of total waste amount). Solid, liquid and gaseous radioactive waste are accumulated
in Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. Radioactive waste
pose a long-term threat to human health and environment and their management (recyling, storage,
underground deposition) is very costly. Possible
leackages of radionuclides to the environment due
to insufficiently safe technologies of radioactive
wastes may result in air, water, soil and ground pollution. In 2001 solid waste were grouped basing on
activity of their ionising radiation (ÑÏ ÀÑ-88, 1988).
After introduction of new classification system (VDRA-01-2001, 2001) solid waste were grouped basing on their physical state, chemical characteristics
and activity as well as long-livingness of contained
radionuclides. Such approach will provide better
security ensurance for people working with waste,
but also minimise long-term impact on the environment.
At present all solid radioactive waste generated
at Ignalina NPP are kept untreated in storage facilities on site of the plant. Combustible wastes are
pressed by low power press (Baltrûnas, Kalinauskas,
1999). Performed analysis have proved that present
deposition capacities do not comply with long-term
safety requirements set for radioactive waste underground repositories. Therefore, it was recommended
to remove stored waste, process them and classify
applying modern technologies.
Liquid radioactive waste that accumulated during operation of Ignalina NPP are evaporated or filtered using ion exchange resins and perlite filters.
Evaporation residue is condensated converting it into
solid bitumen mass. The mass is kept in large storage facilities. Spent resins and perlit are stored in
reservoirs on territory of the plant. Storage of liquid
type of radioactive waste is insufficiently safe. Following Lithuanian legal requirements waste have to
be converted into solid shapes.
Gaseous radioactive waste are filtered, kept in
exposure system and emitted through ventilation
pipes of 150 meters height. Every year about 1014
1015 Bq of inert gas where short-living argon 41
prevails (approximately 90 percent) are emitted.
Exposure of inert gas is very low as it does not combine into any biological links.
Decomissioning of nuclear reactors will result
in large quantities of radioactive waste. Basing on
rough estimates waste amount will double. Therefore, it is necessary to be properly prepared in advance.
J Due to current restructuring of radioactive waste system in Ignalina NPP the amount of
radioactive waste generated in the plant has decreased. Significant improvements of safe
radioactive waste handling is expected after restructuring of the system. At the same
time it is expected that amounts of radioactive waste will increase twice after shutdown
of reactors.
References:
Baltrûnas D., Kalinauskas R. Radioaktyviøjø atliekø
saugojimas/ Statyba ir architektûra/ 1999, 9.
Radioaktyviøjø atliekø tvarkymo atominëje elektrinëje iki jø laidojimo reikalavimai (VD-RA-01-2001)/
Þin., 2001, Nr. 672467.
96
Ñàíèòàðíûå ïðàâèëà ïðîåêòèðîâàíèÿ è ýêñïëîàòàöèè àòîìíûõ ñòàíöèé (ÑÏ ÀÑ-88), 1988.
A11.1. Amount of imported radioactive materials
Radioactive materials differ in their activity. Activity is the amount of radionuclides present in
certain energy state at certain time expressed by a formula:
dN
A=
dt
imported radioactive materials except of sealed sources
14000
medicine
industry and energy
scientific research
12000
10000
activity, GBq
whereas A - activity, dN - expected self nuclear transformation out of energy state in
certain period of time dt . Total activity of all materials can better reflect pressure on
environment
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
M edicina
industry and energy
Pram onë ir energetika
1,4
2486
13314
3882
5415
0
0
0
0
0
M okslo tyrim ai
40,5
32,7
15
19,5
19,7
medicine
scientific research
imported sealed sources
450000
medicine
industry and
energy
scientific research
400000
350000
activity, GBq
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
medicine
Medicina
industry and energy
Pramonë ir energetika
scientific research
Mokslo tyrimai
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
0
496,6
237000
420000
0
5008
63370
40050
31363
25087
0,0002
10,98
0,7
0,4
0,1
DATA SOURCE: Database on permits issued by the Ministry of Environment for import of
radioactive materials.
Most of industries, energy producers, medical
and educational institutions require radioactive materials in their activities. Radioactive materials are
not produced in Lithuania. Hence, imported quantity of radioactive materials reflects their consumption. Radioactive materials are divided into sealed
sources (materials present in hermetic casing) and
non-hermetic radioactive materials (unsealed
sources) (Valiukënas ir kt., 1999). Sealed sources
pose minimum threat to environment as radionuclides
are released only in case of incident (for example,
fire), etc. Using unsealed materials one part of them
is released through ventilation system or with wastewater into the environment.
Medical institutions are the most important consumers of radioactive materials. Mostly volatile and
in particular radiotoxic iodine isotopes 131I (half period time t = 8 days) and 125I (t = 60 days) as well as
97
Mo+ 99mTc (t = 66 h) are used. These radioisotopic
preparations are used to diagnose and treat oncological deseases. High activity sealed sources are used
in medicine (60Co sources are most often used for
treatment of oncological deseases, t = 5,3 year) and
industry (192Ir source are used in defectoscopy, t =
99
74 days, 239Pu in textile, t = 24100000 years). Due to
physical and chemical characteristics of radionuclides their possible impact to human health and environment significantly differs (HN 73 1997, 2002;
Ðàäèîàêòèâíûå âåùåñòâà, 1990). Plutonium, iodine
and cesium radionuclides are most radiotoxic.
L Growing tendency of radioactive materials use in medicine is observed.
References:
Valiukënas V., Makariûnienë E., Morkûnas G. Jonizuojanèiosios spinduliuotës ir radiacinës saugos terminø
þodynas. Vilnius: BÁ UAB Litimo, 1999.
Lietuvos higienos norma HN 73 1997 Pagrindinës radiacinës saugos normos//Þin., 2002, Nr. 11388.
Âðåäíûå õèìè÷åñêèå âåùåñòâà/ Ðàäèîàêòèâíûå
âåùåñòâà: Ñïðàâ. èçä. Áàæåíîâ Â.A., Áóëäàêîâ Ë.A.,
Âàñèëåíêî È.ß. è äð./ Ïîä ðåä. Â.À.Ôèëîâà è äð./ Ë.:
Õèìèÿ, 1990.
A11.2. Registered illegal import, export and deposition of radionuclides
Number of illegal import and deposition of radioactive materials registered following the order set
by laws and other legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania
illegal transportation and deposition
of radioactive materials
18
16
14
cases
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Radioactive Materials Division, Ministry of Environment.
The largest part of registered illegal transportation and disposal or radioactive waste is consists
of weak radioactive scrapmetal or ionising radiation sources contained in scrapmetal. Radioactive
scrapmetal is registered while it is transported
through the state border or during inspections performed in scrapmetal collection posts. Most often
pollution with radioactive cesium and cobalt isotopes (specific activity from 4 to 70 kBq/kg) are reg-
istered. These radionuclides are characteristic to
nuclear reactors. Less pollution of scrapmetal is registered with radium and thorium. In 2001 sources
used in aviation were found twice in aluminium
scrap. Polluted scrapmetal and sources were deposited in radioactive waste repository of Ignalina
Nuclear Power Plant. Since 1997 till beginning of
2001 the accumulated amount of radioactive waste
has decreased.
J Situation improves with better control of borders and scrapmetal collection sites.
98
State
B10.1. Total â-radioactivity in fallouts
Density of total beta-radioactivity in fallouts in the Republic of Lithuania.
10
2
Bq/m per day
8
6
4
2
0
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
DATA SOURCE: Radiation Division of Joint Research Center.
Radiation monitoring of atmosphere fallouts is
performed in order to assess activity of radionuclides
depositions to surface and identify anomalous radionuclides as well as to determine their origin. More
precise information is received while investigating
atmosphere fallouts rahter than measuring gama-radiation. Thus, monitoring of fallouts complements
early notification system. Atmosphere fallouts are
interruptedly collected in five meteorological stations
in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipëda, Utena and Dûkðtas
using gauze cases that are changed every 5 days.
Radiation laboratory of the JRC measures general
beta radiation, analyses gama spectrum (defining
activity of 137Cs, 7Be and other gama rays) and carries out radiochemical (90Sr) analysis.
In 2000-2001 only emanation (daughter radon
nuclides), as well as 7Be, 137Cs and 90Sr radionuclides
were observed in fallouts, but no anomalous radionuclides. General beta activity (density of activity) is presented in Table No.1. Sligh increase of radionuclides fallouts is related to increased amount
of emanation radionuclides and transboundary air
movements. Density of general beta activity observed
in 5 monitoring stations is similar to the average of
the last nine years..
Few years after the Chernobyl accident, most
of short-living radionuclides decomposed. Minor
density fluctuation of general beta activity in fallouts is observed after 1992. The average (background) value: 0,45-0,50 Bq/m2 per day. Average
annual values of 90Sr fluctuate in 5 stations within
the limits of 0,0038-0,0053 Bq/m2 per day.
99
12
Table B10.1.1 Average general beta activitiy in fallouts from the atmosphere ( Bq/m2 per day)
Months
January
Vilnius
Kaunas
Klaipëda
Utena
Dûkðtas
2000
2001
2000
2001
2000
2001
2000
2001
2000
2001
Average in the
Republic
2000
2001
0,40
0,40
0,50
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,42
0,40
February
0,50
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,30
0,40
0,40
0,42
0,38
March
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
April
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,60
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,44
May
0,50
0,50
0,50
0,50
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,50
0,44
0,46
June
0,50
0,40
0,50
0,50
0,50
0,60
0,50
0,40
0,50
0,40
0,50
0,46
July
0,50
0,50
0,60
0,70
0,50
0,40
0,70
0,40
0,70
0,50
0,60
0,50
August
0,50
0,50
0,60
0,50
0,40
0,40
0,50
0,50
0,50
0,60
0,50
0,50
September
October
0,40
0,60
0,40
0,50
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,50
0,40
0,50
0,40
0,50
0,40
0,60
0,50
0,50
0,50
0,30
0,40
0,40
0,60
0,40
0,48
0,44
November
0,90
0,40
0,90
0,50
0,70
0,40
0,60
0,40
0,70
0,40
0,76
0,42
December
0,50
0,40
0,60
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,50
0,40
0,48
0,40
Annual
average in
station
0,49
0,46
0,53
0,49
0,45
0,41
0,46
0,41
0,49
0,44
0,48
0,44
Summarizing results of general beta activity in fallouts in 2000-2001 distributed according to months and location where fallouts are collected, it is noticeable that density of fallouts activity distributes equally. The activity value is
strongly influenced by amount of precipitation
(observed increases of fallouts activity correlates
with intensive precipitation by 50-150 percents).
Table B10.1.2 represents a number of increases
in general beta activity in fallouts from the atmosphere when the average activity value of fallouts
exceeds 50%.
Table B10.1.2 Number of increases in general beta activity in fallouts from the atmosphere
when the average activity value exceeds 50%
Years
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Vilnius
13
16
18
7
5
8
7
12
10
Kaunas
10
11
12
10
16
8
4
13
11
Klaipëda
9
5
7
6
7
8
11
3
7
Dûkðtas
58
59
49
47
50
52
10
16
5
Utena
3
7
3
3
0
11
5
9
7
Note: In 1998 in Dûkðtas gauze samples were taken every day.
K Density of general beta activity in fallouts remained mostly the same in the last few
years, average annual values vary from 0,44 to 0,50 Bq/m2 per day. General beta activity
in fallouts only a little depends on season of a year, collection site, but have direct dependence upon amount of precipitation.
100
B10.2. Volumetric activity of radionuclide aerosols
7
Be volumetric activity in aerosols in ground level air in 1997-2001 and 137Cs volumetric activity in
aerosols in ground level air in 1997–2001.
25
1997
15
1998
1999
10
2000
5
2001
0
I
I ketv.
II
II ketv.
III III
ketv. IV IV
ketv.
average values
Vidutines vertës
I
I ketv.
II
III
IV (quarter)
II ketv
III ketv.
IV ketv.
maximum values
Maksimalios vertës
35
30
ìBq/m3
25
1997
20
1998
15
1999
10
2000
2001
5
0
I
II
III
IV
I ketv.
II ketv.
III ketv.
IV ketv.
average values
Vidutinës vertës
I
I ketv.
II
III IV ketv.
IV
II ketv.
III ketv.
maximum values
Maksimalios vertës
(quarter)
DATA SOURCE: Radiation Divison of the Joint Research Center.
Natural radionuclides are observed in the lower
air (potassium, radium, thorium, radon and products
of their decomposition as well as cosmogenic radionuclides) and anthropogenic radionuclides (that are
released into atmosphere in cause of nuclear accidents or nuclear explosions, and other human activity). Most of radionuclides present in the atmosphere
correlate with aerosolic particles. Concentration of
radioactive particles in the air is not sufficient to carry
out direct measurements. Therefore, filters are used
to absorb high volume of air and only then gama
spectra of filters are analysed. Such measurements
give a possibility to identify radionuclides released
into the environment from nuclear facilities, control
observance of an agreement banning nuclear explosions, evaluate background inhalation radiation dose
rates and those influenced by transboundary movements.
Measurements are carried out in Eastern
Lithuania in Utena using air filter SNOW WHITE
installed 10 meters above the ground.
Due to interraction of cosmic radiation with atmosphere gas, a number of radionuclides are formed.
One of them is 7Be, which half-period is 53 days.
The highest volumetric activity of 7Be is measured
in filters of aerosols (mBq/m3): 1997 08 25 7,8;
1998 04 23 7,8; 1999 04 26 10,04; 2000 07 24
8,6; 2001 07 18 20,6. Maximum concentrations of
this radionuclide are observed in spring summer,
minimum autumn or winter. Average annual values of 7Be volumetric activity fluctuates from 2,7 to
4,4 mBq/m3 in the last five years.
Summing up data of the last 5 year investigations, an assumption can be made that one of the
main factors influencing maximum concentrations
in spring-summer is transfer of stratospheric air satu101
mBq/m3
20
rated with cosmogenic radionuclides into troposphere.
In some cases increase of volumetric activity of
radionuclide 7Be is closely related to increase of volumetric activity of 137Cs . During mass nuclear weapon
tests in the air, large quantities of radionuclide materials were released into the air. Explosion products
were released several kilometers up in the air and
remained in stratosphere for rather long period of
time. Currently such explosions are not carried out
in the atmosphere, thus stratospheric fallouts and
aerosols are influenced by residues of old products.
Rather large quantities of radioactive pollutants
were released into the atmosphere after the Chernobyl
accident in 1986. Short-living iodine and tellurium
nuclides quickly decomposed, but hot particles and
long-living cesium, strontium, plutonium and other
radionuclides were released to the earth surface and
may be again lifted up to the atmosphere by wind.
This fact causes increases of 137Cs volumetric activity in spring-summer. The highest releases were measures in filters (mBq/m3): 1997 08 25 5,0; 1998 09
10 16,6; 1999 04 15 27,6 ir 09 16 31,9; 2000 05
19 6,4: 2001 12 06 8,8. These increases of radioactive cesium in ground level air have not caused
equivalent increase of gama dose rate. They are not
related with radionuclide releases from operating
nuclear power plants. No other radionuclides that
are characteristic to nuclear reactors have been observed. The average annual volumetric activity of
137
Cs in air aerosols fluctuated from 1,0 to 2,6 mBq/
m3.
Activated carbon filters are adopted to absorb
radioactive inert gas and iodine radionuclides characteristic to releases from nuclear power plants.
During the last five years investigation period no radionuclides of this type have been observed in carbon filters.
Short-term increases (above 0,30 mSv/h) of
equivalent gamma dose rate are observed near filters in spring summer period. It is caused by daughter radionuclides of natural radon 222Rn released from
soil to ground level air. Increased concentrations of
radon and its decomposition products in ground level
air are influenced by meteorological conditions: precipitation, temperature and air mixtures.
K Measurements of volumetric activity of cosmogenic 7Be, technogenic 137Cs, natural 40K and
other natural radionuclides were performed in ground level air. Measured radionuclide
activity were low and have not caused any equivalent gamma dose increases. Short-term
increases of gamma dose rate observed in spring – summer in aerosols station are consequences of accumulated natural radon daughter decomposition products in ground level
air at unfavourable meteorological conditions. No radionuclides characteristic to nuclear
power plants and “fresh” nuclear explosion products were observed.
102
B10.3. Radionuclide concentrations in bottom sediments of Drûkðiai lake
Distribution of
Cs and 60Co concentrations in bottom sediments of Drûkðiai lake.
137
Cs-137, Bq/kg sauso svorio
#
&
#
!
1
#
"
km
5
3
2
7a
7
2a
4a
4
Ignalinos
AE
Ignalina
NPP
6
Waste water
6a
Vandens valymo
treatmet plant
árenginiai
Co-60, Bq/kg sauso svorio
<dl
#
!
!
"
"
km
#
!
%=
%
=
"
"=
Ignalinos
AE
Ignalina
NPP
Wastevalymo
water
Vandens
árenginiai
treatmet plant
$
$=
DATA SOURCE: Maþeika I., Marèiulionienë D., DuðauskienëDuþ R., Jokðtas K., Galkus
A., Gudelis A., Jasiulionis R., Motiejûnas S. Technogenic radionuclides and some heavy
metals in the ecosystem of Lake Drûkðiai, a cooling pool of the Ignalina nuclear power plant
Heavy metals in the environment an integrated approach. Ed.D.A. Lovejoy, Vilnius, 1999, P.
32-45.
103
Water from Drûkðiai lake is used by Ignalina
Nuclear Power Plant for cooling purposes. Used water from the plant is discharged into the lake. Larger
and smaller amounts of activation and corrosion radionuclides are released into the lake together with
water used to cool reactors. The smaller part of these
radionuclides is in soluble or suspended shape, another part accumulates during biological processes
in the bottom sediments of the lake.
137
Cs and other pollutants from the power plant
such as 137Cs, 134Cs, 54Mn, 60Co, 90Sr are observed in
whole bottom sediments of the lake. Most often with
the help of gamma spectrophotometric method it is
possible to detect 4 artificial radionuclides (137Cs,
134
Cs, 60Co, 54Mn) in the lake bottom sediments
samples and by radiochemical method measure 90Sr.
Detailed investigations of the lake bottom sediments were carried out in 1997. Later investigations
only proved a presumption that the amount of radionuclides in sediments changes very slowly. The highest 137Cs concentrations (up to 315 Bq/kg of dry
weight) were observed in the western (active surface leakage), southeastern (impact zone of effluents
discharged from wastewater treatment plant, formation of sorbtion-sedimentation biogeochemical barrier) and eastern (channal zone of heated water discharge, integrated impact) parts of Drûkðiai lake. It
is related with distribution of increased amounts of
total nitrogen (N) and phosphoruso (P), organic carbon (C), as well as iron (Fe) and other ir kitø macro
ir microelements in bottom sediments.
Detection limit of measured 134Cs concentration
was exceeded only in water part of the lake bottom
sediments. Its highest concentrations (up to 30 Bq/
kg of dry weight) are related with impact zones of
heated water channal and discharged wastewater.
Co was measured in larger quantity of samples
than Cs, and highest concentrations of 60Co (up to
65 Bq/kg of dry weigth) are related with heated water channel and Ignalina NPP rain water sewerage
zone.
The same measurements of bottom sediments
were conducted in the same zones for 54Mn and 60Co.
However, highest concentrations of 54Mn are only
up to 25 Bq/kg of dry weight in heated water channal
zone. Distribution of 90Sr concentrations in bottom
sediments are more equil than of 137Cs as 90Sr remains in water for longer period of time. Highest
concentrations of 90Sr (up to 85 Bq/kg of dry weigth)
in bottom sediments are observed in heated water
channal zone.
The nature of 134Cs/137Cs ratio and dependance
137
of Cs concentrations indicate that there are no 134Cs
observed in the highest 137Cs concentration zone or
134
Cs/137Cs ratio is similar to 134Cs/137Cs ratio during
the Chernobyl accident. Data analysis show that 137Cs
concentration in bottom sediments is formed from
the following proportions: 43% nuclear explosions,
52% Chernobyl accident and below 5% effluents
from Ignalina NPP.
The highest concentrations of 137Cs in bottom
sediments are observed in western, southeastern and
eastern parts of the lake reaching up to 315 Bq/kg of
dry weight. The highest 60Co concentrations (up to
65 Bq/kg of dry weigth) in bottom sediments are in
heated water channal and industrial rain sewerage
discharge zone. Distribution of 90Sr in bottom sediments is more equil. The highest concentrations observed in heated water channal zone were 85 Bq/kg
of dry weight. Evaluated effluent dose from Ignalina
NPP is below non-regulated level of 10 mSv per
year.
60
134
K Artificial radionuclides are observed in Drûkðiai lake ecosystem. Origin of these radionuclides is Ignalina NPP reactors. However specific concentrations of radionuclides measures in bottom sediments of Drûkðiai lake are not significant.
104
B10.4. Maximum relative gamma dose rate annual means
Ratio between the highest measured g dose rate and threshold dose rate.
52
%
52
51
50
50
49
49
48
48
47
46
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
DATA SOURCE: The Joint Research centre Database “RADIS”.
Gamma dose rate is the easiest parameter to be
measured by physical measures. Hence, regular automation gamma monitoring is a background for early
notification about radiation incident. Intensity of
gamma radiation is caused by radionuclides present
in air, and the earth surface as well as cosmic radiation. At normal conditions gamma radiation depends
on ground composition, height and width of the area.
Sudden increase of ionising ratiation can be influenced by spreading of radioactive pollutants in air
and the earth surface after the accident in nuclear
installations or nuclear explosure. Accidents in case
of use, storage and transportation of radioactive materials can cause lower extent of pollution.
Network of automation gamma monitoring stations covers the whole territory of Lithuania. Special attention is given to Ignalina NPP region. Gamma
dose rate is measured uninterruptedly and results are
transmitted automatically to the Joint Research Centre database. Information is provided to the Civil
Protection Department and other state institutions if
gamma dose rate exceeds threshold level of 300 nSv/
h.
In 2001 dose rate fluctuated from 70 to 180 nSv/
h. Slight changes of the average natural value registered in monitoring stations were influenced by unequal distribution of K, U and Th radionuclides in
ground. Short-term increases of gamma dose rate are
linked with meteorological anomalies rather than
increased environmental pollution.
Means of the indicator are constant and his slight
change is caused by natural and meteorological conditions as well as statistic nature of nuclear processes.
At this specific six year period scattering of the
indicator is about 8%. It can be partly related with
statistic nature of processes (about 1% scattering).
Natural conditions have strongest influence on scattering of indicator means. The most important influencing factors are: surface where sensor is located,
precipitation and their intensity. Fluctuations up to
10% and even higher are possible only under the influence of precipitation.
K Situation is very stable. During the whole measuring period gamma dose rate has never
reached its critical mean.
105
50
50
G10.1. Number of stationary radiation meters in the border posts
Number of stationary radiation meters (gates) in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania in
1995 - 2001.
5
Number of "gates", units
5
4
4
4
1998
1999
2000
3
3
2
4
2
2
1995
1996
1
0
1997
2001
stationary radiation meters
DATA SOURCE: Border Control Service of the Ministry of Interior.
Customs control of imported, exported and transit goods (loads) is performed in the territory of the
border control posts. Border police performs control of all goods (loads) and luggage. Stationary radiation meters (gates) are considered to be the most
J Border control improves.
106
effective control measures. Implementing stationary
equipment, strengthening control of future European
Union border is given priority. In all other border
posts radiation is controled using portable ionising
radiation meters.
G11.1. Summarized part of returned spent radiation sources activity out of total annual
activity of radioactive waste
Radiation sources have different activity. Radiation sum indicates total annual activity of radioactive
waste. Summarized radiation of sources returned to their origin country is calculated out of total
annual activity of radioactive waste.
10
8
6
4
2
0
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Radioactive Materials Division of the Ministry of Environment.
Lithuanian Republic Law on Radioactive Waste
and Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel
Management and Safety of Radioactive Waste Management promote return of spent sources to their producer. Such sources can be reused. It diminishes the
amount of radioactive waste. Small part of spent
sealed ionising radiation sources are returned to their
producer. At present spent sources are returned to
the producer in Byelorussia only in energy sector (not
Ignalina NPP). Other source users have no such
agreements signed. In order to reuse ionising radiation sources, it is necessary to develop an internal
system for their use in the country.
K Currently only a very small part of radioactive materials is reused. It is necessary to
analyse possibilities for reuse of radioactive sources.
107
radioactivity part, %
12
Biodiversity conservation
Biodiversity conservation is one of the most important tasks in sustainable development of
civilisation. Biological diversity comprises all species of alive organisms living in all ecosystems, habitats as well as genetic diversity (Lietuvos Respublikos
Biologinës ávairovës iðsaugojimo strategija ir
veiksmø planas, 1997 (Biodiversity Conservation
Strategy and Action Plan, of the Republic of
Lithuania, 1997)). In addition to other important
funcitons, biodiversity ensures functioning and stability of natural systems. It is the environmental component acting as the main resource for such economic
branches of vital importance as forestry, agriculture,
fishery, medicine, it has a major role in tourism and
recreation sectors.
Therefore, biodiversity conservation is one of
the most important environmental issues on the
agenda both in Europe and the rest of the world. The
importance is reflected by rather big number of international agreements on conservation of
biodiversity and natural ecosystems. The following
agreements can be mentioned: firstly, Convention on
Biological Diversity (Rio de Janeiro), Convention
on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern), Convention on the Conservation
of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn), Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Washington), Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar), Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy,
EC Biodiversity Strategy and four sectorial
biodiversity conservation action plans presented in
the strategy, EC Sixth Environmental Action
Programme, EU Sustainable Development Strategy
(An Inventory of Biodiversity Indicators in Europe,
2001) and 7 main legal acts of European Community Council directly related to biodiversity conservation (3 Directives, 3 Regulations and 1 Resolution). Components of biodiversity conservation, status monitoring, reporting obligations on the state of
environment are also specified in separate articles
of at least four EC Directives and 15 other type of
European and international agreements and
programmes (http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/enlarg/handbook/nature.pdf).
The main document Convention on Biological Diversity contains obligations of the Parties to
108
identify the components of biodiversity important for
its conservation and sustainable use, monitor the
components and identify the main processes and categories of activities which are likely to have significant adverse impact on biodiversity as well as take
actions to ensure biodiversity conservation and sustainable use (Convention on Biological Diversity,
1992). Other above indicated international legal acts
emphasize the importance to maintain biodiversity,
natural habitats and wild fauna and flora conservation, extinction prevention, state monitoring and
improvement.
Lithuania has joint most of the main international conventions related to biodiversity conservation, namely, Ramsar (in 1993), Rio (1995), Bern
(1996), Washington (CITES) (2001), Bonn (2001).
In the end of 2001 Lithuanian Parliament ratified
another important international document on
biodiversity conservation, namely, the Agreement on
the Conservation of Bats n Europe (London) that
came into force. Conservation of biodiversity and
natural habitas, prevention of their degradation, optimal use of biota resosurces are among priority tasks
identified in the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Strategy (Lietuvos aplinkos apsaugos strategija,
1996). The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Action Plan prepared in 1997 is the main result of commitments made in Rio Convention with the main
objective to conserve the most important natural ecosystems and wild species of flora and fauna to future
generations while ensuring sustainable use and management of biological and landscape resources. Special attention in the Action Plan is paid to protection
of forest, coastal and the Baltic Sea, inland aquatic,
wetland and meadow ecosystems as well as conservation of species and genetic resources (Lietuvos
Respublikos Bioávairovës iðsaugojimo strategija ir
veiksmø planas, 1997 (Biodiversity Conservation
Strategy and Action Plan, of the Republic of
Lithuania, 1997)).
On the other hand most of international legal
acts indicate manifold approach to conservation of
biodiversity as a very complex system that is
distinquished by abundance of different indicators
and yet inexplicable interactions. One of the most
complicated problems of environmental quality assessment not only among European environmental
policy specialists to select proper indicators for the
state of biodiversity.
Selection of comparable biodiversity indicators
is more complicated not only due to long-term data
trends but also lack of basic information. In particular, it concerns genetic diversity most of recently
prepared reports on the state of environment in European countries do not use genetic diversity indicators because of absence of data. Biodiversity being
of complex nature is influenced by variaty of factors
which becomes a constrain in identification of indicators.
Due to the above reasons, this publication analyses Lithuanian biodiversity conservation from two
out of three aspects, namely, natural ecosystems and
species leaving out diversity of genetic resources.
Absence or lack of comprehensive data required for
analysis hampers not only a deduction of clear connection between indicators in accordance to the
model driving forces à pressure on environmentà
state, impactà response (measures to improve the
state), but also evaluation of many important driving forces and changes in pressures on environment.
Most of available information is on present state of
biodiversity components, thus, the state indicators
are most comprehensive. However, this part of the
publication mostly concentrates on ecosystems that
are of economic importance, such as, for example,
forests, fauna groups, game cervidaes and
inchtiofauna. There is no sufficient data on fragmentation of natural habitats including status of endangered species of fauna and flora. Bearing in mind,
that data is often closely related to impact on natural
resources and their state, quite a number of indicators is broader discussed in Sections on Timber and
Game Fauna of the Chapter on Natural Resources.
Another part of indicators closely related to
biodiversity conservation are also discussed in the
Chapter on Landscape Protection.
The EEA Center on Nature and Biodiversity
Conservation specifies at least 12 main sectors of
economic activities that affect biodviersity (Core set
of Biodiversity indicators, 2002). At present the highest threat to biodiversity in European region is posed
by such human activities as changing land use, environmental pollution, introduction of imported species of plants and animals, constant overuse of natu-
ral resources, tourism and recreational zone development. It is expected that adverse impact on
biodiversity will not decrease due to intensifying
agriculture and, contrarily, due to degradation of
abandonded valuable biotops, monocultural forestry,
urban and transport infrastructure development, climate change, introduction of imported species (most
likely, genetically modified organisms). Despite of
restoration of some species and natural habitats whith
the help of environmental measures, it is expected
that optimisation of biodiversity in the territory of
EU remains impossible also in the second decade of
XXI century (Environment in the European Union
at the turn of the century, 1999).
In Lithuania, compared with most of Western
European countries, rather many natural territories
with large biodiversity of European importance are
still present. Lithuanian mosaic landscape nature still
has plenty of rare species of fauna and flora included
into a list of endangered species on a global level
that are extinct or endangered in industrial Western
European countries. Meanwhile, necessity to prevent
deteriorating biodiversity is already stressed in the
Lithuanian Environmental Protection Strategy. A report presented to European Environmental Agency
identifies the following main driving forces that have
adverse impact on biodiversity in Lithuania: agriculture, forestry, tourism and recreation, as well as fishery, industry, energy and countryside development.
Agrarian landscape is a type of landscape that
occupies the largest part of the territory in Lithuania.
As a rule, its ecosystem has the most deterioriated
biodiversity. On the other hand, they grant temporarily asylum and serve as essential feeding areas for
fauna species. Agrarian ecosystems are very important to bird species including those listed in the
Lithuanian Red Data Book as one fifth of these species hatch in such habitats. Natural wetlands or
flooded lowland meadows rare and endangered
habitats in all Europe - are the richest biotopes from
biodiversity point of view. Monocultural farming
lands are habitats with very poor biodiversity. One
of the main driving forces accelerating development
of such farming lands is purchase of agricultural crop
production and export of agricultural crop produc109
A list of basic biodiversity indicators is still in experimental and coordination phase (the latter activities have
been recently started in Europe), but different countries and international environmental institutions use a huge
number of different indicators to monitor and assess the state of environment. In 2001 the European Nature
Conservation Centre performed analysis and identified 260 indicators! The European Environment Agency
expects to prepare a list of biodiversity indicators in 2002 that would at most fullfil biodiversity information
demands of European Union Council of Ministers and the most influential international environmental organizations. On the other hand, a feasibility study has already concluded that in some cases it is impossible to define
suitable biodiversity indicators.
tion. These indicators show internal and external
market conditions that influence agricultural crop
production being the main food product element.
Increasing purchase in internal market and export
act as factors promoting growth of such production
as well as anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems. According to statistic data, lately internal market provides rather limited possibilities for agricultural crop production, however, on the other hand,
export of such production has significantly increased.
Evaluating information received from these indicators, it is necessary to have in mind that assessment
of reexport size is rather difficult, thus, impact of
driving forces may be slightly overestimated. On the
other hand, official statistics show rather low level
of agricultural crop production commodity market
(ratio of commodity output to the total output) which
is only up to approximately 30% and hampers complete evaluation of promoting internal market impact.
Changes of land use in open landscape that occupies two thirds of area in Lithuania, influence two
opposite threats to biodiversity: more intensive agriculture, in particular in Central and Southern
Lithuania where even meadows are cultivated, and
abandonce of haying natural meadows and pastures,
in particular, in Southeastern and Western Lithuania
that has influenced degradation of habitats with valuable meadow biodiversity complex. These are one
of the main biodiversity conservation problems related to socio-economic changes in rural areas. Dynamics of crop area, reflecting economic and socioeconomic importance of agricultural crop production in the country economy, also demonstrates intensity of both direct (fragmantation or destruction
of natural biotopes) and indirect (biodiversity impoverishment due to monoculturisation and use of
pesticides, eutrophication of surface water bodies and
pollution of ground waters resulting from use of
fertilisers, etc.) anthropogenic pressures on natural
ecosystems and other components of environment.
Meanwhile, changes in size of semi-natural territories indicate changes of close to natural landscape
area (slightly influenced by urban development and
agricultural activities) and biodiversity. However, it
is worthwhile remembering that artificially planted
forest areas are listed among semi-natural territories.
In general, increase of semi-natural areas in the last
years was mostly caused by increase of forests. Unfortunately, contrary tendency is noticable in case of
wetlands - one of the most rare habitats with unique
fauna and flora communities.
Forests semi-natural ecosystems in Lithuania
with richest biodiversity. About 85% of Lithuanian
forests are semi-natural, less that 1% are natural (un110
touched by human activities) and the rest part is
named as forest plantations (Forest Resources of
Europe, 2000). Forest resource trade is the most important driving force influencing this type of inland
ecosystem. Export of round and sawn timber shows
intensity of international trade impact on forest resources and at the same time on forest ecosystems.
Since 1997, just as in the case of agricultural crop
production, driving force intensifies with declining
consumption in internal market, and, most probably,
will increase in the future (see Timber Resources,
indicator V23.1).
The main potential threats posed by forestry to
biodiversity in Lithuanian forests are the following:
growing number of fellings, decreasing diversity of
forest stands species, disproportion of forest stands
age and type. According to statistic data, total number of fellings (see Timber Resources, indicator
A23.1) in legal fellings remains stable, although it
should increase in the future. Meanwhile, change in
forest area (see Timber Resources, indicator B23.2)
show a slight increase of about one percent in the
last 8 years. This tendency is noticable all over Europe where forest areas increase up to approximately
0,5 million hectares per year (Environmental Signals
2002, 2002). Annual fellings in EU and associated
member countries are even smaller that allowed by
sustainable use of forest resources (Forest Resources
of Europe, 2000). From all type of fellings clear
fellings have the strongest impact on biodiversity
decrease in forest ecosystems. Ratio of clear fellings
area with afforested area shows forestry impact on
natural balance and biodiversity as well as its tendency. From biodiversity point of view, illegal fellings
are more harmful than larger fellings carried out in
accordance with the approved forest management
plan. During illegal fellings not only clear fellings
are performed but also age of forest stands, growing
possibilities, destroyed protected habitats, nests of
rare bird species, improperly handled cutting areas,
rising threat of spreading tree deseases and fires are
neglected. The amount of timber from illegal fellings
(see Timber Resources, indicator A23.3) indicate
scale of environmental pressure of this type and increasing tendency. In particular, long-term impact on
forest ecosystems biodiversity in all layers, including forest litters and pedobiontes, is caused by forest
fires. Assessment of changes of burnt forest areas
and causes of fires demonstrated constantly increasing number of fires due to careless behavior of forest visitors lately (see Timber Resources, indicator
A23.2).
Forest biodiversity state is reflected by their
soundness
and
naturalness. Forest defoliation shows soundness
of this type of ecosystems, their ability to product
organic material in photosynthesis process.
Severly damaged forest area and its changes also
reflect general state of forest ecosystems. It is possible to decide on the influence of natural and anthropogenic activities to the state of forests from reasons that caused damages of forest stands. In the last
years, apart from severe damage caused by the
hurrinace Anatolijus, forests suffer from damages
by deseases and insects. Unfortunately, according to
forecasts, a number of problems caused by deseases
and new sources of trunk pests will not decrease.
Age of forest stands is one of recognised indicators of forest naturalness. More mature is a forest
stand, more stable and valuable from biodiversity
point of view is a forest ecosystem. Change in average age of forest stands as well as distribution of
areas of forest stands in accordance to maturity
groups show that Lithuanian forests get older. Pure
and mixed forest plantations ratio illustrates efforts
made to preserve naturalness and biodiversity of forest ecosystems.
Environmental pressure on forest biodiversity
is also demonstrated by intensive use of other forest
resources.
Lack of data about status of wolfes, lynxes and
other rare mammals and birds in Lithuanian forests
in the last years is an obstacle for accurate assessment of anthropohgenic load volume. Although data
received from Lithuanian Association of Hunters and
Fishermen indicate increased number of hunters by
50% in Lithuania in the last decade of XX century,
issued hunting permits show a number of hunted
cervidaes (red deers, elks, roe) out of evaluated number of cervidaes meaning that influence from official huntings on forest fauna does not increase (see
Game Fauna Resources, indicator A25.1). This fact
is proved by a number of issued hunting licences for
cervidaess (red deers, elks, roe) out of evaluated
number of cervidaes that illustrates use of 60-90%
of issued hunting licences (see Game Fauna Re-
sources, indicator G25.1). Meanwhile, monitoring
data show that relative abundance of cervidaes (red
deers, elks, roe) continuesly decreases whereas a
number of elks and red deers started decreasing recently as these animals are forced to choose less optimal type of land. Thus, it is expected that this tendency is a consequence of intesifying poaching.
Abundance of both hunted and rare predator
mammals and rare and threatened birds of prey populations depend (some species directly) on accessibility to feeding basis consisting from small mammals. Change of small mammals, as a feeding basis,
in separate biotopes gives a possibility to evaluate
suitability of some areas for predators. It is of particular importance for planning of biotechnical measures in protected areas (for example, number of owl
nesting-boxes per acrage).
Growing fishery, pollution and loss of habitats
pose the most serious threat to Lithuanian water ecosystems in relation to biodiversity conservation. Report to European Environment Agency mentioned
above indicates that oil spills during accidents and
illegal spills of oil products from transit ships are of
particular threat to the Baltic Sea and Lithuanian
coastal zone ecosystems. Analysis of fish abundance
and biomass in the Baltic Sea show that due to increasing commercial fishing, in particular in
Klaipëda-Bûtingë zone, and pollution state of sea fish
population declines. Increase of commercial fishing
and pollution with oil products in the Baltic Sea has
a negative impact on the status of waterfowl wintering sites of international importance at the coastal
zone of Lithuania. Increasing negative anthropogenic
impact on the quality of these specific and sensitive
habitats is evidently reflected by mortality rate of
wintering waterfowls, which is in particular high near
Karklë-Ðventoji settlements. Changes in abundance
of Stellers Eiders, one of threatened birds on a world
scale, in wintering sites near Lithuanian coasts are
used as a quality indicator of wintering sites in the
USA, Norway and other countries. It also illustrates
degradation of wintering sites of international
European Environment Agency emphasizes that 30% of endangered bird species, above 50% of threatened mammal
speices, in particular, large predators (such as bear, wolf, lynx), becoming extinct in many European countries in the last
years, are closely related to forest ecosystems and require their protection not to be limited to only direct protection but
also protection of their habitats and feeding basis (Environmental Signals 2002, 2002).
111
A problem of damaged foliage was observed as a serious problem in European forests already in the end of XIX
century. In the last five years forest defoliation in Lithuania has slighly decreased and fluctuates about 25%. Basing on
data from the international Cooperation Programme (ICP Forest) in the field of forest protection, similar tendency is
observed in all European forests where defoliation became stable on a high level with one fourth of damaged forests
(Environmental Signals 2002, 2002).
imprtance at Lithuanian coastal zone where significant part biogeographical population of rare waterfowls concentrate.
Fish abundance and biomass indicators in inland waters change depending on ecological features
of water bodies and anthropogenic impact. Reducing pollution of inland water bodies influences some
positive changes in ichtiological complex of the
Curonian Lagoon. Analysis of abundance of fish and
biomass in the Curonian Lagoon showed that extent
of fishing in this water body is optimal, a number of
commercial migrating fish, such as vimba, increased,
restoration of twaite shad population that used to be
the most important commercial fish in the Curonian
Lagoon and now included into the Lithuanian Red
Data Book, started. Fish abundance and biomass in
Lithuanian lakes is very much dependant on type of
a lake and fishery intensity which, if increased,
destabilises state of ichtiofauna in water body and
poses threat to biodiversity of these ecosystems. Specific and the only important problem of ichtiofauna
diversity conservation in rivers is loss of habitats due
to physical barriers (usually, dams of small hydropower plants) built on fish migrating routes. From
this point of view, volume of lost territories is clearly
illustrated by assessment results of migrating fish
distribution in Lithuanian rivers.
Thorough evaluation of impact from tourism and
reacreational activities to Lithuanian biodiversity is
hindered by lack of appropriate data.
The main factors from this sector having negative impact on biodiversity are growth of tourism and
recreation as well as pollution caused by those factors and fragmentation of valuable habitats. Regional
dissimilarities are emphasized where coastal zone in
Western Lithuania, surroundings of natural water
bodies and natural high aesthetic value landscape
areas, including state protected areas in eastern region are considered as the most challenging. Unfortunately, lack of data hampered the assessment of
changes of visitor flows in protected areas. Issues
related with the state of protected areas and most
acute problems are discussed broader in the Chapter
on Landscape Protection. Dynamics of protected
areas acreage indicates double increase of protected
areas acreage in the last decade and slight decrease
of the acreage recently. This means, that many landscape complexes of nature value out of this large
acreage have already received protection status (see
Protected Areas, indicator G18.1). A number of registered violations of protected areas protection regimes in state parks and strict nature reserves illustrate pressure of visitors on the most valuable nature
complexes (see Protected Areas, indicator A18.1)
According to data from Lithuanian Department of Statistics, since 1998 tourism growth is observed in Lithuania. During three years a number of tourists visiting through travel agencies increased from 58,5 to nearly 72 thousand per year.
Compared with 1998 duration of stays by tourists in Lithuania increased from 11%, and compared with 1996 even by
46%. If number of visitors in hotels and recreational centres during the last three years decreased, a number of visitors
in 1998-2001 in tourist centres and lodges increased nearly two times. It is expected that latter forms the main part of
tourists interested in valuable nature areas and attractive from recreational point of view rather than interested in cultural
complexes. According to data from Tourism Department more tourists are interested in country tourism (http://
www.tourism.lt/lt/lt.htm), which also increases anthropogenic pressure on valuable nature areas.
References:
An Inventory of Biodiversity Indicators in Europe.
Draft report of ECNC, 2001, the Netherlands, pg.14.
Convention on Biological Diversity. No. 92-7807,
1992, United Nations Environment Programme.
Core set of Biodiversity indicators. Draft version,
2002, ETC/NCB, pg.10.
the century. 1999, Copenhagen, pg.446.
Environmental Signals 2002 (working title), forthcoming. 2002, Copenhagen.
112
Forest Resources of Europe, CIS, North America,
Australia, Japan and New-Zealand. UN ECE/FAO contribution to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000,
Geneva Timber and Forest Study papers, N°17, 2000, UN,
New York, Geneva.
Handbook for Implementation of EU Environmental Legislation
(http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/enlarg/
handbook/nature.pdf).
programa, 1996, Vilnius, pg 42.
Lietuvos Respublikos Bioávairovës iðsaugojimo
strategija ir veiksmø planas. 1997, Vilnius, pg 106.
Driving forces
V13.1. Agricultural crop production purchase and export
250
900
800
200
700
600
150
500
400
100
300
200
50
Grain
Grûdai
Other crop production, thousand tons
Grain and sugar beets, thousand tons
1000
Purchase of the main groups of agricultural crop production in Lithuanian market
Flax
Linø
pluoštas
fibre
Cukriniai
Sugar
runkeliai
beet
Rapsai
Rapes
Bulvës
Potatoes
100
0
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Darþovës
Vegetables
DATA SOURCE: Department of Statistics.
Until 1993-1994 purchase of grain and sugar
beets in the internal market has declined. It was influenced by altered situation in agriculture when most
of companies were reducing the scope of production and farmers were only developing and strengthening. Moreover, Eastern markets were lost. Purchase
of this production was constantly increasing by more
that 1,5 million tons per year in 1997. The increase
was caused by stronger economic potential of private farmers and some stability of prices and purchase policy. However, after 1997 purchase in the
internal market has declined. It was influenced by
total crop area becoming smaller and unstable, purchase quota for sugar beets and grain as well as reduced purchase price for grain and increasing production cost. Since 1990-1991 after the start of land
reform, purchase of potatoes (by the way standing
in the second place after grain crops by the crop area
they occupy) as well as of vegetables has drastically
declined. It is explained by high production cost, increasing machinery price, declining export into Eastern countries and irregulated flows of cheaper production from the West. However, lately (1998-2000)
importance of this production strated slightly increasing. After decreased prices for grain, beets and potatoes, part of farmers and agricultural partnerships
turned to rather vegetables with high purchase prices.
In 1999 purchase of rapes as one of the most perspective production, reached the peak but after 2000
due to lower purchase prices decreased by almost
one third (compared with 1998 level).
J Activity of internal market in purchase of agricultural crop production has been reducing in the last 3-4 years which does not promote the development of farming land or
intensive use of agrotechnical measures.
113
V13.1. Agricultural crop production export
Export of agricultural crop production (vegetables and their products, cereals and their products,
ground grain products, various grains, seeds and root-crop following codes of integrated nomenclature of goods 07.01, 07.03 07.13, 10.01 10.05, 10.08, 11.01 11.05, 12.09, 12.12, 12.14, 19.01,
19.02, 19.05, 20.04 ir 20.05) (tousand tons).
Export
thousand
tons
450
Import
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Department of Statistics
After redistribution of markets in 1994-1995 and
recovery of demand for Lithuanian agricultural production in NIS countries, export of agricultural crop
production has significantly increased since 1996
with the exception in 2000 when export decreased
due to fluctuation of conjuncture. Constantly declining import reduces potential volume of reexport,
which means, that export of local agricultural crop
production from the country increases. In 1996 ex-
port made only 25% of import size and since 1997
has already exceeded this number. In 2001 export of
the main groups of agricultural crop production was
more than four times higher than import. Thus, export becomes an important driving force that promotes development of agriculture.
After permission to import fodder grains was
received, it is likely that local agricultural crop production could slow down.
L Meanwhile, export of agricultural crop production being a driving force that promotes
agricultural development constantly increases and compared with 1995 increased by six
times.
114
A12.1. Clear felling area ratio with afforested area
Comparison of clear felling area (ha) with afforested area (ha) per year.
thousand tons
16
clear felling area, thousand ha
established forest stands, thousand ha
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Division of Forest Management and Forest Resources, Ministry of Environment.
Increasing forest felling dimensions also increase clear felling areas. Since 1999 the area of established forest stands decreases due to many clear
felling areas left for natural regeneration. Corre-
spondingly, since 1999 the clear felling areas left for
natural renegeneration increases. Leaving clear felling areas for natural regeneration more resistant and
valuable from biodiversity point of view forest stands
are formed.
K In the future, ratio between clear felling and established forest areas should remain
stable. Clear felling areas left for natural regeneration may increase.
115
14
A13.1. Crop area
Crop area is a part of arable agricultural land used for agricultural crop production (thousand ha)
determined by assessment of factual crop area after summer sowing.
3000
2900
2800
thousand ha
2600
2500
2400
2300
2200
2100
2000
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
From 1990 to 2001 total crop area in Lithuania
decreased by 26,5%, although, it has increased after
the economic crisis period in 1994-1995 and remained at the level of more than 2,5 million hect-
ares. Occupying about 38,3% of the countrys territory it exceedes crop areas in Latvia (by approximately 15%) and Estonia (by approximtely 20%) and,
according to this parameter, takes sixth place in Europe.
Fig. A13.1.1 Areas of the main crop groups (thousand hectares) in 1990-2001.
1400
Grain
Grûdinës
crops
kultûros
140
1200
120
1000
100
800
80
600
60
400
40
200
20
0
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Other crops, thousand ha
Grain crops, thousand ha
2700
Linai
Flax
Rapes
Rapsai
Sugar
Cukriniai
beets
runkeliai
Potatoes
Bulvës
VegeLauko
tables
darþovës
grown
in
the open
field
The largest territory (about 47% of total crop
area) covered with grain crops (Fig. A13.1.1) and
having a strong influence on fluctuation of total crop
116
area reached its maximum in 1993. In 1995 with
declining consumption in the internal market, these
crop areas reduced by almost 200 thousand hectares,
used for potatoes also decreases, which is most likely
influenced by nearly double drop in purchase prices
until 2001. Hence, the internal market does not promote cultivation of these crops.
However, with dereasing pressure to environment of such type, futher devastation of natural and
semi-natural biotopes (e.g., meadow ploughing) due
to expanding crop area is observed in some regions
with of high fertility and expensive farming lands
(over 41 score), in particular, those located in southwestern Lithuania. Hence, restitution of fertile farming land and land selling to foreigners may influence certain agriculture intensity in the mentioned
regions (Fig. A13.1.2). Meanwhile, structural regulation measures applied for general agricultural policy
in European Union may have an opposite impact.
Fig. A13.1.2 Prevalence of most fertile farming lands in Lithuanian administrative regions
< <40,2
40,2 scores
balo
40,2-50
balø
40,2-50 scores
DATA SOURCE: FAO project TCP/LIT/6613. The State Land Management Institute.
J Total area of agricultural crop area decreases together with physical (agrotechnical, monoculture) and chemical (pesticides, fertilizers) pressure on biodiversity of agrarian landscape except of some regions, in particular, in the central part of Lithuania, where crop
areas are increased due to high fertility or intensive agrotechnical measures are used.
117
however covered 1,2 million hectares already in
1997. From 1997-1998 decrease of most of the main
areas covered with farm crops was observed. The
only exeption were rapes as their popularity in 19941999 was growing due to more intensive purchase
and rather high prices with less production in 2000.
In 200 grain crops area nearly reached 100 thousand
ha and was close to the level of 1999. Sugar beets
area was dependant on stable purchase quota and
fluctuated rather little, although since 1997 it was
decreasing and in 2000 was the lowest in all last decade. On the other hand, the total crop area of beets,
vegetables grown in the open field and rapes amounts
only to 5% of the total crop area. Therefore, changes
in their areas have no significant influence on
biodiversity as crop grains. Since 1998 farming land
State, impact
B12.1. Change of average age forest stands
Change of average age forest stands in Lithuanians in 1938-2001. Change forest stand area distribution by maturity groups (saplings, average age, premature and mature) in 1993-2001, %.
50
Average age of forest stands
60
40
30
20
10
0
1938
1948
1961
1973
1978
1983
1988
1993
1998
2001
DATA SOURCE: Department of Forests, Ministry of Environment.
Since 1948 the average age of forest stands in
Lithuania gradually increases. An explanation of this
is an intensive afforestation in abandoned agricultural land started after the II World War as well as
rather large part of wetlands overgrown with forest
due to land reclamation activities. Age of forest stands
established at that time grows every year and today
reaches up to 50 or above. The average change of
forest stands age indicate that Lithuanian forests get
older.
Fig. B12.1.1. Change of forest stands area distribution in accordance to groups of age in 1993-2001, %
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
saplings
9,6
12,6
17,9
17,6
19,9
44,7
18,2
41,4
27,8
40,2
26,1
1993
24,0
1998
average age
2001
premature
DATA SOURCE: Department of Forests, Ministry of Environment
118
mature
to 10 years in 1999. Area of saplings has slightly
decreased. Total contribution of average age and premature forest stands in Lithuanian forests remains
stable. Thus, Lithuanian forest age structure became
more optimal in the last decade. It is expected that
areas of premature and mature forest stands will increase in the future. So will the areas of sapling stands
as it is planned to start afforestation in the abandoned
agricultural land.
J Average age of forest stands increases and so is a number of mature forest stands.
B12.2. Defoliation of forests
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
40
Part of healthy trees %
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Defoliation, %
Average defoliation of trees and changing part of healthy trees (%) in Lithuania in 1989-2001.
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
sveikø
medþiøtrees
dalis %
defoliacija, %
part of healthy
defoliation
DATA SOURCE: Lithuanian Institute of Forests.
Defoliation is a loss of leaves or needles of a tree compared with a tree that has full (absolutely healthy)
foliage. It is caused by air pollution, deseases, pests, abiotic factors. Defoliation is evaluated in persentage.
Defoliation of a healthy tree is equal to 0%, and a dead tree 100%. Average defoliation indicates healthiness of forests, their ability to produce organic material in photosynthesis process.
In Lithuania defoliation of trees is observed
since 1987. Untill 1995 average defoliation of all
type of trees increased in Lithuania. Nevertheless,
after 1996 part of healthy trees in Lithuanian forests
decreased and state of forests improved since 1996
(part of strongly and moderately damaged trees decreased more than of healthy trees). It was influenced
by recovery of fir-tree stands after invasion of barkgnawer typograph and favourable hydroclimatic con-
ditions. Reduction of atmosphere pollutio due to economic decline of the whole region and reduced SO2
emissions in Western Europe have also had rather
strong influence. In the last 5 years average defoliation in Lithuania varies from 19 to 21%.
Compared with Europe, state of forests in
Lithuania is in the middle of Central and Eastern
European countries (Check Republic, Poland,
Slovakia) where state is the worst and Northern Eu119
During the last 10 years increased areas of mature forest stands indicate that forests in Lithuania
get older (see Fig.B12.1.1) - in 1993 they covered
10,9% of area from overall area of forest stands and
in 2001 already 17,6 %. In fact, one of the reasons
for increased area of mature forests is that part of
fire-stands have been listed among mature forest
stands after their maturity age was decreased down
rope (Finland, Sweden) where it is the best.
Prevailance of defoliation in specific years is influenced by many factors in the country. These are diverse meteorological conditions, air pollution, inva-
sion of local forest pests and deseases, natural factors, regional composition of forest species, age of
forest stands, etc.
B12.3. Damaged forest area
Damaged forests area (ha) in state forests by abiotic (windfalls, snowfalls, fires) and biotic (deseases,
pests, beasts) factors.
abiotic
be asts
pe sts
de se ase s
180000
150000
Damaged area, ha
K During the last 4 years average defoliation slightly changes (17-23%). Usually state of
forests is worse in the middle and the south, and the best in the north and the west of
Lithuania.
120000
90000
60000
30000
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
pp rognoz
ë
rognosis
DATA SOURCE: Public enterprise Forest protection station.
Due to the hurricane Anatolijus in Lithuania
in December of 1999, damaged forest area by abiotic factors (windfalls, snowfalls) especially increased in 1999-2000. Damaged forest area by barkgnawer typograph in 1997 and piny owl-moth in 2000
also increased significantly. In 2001 damaged forest
areas by abiotic (windfalls, snowfalls, fires) and biotic (deseases, pests, beasts) factors reached up to
55 609 ha of the territory in Lithaunia. Despite of
chemical and biological measures used to protect
forests, it is most likely, that with increasing number
of damages by bark-gnawer typograph and snoutbeetle as well as increased number of damaged ashtree stands, number of damages will remain large in
2002. Formation of trunk pests sources is expected
in Southern Lithuania where forest areas damaged
by piny owl-moth and nun moth may amount to 16
000 ha. Moreover, dried up or drying up ash-tree
stands are increasing and form the largest damaged
part of trees. This problem became obvious in 1996
but it was difficult to identify the reasons. The area
of dried up ash-tree stands increased twice in the
last three years, namely, 1999-2001. According to
current tendencies it may increase by two times more
in the coming years. It brings losses of valuable and
rich diversity of augmentation and fauna in deciduous forest habitats.
K Taking into account change of climatic conditions that influence spreading of pests and
deseases, abundance of beasts and spreading of grybiniø deseases in ash-tree stands, it is
most likely, that damaged forest area will not decrease in the nearest future.
120
B13.1. Semi-natural territories out of total area
A part of semi-natural territories (forests, meadows and natural pastures, wetlands and water
bodies)(ha) out of total area of Lithuania, %.
44,4
2890
44,2
thousand ha
2880
2870
44
2860
43,8
2850
43,6
2840
43,4
2830
2820
43,2
1992
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Fig. B13.1.1. Change of forest area (ha)
thousands ha
2005
2000
1995
1990
1985
1980
1975
1970
1965
1960
1955
Forests
1992 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Significant changes in farming land and at the
same time in landscape started in Lithuania in the
first part of XX century. Due to intensive agricultural development, agrarian landcape area has increased (up to two thirds of the countrys territory)
and reached its maximum level in the middle of XX
century. After the war and together with increased
forest area, a total area of natural territories has also
enlarged. According to statistical data, since 1993
changing tendency of natural and semi-natural area
is not very visible. It is influenced by inter-variations
of different categories of natural and semi-natural
territories as well as changes made in assessment
principles.
Increase of natural and semi-natural areas is influenced by gradually expanding forest areas (both
due to naturally overgrown meadows and abandoned
natural pastures a number of which reduces since
1999 and due to artificial afforestation of abandoned
agricultural land). Meanwhile, wetland areas are the
most rare and valuable biotope in Lithuania which
continues to decline by in average 1-2 thousand hectares per year (see Fig. B13.1.1-B13.1.3). A proposition is possible that in total up to 100 thousand hectares of natural territories were lost in the last decade, i.e. approximately 1,5% of the countrys territory had anthropogenic impact. Ratio of natural and
semi-natural territories as well as urbanised landscape
121
2900
% out of total territory
44,6
2910
in particular, due to the development of urbanised
landscape (urban and recreational territories).
Natural landscape quality depends not only on
total acreage of semi-natural territories, but also on
integrity of these territories. Due to different fertility
of farming land, historically the least fragmentation
is observed in the southern-southeastern part of
Lithuania (ratio of natural and urbanised areas is
above 12,5), meanwhile, areas that are mostly affected by anthropogenic impact are located in central and south-western regions of Lithuania (below
5,5).
Fig. B13.1.2 Change of meadow and natural pasture areas (ha)
Meadows and natural pastures
510
thousand ha
500
490
480
470
460
450
1992 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Fig. B13.1.3. Change of wetland area (ha)
Wetlands
158
156
154
thousand ha
areas changed not in the favour of natural landscape.
In 1993 it was up to 8,0, 1995 - 7,9, and already in
1998 was still 7,8. Today economic and territorial
disbalance in farming land (natural territories decrease in the land that is fertile and valuable from
recreational point of view, however, some processes
of renaturalisation, paludification and overgrowth
with bushes are observed in less valuable areas) does
not allow to assess changes of natural/semi-natural
territories and those affected by anthropogenic impact ratio in the last years. Likely, more significant
declining tendencies can be expected in the future,
152
150
148
146
144
142
140
1992 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
K During the last 3-4 years due to increase of forest areas, total acreage of semi-natural
territories has been also slightly increasing. However, declining tendency of natural
meadow and wetland areas is observed which can even be worse due to anthropogenic
impact on territories with economic value.
122
B14.1. Abundance of cervidaes (red deers, elks, roe)
Average abundance of roe, red deers and elks (ind./1000 ha) in monitoring stations in 1999-2001.
1999
2001
10
6
4
2
0
Stirna
Rol
T.Red
elnias
deer
Briedis
Elk
DATA SOURCE: Institute of Ecology.
In the last decade of XX century in Lithuania,
as well as in Latvia and Estonia, the abundance of
cervidaes population significantly decreased. It was
influenced by excessive hunting, poaching, rigorous
(to roe) winter in 1995/96. Untill 1998 abundance
of roe and elks in monitoring stations decreased by
an average of 2-3 times, and red deers increased
by approximately 1,5 times (due to expansion of animals into forests uninhabited earlier) (Bluzma,
Baleiðis, 1999). Later the average abundance of roedeer in stations remained almost stable. However,
with further decrease of elks population, significant
abundance decrease of red deers started. Compared
results from 15 monitoring stations in 1999 and 2001
show decrease of the red deer abundance from 8,6
to 5,5, and elks - from 3,2 to 2,2 ind./1000 hectares
of forest. According to monitoring results, optimal
average abundance of roe population in Lithuania is
20-30, red deers 6-10, elks - 3-5 ind./1000 hectares of forest.
In the beginning poaching was stimulated by
issue of permits to obtain sporting guns for self-de-
fence purpose and poor economic conditions of local people. Later rapidly growing number of hunters
that obtained rifles have futher stimulated this problem. Fighting against poaching is complicated as
poachers are often equipment with modern transport
and communication means.
Regulation of cervidaes hunting by setting up
hunting limits is rather ineffective. Reports on animals received from hunters and foresters do not correspond with real situation. (Bluzma, 2001). Seeking short-term benefits (higher hunting limits), often
an overestimated number of mammals is provided
deliberately. According to official statistics the average abundance of roe-deer in 1999-2001 in Lithuania
inceased from 26,6 to 33,7 ind./1000 ha, red deer
decreased from 7,6 to 6,3 ind./1000 ha, abundance
of elks remained at the same level of 2,4 ind./1000
ha. These numbers differ from monitoring results.
Moreover, since 2001 inventory of hunted animals
is no longer performed: hunters provide only preliminary number of animals.
123
ind./1000 ha
8
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Roe
Red
deer
Elk
1999
2001
Molingos
Clayeylygumos
plains
1999
2001
Smëlingos
lygumos
Sandy
plains
1999
2001
Kalvotos
moreninës
Hilly
morainic
uplands
aukštumos
Compared monitoring data from different type
of areas (see Fig. B14.1.1), show the highest abundance of roe and red-deer (12,9 and 8,6 ind/1000 ha
accordingly) in 2001 in hilly morainic uplands, and
elks (2,7 ind/1000 ha) in sandy plains. These variations reflect ecological characteristics of different
species and quality of their living areas. The most
favourable ecological conditions for roe are hilly
morainic uplands, red-deers clayey plains, elks
sandy plains (Bluzma, Baleiðis, 1993). However,
lately, due to poaching of cervidaes their abundance
does not correspond to quality of their living areas.
Clayey plains were always characterized by abundance of red-deer but now abundance of these animals as well as elks has significantly decreased. It is
possible to make a guess that decrease is caused by
existing favourable poaching conditions as animals
grazing in open plain areas are easy to be noticed.
Fig. B14.1.2 Abundance of roe, red-deer and elk (ind./1000 ha) in different regions in 1999 and
2001.
Roe
Red deers
Elk
14
12
ind./1000 ha
ind./1000 ha
Fig. B14.1.1 Abundance of roe, red-deer and elk (ind./1000 ha) in different type of stations in 1999
and 2001.
10
8
6
4
2
0
1999 2001 1999 2001 1999 2001 1999 2001
West
Vakarø
Center
Vidurio
Rytø
East
Pietø
South
Comapring monitoring data from 1999 and
2001 in different regions, it is obvious that abundance of red-deer and elk has mostly decreased
during this period in western and middle parts of
124
Lithuania, the least – in eastern part of Lithuania,
and even increased in southern part of the country
(see Fig. B14.1.2). Pressumption can be made that
these variations are mostly related to unequal
poaching level in the regions.
L In 1999-2001 abundance of roe in monitoring stations remained rather stable, mean-
while, abundance of red-deer and elk decreased by almost one third. In particular, abundance of all cervidaes significantly decreased in western part of Lithuania. The highest
abundance of roe and red-deer stayed in hilly morainic uplands, elks in sandy plains.
Bluzma P., Baleiðis R. The cervid (Cervidae) monitoring in Lithuania (19931998).//Acta Zoologica
Lituanica, 1999, vol. 9, No 1, p. 6170.
References:
Bluzma P. Lietuvos medþiojamieji þinduoliai: populiacijø dinamika ir dabartinë bûklë//Theriologija Lituanica, 2001, No 1, p. 419.
Bluzma P., Baleiðis R. Moose population density
and habitat quality in different landscapes of Lithuania//
Ekologija, 1993, Nr.4, p. 4346.
P15.1. Mortality-rate of wintering waterfowls
Dead wintering waterfowls located in monitoring sections at Lithuanian coastline (except of birds
killed due to oil spills in 1995 and 1997 as latter data is not included ino order to prevent from
inacurate anaysis data on bakground oil pollution) and reasons for their mortality expressed in
sample rates.
100%
45
116
16
21
53
101
98
96
93
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
90%
80%
other
oil
nets
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Few waterfowl wintering sites of international
importance were identified at the Lithuanian coastline (Ðvaþas, Vaitkus, 1994, Ðvaþas, 1996, Ðvaþas
and others, 2001). During the last 10 years environmental state of the coastline has drastically changed.
Excesive fishing with nets was started at the coastal
zone only in the last decade. Transportation of oil
products became more intensive. In 1995-2001 five
larger oil spills were registered. Increased anthropogenic pressure caused changes in the status of most
important waterfowl wintering sites. Since 1993 a
number of waterfowls killed in fishermen nets was
constantly increasing. Calculations were made that
up to 10% of waterfowls wintering in Lithuanian
marine waters may be killed annually in fishermen
nets (Þydelis, 2002). Impact from background oil
pollution of the sea on birds was rather insignificant
(see. Oil spills in the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, indicator B5.1), with the exception of massive mortality of Sea-ducks as a result of oil spills in
winter of 1995 and 1997 (Vaitkus and others, 1994;
Þydelis, Dagys, 1997, Þydelis, 2002). Density of
killed birds in coasline monitoring sections was different. The average densities defined near the inland
coast (0,43 ind/km) exceeded densities defined near
the coast of Curonian Lagoon (0,09 ind/km).
125
Fig. B15.1.1 Ecological groups of killed waterfowls expressed in sample rates
100%
45
116
16
21
53
101
98
96
93
other
gulls
auks
grebes
divers
sea-ducks
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Sea-ducks (long-tailed duck, common scoter and
Stellers Eider) and gulls that form the largest part of
killed waterfowls (see Fig. B15.1.1) are very sensitive to anthropogenic impact. In 2001 sea-ducks
amounted to approximately 80% of all birds killed
in fishing nets. These ducks concentrate in limited
aquatoria of Lithuanian wintering sites at the coastal
zone where fishing is very extensive. Their wintering period (November-March) is the same as extensive salmon fishing with large-eye gillnets. A large
part of killed waterfowls as a result of oil pollution
in the sea are gulls. Prevailance of waterfowls that
died due to fishing nets and oil pollution in
Lithuanian waters are similar to prevailance registered at the Baltic Sea coastline in Poland
(Stempniewicz, 1994) but lower than at the coast of
North Sea in Holland (Camphuysen 1989,
Camphuysen, Franeker, 1992). Most likely intensive
oil product transportationand possible oil extraction
in the Russian part of the sea near the Curonian Lagoon will have the biggest impact on waterfowl populations. Fishing gillnets at the coastal zone will constantly pose a threat to waterfowl populations.
L Mortality-rate of birds caught in fishing nets increases.
References:
Camphuysen C. Beached Bird Surveys in the Netherlands in 19151988: seabird mortality in the southern
North Sea since the early days of oil pollution. Technical
report, 1989.
Camphuysen C., Franeker J. The value of Beached
Bird Surveys in monitoring marine oil pollution. Technical report, 1992.
Stempniewicz L. Marine birds drowning in fishing
nets in the Gulf of Gdansk: numbers, species composition, age and sex structure. Ornis Svecica, 1994. Vol. 4.,
p. 123132.
Ðvaþas S., Vaitkus G. Vandens paukðèiø rûðinë
sudëtis ir gausumas Lietuvos pajûryje. Naftos terminalas
Bûtingëje. Vilnius, 1994. P. 108121.
Ðvaþas S. Internationally important sites for
Anatidae in Lithuania. Gibier Faune Sauvage, 1996. Vol.
13, N. 2, p. 285303.
126
Ðvaþas S., Dagys M., Þydelis R., Raudonikis L.
Changes in numbers and distribution of wintering waterfowl populations in Lithuania in the 20th century. Acta
Zoologica Lituanica, 2001. Vol. 11, N. 3, p. 243255.
Vaitkus G., Petraitis A., Þydelis R. Beached bird
density trends in Lithuania during 19911994. Acta
Ornithologica Lituanica, 1994. Vol. 910, p.7886.
Þydelis R., Dagys M. Winter period ornithological
impact assessment of oil related activities and sea transportation in Lithuanian inshore waters of the Baltic Sea
and in the Kurðiø lagoon. Acta Zoologica Lituanica,
Ornithologia, 1997. Vol. 6, p.4565.
Þydelis R. Habitat selection of waterbirds wintering in Lithuanian coastal zone of the Baltic Sea. Summary of Doctoral Dissertation. Vilnius, 2002.
B15.1. Abundance of Stellers Eider in wintering sites by the Lithuanian coast
Polysticta stelleri
2500
1500
1000
500
0
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Stellers Eider (Polysticta stelleri) is one of the
most rare duck species. It is included into the international list of endangered bird species (Tucker,
Heath, 1994). Stellers Eider belongs to stenatopic
species wintering in shallow solid bottom marine
biotopes rich with underwater vegetation where they
selectively feed on crustacea and mollusca (Þydelis,
2002). About 30 000 individuals of these birds come
to European wintering sites (Nygard and others,
1995; Rose, Scott, 1997). Until 2000 Stellers Eider
(up to 6-7% of individuals from all geographical
population) were wintering at the small segment of
the Baltic coastline near Karklës-Ðventosios settlements (Ðvaþas, 1996, Ðvaþas and others, 2001;
Þydelis, 2000, 2002). Constant inventories of wintering Stellers Eider showed steady growth of population in the wintering site near Karklë-Ðventoji in
1987-1997. During the last 5 years a number of these
globally endangered species of ducks decreased by
more than two times at the Lithuanian coast, mean-
while in other wintering sites of Europe their number continued to increase (BirdLife & European Bird
Census Council, 2000). Rapid decrease of wintering
Stellers Eider reflects the change of marine environment status near Karklë-Ðventoji and growth of
anthropogenic pressure in the last years. This type
of species is very sensitive to disturbances caused
by fishing at the coastal zone (Nygard and others,
1995; Þydelis, 2002). Since 1993 fishing intensity
was constantly growing in this area. In 1999-2001
about 30 Stellers Eiders were registered dead in fishing nets (Þydelis, 2002), however, most likely the
total number of Stellers Eiders killed in fishing nets
was few times higher. Declining number of wintering Stellers Eiders is also related to disturbance
caused by marine part of Bûtingës oil terminal construction works and operation. Oil pollution of the
sea poses serious threat to Stellers Eider. They were
found dead as a result of oil pollution at the coastal
zone near Palanga after oil spills in the last few years.
L Decreasing abundance of Stellers Eider in wintering sites of international importance
at the coastal zone near Palanga shows deterioriating status.
References:
European bird populations. Estimates and trends.
BirdLife International & European Bird Census, BirdLife
Conservation Series No.10. Cambridge, 2000. P. 27-28.
Nygard T., Frantzen B., Ðvaþas S. Stellers Eider
wintering in Europe: numbers, distribution and origin.
Wildfowl, 1995. Vol. 46, p. 140155.
Rose P., Scott D. Waterfowl population estimates.
Wetlands International Publication 44, 1977. P. 49.
Ðvaþas S. Internationally important sites for
Anatidae in Lithuania. Gibier Faune Sauvage, 1996. Vol.
13, N 2, p. 285303.
Ðvaþas S., Dagys M., Þydelis R., Raudonikis L.
Changes in numbers and distribution of wintering waterfowl populations in Lithuania in the 20th century. Acta
Zoologica Lituanica, 2001. Vol. 11, N. 3, p. 243255.
Tucker G., Heath M. Birds in Europe. Their Conservation Status. BirdLife Conservation Series No 3.
Cambridge, 1994. P. 134135.
Þydelis R. Habitat choice of Stellers Eider wintering at Lithuanian coast of the Baltic Sea. Acta
Ornithologica, 2000. Vol. 35, N.1, p. 129131.
Þydelis R. Habitat selection of waterbirds wintering in Lithuanian coastal zone of the Baltic Sea. Summary of Doctoral Dissertation. Vilnius, 2002.
127
Number of birds
2000
B16.1. Change tendencies of small mammals as a feeding basis in separate biotopes
Abundance of small mammals in autumn in dominant biotopes of separate areas
35
NdRP
PjRP
Þkmt
1999
30
2000
2001
VrRP
DbRP
KmRZ
PgRP
PnRP
KrRP
BþRP
Gragr
KmRP
VðRP
NrRP
NkRP
Dkmt
Abundance, ind/ha
20
15
10
5
Akmt
Dkmt
VðRP
NkRP
BþRP
KmRP
Grarg
KrRP
PgRP
PnRP
KmRZ
VrRP
DbRP
PjRP
Þkmt
0
NdRP
25
Investigation sites
Akmt
Nemunas Delta Regional Park
Pajûrys Regional Park
Integrated monitoring territory
in Dzukija
Varniai Regional Park
Dubysa Regional Park
Kamanos Strict Nature Reserve
Pagramantis Regional Park
Panemuniai Regional Park
Krekenava Regional Park
Birþai Regional Park
Graisupis agrostationary
Kauno Marios Regional Park
Viðtytis Regional Park
Neris Regional Park
Nemuno Kilpos Regional Park
in Dzukija
in Aukðtaitija
DATA SOURCE: Status of small mammal communities and population of species dominating in these communities in
Lithuania. Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Report to the Ministry of Environment. Vilnius,
1999 and 2001.
In spring time abundance of small mammals is
scarce but in some years when wintering conditions
are more favourable, their number increases. Over
the breeding season the number of small mammals
grows and as a result they are very abundant in autumn. The abundance fluctuates every year.
Change tendencies of small mammals abundance
depend on forest type, existing habitats and their diversity, i.e. availability of food resources, large number of hiding places and biological features of species. Most of small mammal species are characterized by biotopic, local and regional variation and
abundandce cycles of changing abundance of their
population. It is well illustrated by change diagram
of small mammals abundance in sixteen local areas.
The least abundant they are in sandy and delta plains
of the Baltic hollow area where feeding basis is very
poor and natural conditions are extreme (as for example, in Pajûrys and Nemuno delta regional parks)
as well as scanty biotopes of Nemunas valleys and
slopes (for example, in Panemuniø, Kauno mariø and
Nemuno kilpø regional parks). Higher abundance of
small mammals appears in fir-stands and deciduous
forests as well as wet meddows in Þemaièiø-Kurðo
district (such as integrated monitoring territory in
Þemaitija, Varniai and Dubysa regional parks,
Kamanø strict nature reserve). The highest abundance
is in deciduous and mixed forests as well as cultural
pastures or mosaic biotopes (such as Graisupio
agrostationary, Krekenava and Birþai regional parks).
The basis of small mammal abundance in local territories of forests or open areas is formed by abundance of species populations that prevail. Bank vole
During research of small mammals carried out in some local territories located in different geographic districts 16 species
have been registered. 8 small mammal species prevailed, namely, bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), yellow-necked
field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), common shrew (Sorex araneus), Eurasian pygmy shrew (S. minutus), common vole
(Microtus arvalis), striped mouse (A. agrarius), tundra and field (accordingly M. oeconomus and M. agrestis) voles.
Population of these species formed basis for small mammal abundance. Other species were sparcely observed. Individuals of mentioned species were most often observed in food of predators. Abundant remainder of Microtus ir Clethrionomys
genera voles, Abodemus genus mouse and Sorex genus shrews are observed in vomits of owls (accordingly 34,1, 25,6,
11,5 and 16,1 %) (Balèiauskienë and others, 2000). Abundant remainder of Microtus genus voles (relative amount 32,765%) is observed in excrements of foxes and few more species, i.e. Apodemus genus mouse, Clethrionomys and Microtus genera voles (relative amount accordingly 11-20, 1,4-19,8 and 6,3-22,3 %) and more of Sorex genus shrews are
observed in excrements of martens (Baltrûnaitë, 2001). Individuals abundance of separate species in feeding of predators
changes depending on abundance of small mammals inhabited in their hunting areas.
128
often observed in shrub-marshes and meadows near
forests. According to Baleiðis (2001), changing cycles
of foxes abundance in Eastern Lithuania (by hunting catch) may be related to changes of peliniø
grauþikø populations. In general, deciduous and
mixed forests and cultural pastures with small
daciduous agroforest stands and, in particular, clayey
plains of Central Lithuania and morain highlands in
Eastern Lithuania provide most favourable conditions
for small mammal populations.
Therefore, food resources of birds of pray and
furs are changing. A number of predators in the years
when abundance of small mammals decreased in
poor territories (for example, pure pine forests) was
limited. They were foreced to spend more time and
energy searching for food and migrating to territories where small mammals prevail. Population of
predators grow with increasing number of food resources. Moreover, some predators feed in broader
plots and they can start feeding other animals when
number of small mammals decreases.
Table B16.1.1. Investigation sites of small mammals in 1999-2001 in different physical
geographical districts and registered number of species
District
Investigation site and code
Species
A: Baltic
waterhole
Nemuno deltos and Pajûrio regional
S. ar.,S. min., A. fl., C. gl.,
parks (NdRP and PjRP)
M. ar., M. oe.
B: Þemaièiø Kurðo
Þemaitijos integrated monitoring
S. ar., S. min., N. fod., S. b.
C: Pabaltijo
lowland
territory (Þkmt), Varniø and Dubysos
M. min., M. mus., A. ag.,
regional parks (VrRP, DbRP) and
A. ur., A. fl., C. gl., M. ar.,
Kamanø strict nature reserve (KmRZ)
M. ros., M. ag., M. oe.
Pagramanèio, Panemuniø, Krekenavos,
S.ar., S. min., M. min., M.
Birþø regional parks (PgRP, PnRP,
mus., A. ag., A. fl., C. gl.,
KrRP, BþRP) and Graisupio agrostationary
(Gragr)
M. ar., M. ros., M. ag., M.
D: Kalvotø
moraine
highlands and
plains
Kauno mariø, Viðtyèio, Neries and
S.ar., S. min., M. min., M.
Nemuno kilpø regional parks
mus., A.ag., A. syl., A. fl.,
(KmRP, VðRP, NrRP, NkRP)
C. gl., M. ar., M.ag., M. oe.
E: Zandriniø plains
Dzûkijos and Aukðtaitijos integrated
S.ar., S. min., A.ar., A. fl.,
monitoring territories (Dkmt, Akmt)
oe., A. ter.
C. gl., M. ros., M.ag.
T. eu. mole,
S. ar. common shrew,
S. min. Eurasian pygmy
shrew,
N. fod. water shrew,
S. b. birch mouse,
M. min. harvest mouse,
M. mus. house mouse,
A. ag. field mouse,
A. syl. forest mouse,
A. ur. small field mouse,
A. fl. yellow-necked mouse,
C. gl. root vole,
M. ar. common vole,
M. ros. sibling vole,
M. ag. field vole,
M. oe. root vole,
A. ter. water vole;
* T. eu., N. fod., A.syl., M.oe.
sugauti 1994 m.
K Small mammals form a good feeding basis in most of biotopes prevailing in Lithuania.
However, it is poor in biotopes of sandy and delta plains of Baltic waterhole district and
Nemunas valleys and slopes.
References:
Baleiðis R. Rudøjø lapiø gausos fliuktuacija//
Theriologia Lituanica, 2001, Nr. 1, p. 9295.
Maþeikytë R. Smulkiøjø þinduoliø rûðiø iðtirtumas
Lietuvoje XX a.//Theriologia Lituanica, 2001, Nr. 1, p.
105118.
Balèiauskienë L., Juðkaitis R. & Naruðevièius V.
Small mammals in the diet of the tawny owl (Strix aluco)
in central Lithuania //Folia theriologica Estonica, 2000,
Nr. 5, p. 1526.
Baltrûnaitë L. Feeding habits, food niche overlap of
red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) and pine marten (Martes martes
L.) in hilly moraine highland, Lithuania. Ekologija, 2001,
Nr. 2, p. 2732.
129
prevail in forests most often and sometimes yellownecked field mouse. In addition, abundance of small
mammals in large forest areas depends on type of
forest stands their number is higher in deciduous
forest stands and fir-stands mixed with deciduous
trees rather than in pure pine forests and example of
which can be territories of integrated monitoring in
Dzûkija and Aukðtaitija (for example, populations
of small mammls in Dzûkija mezeoentrophical black
alder stand is 14-20 times biger than in lichen pinewood and in Aukðtaitija fir-stands - 1,5-2,4 times
more than in bilberry pinewood). In open area habitats, different type of meadows and cultural pastures
the highest number of Microtus genus voles and field
mouse prevail (Graisupio and Saldutiðkio
agrostationaries in Central and Eastern Lithuania).
In these habitats mostly common vole prevail and it
was determined that changing cycle of its population abundance in Lithuania is 3-4 years (Maþeikytë,
2001). Sometimes Sorex genus shrews and bank
voles as well as yellow-necked field mice are more
B17.1. Migrating fish prevalence in Lithuanian rivers
Current prevalance area of migratory fish in Lithuania.
VV
V
VV
Ve
ee
ee
en
nn
nn
ntttttta
aa
aa
a
NN
N
NN
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m
m
m
m
muuuuu
m
nnnnnëëë
ëëlllliillisiiss
ss
aaa
a
ûû
ûû
ûððða
M
Mû
M
M
M
A
Akkkkm
A
A
meeen
m
m
m
m
ennna
aaa----D
Da
D
M
M
M
D
aaan
M
M
Miiiin
nnnë
ëëë
niin
niiiijjiijja
nn
a
ajja
aa
muunnaass
N
Neem
ÐÐ
ÐÐ
Ð
Ð
vvveee
nnnttt
ooojjijii
iii
ra
ra
JJJJJJûû
ra
ra
ûû
ûra
D
DD
DD
Duuuuuu
bbbbbbyyy
yyyssssssaaa
aaa
N
N
N
N
Neeeeevv
vvvëëëëëþþ
þþþiiisiissss
vu
vuooo
vu
Lë
Lëvu
Lë
vu
vu
Lë
Lë
Lë
riiss
NNeer
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im
iim
m
eeennn
aaa
vvvvvaaaaaa
rrrrrttttuutuuuu
BBBBBaaaaaa
)))))
oosssss
tiitijjiijjojjoo
aaaaallltlltt
B
B
B
(B(B
jiijiii(((
tttoottooojjj
eeeeennnnn
ÐÐÐÐÐvvvvv
ÐÐ
Ð
Ðe
ÐÐ
eððððððu
ee
ee
up
uu
uu
pë
pp
pp
ë
ëë
ëë
sss
kkkyyyyyysss
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M
M
M
M
M
M
River catchment areas
accessible
migratory
fish þuvims
Upiø
baseinai to
pasiekiami
praeivëms
Prarastos
teritorijos
Lost territories
l
Water rise (not less than 3 meters)
DATA SOURCE: Data base of Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of
Environment.
Human intervention into the Baltic salmon biology is one of the most intensive in global history
of fish population. Rapid development of industry
and agriculture resulted in pollution and reclamation
of rivers, construction of dams on some rivers
blocked up salmon migration routes to their spawning and maturing grounds. Today only 20 out of 60
former salmon rivers in the Baltic catchment area
are suitable for spawning (Bengtsson, 1999). These
negative factors had significant impact on total decrease of Baltic salmon abundance. Due to decreased
quantity of resources, salmon has been included into
the Red Data Book of Lithuania.
Salmons are migratory fish and their live cycle
is closely related to marine and river biotopes. According to historical data, salmon was observed in
16 Lithuanian rivers. At present smolts produce natu-
130
rally only in two rivers - Þeimena and Neris. In orther
rivers salmon is found only by chance. Current prevalence area of migratory fish (salmon, sea-trout,
vimba) has decreased in Lithuania due to construction of dams. Worse migration and spawning conditions have caused decrease in migratory fish populations. For example, in average about 5000 salmon
individuals migrated every year to Nemunas catchment area in the last decade. Due to lost spawning
grounds, growth of salmon smolts is very slow (29
000 annualy), meanwhile, potential smolt production can reach about 180 000 (Fig. B17.1.1). Moreover, due to insufficient attention to salmon
protention in their migration routes and spawning
grounds, a large number of salmon migrating to
Nemunas catchment area are caught by poachers and
commercial fishmermen.
Fig. B17.1.1 Potential and existing production of salmon smolts in Lithaunian rivers
Potential production 175000
Smolt production 29000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
Neris
Ðventoji
Dubysa
Siesartis
Kitos
DATA SOURCE: Data base of Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of
Environment.
L Research data and environmental measure taken to restore salmon population, show
that sitaution in Lithuania is serious. Existing dams and pollution of rivers block up
salmons from reaching their spawning grounds, thus, reducing their prevalence in rivers. Existing salmon smolts amount only to 18% of potential production. Illegal and
commercial fishing hinder large numbers of salmon migrating to Nemunas catchment
area as insufficient protection measures are taken on their migration routes and spawning grounds.
References:
Bengtsson B. E. and all.1999. Reproductive disturbance in Baltic Fish: A Synopsis of the FiRe Project.
Ambio, Vol. 28, No 1, p. 28.
131
B17.2. Fish abundance and biomass in Lithuanian lakes
Dynamics of biomass and abundance of fish caught in monitored lakes in 1993 – 2001. Biomass and
abundance is fish (kg and units) caught using standard selective nets in water body per single catch.
Þuvintas
120
Dusia
Plateliai
Tauragnas
Lûkstas
average biomass, kg
100
80
60
40
20
0
1993
1993 m.
2000
1994
1994 m.
Þuvintas
1995
1995 m.
1996
1996 m.
Dusia
1997
1997 m.
Plateliai
1998
1998 m.
1999
1999 m.
Tauragnas
2001
2001 m.
Lûkstas
average abundance, individuals
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1993m.
1993
1994m.
1994
1995m.
1995
1996
1996
m.
1997
1997
m.
1998
1998
m.
1999
1999
m.
2001
2001
m.
DATA SOURCE: Scientific report. Experimental assessment of vendace fishing in Dusia lake.
Definition of used fishing equipment effectiveness in Meteliai, Dusia and Obelija lakes with recommendations on needed limitations. Ministry of Environment. Vilnius. 1999, pg. 1-45.
Biological monitoring provide a possibility to
direcly evaluate long-term integrated impact to wild
nature from all negative factors and decide on the
real threat to the environment. As an example of such
phenomena change of fish abundance and biomass
in lakes of different trophic level is presented:
mezotrophic type Dusios, Plateliø and Tauragno,
eutrophic type Lûksto and hypertrophic type
Þuvinto lakes. Succession state of different type of
132
lakes reflect successive state of fish community. Thus,
basing on prevailing and indicaroty fish species very
deep Dusios and Tauragno lakes belong to smelt,
Plateliai lake to vendace, Lûkstas to bleak and
shallow Þuvintas to breamtype of lakes (Virbickas
and others, 1994). However, fish abundance and biomass indicators change depending not only on ecological characteristics of lakes but also on intensity
of commercial fishery. In Þuvintas lake where strict
nature reserve regime is applied, no fishing is allowed
and during monitoring fish density and biomass indicators are most stable compared with other lakes.
In average biomass of caught fish in Þuvintas lake
was up to 20,7 kg, fish abundance reached 200 individuals. Rather small change of indicators was ob-
served in Plateliai and Tauragnas lakes where intensity of commercial fishing is low (in average 16,9
and 15,8 kg and 143 and 195 individuals). Due to
rather intensive commercial fishing in Lûkstas lake
biomass fluctuated from 10,1 to 34,7 kg, and abundance from 133 to 1022 individuals.
commercial cathes
40
20
35
18
16
30
14
25
12
20
10
15
8
6
10
4
5
commercial biomass, tons
Average biomass, kg
monitoring catch
Fig. B17.2.1 Dynamics of caught fish biomass and commercial catches in Dusia lake in
1993-2001
2
0
0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
DATA SOURCE: Scientific report. Experimental assessment of vendace fishing
in Dusia lake. Definition of used fishing equipment effectiveness in Meteliai,
Dusia and Obelija lakes with recommendations on needed limitations. Ministry of
Environment. Vilnius. 1999, pg. 1-45.
Most changes of fish abundance and biomass is
observed in Dusia lake (see Fig. B17.2.1) Smallest
biomass (6,67 kg) was in 1993, and largest (37,8
kg) in 1994. Dynamics curve show annual decrease
of biomass which was lower than the average of yearafter-year (8,4 kg) in 1999. Respectively fish abundance decreased from 765 to 171 individuals. Change
of density and biomass is caused by extensive com-
mercial fishing in Dusia lake. Year-after-year data
from commercial statistics show that lately catches
were declining from 43,3 t (1974) to 1,215 t (2001)
in Dusia lake. Decreased fish abundance and biomass as well as tendentiously declining commercial
catches indicate critical state of fish resources. Investigation results show a need to reduce commercial fishing intenstity in Dusia lake and control
commerial fishing.
L State of fish community is unstable and often is close to the critical level in the lakes
where commercial fishing is extensive.
References:
Virbickas J., Kesminas V., Repeèka R., Virbickas
T. Þuvys. Þuvø populiacijø bûklë ir dinamika / Lietuvos
gamtinë aplinka. Bûklë, procesai, tendencijos. Vilnius,
1994. P. 83-87.
133
B17.3. Fish abundance and biomass in the Curonian Lagoon
Changes of commercial catches and fish biomass in the Curonian Lagoon in 1993-2001.
(Commerical catches are expressed in tons, fish biomass in experimental catches kg/l per net
used during monitoring).
1600
biomass
14
commercial catches
12
1200
10
8
800
6
kg/net
1000
tons
1400
600
4
400
2
200
0
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Scientific report. Research on population structure and abundance of
commerial fish in the Curonian Lagoon and Nemunas river delta. Vilnius. 2001, P. 73.
Fish abundance and biomass has significantly
fluctuated during monitoring period. It was influenced by both commercial fishing and rather visible
changes in composition of fish species due to reduced
biogenic pollution. Considerable increase of commercial catched was observed during monitoring in
Lithuanian part of the Lagoon and it influenced slight
decrease of fish abundance and biomass in experimental catches.
High abundance of carp fish, in particular, roach
and bream, was noticed in the start of monitoring.
Later, in 1998-2001, abundance decreased which can
be explained in few ways. Firstly, decrease of fish
was influenced by more excessive commercial fishing. In the last years cathes of roach amounts to 500
134
tons annually. The number could have decreased also
due to reduced pollution and discharge of biogenic
substances into the Nemunas river catchment area
as roach prevail in eutrophical and hypertrophical
water bodies.
High perch abundance is observed in monitoring catches due to very successful perch spawning
in 1997 which reached its peak in 1999. The largest
amounts of experimental catches were observed in
the same year. Later, due to increased abundance of
pike-perch, ruffs and other younger age groups of
perch which are the main feeding source for pikeperch, have decreased. Increase of valuable migratory fish (vimba, twaite shad) abundance is observed
(see Fig. B17.3.1).
Fig. B17.3.1 Twaite shad abundance calculated in catches ind/l per net of 30 meters long and 38-50
mm porosity during twaite shad fishing in their migration routes
6
5
3
2
1
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Scientific report. Research on population structure and abundance of commerial
fish in the Curonian Lagoon and Nemunas river delta. Vilnius. 2001, P. 73.
Several decades ago twaite shad was the main
commercial migratory fish in the Curonian Lagoon.
Today, due to increased pollution, it was close to
extinction and was included into the Red Data Book
of Lithuania. For a very long time (since 1982) it
was not registered in experimental catches and appeared only in 1994. In few years twaite shad abundance has increased and already in May-June of
1998-2001 it became the main among fish species
caught with nets of 38-50 mm porosity in the
Curonian Lagoon migratory routes and spawning
grounds. Most probably, the main reason for restoration of this population was rapid decrease of pollution in the lower Nemunas and Curonian Lagoon.
According to Dubra (1994) biogenic pollution
of the Curonian Lagoon decreased by 2-3 times from
1986 to 1992. Marine Research Centre data of 19932001 show that continues pollution reduction and
constant increase of twaite shad population. Certainly, dredging of Klaipëda channel and banning of
commercial fishing in twaite shad spawning grounds
had positive impact on restoration of twaite shad
population. There were no such strong abundance
of twaite shad population observed in the neigbouring
countries.
Keeping in mind that twaite shad population
remains abundant for several years and catches of
young age twaite shad in the Baltic Sea and northern
part of the Lagoon are large, it is recommended to
strike off this fish from the Red Data Book of
Lithuania.
We consider that it is still premature to strike
off twaite shad from the Red Data Book of Lithuania.
In recent years restoration of this fish is observed
only in the Curonian Lagoon catchment area. Consequently, reproduction of twaite shad is a very important task also due to the fact that their spawning
grounds are protected by the EU Directives. Twaite
shad has been recently transferred from first protection category to third. To start with, it could be
moved to category number 4 with futher monitoring of changes in their resousrces in the Curonian
Lagoon.
Monitoring of twaite shad abundance in the
Curonian Lagoon and coastal zone of the Baltic Sea
demonstrates that situation is improving. The main
reason for their reproduction is decreased pollution
in the lower Nemunas and Curonian Lagoon. Dredging of Klaipëda channel and banning of commercial fishing in twaite shad spawning grounds had
also a positive impact.
In the last years commercial catches became
stable, extent of fishing is optimal and increase of
cathes in the future could only have negative impact. Thus, it is recommended to keep fishing in the
Lagoon at the same level with a possibility to switch
from fishing of valuable species to more abundant
but less valuable fish species.
K Taking into accound data on fish abundance and biomass, situation in the Curonian Lagoon is stable. Today commercial fishing intensity is optimal and should not be increased.
Decreased biogenic pollution has influenced changes in fish community structure: abundance of perch communities and valuable migratory fish species (vimba, twaite shad) increase.
References:
Dubra J. Kurðiø mariø ir Baltijos jûros vandens
kokybë. Lietuvos gamtinë aplinka. Vilnius, 1994. P. 46
51.
135
ind/net.
4
B17.4. Fish abundance and biomass in the Baltic Sea
Changes of fish biomass and commercial catches at the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea in 1993-2001
(Commercial catches are expressed in tons, fish biomass in experimental catches – kg/l of monitoring
net).
biomass
6
commercial catches
500
5
400
4
300
3
200
2
100
1
0
kg/net
tons
600
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Scientific report. Assessment of commercial fish population structure and abundance near the
coast, Vilnius. 2000, P. 58
Significant changes of abundance, biomass and
species composition of fish are observed while
analysing experimental catches earlier and during the
monitoring period. In 1989-1991 fish catches in the
coastal zone were biger that in the last few years. It
is not strange as fishing in the coastal zone was not
intensive until 1991-1992. More excessive fishing
resulted in considerable decrease of experimental
catches (in particular, in 1996), but later the number
has slighly inceased. Rather large catches in 19972000 were caused by sharply increased number of
vimba and both in abundance and biomass amounted
to more than 50%. In 2001 catches of vimba in the
Baltic sea coastal zone was lower. Consequently,
number of total catches has also decreased. Due to
excessive fishing in the coastal zone, major decreasee
in abundance of larger halibut and river plaice was
also observed. In the coastal zones of neigbouring
countries (Latvia, Russia) where fishing is less intensive, no major decreases in fish abundance was
observed.
Due to illegal fishing with smaller porosity nets,
catches of younger groups of the above mentioned
fish species, vimba, pike-perch and some other are
large. Most likely, due to increasing pollution and
decreasing number of spawning grounds, declining
abundance of sprat community is also observed.
However, it is characteristic to the whole Baltic Sea.
Because of improved reproduction conditions
and decreased pollution of inland waters, increased
abundance of vimba and twaite shad was observed
during the monitoring period. Communities of freshwater fish also increase, most likely, due to intensive dredging activities in Klaipëda strait.
It is necessary to limit halibut, river plaice fishing as significant decrease in abundance of these
fish communities is observed. It is also necessary to
take measures to reduce pollution and strengthen
fish protection control in the coastal zone. Use of
artificial spawning grounds is recommended for reproduction of sprat communities.
L According to fish abundance and biomass data, situation in the Baltic sea coastal zone
has recently deteriorated. It concerns mostly marine fish species, meanwhile, abundance
of migratory and fresh-water fish grows. In particular, decrease is caused by excessive
commercial fishing in Klaipëda-Bûtingë zone. It is necessary to limit fishing intensity,
reduce pollution and strengthen fish protection control in the Baltic sea coastal zone.
136
G12.1. Ratio of pure and mixed forest stands
Division of forest stands established in former felling area in 1997-2001 into pure and mixed, % in
the total forest area established in one year.
100
90
80
46
46
50
54
54
50
1997
1998
1999
70
57
58
43
42
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2000
2001
pure
mixed
DATA SOURCE: Forest Department, Ministry of Environment.
According to Law on Forest of the Republic of
Lithuania, forest in felling areas must be restored in
3 years and natural regeneration is expected not later
than in 4 years. In order to protect biodiversity, over
30 % of all felling areas are left for natural regeneration. Forest restoration shall: follow sustainable forest development principles and meet demands of
country people and economy.
Biodiversity in Lithuanian forests is rich. The
country belongs to natural zone of mixed forests
where broad-leaved and coniferous forests prevail.
Thus, even if pure stands are established, later various types of trees and shrubs appear forming mixed
forest stand. Comparing ration of mixed stands established in the last five years with total number of
established stands, it becomes obvious that mixed
forest stands significantly increased in the last years.
In 1997 46% of mixed forest stands were established
and in 2001 already 58% out of total number of
stands. Variaty of deciduous trees and shrubs are
available in nurseries of state forest enterprises which
help to increase biodiversity: oaks, forest apple-trees
and pear-trees, etc. Seed plantations of deciduous
trees such as black alder, birch and others have been
introduced.
J Percentage of forest stands out of total established forest areas has signifcantly increased
in the last years. In order to ensure rich biodiversity in Lithuanian forests, the growth
should continue and more mixed forest stands should be established.
137
%
Landscape conservation
Landscape protection is listed among top priorities in the Environmental Protection Strategy
(Lietuvos aplinkos apsaugos strategija. Veiksmø
programa, 1996 (Lithuanian Environmental Protection Strategy. Action Programme, 1996)). Special
attention is paid to preventive measures of natural
landscape from further degradation and protection
of ecologically sensitive and most natural (picturesque) territories.
The European Landscape Convention was
signed by the Lithuanian Minister of Environment
on 20 of October 2000 together with other ministers
from 17 European countries. The Convention sets
obligations to governmental institutions for implementation of environmental measures at the local,
national and international levels in order to ensure
lanscape protection, management and planning.
These measures have to be applied for all types of
landscape, be flexible and take into account specific
features of the area (http://www.nature.coe.int/
english/main/landscape/florence.htm). In such way,
landscape conservation must be strengthened in the
EU integration context.
One of the main landscape features influencing
its identity is the whole complex of farming land
which appeared in the course of interaction between
natural processes and human economic activity. The
landscape structure is effected by general land management principles that are currently influenced by
land reform and restoration of private ownership,
land market development, democratic relationship
development, changing economic priorities.
Landscape protection is a very complicated environmental task due to its manifold ecological, cultural and aesthetic values. Thus, it is difficult to select objective criteries for evaluation of landscape
condition and change. Development of used land area
and earth cover on a country scale as well as
optimisation of used land area is not analysed in this
Chapter of the publication (partly it is discussed in
the Chapters on Timber Resources, Biodiversity Conservation). This Chapter presents actual problems
related to protection of natural landscape complex,
development tendencies of the Baltic Sea coastline
and karst process in more detailed.
Latvia
Russia
Conventional Signs
Strict nature reserves
National parks
Regional parks
Reserves
Ichtiological reserves
Byelorussia
Poland
LITHUANIAN PROTECTED AREAS
The State Protected Areas Service
Fig. 3. The protected areas network.
138
Protection of the Baltic Sea coasts is a priority
task for the state and local authorities. The coastline
condition is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Strong winds at the coastline are
more frequent than in the rest part of Lithuania. Annually, wind at the coastline is stronger than >20 m/
s in average 15-20 days (according to several years
norm), thus, frequence of storm winds at the coastline is used for evaluation of driving forces (refer to
Chapter on Water Quality for more information (indicator V5.1). In 1999 the hurricane Anatolijus
made a big damage to the coastline about 55 ha of
inland was washed away, forest at the coastline suffered. Since 1990 developments at the coastline have
intensified reconstruction of Klaipëda Harbour has
started as well as construction of Bûtingë oil termi-
nal, recreation infrastructure developments have increased and so has costruction of living houses. The
development of Klaipëda harbour is considered to
be the main human economic activity that has adverse impact on the state of the Baltic Sea coastline.
Hence, criteria of the volume of submerged ground
into the deep waters is used to directly reflect anthropogenic pressure on the Baltic Sea coastline. Due
to dredging activities at the receiving channal north
from Klaipëda only one third of silt sand moving
from south to north reaches the coast. Due to decreasing total amount of migrating silt, abrasion of
coasts becomes more active. Balance of year-afteryear surface coast outwasht indicates the development of the coastline state in the last ten years. Seeking to improve the condition, the state and local authorities have made rather large allocations for coastline management, but they are still not adequate to
prevent abrasion.
Prevention of karst landscape degradation is also
mentioned in the Environmental Protection Strategy
(Lietuvos aplinkos apsaugos strategija. Veiksmø
programa, 1996 (Lithuanian Environmental Protection Strategy. Action Programme, 1996)). The main
driving force that causes more active karst processes
is change of air temperature of several years towards
warming direction. More information on this issue
is presented in the Chapter on Climate Change (indicator B1.1.). Intensity of gypsum denudation
(outwash) defines the status of karst region and provides possibility to forecast futher development tendencies. Gypsum denudation influences scale of kars
area. Since 1992 the special purpose programme on
Groundwater protection from pollution and development of ecological farming in the karst region is
implemented in accordance with the Decision of the
Government No. 589 dated December 24, 1991.
References:
European Landscape Convention. http://
www.nature.coe.int/english/main/landscape/conv.htm
programa, 1996, Vilnius, pg.42.
139
Protected areas (see Fig. 3) are established seeking to protect most unique and typical, most valuable natural and cultural landcape areas were most
severe conflicts between private and state interests
turn up
Land restoration and privatisation, construction
development are processes that currently have the
strongest influence on protected areas environmental state. During the initial phase of land reform (910 years ago) more than 10% of territory in national
and regional parks was returned to previous owners,
and during the last 2 years more than 15%. More
than twice of forest and water bodies were restored
lately compared with the first years of the reform.
Number of inhabitants in national and regional parks
only partly reflects potential pressure on protected
areas. Intensity of tourism in protected areas can
better reflect driving forces, however, reliable data
is still lacking. A number of registered violations of
protected areas protection regime per year only partly
reflects current impact. The value of protected areas from biological point of view is defined by a
part of species listed in the Lithuanian Red Data Book
out of total number of species in the Lithuanian Red
Data Book present in protected areas. The protected
areas dynamics show efforts made by environmental institutions in order to preserve the most valuable landscape complexes.
PROTECTED AREAS
Driving forces
V18.1. Number of inhabitants in protected areas
Number of inhabitants in national and regional parks in 2000.
17500
18000
16755
16000
14000
11101
12000
10000
8000
6984
6636
5692
6000
4558
4311
3500
2790
4000 2714
4600
4019
2726
2000
1257
1058
30322840
2371
2200
16201712
1200
1403
1360
3300
3032
2415
1100
1148
620
1057
Dieveniðkiø
Þagarës
Ventos
Vityèio
Varniø
Veisiejø
Tytuvënø
Sartø
Sirvëtos
Salantø
Rambyno
Pajûrio
Panemuniø
Neries
Pagramanèio
Nemuno kilpø
Meteliø
Nemuno deltos
Labanoro
Kurtuvënø
Krekenavos
Graþutës
Kauno mariø
Birþø
Dubysos
Aukštadvario
Asvejos
Anykðèiø
Dzûkijos
Kurðiø nerijos
emaitijos
0
Aukštaitijos
20000
DATA SOURCE: The State Protected Areas Service.
A number of inhabitants reflects background
(not in seasonal period) potential pressure on protected area. This number in the state parks slightly
decreases. A number of inhabitants and visitors in
protected areas is related to their location with respect to system of settlements, quality of natural resources, suitability for recreation, attractiveness and
abundance. Protected areas with high nature diversity and number of inhabitants, and good accessibility experience stronger anthropogenic pressure; arising conflicts are diverse and deep. In particular, it is
actual to those protected areas that are located the
zones under influence from large cities and resorts.
Most of national and regional parks are seminatural territories, however, they contain rather large
number of inhabited areas. They include 2 resort
towns (Neringa in Kurðiø Nerija National park
(NP), Birðtonas in Nemuno Kilpos regional park
(RP), 2 regional centres (Trakai in Trakai Historical NP, Anykðèiai in Anykðèiai RP), 7 other towns
(Salantai in Salantai RP, Dusetos in Sartai RP,
140
Tytuvënai in Tytuvënai RP, Varniai in Varniai
RP, Veisiejai in Veisiejai RP, Viekðniai in Venta
RP, Þagarë in Þagarë RP). Verkiai ir Pavilnys regional parks are located in the vicinity of Vilnius city.
Parts of 7 more cities (Klaipëda, Kaunas, Palanga,
Birþai, Gelgaudiðkis, Prienai, Venta) are in the national and regional parks. A number of inhabitants
in these protected areas is higher compared with other
protected areas. Protected areas (for example, Kauno
mariø, Verkiø, Pavilniø, Aukðtadvario, Asvejos regional parks, Trakai Historican national park and
others) located in the vicinity of large cities receive
the largest everyday short-term pressure. Meanwhile,
protected areas (for example, Kurðiø nerijos,
Aukðtaitijos national parks, Pajûrio, Nemuno deltos,
Labanoro regional parks and others) with exceptional
values located in far distances from largest cities
experience pressure only in seasons.
Frequently visited areas still lack well developed
information system and recreation infrastructure.
Based on precise calculations only 30% of recreation
mentation of these measures. Pressure from recreation on most frequently visited areas in the summer
time is immense. As a result of more frequent flows
of visitors, a number of general protection and use
regime violations in protected areas as well as protection and use regimes of water bodies increases.
zones in the state parks are suitable for use. 15 information visitor centers and nature schools are established in the state parks. More information stands
and references to visiting places are required.
Recreation infrastructure, education are the main
measures to regulate flows of visitors in the state
parks. State park directions are responsible for imple-
A18.1. Protection regime violations in protected areas
Established landscape protection regime violations in protected areas in 1999 2001.
400
392
373
350
275
number
300
250
226 231
233
200
200
127
123
150
100
50
0
1999
2000
national parks
2001
regional parks
strict nature reserves
Grass burning, littering, illegal landfilling, car
parking near water, car washing, fire setting in other
places than defined for that purpose, disregard of
prohibition signs, illegal forest cutting, water pollution with municipal discharges, etc. can be listed
among the main violations in the state parks and strict
nature reserves. Inspection work is based not only
on punishment but also on prevention. Very often
punishment is limited to verbal notification, explanation of state park establishment aims, protection
regimes of protected values. Persons that cause insignificant violations receive warning and get information broschures about state park direction activities and applied penalties.
Protected areas vary in their size, geographical
location, values, attractiveness for recreation and
tourism. Therefore, a number of visitors and violations differ. During 2001 a number of established
violations in the national parks increased, in regional
parks significantly decreased and in strict nature reserves decreased by two times.
J In recent years a number of violations in regional parks and strict nature reserves decreases. Most likely, people recognise a need to protect and preserve nature not only because of legal requirements but also because of the nature itself, for their own and other
people’s wealth.
141
K Most attractive protected areas from recreational point of view that are easy to access,
experience increasing anthropogenic impact.
State
B18.1. Number of species included into the Red Data Book (RDB) of Lithuania inhabited in protected areas out of total number of species listed in RDB
Percentage of species included into the Red Data Book of Lithuania out of total number inhabited in
national parks and state strict nature reserves.
40,00
flora
fauna
fungi
36,25
35,83
32,92
35,00
30,00
25,83
22,41
25,00
20,00
18,49
16,25
14,66
15,00
11,52
9,80
8,90
10,00
5,76
5,00
0,00
Dzûkijos NP
Aukštaitijos NP
Kurðiø nerijos NP
emaitijos NP
flora
fauna
fungi
37,50
40,00
35,00
30,00
23,81
25,00
21,25
20,83
18,33
20,00
13,61
15,00
10,92
10,36
10,00
5,04
5,00
0,00
0,00
Èepkeliø SNR
Èepkeliø VR
0,00
Kamanø SNR
Kamanø VR
0,00
Vieðvilës SNR
Vieðvilës VR
Þuvinto SNR
uvinto VR
Biological diversity combines flora, fauna, fungi
and microorganism species and their communities,
their habitats and ecosystems as well as genetic diversity. Biodiversity changes and deteriorates both
due to natural processes (global climate warming)
and human economic activities. With the aim to protect endangered species and their communities, the
Red Data Book of Lithuania was compiled and protected areas established.
142
A number of species observed in national parks
all, except of fauna species in Þemaitija National
Park and fauna and fungi species in Kurðiø Nerija
National park listed in the Red Data Book of
Lithuania slightly differs from total number of species included in the Red Data Book. Èepkeliai State
Strict Nature Reserve compared with other state strict
nature reserves has the largest percentage of species
included into the Red Data Book. It has been influ-
ministrations. In regional parks activities of inventory character prevail and in some places no monitoring is performed.
The most thoroughly investigated is composition of parent species. Lignified and flowering grasses
as well as invertebrates are most investigated, amphibia and reptiles, bats and predators the least.
Fungi and invertebrates, except of species composition and prevalence of moths, beetles and other insects are least investigated. Limited dat is available
about biodiversity in water bodies of protected areas. Insufficient monitoring of changes in abundance
of local species populations has been carried out.
K A number of the Red Data Book species in protected areas depned on specifics and level of
investigation of these areas. In the future protected areas investigation level will increase.
G18.1. Establishment of protected areas
Dynamics of protected areas in 1960 2000.
450
400
Protected areas, thousand ha
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
Strict nature reserves
National parks
Regional parks
State reserves
2000
1998
1996
1994
1992
1990
1988
1986
1984
1982
1980
1978
1976
1974
1972
1970
1968
1966
1964
1962
1960
0
Municipal reserves
143
enced by protected area size (for example, it is the
largest strict nature reserve in the country), intricacy
of the natural protected complex (Èepkeliai is a marsh
with relict forests near lakes and swamps). A number of the Red Data Book species in protected areas
only partly reflects values of protected areas.
Biodiversity level to certain degree depends on the
investigation level of the areas which is caused by
nature of activities set up in protected areas statute,
adminstration structure, staffing, financial resources
and other factors, thus, their investigation level
differes. The best possibilities for research are provided by strict nature reserve and national park ad-
In Lithuania there are still many natural and
semi-natural territories where fauna, flora and fungi
species prevail that are extinct in the Western European countries. Thus, part of Lithuanian protected
areas is included into protected areas lists of international importance. All 4 State Strict Nature Reserves (Èepkeliai, Kamanos, Vieðvilë, Þuvintas) and
Nemuno deltos Regional Park are included into a
list of wetlands of international importance of the
Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands,
Ramsar, 1971). Implementing HELCOM recommendation No. 15/5, Kurðiø Nerija together with
Nemuno Deltos and Pajûrio Regional Parks are included into the Baltic Sea Protected Areas list.
Kurðiø Nerija National Park is in the UNESCO
World Nature and Cultural Heritage list.
Protected areas are established seeking to protect natural and cultural heritage complexes and objects (values),
landscape and biological diversity, ensure the ecological balance, sustainable use and restoration of natural
resources, provide favorable conditions for cognitive tourism, scientific research and monitoring of environmental status, promote natural and cultural heritage complexes and objects (values).
Fig. G18.1.1 Par (%) of protected areas in Lithuania in 2001
Protected
areas
11, 9%
The Law on Protected Areas of the Republic of Lithuania determines categories of protected areas,
establishment principles, and activity limitations in protected areas. At present the system of protected areas
in Lithuania consists of:
4 State Strict Nature Reserves (Þuvinto, established in 1937, Èepkeliø in 1975, Kamanø in 1979,
Vieðvilës in 1991) and 2 Culture Reserves. Total area of Nature and Culture Reserves is 24 004 ha,
5 National Parks 1 of them is Historical National (Aukðtaitijos 1974, Dzûkijos 1991, Kurðiø
nerijos 1991, Trakø historical 1991, Þemaitijos 1991), with their total area covering 152 728 ha,
30 Regional Parks (1992) (1 of them is historical regional), with their total area 436 000 ha,
258 State Reserves with their total area 150 299 ha,
386 natural monuments (protected natural landscape objects),
101 Municipal Reserves with their total area - 11 122 ha. At present the system of protected areas
in Lithuania covers about 755 thousand hectares, i.e. about 11,9 % of the countrys area.
144
Fig. G18.1.2 Distribution of protected areas (%) in Lithuania by categories
Regional
Parks 56%
State Reserves
19%
State Strict
Nature
Reserves 3%
National
Parks
20%
Municipal
Reserves
2%
Fig. G18.1.3 Distribution of State strict nature reserves by categories
Botanic
Pedological 3,4 %
0,9 %
Zoological
6,2 %
Botaniczoological
12,2 %
T elmological
15,8%
Hydrographic
7,9 %
Geomorphological
15,3 %
Geological
0,4 %
Landscape
37,9 %
J In the last decade the country’s territory covered with protected areas increased by two
times (from 4,75% to 11,9%).
145
PROTECTION OF THE BALTIC SEA COASTLINE
Driving forces
V19.1. Cargo turnover in Klaipëda Port
Annual cargo turnover in Klaipëda Port per year.
oil products
other products
million tons
15
10
5
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: The services of port Klaipëda, http://www.spk.lt/port/statistics/diagrams.htm.
According to cargo turnover of other produts than
oil, Klaipëda Port is the second among other Baltic
Sea ports (after Sankt Peterburg) http://www.jura.lt/
2001_06/article04_l.htm. In 1990-2000 cargo turnover
in this port slighlty increased and now strongly changes.
In 2000, the most successful year of the last decade for
Klaipëda port, the cargo turnover exceeded the level
of 1990 by 17%. However, in 2001 it reached only 7%
of the level in 1990. The increase was caused by other
products (metal (22,4%), fertiliser (15,0%) and other
unclassified products (14,9% of overall cargo turnover)). Compared with 1990 cargo turnover of these
products in 2000 reached 36% http://www.spk.lt/port/
statistics/diagrams.htm. In 1995 cargo turnover of oil
products decreased and made only 45-70 % of the level
in 1990 http://www.spk.lt/port/statistics/diagrams.htm.
At present cargo turnover capacities in Kaipëda
Port became stable. However, with the future development of the Port they will increase and may have an
adverse impact on coastal zone areas that are sensitive to anthropogenic pressure.
Currently, deepening of Klaipëda Port Channel
up to 14 meters is on-going with future perspective to
deepen the Channel and quay water up to 17 meters.
After the Free Port status came into force, custom procedures will be simplified. It is expected that industrial activities intensifies within the territory of the Port
and in the surroundings. Additional servicies will be
introduced and distributional centres established.
Newly constructed terminal of cruise ships will enable the development of this type of navigation. Railway track reconstruction will increase their capacity.
According to the assessment made, this will allow the
port to handle up to 40 million tons of cargo per year
http://www.spk.lt/port/development_lit.htm.
K At present, cargo turnover in the Port is stable, however, it may increase along with
the Port development.
References:
Krova. //Tarptautinis verslo þurnalas Jûra, 2001,
Nr. 6 (http://www.jura.lt/2001_06/article04_l.htm).
The services of port Klaipëda (http://www.spk.lt/)
146
A19.1. Amount of ground dumped in deep-water
2,25
2
1,75
1,5
1,25
1
0,75
0,5
0,25
0
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
III sea dumping site
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
IV sea dumping site
DATA SOURCE: Annual Report of Klaipëda Regional Environmental Protection Department.
Since the start of Klaipëda Port operation approximately 18020 million m3 of ground was extracted during dredging and growth of the Channel
in order to clean it from silts. Almost all of it was
dumped in the open sea and eliminated by migrating
silt from the upper zone of the coast. It has a strong
influence on migrating silt flow deficit near the
Lithuanian coasts and causes outwash. For example,
reserve of all surface drifts (calculated up to average
annual water level), genereated in Lithuanian
beaches, makes about 5,7 mln. m3 (continental coast
- 2,2 million m3 and Kurðiø Nerija 3,5 million m3).
It means that the amount of sand dumped in the open
sea during the whope Port operation period over 3,5
times exceeds the amount of sand generated on
Lithuanian beaches.
After the start of Klaipëda Port deepening in
1995, an amount of 1800 thousand m3 of ground is
dredged from the Port Channel and taken to the open
sea annually. According to preliminary calculations,
approximately 600-700 thousand m3 of ground will
be dredged during deepening of the channel up to 14
meters. Later, during the clean-up activities, it is expected to dredge an amount of 360 thousand m3 sand
of marine origin every year. Low concentrations of
chemical ingredients are observed in places at the
port channel where sandy ground prevails. Basically,
clean ground which belongs to the first contamination class prevail. Because of these characteristics,
ground is very suitable for coastal zone recultivation.
In order to keep competitive ability of the port
it is necessary to continue to deepen and maintain
the port. The Ministry of Environment took a Decision No. 01-24-399 On assessment of possible impact from reconstruction of Klaipëda Channel on the
environment on January 31, 2000. The Decision will
ensure optimal use of sand received as a result of the
port dredging and clean-up activities for stabilisation
of Lithuanian coastal zone.
L Compared with earlier years, after 1995 annual dumping of ground in the III dumping
site in the open sea has increased more than twise. Together with the last hurricanes it
has a significant impact on distribution of sea silt and coastal zone deformation.
147
Amount of dumped ground, million m3
2,5
State
B19.1. Perennial balance of surface coast drifts
Total sum of washed out, whiffled and accumulated materials that form coast (calculated up to average perennial sea level) in time and space of changes.
Balance of surface drifts of continental coast and Kurðiø Nerija in 19932001.
DATA SOURCE: Coastal research and management database of Marine geographical division of the Institute of
Geography; Project on Geological atlas of Lithuanian Baltic Sea coasts of Lithuanian Geological Service (19992003); Þilinskas G., Jarmalavièius D., Minkevièius V. Aeolian processes at the coastline, 2001, pg. 284.
Intensity of cyclones and raise of sea level, influenced by global climate changes, reducing sand
reserve at the coastal zone as well as intensive an148
thropogenic activities accelerate coastal erosion processes all over the world. Today about 70% of previously stable and accumulative type of coast is dev-
cesses in Ðventoji Bûtingë zone between Klaipëda
and Nemirseta every 10 kilometers about 8 hectares
of coastal territory if lost. If compared with 1995,
Kopgalio beaches in Kurðiø Nerija in 1996 diminished by two times. The continental coast where perennial balance of surface drifts is very negative takes
about 25 kilometers (65%), meanwhile, the coast in
Kurðiø Nerija about 2 kilometers (4%). It is influenced by coast distribution with regard to direction
of silt migration, anthropogenic pressure and management intensity. State of coasts will continue to
deterioriate if no proper coastal zone management
measures are taken.
Strongest coastal zone
erosion (hot spots).
A Continental coast;
B Kurðiø nerija.
? hot spot
identification.
Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea
Latvia
Russia
L Erosion of coasts become dominant and more intensive in the larger part of the conti-
nental coast. State of coasts in Kurðiø Nerija is rather stable apart from more active
washout at Kopgalis.
149
astated. Currently, more active erosion is observed
at Lithuanian coasts. More often recurrence of strong
storms and other above mentioned factors influence
frequent coastal outwash rather than accumulation.
Hence, foreshore with negative drift balance at the
Lithuanian coast grows and causes regression. In the
result of regression Lithuanian territory and recreational space shrink, its status deterioriate, problems
related to secure operation of hydrotechnical installations appear, threat is posed to neighboring natural
and economic objects and their infrastructure.
State of continental coast is worse than of coast
in Kurðiø Nerija in Lithuania. Due to abrasion pro-
G19.1. Financing of coast improvement
Allocations from Palanga Municipality Nature Protection Fund and the State budget for strengthening dunes and coastline as well as other coast management activities.
strengthening of dunes
strengthening of coast
other coastal management works
100
allocations, thousand Lt
120
80
60
40
20
0
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
DATA SOURCE: Palanga Municipality, Nature Resources Division on the Ministry of Environment.
Allocations for strengthening of dunes, coastline and other coastal management activities constantly increase, although they are not sufficient to
meet the demand. Kurðiø Nerija coasts compared
with the Baltic sea continental coast are managed in
better way, thus, less washout is observed after
storms.
In 1999 a special coastal management
programme for Kurðiø Nerija was prepared and management activities both at the sea and on the lagoon
started. In 2000 after the hurricane Anatolijus additional financing (90 000 Lt) was allocated from
the State Reserve Fund to strengthen dunes along
the beach of 700 meters north from Palanga bridge
and 900 meters south from the bridge. In 2002 an
amount of 75 000 Lt was allocated from the Nature
Protection Fund to strengthen dunes, and 15 000 Lt
for other coast al management activities.
Provisions for Lithuanian Baltic Sea coastal
zone management were approved by the Order of
the Minister of Environment dated 2001 November
29 No.570. It is planned to prepare the Coastal Zone
Management Action Programme until December 31,
2002. The Programme should facilitate expedient
allocations of financial resources.
During a meeting held at the Ministry of Environment on April 4, 2002, it was decided to prepare
the Baltic Sea continental coast management
programme. It will take into account the nature of
coast use, state of separate zones (eroded, stable or
accumulated coastline), set up stabilising measures
of coast management and suggest possible implementation of the Programme. It is foreseen to continue
sand deposition works at the coastal zone in
Melnragë-Giruliai region which were successfully
started in February 2002 using sand received from
dredging and growing activities at Klaipëda Channel.
J Allocations for coast management increase although they are not adequate to growing
demand.
150
DEVELOPMENT OF KARST PROCESSES
State, impact
B20.1. Gypsum denudation
Gypsum denudation - Ca SO4 .2H2O (m³ from km² per year) outwashed together with karst rivers
flow. Change of gypsum denudation in Tatula catchment area.
250
200
150
100
50
measured
1999
1997
1995
1993
1991
1989
1987
1985
1983
1981
1979
1977
1975
1973
1971
1969
1967
1965
year
1963
0
calculated according to link
DATA SOURCE: Annual Report 2001 of Geological Survey “Integrated ground and surface water monitoring
in Lithuanian karst region”, 2001; Database of Hydrogeological sector, Geographical Institute.
In 1994?2000 compared with 1962?1979 the
rate of gypsum denudation in Northern Lithaunian
gypsum karst region which covers about 400 km2
was about 30% higher (Narbutas and others, 2001).
In particular strong increase in gypsum denudation
rate is observed since 1978.
Ground water resources in the karst region exhausted and river outflows decreased due to lower
annual precipitation in the 7-8 decade of the last century and their distribution specifics of a year. aþëjæs
upiø nuotëkis. Such conditions caused smaller
amounts of calcium sulphate washed out together
with river outflows than in periods when water level
was high. At that time smaller gypsum denudation
was observed. In 1980-2000 gypsum denudation rate
increased. It was influenced by climate change as
increased amount of precipitation replenished
ground water aquifers and increased speed of water
circulation between surface and undergound hydrosphere which resulted in faster gypsum denudation
process.
Gypsum denudation has been also increased
due to elongated hydrological season of warmer
winters (period without ground frost).
L Climate change is the main reason of intensive gypsum denudation in karst regionof
Northern Lithuania in 1980-2000. It is a precondition for more frequent appearance of
surface kart forms in the region. So far no signs that could change the situation have been
noticed.
References:
Narbutas V., Linèius A., Marcinkevièius V. Devono
uolienø karstas ir aplinkosaugos problemos Ðiaurës Lietuvoje. Vilnius, 2001.
151
m³/ km² per year
300
P20.1. Karst region development
Division of Northern Lithuania karst region by karst development level.
Number of sinkholes per 1 square km:
Low density areas (below 20)
Average density (20-50)
High density (50-80)
Extreme density (over 80)
DATA SOURCE: Chronicle of Geography, No. 27, 1991, pg. 198-203.
Active development of karst processes and phenomena are observed in upper Devonian gypsum
rocks that lie close to the earth surface in karst region of Northern Lithuania. This part of Lithuania is
characteristic by its specific karst landscape which
consists of sinkholes (karst relief forms that appear
in the earth surface after covering sediments sink into
underground caves that are formed due to soluble
gypsum. According to deciphered aerophotographs
and other geodesic plans as well as data from engineering geological routes, there are over 8500 sinkholes in Northern Lithuanian karst region.
152
In relation to density of sinkholes (number per
km2), territory of karst region is divided into territories of extreme density, high density, average density and low density. Most active karst processes and
phenomena prevail in 5-7 km wide zone that stretches
from north to east from Pasvalys through Kirdonis
and Karajimiðkis to northern surroundings of Birþai.
Karst development is influenced by climate,
nature of hydrographical network, conditions of karst
rock occurance, vadose zones, thickness and composition of sediments that cover karst rocks, human
activities, etc. In the last years investigations of karst
processes all through the region became more inten-
sive: in the last five years 7 new sinkholes were
formed only in Pasvalys region. Formation of sinkholes poses threat to construction of buildings and
their safe exploitation, have direct impact on water
circulation, namely, infiltration of precipitation, formation of underground flows and river outflows, and
natural protection of underground hydrosphere.
L In the last years karst process intensified. Formation of new sinkholes poses threat to accidents in constructions and their deformation, to human lifes, influence ground water pollution, etc.
153
Natural resources
As indicated in the Executive summary rational
use of natural resources is one of the main sustainable development aspects of the country. Sustainable
use of resources is listed among the top priority tasks
in the Sustainable Development Action Programme
Agenda 21 approved in the United Nations Environment and Development Conference in Rio de Janeiro
in 1992. One of five components of the United Nations Environmental Programme is covers sustainable use of natural resources. Although the emphasis is made on protection of natural ecosystems
against intensive and unsustainable exploitation, rational use of natural reosurces is mentioned as the
most important measure in the world community to
seek for survival and welfare (http://www.unep.org/
unep/sub1.htm).
Recognizing the importance of sustainable development principles, Lithuania together with other
countries of the world signed Rio de Janeiro Declaration in 1992. Protection of natural resources is one
of the tasks of the National Environmental Protection Strategy (Lietuvos aplinkos apsaugos strategija,
1996 (Lithuanian Environmental Protection Strategy, 1996)). In 2002 Lithuanian Sustainable Development Strategy will be prepared covering a period
until 2015. Among other measures, it is foreseen to
highlight use of natural resources.
Lithuania is not very rich with natural resources.
However, with respect to some of them, it is the richest among other European countries. Lithuania has
an exeptional position among other European countries with regard to ground water resources. Large
amount of ground water provides Lithuanian inhab-
itants with a possibility to use ground water as the
only source of drinking water.
Lithuanian Geological Survey prepared Ground
Water Use and Protection Strategy which provides
an integrated plan for assessment of ground water
and its safety, use of ground water resources, ground
water protection management development and improvement. Ground Water Strategy was approved on
January 25, 2002 by the Decision of the Government
No.107 (Official Gazette, 2002, No. 10-362).
Sufficient ground water resources are available
due to high amount of annual precipitation in
Lithuania. However, scarce amount of water in rivers is an obstacle to use them broadly for hydroenergy
purposes. The Government of Lithuania adopted a
National Energy Strategy on May 25, 2001 seeking
to reduce fuel import, to highest extent use available
resources in Lithuania, futher increase use of local
energy resources, expand use of hydroenergy, waste
energy, biogas, household waste, wind, sun, geothermal energy as alternative energy sources in Lithuania.
Surface water is indirectly used in energy production. Large amounts of surface water is used by
Ignalina NPP for cooling reactors. Due to the power
plant, thermic regime in Drûkðiø lake is partly disturbed.
It is impossible not to mention recreational value
of inland surface water. Aukðtaitija, Dzûkija and
Þemaitija regions abounding in lakes provide natural recreation conditions. Protected areas established
in the most picturesque territories ensure conservation of landscape complexes.
Production ground water bodies prospected in the whole territory of Lithuania have over 2 million m3/d of fresh
water. During the highest ground water consumption period in 1989 about 50-75% of prospected resources were used in
the cities. Already in 1999 when drinking water consumption declined, only 20-30% were used (Lithuanian Geological
Survey 60, 2001).
154
Use of surface and ground water for separate
economy needs are the main driving forces that have
an impact on these resources. Direct pressure is determined by extracted amounts of ground and surface water. The annual balance of surface water resources and ground water level reflect status variation of available surface and ground water resources
during a year. Public investment into wastewater
treatment and water supply specify the countrys
efforts to effectively use available resources.
Forest resources is another wealth of Lithuania.
The most important goal of the current forest policy
is to preserve forest resources, ensure their rational
use and increase forest productivity, conserve
biodiversity, ensure other economic, ecological and
social functions. In the long term it is foreseen to
increase forest area through afforestation of
abandonded agricultural and other type of land.
Rather gentle Lithuanian climate provides favourable conditions for growth of both coniferous and deciduous
trees. Forest covers almost of one third of Lithuanias territory. According to forest area per capita only such countries as
Russia (6,00), Finsland (4,43), Sweden (3,43), Norway (2,75) are more rich than Lithuania (0,53 ha). Meanwhile, according to this indicator Lithuania leaves beghind Austria (0,49), Slovak (0,38), France (0,29), Check Republic (0,29), Poland
(0,23), Switzerland (0,18), Germany (0,13), Great Britain (0,04) (Lietuvos miðkø bûklë ir jà sàlygojantys veiksniai, 1999
(State of Lithuanian forests and ifluencing factors, 1999)). However in Latvia and Estonia forest area per capita is much
higher (accordingly 1,42 and 1,11 ha) (2nd Baltic state of environment report, 2000). Basing on economic calculations, not
less than 0,40 ha of forest per capita is required to satisfy internal country demands (the same source). As to Lithuanian
specialists, optimal forest area in Lithuania should cover 33-35% of the total countrys territory. According to productivity
of forest stands in production forests (186 m3/ha), Lithuania surpasses forests in Finland (91), Norway (102), Great
Britain (117), Sweden (121), Denmark (125), Byelorussia (163), Latvia (170) and close to catch up with forests in France
(194) and Poland (213 m3/ha) (Lietuvos miðkø bûklë ir jà sàlygojantys veiksniai, 1999 (State of Lithuanian forests and
influencing factors, 1999)).
Export of round and sawn timber is chosen to
indicate one of the main forest resources driving
force. Total amount of cut down timber shows direct
pressure on available timber resources. Pressure intensity is partly determined by area of clear fellingg
ratio with total forest stands area. Area of burnt forest and amount of illegally cut timber show damage
extent to the existing timber resources made by other
factors. Total dynamics of the countrys forest area
is determined by change in forest area. Dynamics of
timber resources is characterised by change of total
timber volume. Status of forest stands is indicated
by the average defoliation of trees and area of damaged forest stands. These indicators are important
both in relation to resources and biodiversity conservation. Chapter on Biodiversity Conservation provides more information on this topic (indicators
B12.2. and B12.3.). Magnitude of fine for illegal
cutting of trees and shrubs in forest land reflects efforts made by environmental institutions to reduce
disaproved use of resources.
Talking about fauna resources, firstly fish resources should be mentioned. Lithuania as other
Baltic countries have extensive fishery trandition.
Fishery is the main living source for most of inhabitants at the coastline. According to statistical data,
abundance of the Baltic sea fish population has significantly decreased due to large extent of fishing
out. However, as investigations show, some species
such as salmon slowly reproduce. State of fish resources in the Curonian Lagoon has also improved.
Seeking to maintain good fishing resources few millions of young age fish are let into water bodies
annualy. Measures for rational fish resource management are foreseen in Fishery Development Strategy adopted in 1998.
This publication does not analyse problems related to use and protection of fish resources in detail. It is planned to make this analysis in the next
publication on State of Environment.
155
The average density of Lithuanian river network including artificial streams is 1 km/km2. In Lithuania there are
close to 30 thousand water streams longer than 250 m, 758 rivers longer than 10 km, 18 rivers longer than 100 km and 9
rivers longer than 200 km (Lithuanias environment, 1994). In the country there are close to 3 thousand lakes and somewhat more than 1,5 thousand ponds which are over 0.5 ha in area (The State Environmental Protection Program, 1998).
According to data from 1962, total potential capacity of rivers exceeds 600 mW. Due to different abudance of water level,
the energy value of rivers differ. In addition to Nemunas and Neris, Ðventoji, Merkys, Jûra, Vokë, Virvytë, Varduva have
highest energy values, meanwhile Nevëþis, Lëvuo, Mituva, Bartuva, Mûða have the lowest (Lietuvos TSR upiø kadastras,
1962).
Management of game fauna resources is regulated by Hunting Statute in the Republic of Lithuania
and Hunting Rules in the territory of the Republic of
Lithuania. Use of limited game fauna is regulated
through hunting permits. In addition, Lithuania
signed Bern Convention which sets requirements for
protection of endangered species.
Due to incomplete information, only state of
cervidaes is analysed in detail. An indicator showing hunting down intensity is chosen to reflect pressure on environment. It is a number of hunted
cervidaes (red deers, elks, roe) out of total evaluated number of cervidaes. Abundance of cervidaes
(red deers, elks, roe), described in the Chapter on
Biodiversity Conservation (see indicator B14.1.)
determines status of cervidaes population in
Lithuania. A number of issued permits to hunt
cervidaes (red deers, elks, roe) out of total evaluated number of cervidaes provides information about
regulation policy of cervidaes population.
Use of wild flora resources is regulated by over
ten national legal acts. They regulate trade of these
resources, their protection, set prohibitions.
Purchase of mushrooms, berries, herbs or their
parts, technical flora (reeds) per year shows driving
forces and partly reflects pressure on environment
as purchased are the amounts collected. Due to lack
of complete inventory of wild flora, it is difficult to
exactly determine their state. However, there are no
reasons to affirm that existing volume of use has no
negative impact on their resources. A list of restricted
or prohibited wild flora and fungi species for collection and trade could be considered as a general
wild fauna protection measure.
Mineral resources form a reliable base. At
present there are 17 types of minerals prospected.
According to legal acts that are in force, only detailed prospected resources can be used. In practise,
extraction of all resources, except of oil, have been
constantly decreasing and made up only one fourth
of previous extent. Oil extraction was constantly increasing and providing that current speed remains
the same all prospected oil deposits will be extracted
in less than 10 years.
Extraction of mineral resources illustrates current pressure. Due to lack of data, at this stage no
comprehensive information is provided on export of
minerals. However, basing on existing data it is possible to state that resources extracted in Lithuania
such as oil and peet are in large part exported to foreign countries. Map on prevalance of mineral deposits show the level and distribution of their prospect in different regions of the country. Current national policy on minerals is more orientied to increase
of exploitation with basically no limitations (except
of quartz sand), thus, it was impossible to find evident indicator in relation to measures for state improvement.
Only 8 out of 18 available mineral resources are exploited in Lithuania (limestone, dolomite, sand, gravel,
clay, chalky marl, quartz sand, peat, oil). Exploitation of gaize and sapropel stopped in the ninth century. Possibilities
to exploit rock salt, iron, freshwater limestone, and rocks enriched with glauconits and gypsum resources are not
investigated. No exploitation of anhydrite and amber resources is on-going.
References:
2nd Baltic state of environment report, based on environmental indicators. Riga, 2000.
UNEP. Programme Element 1. Sustainable Management and Use of Natural Resources (http://www.
unep.org/unep/sub1.htm).
programa. Vilnius, 1996.
Lietuvos gamtinë aplinka. Bûklë, procesai, tendencijos. Vilnius, 1994.
156
Lietuvos geologijos tarnyba 60. Veikla ir uþdaviniai. Vilnius, 2001.
Lietuvos miðkø bûklë ir jà sàlygojantys veiksniai.
Kaunas, 1999.
Lietuvos TSR upiø kadastras. III dalis. Vilnius, 1962.
Valstybinë aplinkos monitoringo programa. Vilnius,
1998.
MINERAL RESOURCES
A21.1. Total extraction of mineral resources (exept of peat and oil)
thousand m
Dynamics of extracted amounts of prospected mineral resources in Lithuania in the last ten years.
3
30000
26345
24326
25000
20000
15806
15000
10000
7039
6265
6473
4993
3548
5000
6451 5910
4789
4630
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Register of the Earth Entrails.
Extraction intensity of mineral resources is directly dependant on markets for realisation of extracted resources. Major part of extracted mineral
resousrces in Lithuania is used in construction and
construction materials industry as well as cement
production, the largest amounts of extracted mineral
resources consist of gravel, sand, dolomite, limestones.
Extraction volume of solid mineral resources in
1991-1993 compared with 1990 decreased by in average 4 times and later dynamics of their extraction
volume stabilised. In 1993-2001 an average amount
of 3,5 6,5 million cubic meters of minerals was
extracted. During the last three years constantly decreasing tendency of solid mineral extraction is observed which testifies falling impact of selected indicator to environment and progressing stagnation
of recycling industry where local natural raw materials are used.
Supplying the country with most of prospected
and aprobate solid mineral resources covers period
of 200-300 years providing that extraction intensity
remains at the same level.
J Extraction volume of mineral resosurces directly illustrates economic condition of the country. From economic development point of view, intensifying extraction process could be
positive and induced, in case all possible measures to minimise its negative impact on the
environment are taken.
157
A21.2. Peat extraction
Dynamics of peat extraction during the last ten years.
thousand tons
Peat extraction
White peat
900
800
763
627 650
700
600
511
500
438
380
342
400
317
241
300
250
190
200
170
266
179
112
262
284
179 196
125
260
260
184
179
100
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Register of the earth entrails
In principle, the development of peat extraction
dynamics during the last ten years corresponds to
dynamics of total solid mineral resource extraction.
Prevalent volume of annual peat extraction is 250260 thousand tons during this period, balanced
amount propsected for peat 118 million tons. Nega-
tive side of peat extraction tendency is that above
95% of all white peat raw materials extracted in
Lithuania are exported. Efforts are made to limit this
process at the state level through differentiated tax
on extracted peat resources, however, lately no expected results were received.
J The amount of extracted peat exceeds country’s demands by approximately 20 times.
However, from the available amount of these resources we can assert that settled volume
of their extraction in the last years follows sustainable economic development principles
and does not pose threat to natural biodiversity.
158
A21.3. Oil extraction
Dynamics of oil extraction during the last ten years.
thousand tons
470,9
500
450
350
316,5
277
300
232
250
212,4
200
160,6
150
114,5
100
50
72
78,5
1993
1994
64
33
12
0
1990
1991
1992
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Register of the earth entrails.
The development of oil extraction dynamics in
the last decade completly differs from extraction
development of all solid mineral resources. Oil extraction volume increased by 40 times in the last
decade. Extracted amount of prospected oil resources
in 2001-12-31 was equal to 3687 thousand tons, expected annual volume of extraction not less than
470 thousand tons out of which more than 75% will
be exported. Available oil resources in Lithuania will
be exploited in 8-10 years.
L Oil extraction significantly supplements the State budget. However, at the current exploitation rate, available resources will be exploited in 8-10 years.
159
400
State
B21.1. Map on distribution of mineral resource deposits
Distribution of prospected mineral resources in counties.
Resources, million m3 * million tons
Gravel
Sand
Clay
Peat
Curative
peat
Limestone
Dolomite
Anhydrite
Gaize
Chalky
marl
Limestone sinte
Sapropel
Oil*
DATA SOURCE: Register of the Earth Entrails.
Ðiauliai county is distinquished for available
amounts of prospected mineral resources. All prospected deposits of the main construction materials
such as dolomite and limestone as well as the largest
industrial peat deposits in Lithuania are located in
this county. Relatively scanty prospected underground resources are in Telðiai and Marijampolë
counties. Total available amount of underground resources is distributed almost evenly in the rest part
of the country and essentially differes only in percentage distribution among separate groups of resources.
Impact from mineral resource extraction to the
environment is under control posing no threat to stability of geosystems. Available amount of most prospected resources enable promotion of extraction rate
that would be of value to the state and society. Reduction of negative impact from extraction process
to the environment through increased extraction is
closely related to recultivation problem of exploited
areas.
J Most of available prospected solid mineral resources at current extraction rate will be
sufficient for the rest 200-300 years.
L Status with oil resources requires special attention as it will be exploited in 8-10 years at
current exploitation rate.
160
SURFACE AND GROUND WATER RESOURCES
Driving forces
V22.1. Surface water consumption for different economic needs
Added up annual surface water consumption in Lithuanian enterprises which account in accordance to permits on use of natural resources.
energy
fishery
industry
5000
4500
4000
million m
3
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
3939 million m3 of water was consumed for
energy puposes (649 million m3 more than in 2000).
Changes in amounts of consumed surface water are
mostly influenced by its consumption for energy
purposes in Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant and
Kruonio Hydroelectric Power Station. In 2001
Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant consumed 2480 million m3 of surface water (from Drûkðiai lake), i.e.
502 million m3 more than in 2000.
K There is a slight decrease of water consumption in industry and fishery sectors due to
declined activities in industrial enterprises and fishery farms.
Changes in amounts of consumed surface water are mostly influenced by changing
energy in Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant and Kruonio Hydroelectric Power Station.
161
V22.2. Ground water consumption for different economic needs
Added up annual ground water consumption in Lithuanian enterprises which account in accordance to permits on use of natural resources.
160
3
120
million m
140
100
80
60
40
20
0
1997
1998
economy and household
1999
industry
2000
agriculture
2001
other
Ground water is consumed for economic and
household, industry, agriculture and other needs. In
2001 an amount of of 121 million m3 of ground water
was consumed, the largest part 104 million m3 (in
2000 107 million m3) - for household needs.
J Consumption of ground water declined due to economic and household sectors. For economic reasons people are now more willing to save water.
162
A22.1. Amounts of surface and ground water abstraction
Surface and ground water abstraction for different needs in 1999 2001.
5000
4000
million m
3
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1999
2000
total abstracted water amount
2001
water amount from underground sources
In 2001 an amount of 4210 million m3 (632
million m3 more than in 2000) of water was abstracted
in Lithuania: 4053 million m3 (641 million m3 more
than in 2000) of surface water abstracted and 157
million m3 (9 million m3 less than in 2000) of
Fig. A22.1.1 Water losses
ground water. Variations of abstracted water are reflected by its consumption for different needs (see
also Surface water consumption for different economic needs and Ground water consumption for different economic needs, indicators V22.1. and
V22.2.).
46
million m
3
44
42
40
38
36
1999
2000
water losses
2001
Difference of abstracted and consumed water
is caused by water losses when water is supplied
from well fields to consumers. There is a slight an-
nual decrease of water losses in Lithuania. In 2001
water losses amounted to 23% of abstracted ground
water.
K Annual fluctuation of total abstracted amount of water is mostly influenced by energy
production. Abstracted amount of ground water mostly used for economic and household
demands has slightly decreased in the last years. In 2001 water losses amounted to 23% of
abstracted ground water.
163
4500
State
B22.1. Annual balance of surface water resources
Total water outflow from Lithaunian territory.
3
km
total outflow from Lithuania
inflow out of it from Poland and Byelorussia
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
2001
1999
1997
1995
1993
1991
1989
1987
1985
1983
1981
1979
1977
1975
1973
1971
0
DATA SOURCE: Hydrometeorological Service.
During the last 30 years surface water resources
(water outflow from Lithuania) declined from
17.930 km3 (in 1976) to 37.310 km3 (in 1980). The
perennial (1961-2001) norm is 26.017 km3.
Amount of surface water resources is direcly
dependant on amount of precipitations and less on
evaporation.
In 1976 precipitation amounted only to 24-80%
of the norm, thus, the amount of surface water resources was the lowest in 230 years.
In 1980 and 1998 amount of precipitations exceeded the norm by 110-160%, summers were rainy,
freshet occurred few times in rivers and the amount
of surface water resources was the largest.
According to diagram, large abundance of water was in 1978-1981, 1983-1990. In 2001 abundance of water (25.210 km3) was close to the norm.
K In 2001 annual balance of surface water resources was close to the average of the last 30
years.
164
B22.2. Ground water level
➽➽
➽
-3.
➽
➽
➽
-2.
➽
➽
➽
➽
➽
-1.
➽
➽
➽
➽➽
➽
➽
➽ ➽➽
State of ground
water level in
2001 in terms of
perennial level
(19902001):
1below;
2close to;
3above;
➽
Position of shallow-ground water level vis-à-vis earth surface or sea level
DATA SOURCE: Lithuanian Geological Service.
Expression of qualitative ground water
nutrishion is equal to water level. Higher average
annual level causes higher infiltration of atmosphere
precipitation and the other way round. Size of infiltration nutrishion is influenced by meteorological
conditions, but natural perennial fluctuation levels
are also important to restoration of natural resources.
These levels reflect a diagram of perennial ground
water level fluctuation, in addition to mentioned level
fluctuations (about 22 years), short-term (3-5 years)
and seasonal water level fluctuation cycles are distinguished. During the monitoring period (19632001) two periods with minimum levels 1971-77
and 1996-97 and one period with maximum level
1981-87 are observed in Lithuania. Since 1997
ground water level started rising in some regions,
but in the last decade its surface in Lithuania is usually below the perennial level. In particular, deficiency in water is noticed in summer time and
beninning of autumn in clay sediment regions where
due to increased evaporation water surface abates to
such degree when wells dry up in some places. In
2001 the average water occurrence depth exceeded
the perennial norm in Lithuanian territory, except of
eastern part where water lies below 10 meters and in
some clayey sediment regions of Central Lithuania.
In 2001 the average water level exceeded the level
of 2000 in Central part of Lithuania, Suvalkija,
Wester (only in Pajûrys lowland) and Eastern
Lithuania where water is up to 3 meters depth.
Ground water in the rest part of the country was below than in 2000.
Amount of ground water resources in Lithuania
is assessed according to average perennial ground
water level (138 m3/s). In 2001 it declined down to
0,0206 km3 or 20,6x106 m3. However, compared with
2000, resources increased up to 0,064 km3 (64x106
m3).
165
Fig. B22.2.1 Perennial ground water fluctionation according to monitoring data
660
Varëna
Depth from earth surface, cm
680
700
720
740
760
Average annual
780
800
1960
Average perennial
1964
1968
1972
1976
1980
1984
1988
1992
1996
2000
Date, years
DATA SOURCE: Lithuanian Geological Service.
(Fig. B22.2.1) provides perennial ground water
level fluctuations in southeastern Lithuania (example
of Varëna station), where largest amounts of ground
water resources are formed and influence from meteorological factors is lower.
J Taking into account perennial level fluctuations, conditions for restoration of ground
water resources are slightly improving, although alteration of meteorological conditions
may change the situation.
166
G22.1. Public investment into water supply and waste water treatment
State budget and Privatisation Fund allocations for construction of environmental objects divided
by years (million litas).
90
80
million Lt
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Economics and Programmes Division of the Ministry of Environment.
During independence from 1992 to 2001 more
than 1080 million litas were allocated for construction of environmental objects. Out of this amount
560 million litas were allocated from the State budget and Privatisation fund, 336 million litas loans
from foreign countries and 184 million litas grant
allocations. Almost all named financing in environmental sector - 98,6 percent were allocations made
for construction of waste water treatment plants.
Until 1999 the State budget was the main financing source in the field of environmental protection. Since 1999 environmental financing has
been allocated to municipalities from the State budget and Privatisation Fund. Until 1995 the state budget expenditures for environmental objects were
increasing. Later, with financial assistance from foreign countries, the State budget and Privatisation
Fund allocations for environmental objects started
decreasing.
J After aforementioned financing waste water treatment was improved significantly.
167
100
FOREST RESOUSRCES
Driving forces
V23.1. Export of round and sawn timber
Total amount of round and sawn timber (deciduous and conifers) exported to other countries, thousand m3 per year.
thousand m3
1800
round timber
sawn timber
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: “Statistics of Lithuanian forestry 2001”, Forest Economy Center.
After restoration of Independence it became possible to export pulpwood (raw material for production of celliulose) and, therefore, round timber export increased. Pulpwood amounts to 80-90% of total amount of exported round timber. In the last years
round timber export became stable and together with
forest fellings consistently increases. In 2001 round
timber export was up to 1,3 million m³ or 22,8 % of
total amount of round timber produced.
Sawn timber export increased after declined
consumption in internal market. In the last years sawn
timber export became stable, its change directly depends on round timber supply (fellings) in some particular years.
Similar but stronger growth tendencies of round
and sawn timber export were registerd in other Baltic countries. Lately, Latvia and Estonia reached the
annual round timber export of 3-4 million m³.
K It is foreseen that round timber export will directly depend on changes in forest fellings
(round timber production). According to prognosis, sawn timber export will gradually
decrease together with growing consumption of sawn timber at local level which was only
about 50-60% of the level registered until 1990.
168
A23.1. Felling totals
Total volume of all type of fellings in deciduous and coniferous forests of Lithuania, thousand m3
per year.
6,0
6
5,2
4,9
5,3
4,9
5,7
4,7
5
4
5,5
4,2
3,3
3,3
3
2
1
0
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: Forest Management and Forest Resources Division of the Ministry of Environment.
Since 1991 volumes of forest fellings increased
in Lithuania. In 1995-1996, due to elimination of
storm consequences and massive spruce desiccation,
volumes of forest fellings significantly increased and
in 1995 was up to 6 million m3. Volumes of forest
fellings remained rather stable in the state forests
eliminating storm consequences and massive spruce
desiccation. Volumes of fellings in private forests
constantly intensify due to increasing private forest
areas.
Fig. A23.1. 1 Balance of total annual timber increment and volume of timer fellings in
1993-2001, million m3
million m3
12
10
11,7
11,6
11,4
8
6
4
4,7
5,7
4,9
2
0
1993
total annual timber increment
1998
volume of timber fellings
2001
DATA SOURCE: Forest Management and Forest Resources Division of the Ministry of Environment.
169
million m 3
During the last decade total timber increment
in Lithuanian forests has inreased (see Fig. A23.1.1).
The growth of timber increment was influenced by
favourable age structure of forest stands as well as
increasing forest area due to regeneration and afforestation activities in the agricultural abandonded and
other unsuitable land. Volumes of forest fellings in
Lithuania are about 50% of total annual timber increment. It helps to ensure implementation of sustainable forestry principles. In European Union countries average timber fellings make about 70% of annual timber increment.
K In the future volumes of forest fellings should increase both in state and private forests.
However, prognosis show that these volumes will make 50-60% out of total annual timber increment.
A23.2. Burnt forest area
Dynamics of burnt forest area (ha) in the last 5 years.
400
350
300
250
ha
200
150
100
50
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
DATA SOURCE: General Forest Enterprise at the Ministry of Environment.
Forest fires pose a threat to conservation of the
countrys forest resources. To large extent forest fires
are influenced by human economic and other type
of activities in forests as well as meteorological conditions. Dynamics of burnt forest area during certain
period of time demonstrate the extent of damage on
forest ecosystems and changing tendencies. In 2001
170
compared with 1999 and 2000 burnt forest area decreased and amounted to 113 ha. The decrease was
influenced by unfavourable meteorological conditions for fires to start. Moreover, a number of fires
caused by careless behavior of forest visitors has
decreased.
Fig. A23.2. 1 Dynamics of number of fires (units) in forests in 1997-2001
units
1000
900
800
700
600
500
300
200
100
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
In 2001 total number of forest fires just as the
burnt forest area was smaller than in 1999 and 2000
(see Fig. A23.2.1). The following reasons can be men-
tioned: unfavourable meteorological conditions,
decreased number of fires caused by careless behavior of forest visitors.
Fig. A23.2. 2 Dynamics of number of fires in forests (%) by reasons that caused fires
in 1997-2001
% 100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
8
4
6
16
20
76
76
1997
1998
careless behavior
3
15
7
11
13
79
82
84
1999
2000
2001
settings
unknown reasons
Due to increased number of forest visitors, in
particular in berries and mushrooms collection season, a number of forest fires caused by careless behavior of visitors increases (see Fig. A23.2.2). De-
liberate setting fires to forests decreased. This indicates a need to more actively inform the public about
damage to forest resources caused by fires, clarify
reasons that caused fires and behavior rules in the
forest.
K Number of forest fires and burnt forest area slightly changes in Lithuania. It is foreseen
to have stable figures in the future.
Distribution of forest fire numbers by reasons that caused fires remains rather stable.
A tendency of increased number of fires due to careless behavior of forest visitors is
observed. We can assert that the main reason of starting fires in the future will remain
careless behavior of forest visitors and grass burning in spring. Thus, it is foreseen to
strengthen public information about fire prevention in forests.
171
400
A23.3. Amount of illegal timber felling
Volume of illegal timber felling (m3) in 1994 2001.
m3
50000
45000
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
In the last years volume of illegal forest fellings
has increased in our country. In particular, large volumes of illegal fellings are observed in private forests. If in 1995 volume of illegal forest fellings in
private forests was 3,1 thousand m3, in 2001 this
volume increased up to 41,3 thousand m3 and made
about 84% of total volume of illegal forest fellings
in this year. Increasing number of illegal fellings in
private forests can also be explained by continues
restitution of forests which increases the number of
private forest areas and owners.
L Compared with total annual volume of forest fellings, volumes of illegal fellings are relatively small. However, it should be noted that illegal fellings have negative impact on
biodiversity and the environment. Taking into account stricter liability for illegal forest
fellings and strenghtened forest control, it is foreseen to prevent volumes of illegal forest
fellings from growing in the future in our country.
172
State
B23.1. Change of timber volume
Change of total timber volume (mln. m3) in Lithuanian forests from 1938 to 2001.
400
million m
3
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1938
1948
1961
1973
1978
1983
1988
1993
1998
2001
year of inventory
DATA SOURCE: The Lithuanian forest inventory (January 1, 2001), 2001, Kaunas, P. 73
From 1948 timber volume in Lithuanian forests
increases. Timber volume growth is mostly caused
by increasing area covered with forest. In 1948
Lithuanian forest cover was 19,7%, and in 2001
30,9 %. Moreover, seeking to accumulate as high
volume in forest stands as possible, forest management activities are on-going. Accordingly, the aver-
age forest volume per one 1 ha increased up to 193
m3/ha in 2001.
Despite of increasing forest change since 1991,
the total timber volume continues to grow. One
of the main reasons for increased timber volume
is volume of fellings which make about 50% of
total annual timber increment.
J The total timber volume in Lithuanian forests will continue to grow in the future as
annual volume of forest fellings are expected to increase up to 50-60% of annual timber
increment. In addition, the total timber volume will grow also due to increasing forest
areas.
173
350
B23.2. Forest cover change
Change of forest area and countrys territory ratio (%) since 1938 until 2001.
35
30
forest area, %
25
20
15
10
5
0
1938
1948
1956
1961
1973
1983
1993
1998
2001
DATA SOURCE: The Lithuanian Forest Inventory (January 1, 2001), 2001, Kaunas, pg. 71.
Since 1948 forest cover constantly increases. As
a result of afforestation of abandonded agricultural
land and land-reclamation rather large acreage of
wetlands overgrew with forests. During the last decade natural regeneration of forests in abandonded
agricultural and other lands has incresead.
K Forest cover in Lithuania on January 1, 2001 was 30,9%. During the last 8 years it has
increased only by 0,8%. Basing on scientific research, the optimum forest cover should
be 33-35%. Seeking to increase forest cover in the country, afforestation activities in
abandonded agricultural land are foreseen. It is expected that forest cover of the country
will increase by 2-3% in the coming 20 years.
174
Years
1994.05.07-1998.04.03
1998.04.03-2000.03.15
2000.03.15-2002.03.27
since 2002.03.27
Size of fine (Lt) to citizens for illegal felling of trees
and shrubs
3
up to 10 m
10 -100 m3
> 100 m3
iki 200∗
iki 200∗
iki 200∗
100 - 500
1 000 - 5 000
10 000 - 50 000
200 - 400
2 000 - 4 000
5 000 - 20 000
∗∗
∗∗
2 000 - 4 000
5 000 - 30 000∗∗
200 - 400
DATA SOURCE: Forestry Development Division of Forest Department of the Ministry of Environment.
Illegal felling of trees and shrubs in the state
and private forest land poses treat to sustainable use
of forest. Volumes of illegal fellings rapidly grows
in increasing private forest areas. Tighten liability
for illegal forest fellings is enforced in order to ensure efficient control. Changing size of fine for illegal felling of trees and shrubs in forest land indicate
raising liability. In 1994-1998 size of fine did not
depend on volume of illegal timber fellings, however, there was a possiblity set up in laws to take
possesion of equipment that were used in violation.
Since 1998 differentiated size of fine depending on
volume of illegal timber felling has been set up.
Moreover, fine for large volume of illgal timber felling has been increased. Since 2002 fine can be imposed along with taking possesion of violation equipment and means.
J It is foreseen to tighten liability for illegal felling of trees and shrubs in order to strengthen
efficient control over violators to reduce illegal forest use.
* with confiscation of equipment that were used to violate the law or without
** with confiscation of equipment and means that were used to violote the law or without
175
Fig. G23.1. Size of fine to citizens for illegal felling of trees and shrubs in forest land
BERRIES, MUSHROOMS AND OTHER RESOURCES
Driving forces
V24.1. Purchase of mushrooms, berries, herbs or their parts, reeds per year
Amount (tons) of purchased mushrooms, berries, herbs or their parts and reeds in purchase posts
in Lithuania in 1997-2001.
purchased fruits and berries
purchased mushrooms
3868
4000
3000
t
4000
3007
2306
2125
2000
t
3000
2142
203
1000
1997
1998
1999
2000
0
2001
1997
1998
purchased herbs
100
81
2001
198
93
180
150
60
40
22
27
t
120
90
60
20
0
2000
purchased reeds
80
t
1999
838
year
year
89
1939
2000
838
1000
0
3669
30
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
0
9
1997
year
27
1998
0
1999
5
2000
2001
year
DATA SOURCE: Division of Nature Resources of the Ministry of Environment.
The last five years excluding 1999 (draught)
were good for mushrooms. Purchase has a tendency
to increase. In average annual purchase of mushrooms amounts to 3 thousand tons. According to scientific research the average biological mushroom
harvest in our country is 54 thousand tons per year.
Approximately 20% of mushrooms remain, 50% are
damaged by pests and about 16 thousand tons are
available for exploitation per year. It is possible to
somewhat plan that 1 kg of mushrooms picked up
per capita will amount to 3,7 thousand tons on the
country scale. In the country 7-10 thousand tons of
mushrooms can be picked up.
176
In the last years purchase of wild fruits and berries has been decreasing. Annual fluctuations of
purhcased amounts of berries and fruits are influenced by meteorological conditions and variations
in market price. From berries the largest purchased
amounts are of bilberries (79%), red-bilberries and
cranberries.
Purchase of herbs decreased due to market conjuncture. The decrease is caused by imported production that is often cheaper.
Fig. V24.1.1 Purhcase of mushrooms by species
purchased mushrooms (some species)
tons
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
boletus
1997
chanterelle
1998
1999
purchased muschrooms
(some species)
2001
year
man of horseback
gypsy mushroom
bay boletus
sand boletus
140
tons
2000
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
year
DATA SOURCE: Division of Natural Resources of the Ministry of Environment
From mushroom species the largest amounts of
chaterelle (79%), and boletus are purchased (13%)
(see Fig. V24.1.1).
Fig. V24.1.2 Purhcase of wild berries by species
purchased berries (some species)
tons 700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
bilberries
1997
1998
1999
red-bilberries
2000
cranberries
2001 year
DATA SOURCE: Division of Natural Resources of the Ministry of Environment.
177
Fig. V24.1.3 Pruchase of herbs by species
purchased herbs (some species)
tons
sweet sedge
common bearberry
thymian
hawthorn
bogbean
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001 year
From berry species the largest amounts of bilberries (79%) (see Fig. V24.1.2), and from herb species the largest amounts of common bearberries are
purchased (see Fig. V24.1.3).
K Current purchases fluctuate depending on meteorological conditions and market prices.
178
G24.1. A list of wild flora and fungi species collection and trade of which is restricted
or prohibited
Taking into account partial inventory of herbs carried out by specialists of the Institute of Botanics
and suggestions made regarding collection restriction a list of wild flora and fungi species, collection
and trade of which is restricted or prohibited, has been confirmed by the order of the Minister of
Environment.
1. The Ministry of Environment prepares and approves a list of wild flora and fungi
species, collection and trade of which is restricted or prohibited.
2. Species of flora, collection and trade of which is restricted (collection and trade is
allowed only with special permission from the Ministry of Environment:
2.1. umbellate wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata);
2.2. scented sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata);
2.3. Southern holygrass (Hierochloe australis);
2.4. small centaury (Centaurium pulchellum);
2.5. forking centaury (Centaurium erythraea);
3. Prohibited:
3.1. to tear out, pluck or otherwise destroy and sell all types of ground-pine, except
their sporangium spicula used as medicinal raw material:
3.1.1. Northern ground cedar (Diphasiastrum complanatum);
3.1.2. wiry ground cedar (Diphasiastrum tristachyum);
3.1.3. interrupted clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum);
3.1.4. common clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum);
3.2. to pluck and sell blossoms:
3.2.1. of all type of lilies (Nymphaea);
3.2.2. of all type of pasque-flowers (Pulsatilla);
3.3. to tear out, dig out with roots or otherwise destroy following flora species:
3.3.1. globe flower (Trollius europaeus);
3.3.2. Martagon lily (Lilium martagon);
3.3.4. wild windblume (Anemone sylvestris);
3.3.5. cowslip primrose (Primula veris);
3.3.6. large yellow foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora).
3.4. to pluck and sell truss and leaves of glovewort (Convallaria majalis), except if
they are collected as medicinal raw material;
3.5. collect and sell mushrooms:
3.5.1.boletus when their cap diameter is less than 1,5 cm;
3.5.2.chanterelle when their cap diameter is less than 1,0 cm.
DATA SOURCE: The Order of the Minister of Environment No. 173 dated April 27, 2000 (Official
Gazette, 2000, No. 37-1046) and ammendments in the Order of the Minister of Environment No. 226
dated April 24, 2001 (Official Gazette, 2001, No. 34-1275).
Taking into account partial inventory of herbs
in Lithuania carried out by specialists of the Institute of Botanics and suggestions made and after prohibited collection of some species of flora for cer-
tain period of time, herb resources start recovering.
Restricted collection helps to direct collectors to such
places where flora resources are sufficient or allow
them to collect only limited quantities.
K A list of flora and fungi species, collection of which is restricted or prohibited is not
extended.
179
GAME FAUNA RESOURCES
A25.1. Number of hunted cervidaes (red deers, elks, roe) out of total evaluated
amount of animals
Ratio of restricted abundance of animal populations and used hunting permits (for red deers, elks,
roe) based on data received from hunting circles in 1999-2001.
abundance of
population
used permits
Red deers
6000
16000
Number (individuals)
14000
abundance of
population
used permits
Elks
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
2000
0
0
1999-2000
2000-2001
1999-2000
2001-2002
2000-2001
2001-2002
abundance of
population
used permits
Roe
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
1999-2000
2000-2001
2001-2002
DATA SOURCE: Division of Natural Resources of the Ministry of Environment
Issued hunting permits for game fauna are only
partly used (about 60 percent of red deers, about 7080 percent elks, 80-90 percent of roe). It is caused
by migration of game fauna populations, sometimes
unfavourable nature conditions for hunting and other
factors. In previous years, influence could have been
made by hunting limits for game fauna set in
centralised way.
In 2001 the limit setting order for hunting of
game fauna was changed and will allow to use game
fauna resources in more rational way (see also Limits issued for hunting of cervidaes (red deers, elks,
roe) out of evaluated number of cervidaes, indicator
G25.1.).
K Due to reduced population of red deers and elks, their hunting has reduced respectively.
Roe hunting increased in the last years due to growth of roe population. Total intensity of
licenced hunting remains the same.
180
G25.1. Number of permits issued for hunting of cervidaes (red deers, elks, roe) out of total
number of evaluated cervidaes
abundance of
population
used permits
Red deers
abundance of
population
used permits
Elks
6000
16000
number (individuals)
14000
number (individuals)
Ratio of restricted abundance of animal populations and used hunting permits for cervidaes (red
deers, elks, roe) based on data received from hunting circles in 1999-2001.
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
2000
0
0
1999-2000
2000-2001
1999-2000
2001-2002
2000-2001
2001-2002
abundance of
population
used permits
Roe
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
1999-2000
2000-2001
2001-2002
It is allowed to hunt about 20 percent of registered red deers, 10-15 percent of elks and about 20
percent of roe every year. Factually, about 13 percent of registered red deers, 10 percent of elks and
10-16 percent of roe are hunted.
Taking into account decreasing population of
red deer and sexual degradation, hunting of red deer
males was prohibited in the hunting season in 20022003.
In 2001 the order of setting hunting limits for
game fauna was changed. Currently, special commissions are established in each region to set up hunting limits with reference to preliminary number of
animals in separate hunting grounds, number of
hunted animals during previous hunting season in
the same hunting grounds, and damage to forest made
by animals. After all these factors are evaluated, the
commission sets up hunting limits for next hunting
season. Most likely, such mechanism will facilitate
rational use of game fauna resources.
K Mechanism for issuing hunting limits remains the same for the last 3 years.
181
Resume
Table 2. Summary
PROBLEM
Driving forces
Pressure on
environment
State, impact
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
CLIMATE CHANGE
J
J
TRANSPORT IMPACT
ON URBAN AIR
QUALITY
L
J
OZONE LAYER
DEPLETION
J
EUTROPHICATION
JJ
K
J
OIL SPILLS IN THE
CURONIAN LAGOON
AND THE BALTIC SEA
GROUND WATER
KK
L
J
LL
BIODIVERSITY
CONSERVATION
J
K
J
J
KKK
L
KK
JJ
WATER QUALITY
J
J
JJ
J
K
J
KK
J
L
L
L
JJ
WASTE MANAGEMENT
J
?J
WASTE
MANAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENT
RADIATION
J
SOIL CONDITION
ACIDIFICATION OF
MEADOW AND
FOREST SOILS
MANAGEMENT OF
OBSOLETE
PESITICDES
KK
L
K
Measures to
improve the
state
ENVIRONMENT RADIATION
K
L
J
K
L
JJJJ
K
L
KKKK
J
K
JJ
KKK
L
J
KKKKK
LLLLL
L
JJ
KK
K
L
J
J
LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION
PROTECTED AREAS
BALTIC SEA COAST
PROTECTION
DEVELOPMENT OF
KARST PROCESSES
K
KK
J
L
K
NATURAL RESOURCES
MINERAL RESOURCES
SURFACE AND
GROUND WATER
RESOURCES
FOREST RESOURCES
J
K
K
BERRIES,
MUSHROOMS AND
OTHER RESOURCES
GAME FAUNA
RESOURCES
182
K
JJ
L
K
KKK
L
K
LL
J/L
J
K
J
J
KK
J
K
L
K
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
Despite of the current situation, recovering
economy of the country and future decommissioning of Ignalina NP, increase of greenhouse gas emissions is inevitable. Seeking to implement requirements of international agreements, it is necessary to
increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources in energy and transport sectors. Increase
of forest area is another effective measure to
minimise negative impact from greenhouse gases.
Statistical data indicate reducing consumption
of fuel on the country scale, however, concentration
of vehicles in Vilnius and other largest cities is increasing and causes traffic jams, higher pollution and
worse living conditions.
The main attention should be paid to raise attractiveness of public transport, improve traffic management, renew fleet of motorcars and improve quality of fuel. It is impossible to reduce pollution from
transport without strict legal and efficient economic
measures (even if they are unpopular).
After implementation of international requirements for import and use of ozone depleting substances, their consumption has been reduced by 90%
in the last six years. Presently, the main attention must
be paid to collection of ODS recovered from various
installations and their safe utilisation.
In order to reduce ODS emission into the atmosphere during maintenance of installations, it is necessary to purchase appropriate ODS collection equipment and emphasize training of operating staff and
general public education.
In the future it is foreseen to apply stricter requirements for ODS import and use and for control
of installations containing ODS.
WATER QUALITY
Most likely, eutrophication remains the major
problem in terms of water quality. Oil spills, their
control, preventive measures and protection of
ground water resources are important indicators that
influence water quality.
Analysis of eutrophication indicators has proved
that the main influencing sectors of industry and agriculture, namely, milk and meat production industry and number of cattle, due to their stable production and gradually decreasing number of cattle, had
no significant impact on eutrophication during the
last six years. Such factors of pressure on environment like discharges of BOD7, total nitrogen and
phosphorus from point pollution sources, in particu-
lar, in large cities, have considerably decreased after
implementation of wastewater treatment measures,
namely, modernization and construction of wastewater treatment plants.
Analysis of oil spill indicators has showed that
strong attention is needed to ensure the safety and
evaluate natural conditions in operation of Bûtingë
oil terminal that increases risk and probability of oil
spills. It is necessary to point out that oil pollution in
Lithuanian rivers is low.
Analysis of ground water indicators demonstrates no threat for dry up of ground water resources
with reduced water consumption. Decreasing
mineralisation of drinking water and amounts of sulphate and chloride ions present in water is also a
good indicator. Municipal wastewater treatment,
improvement of water supply system (for example,
renovation of sewerage networks), assessment of
non-point source pollution, intensive land management control are important measures for improvement of water quality and reduction of eutrophication. Thus, in order to evaluate non-point source
pollution, it is necessary to develop special calculation methods.
CONDITION OF SOIL
Soil acidification in Lithuania is rather slow and
has not yet reached the critical limit due to reduced
depositions of chemical compounds and precipitation as well as use of acid fertilizers. However, without restarted regular liming of fields, soil acidification process may intensify and cause negative impact on soil quality and the environment.
State of forest soil in Lithuania remains stable.
Compared with 1995, pesticide quantities and
number of their storage sites have significantly decreased. However, today proper storage conditions
are not in place and pollutants from storage territories as well as storage fire places migrate to ground
and surface water. It is necessary to reduce the number of pesticide storage site to the largest extent possible, thus eliminating pollution sources, and apply
soil sanation measures in polluted territories. Establishment of hazardous waste treatment capacities and
ulitisation of currently stored pesticide amounts is
urgently needed.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Since 1998 legal framework for waste management has significantly improved. However, implementation is rather slow. Currently there is no complete collection and recycling system for secondary
raw materials in place. There is insufficient number
183
of waste landfills installed in accordance with requirements, hazardous waste recycling and safe
utilisation capacities are lacking. Therefore, shortterm priorities and largest investment should be directed to solve these problems. It is necessary to further improve legal framework, in particular, concerning special requirements for management of waste
streams.
In principle, Lithuania has implemented all main
EU requirements and norms in the field of radiation
safety. The territory of our country has not been
strongly influenced during the Chernobyl Nuclear
Power Plant accident. Hence, current environmental
pollution with artificial radionuclides does not pose
serious threat. Impact from operating Ignalina NPP
to the environment is not significant. Natural radionuclides and widespread products influence radiation state in the surroundings of Ignalina NPP after
the nuclear explosions and Chernobyl accident rather
than pollutants from the plant. Seeking to prevent
environmental pollution with radionuclides, it is necessary to update radioactive waste management system, properly prepare for decommissioning of the
power plant, and further improve preparedness to
respond to nuclear and radiation accidents. Safety
of radiation sources in other than nuclear energy
objects (industrial enterprises, medical institutions)
raise concern. It is important to ensure safety of ionizing radiation sources and radioactive waste in insolvent companies. Most likely, use of radioactive
sources in industrial enterprises and medical institutions will increase along with the economic growth
of the country.
There are many remaining natural territories rich
with biodiversity in Lithuania. For the most part it is
a result of mosaic landscape and current system of
protected areas.
Changes of land use in the open landscape resulted in degradation of some biodiversity complexes.
These changes are observed in wetlands and natural
meadows; anthropogenic impact on territories of
economic value may increase. Lithuanian agricultural policy may influence this process as it promotes
sustainable and extensive agriculture, protection of
genetic diversity, valuable flora, microbiota and fauna
elements in agrarian landscape.
Due to slightly increasing forest area in the last
3-4 years, the total acreage of semi-natural territories has been also increasing.
Protection of salmon population remains prob184
lematic due to newly constructed dams and pollution of rivers that are the main factors that prevent
salmon from reaching their spawning grounds.
It is necessary to accelerate Lithuanian
biodiversity inventory and prepare a study on
biodiversity.
LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION
From quantitative and qualitative point of view,
Lithuania has well developed and scientifically based
system of protected areas. It is necessary to concentrate more on management of these areas, implementation of protection measures, development of recreational infrastructure.
More intensive natural geodynamic processes
and development of the Klaipëda Port resulted in the
Baltic Sea coast erosion which in particular dominates in the continental part of the coast and Kopgalis
in Kurðiø Nerija. Priority given to coastal zone management and allocation of financial resources are not
adequate to the actual needs.
With extended warm period in the last decade,
karst processes prevail in the Northern Lithuanian
region.
It is necessary to ensure sustainable development of landscape as on-going processes influence
all economic activities as well as their conditions. In
order to preserve state and diversity of landscape and
implement requirements of the European Landscape
Convention, active environmental actions started on
the state and municipal levels must continue.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Lithuania is not very rich with earth entrails resources, however, the country has sufficient prospected and aprobated solid mineral resources to
satisty its needs for the next 200-300 years providing that exploitation rate remains the same. Extraction of mineral resources directly reflects economic
state of the country. From economic development
point of view, more intensive extraction is positive
phenomena, providing that all possible measures to
prevent its adverse impact on the environment are
implemented. It is possible to manage impact from
extraction of mineral resources on the environment
and avoid threat to stability of geosystems. Most of
prospected resources available in the country enable
to increase the extraction volume so that it would be
beneficial to the State and the society.
Surface and ground water resources are rather
abundant. Water consumption for drinking and industrial purposes has decreased and only 20-30% of
available ground water resources have been used so
far. General water consumption has also decreased
by several times and structure of water consumption
has slightly changed over the last decade. Water use
in municipal sector has slightly increased (45%) and
in industrial sector decreased from 24% (in 1991)
down to 21% (in 2001). Decreased water consumption in transition period has also reduced polluted
wastewater discharged by several times.
Forest resources in Lithuania will increase. Afforestation of abandonded agricultural lands will be
introduced. It is expected that general volume of timer
in forests will also grow as only about 50-60% of
annual timber increment felling is foreseen. Volumes
of timber felling in private forests will increase due
to growing private forest areas during the land (forest) reform. It is foreseen to tigthen liability for illegal forest fellings and strengthen forest control.
Hence, volume of illegal forest fellings should not
increase significantly in the country. In order to ensure effective protection of forest against fires, it is
foreseen to take more active role in public education
on fire prevention in forests.
Number of major game fauna population,
namely, cervidaes, has only slightly changed in
Lithuania in the last three years. Roe population has
increased, but red deer and elks populations decreased. Moreover, sexual degradation of red deers
is observed. Therefore, hunting of red deer males is
prohibited in the hunting seasons in 20022003.
Hunting periods for cervidaes have been revised.
Number of hunted cervidaes (red deers, elks, roe)
out of the total number of registered cervidaes remains stable in the last three years. It provides a possibility to believe that measures for improvement of
the state of population have been properly selected.
Taking this into account, situation will remain stable
or slightly change in the future.
Purchase of berries, mushrooms and other resources fluctuate depending on meteorological conditions and market prices. Meanwhile, general condition of resources remains stable. A list of wild flora
and fungi species, collection of which is restricted
or prohibited, will help to keep the condition stable.
185
List of abbreviations
186
AS
BOD
CC
CFC
ChOP
CITES
DB
EEA
EU
HBFC
HCFC
FOP
INPP
JRC
LGS
LRDB
MAC
MAP
MoE
NIS
Academy of sciences
Biological oxygen demand
Conditional cattles
Chloroflourocarbons
Chlororganic pesticides
Convention on Trade of Endgangered Fauna and Flora Speci
Database
European Environment Agency
European Union
Hydrobromofluorocarbons
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
Phosphorus organic pesticides
Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant
Joint Research Centre
Lithuanian Geological Service
Lithuanian Red Data Book
Maximum allowable concentration
Maximum allowable pollution
Ministry of Environment
Newly Independent States
NP
National park
NPP
ODS
OECD
RBMK
RP
SP
UNEP
Nuclear power plant
Ozone depleting substances
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
Channel-type power reactor
Regional park
Solid particle
United Nations Environment Programme
Content
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 7
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ........................................................................................................ 14
CLIMATE CHANGE ............................................................................................................... 16
Driving forces ...................................................................................................................... 16
Pressure on environment ..................................................................................................... 17
State ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Measures to improve the state ............................................................................................. 22
TRANSPORT IMPACT ON URBAN AIR QUALITY ........................................................... 23
Driving forces ...................................................................................................................... 23
State ..................................................................................................................................... 25
STRATOSPHERIC OZONE LAYER ....................................................................................... 28
DEPLETION OF OZONE LAYER ......................................................................................... 29
Driving forces ...................................................................................................................... 29
State ..................................................................................................................................... 30
WATER QUALITY ..................................................................................................................... 33
EUTROPHICATION ................................................................................................................ 36
Driving forces ...................................................................................................................... 36
State ..................................................................................................................................... 41
OIL SPILLS IN THE CURONIAN LAGOON AND THE BALTIC SEA ............................. 53
Driving forces ...................................................................................................................... 53
State ..................................................................................................................................... 57
GROUND WATER ................................................................................................................... 63
State ..................................................................................................................................... 63
CONDITION OF SOIL ............................................................................................................... 65
ACIDIFICATION OF MEADOW AND FOREST SOILS ..................................................... 67
Driving forces ...................................................................................................................... 67
State ..................................................................................................................................... 73
MANAGEMENT OF OBSOLETE PESTICIDES .................................................................. 78
State ..................................................................................................................................... 79
WASTE MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................... 84
WASTE MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................... 85
187
RADIONUCLIDE CONTAMINATION ................................................................................... 88
RADIONUCLIDE CONTAMINATION .................................................................................. 90
Driving forces ...................................................................................................................... 90
State ..................................................................................................................................... 99
Measures to improve the state .......................................................................................... 106
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ....................................................................................... 108
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ..................................................................................... 113
Driving forces .................................................................................................................... 113
Pressure on environment ................................................................................................... 115
State, impact ...................................................................................................................... 118
LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION ............................................................................................ 138
PROTECTED AREAS ........................................................................................................... 140
Driving forces .................................................................................................................... 141
State ................................................................................................................................... 142
PROTECTION OF THE BALTIC SEA COASTLINE ......................................................... 146
Driving forces .................................................................................................................... 146
State ................................................................................................................................... 148
DEVELOPMENT OF KARST PROCESSES
State, impact
NATURAL RESOURCES ......................................................................................................... 154
MINERAL RESOURCES ...................................................................................................... 157
State ................................................................................................................................... 160
SURFACE AND GROUND WATER RESOURCES ............................................................ 161
Driving forces .................................................................................................................... 161
State ................................................................................................................................... 164
FOREST RESOURCES ......................................................................................................... 168
Driving forces .................................................................................................................... 168
State ................................................................................................................................... 173
BERRIES, MUSHROOMS AND OTHER RESOURCES ................................................... 176
Driving forces .................................................................................................................... 176
GAME FAUNA RESOSURCES ............................................................................................ 180
Measures to improve the state ................................................................................................ 181
Resume ........................................................................................................................................ 182
List of abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 186
188

APLINKA 2001

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