Sharing experiences, identifying practical options and gaps in order to implement CEA, Brussels 21/12/2005
Slovenian contribution (Krka PRB)
to the CEA Information Sheet Drafting Group WG2.B
January 2006
Krka Pilot River Basin / Slovenia
To support the implementation of EU water legislation in Slovenia, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning has launched a pilot project in the Krka river basin. The pilot project Technical Assistance for the preparation of the Krka river basin management plan located in the Krka sub-basin includes two connected phases organised into a series of tasks:
Phase I aims at testing methods and tools for supporting the implementation of the new Water Law/EU Water Framework Directive and the development of river basin management plans in Slovenia.
Phase II aims at developing a Master Plan for investments in sewerage and wastewater treatment for the Krka river sub-basin – and preparing relevant documentation (for spatial planning, building permits, financing) for selected investment projects.
The project is focused to the Krka river sub-basin and to the municipalities in the region.
The project has technical components to investigate the functioning of the river eco-system, to identify the main environmental problems encountered, and to analyse possible solutions for solving these problems with particular focus on sewerage and wastewater treatment infrastructure. The main outcome of the project includes the organisation of specific events, technical reports, tools for river basin management & communication material.
The different steps of the phase I. of pilot project:
(i) detailed characterisation of the river sub-basin aimed at identifying areas or water bodies likely to fail reaching good water status, based on existing characterisation of river basin
(ii) the identification of key water management issues for the river sub-basin, stressing where and for which economic sectors or environmental issues interventions and actions are required;
(iii) the selection of measures that will solve the most significant water management issues;
(iv) the preparation of elements of river basin management plan that summarises the information and outcome of the previous steps.
The necessary steps will be taken in order to draft selected elements of a Pilot River Basin Management Plan conform to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and new Waters Law. The pilot project will also focus on information, consultation and participation of the public and key actors of the water community during the process of river basin management planning in the Krka sub-basin.
In the phase II. of pilot project a review of the existing situation with regards to wastewater collection and treatment in the Krka river sub-basin will be executed, along with the recently elaborated Feasibility Studies and Municipal plans developed for some municipalities. In addition technical-investment documentation will be prepared on basis of outline designs which are following from existing studies, existing Municipal spatial plans and experience in the field of wastewater collection and treatment and its own estimations and analysis.
Based on this information, a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed. This will assist to identify the right wastewater treatment technology (including consideration of low-cost treatment system), its location, connection of different agglomeration, etc. Thus it will be ensured that environmental objectives as defined by both the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and WFD Directive are met in the cheapest way. A priority capital investment programme will then be proposed, detailing specific financing sources and the timing of implementation of this programme.
According to the results of proposed activities and best professional practice the most cost – effective solution will be recognized and proposed. These activities will result in the Feasibility study for the Masterplan of Wastewater collection and Treatment for the Krka river Basin. Recommended shall be the most cost–effective options over the economic life–time of the project.
The main purpose of the cost – effectiveness analysis is to test a methodology for identifying the most cost-effective set of measures for reaching good water status. In addition, it will help develop the structure of the information base/database required for undertaking the analysis. Also, the activity will help identifying the potential role for model(s) in undertaking cost-effectiveness analysis.
The expected results are:
A cost-effectiveness database with relevant information on a wide range of measures (relevant to the Krka pilot area and other parts of Slovenia),
The method tested and the results of the cost-effectiveness analysis, including input and feedbacks from stakeholders,
The method for designation of HMWBs, including cost-effectiveness analysis and analysis of disproportionately costs on water body scale.
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