T E H N O L A B Ltd Skopje Environment, technology, protection at work, nature

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1 T E H N O L A B Ltd Skopje Environment, technology, protection at work, nature PO Box.827, Jane Sandanski 113, Skopje tel./fax: / www. tehnolab.com.mk; tehnolab@tehnolab.com.mk Study on Wastewater Management in Skopje ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) STUDY FINAL REPORT October, 2008 Skopje Part II: A6-43

2 Ordered by Project File Prepared by Team leader Experts involved : Japan International Cooperation Agency Study Team : Study on Wastewater Management in Skopje : EIA Study (Main Report and Annexes) : Tehnolab Ltd, Skopje : M.Sc. Magdalena Trajkovska Trpevska (B.Sc. Chemical engineer) : Ph. D. Stanislava Dodeva (B.Sc. Civil Hydro engineer), Environmental expert Ljubomir Ivanovski (B.Sc. Energy engineer) - Environmental expert, cooperator of team leader Andrijana Veljanoska (B.Sc. Environmental engineer) (team leader assistant) Borce Aleksov (B.Sc. Chemical engineer) - Environmental expert, co-operator of team leader Ph.D. Vlado Matevski, Expert Biologist (Expert regarding Flora) Ph. D. Sveto Petkovski, Expert Biologist (Expert regarding Fauna) Ph. D. Branko Micevski, Expert Biologist (Expert regarding endemic Bird species) Ph. D. Jelena Dimitrijevic (B.Sc. Techology engineer), Expert regarding social environmental aspects Date: October 2008 "TEHNOLAB" Ltd Skopje Company for technological and laboratory researches projections and services Manager: M.Sc. Magdalena Trajkovska Trpevska chemical engineer Part II: A6-44

3 B/P Basic Plan BAT Best Available Techniques BOD Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand CARDS Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Development and Stability in Balkans CASP Conventional Activated Sludge Process CEN Committee European de Normalisation CHPI City Health Protection Institute CMP Contingency Measures Plan COD Chemical Oxygen Demand CP Cleaner Production D/D Detail Design DT Detection Threshold EC European Commission EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EU European Union F/S Feasibility Study GBT Gravity Sludge Thickener GUP General Urban Plan City of Skopje HMI Hydro Meteorological Institute HMI Hydro Meteorological Institute IDLH Immediately dangerous to life and health IEE Initial Environmental Examination IPPC Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control ISIC International Standard of Industrial Classification IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency LEAP Local Environmental Action Plan MKD Macedonian Denar MLSS Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid MoAFWM Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Waste Management MoEPP Ministry of Environment and Physical planning MoH Ministry of Health MoTC Ministry of Transport and Communication No Number NPAA National Programme for Approximation of the EU Acques O&M Operation and maintenance OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Administration PE Population Equivalent RM Republic of Macedonia SPL Sound Pressure Level SRT Sludge Retention Time SS Suspended Solids TDS Total Dissolved Solids USBR United States Bureau for Reclamation Vodovod Public Enterprise Water Supply and Sewerage Skopje WBD Wild bird Directive WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant Part II: A6-45

4 INTRODUCTION Background In July 2005, Macedonia requested support for the project "Wastewater treatment development in Skopje city", with expectation for public finance support of the Government of Japan. Government of Japan approved the request for project financing in November JICA conducted a Preparatory Study and concluded the Scope of Works in March The main counterpart agencies for this project are: the Ministry of Transport and Communication, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Skopje city and Public Enterprise Water Supply and Sewerage Skopje (Vodovod). "The Study for Wastewater Management in Skopje in the Republic of Macedonia" has commenced in September 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in May The main objective of the Study is to improve the water quality of the River Vardar in Skopje valley area. The Study is implemented in two phases: Phase 1 has completed in February 2008, and is followed by phase 2. The report of Phase 1 contains sewerage basic plan and wastewater management plan in domestic and industrial sectors, selected priority projects and includes capacity assessment on organization, institutional, financial aspects of Public Enterprise Water Supply and Sewerage Skopje (Vodovod) and on industrial wastewater management and water quality monitoring system. Preparation of the Feasibility Study started in May 2008 and it should be completed by November The Feasibility Study includes construction and proposed type of technology of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for city of Skopje and installation of the main collectors on both river banks (left and right),as well as siphon. The planed installations are required to comply with current EU and Macedonian legislation including the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations enacted in Macedonian Law on Environment (Official Gazette no. 53/05; 81/05; 24/07) under the EU Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment (85/337/EEC) came in force in May The Law and complementary regulations stipulate the type and scale of development that are subjected to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In regard to the mentioned regulatory acts, EIA is required for Wastewater Treatment Plants that have a capacity in excess of 10,000 Population Equivalent (P.E.). As the capacity of the WWTP for Skopje is more than 500'000 P.E., preparation of the EIA is required. As a first step in conducting of EIA, Initial Environmental Examination Report was prepared during Phase 1 (Basic Plan) in February The purpose of this report was to identify and describe the regulations and guidelines governing the conduct of the EIA, baseline environmental data (water and wastewater management, protection of sensitive areas, protection of endangered species, land use, etc.), results of preliminary assessment of impacts, mitigation and monitoring plan. In June 2008, Consultancy company Tehnolab Ltd Skopje was selected to conduct EIA according to the JICA s Guidelines for sub-contracting. This EIA Report is prepared on the basis of the results gained by the Initial Environmental Examination Report and scoping procedure which have been undertaken by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and presents the finding on the Scope of Works defined in the Term of Reference for the certain activity, developed by the JICA Study Team, presented in Annex 1. October, Part II: A6-46

5 The preparation of the EIA Study has been conducted and prepared in accordance with National legal frame and EU related directives as well as Sectorial EIA Guidelines Waste Water Treatment Plant and the JICA s Guidelines for Environmental and Social Considerations. The EIA addresses the following issues: Analysis of Guidelines, Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework Description of the Proposed Project Collection and Analysis of Baseline Environmental Data Analysis of Alternatives Identification and prediction of Impacts Preparation of Environmental Management Plan (includes mitigation, monitoring, capacity development and training, implementation schedule, risk analysis/contingency plan). The Report is presented in two volumes: Main Report and Annexes. October, Part II: A6-47

6 CONTENT 1 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK General overview Water management Law on Local Self Government Law on City of Skopje Law on Expropriation Emission Standards Air Water Noise Odour Soil Overall view of the Administrative Framework Table 1-1 Limit values for heavy metal concentrations in sludge for use in agriculture Table 1-2 Limit values of different pollutants into the air Table 1-3 Limit values/maximum allowed values or concentrations/ of the oxygen, acidification and eutrofication regime Table 1-4 Limit values/the maximum allowed levels or concentrations/ of dangerous and hazardous substances in waters Table 1-5 Maximum allowed level of noise db (A) around different facilities Table 1-6 Maximum allowed level of noise db (A) around different areas October, 2008 Part II: A6-48

7 1 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 1.1 General overview Republic of Macedonia is a candidate country for EU membership and one of the main requirements for the Country is to transpose the EU legislation. Thus the process is still ongoing. The analysis in this chapter contains overview of the Policy and Legal framework in the Republic of Macedonia, with specific emphasize on the laws in the field of environment, Law on Waters (Official Gazette of RM No.87/2008) as well as on the Law on local self government (Official Gazette of RM No. 5/2002) and Law on the city of Skopje (Official Gazette of RM No. 5/2004) regarding the water management. The legislation which has been taken into consideration for the purpose of this analysis is the following: Law on Environment (Official Gazette of RM No. 53/2005; No. 81/2005, No. 24/2007) Law on ambient air quality (Official Gazette of RM No. 67/2004, No. 92/2007) Law on Noise (Official Gazette of RM No. 21/1984, No. 10/1990, No. 62/1993; No. 79/2007) Law on Nature Protection (Official Gazette of RM No. 67/2004, No 14/2006, No 84/2007) Law on Waste Management (Official Gazette of RM No. 68/2004 and 71/2004, 102/2008) Law for Water Supply and Urban Waste Water Discharge (Official Gazette of RM No. 68/2005; 28/2006) Law on Financing the Local Self Government Units (Official Gazette of RM No. 61/2004; No 96/2004; No 67/2007) Law on expropriation (Official Gazette of RM No. 33/1995, No 20/1998, No 40/1999, No 31/2003, No 46/2005) The Law on Forests (Official Gazette of RM No. 47/1997, 7/2000 and 89/2004) Law on the Conservation of Cultural Heritage (Official Gazette of RM No.20/2004) General Law on Court (Official Gazette of RM No. 58/2006) Law on Construction (Official Gazette of RM No. 51/2005) (New text of the Draft Law on Construction Phase II, is currently in preparation) Law on General Administrative Procedure (Official Gazette of RM No. 38/2005) Law on Agricultural Land (Official Gazette of RM No. 25/1998; No. 18/1999; No. 02/2004) Ordinance on the content of announcement of the notification of the intention to implement a project, on the necessity of an EIA, on the study on project EIA, of the report on the adequacy of the study on EIA. (Official Gazette of RM No. 33/2006) Ordinance on additional criteria the manner, the procedure and the expenses for enrolment in and withdrawal from the list of experts. (Official Gazette of RM No. 33/2006 ) Ordinance on the content of the requirements that need to be fulfilled by the study on EIA (Official Gazette of RM No. 33/2006) Ordinance on the form, content procedure and manner of developing the report on the adequacy of the study on EIA of the project and the October, Part II: A6-49

8 procedure for authorization of persons from the List of Experts for EIA responsible for the preparation of the report (Official Gazette of RM No. 33/2006) Decree on determining projects for witch and criteria on the basis of which the screening for EIA is determined (Official Gazette of RM No. 74/2005) Decree determining the activities of installations requiring integrated environmental permit or compliance permit with an operational plan and time table for submission of application for compliance permit with an operational plan (Official Gazette of RM No. 89/2005) Rulebook on the procedure for obtaining a compliance permit with an operational plan (Official Gazette of RM No. 4/2006) Rulebook on the procedure for obtaining A integrated environmental permit (Official Gazette of RM No. 4/2006) Rulebook on the procedure for obtaining B integrated environmental permit (Official Gazette of RM No. 4/2006) Regulation for classification of waters (Official Gazette of RM No. 18/1999) Regulation for categorization of water courses (Official Gazette of RM No. 18/1999), Decree on limit values for the levels and the types of polluting substances in ambient air and alarm thresholds, terms for achievement of these limit values, margins of tolerance for the limit value, target values and longterm goals. (Official Gazette of RM No. 50/2005); Rulebook on maximum permissible concentration and quantities on other harmful matters that may by released into the air by individual pollution sources (Official Gazette of RM No. 3/1990). Draft Ordinance on the conditions, manner and requirements to the design, construction and operation of the collection system and the municipal waste water treatment plants, as well as the technical standards, parameters, emission standards and quality norms for the pre-treatment, removal and treatment of waste water, taking into account the load and method of treatment of the municipal waste water that are discharged into water bodies of the sensitive areas. In addition the following EU directives have been taken into consideration: Water Framework Directive (2000/60 /EC) as amended by Decision 2455/2001/EC; 2003/4/EC: Council Directive of 28 January 2003 on public access to environmental information; 2001/42/EC: Council Directive of the 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programs on the environment; 1997/11/EC: Council Directive of 3 March 1997 amending Directive of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment 1996/82/EC: Council Directive on the Control of Major Accident Hazards SEVESO II 1996/61/EC: Council Directive of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control Directive Concerning the Urban Wastewater Treatment (91/271/EEC) as amended by Directive 98/15/EC and Regulation (EC) 1882/2003; Directive Concerning the Protection of Waters Against Pollution Caused by Nitrates from Agricultural Sources (Nitrates Directive), (91/676/EEC) as amended by Regulation (EC) 1882/2003; October, Part II: A6-50

9 Directive on the Quality of Water Intended for Human Consumption (Drinking Water Directive), (98/83/EC) as amended by Regulation (EC) 1882/2003; Drinking Water Abstraction Directive (75/440/EEC) as amended by Directives 79/869/EEC and 91/692/EEC (it was repealed under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) from 22/ ); Directive Concerning the Quality of Bathing Water (2006/7/EC) repealing Directive 76/160/EEC; Dangerous Substances to Water Discharges Directive (76/464/EEC) as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC and 2000/60/EC (to be repealed under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) as from 22/ , except for Article 6, which was repealed with effect from 22/ ); Directive on the Protection of the Environment, When Sewage Sludge is Used in Agriculture (Sewage Sludge Directive), (86/278/EEC); Sampling Drinking Water Directive (79/869/EEC), as amended by Directives 81/855/EEC and 91/692/EEC, and Regulation (EC) 807/2003 (was repealed under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) from 22/ ); Directive for Protection of Ground Water Against Pollution (80/68/EEC), as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC; Mercury Discharges from Chlor-Alkali Industries Directive (82/176/EEC) ), as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC; Cadmium Discharges Directive (83/523/EEC) ), as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC; Other Mercury Discharges Directive (84/15/EEC), as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC; Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) Discharges Directive (84/491/EEC), as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC; List One Substances Directive (86/280/EEC), as amended by Directives 88/347/EEC, 90/415/EEC and 91/692/EEC; Fish Water Directive (78/659/EEC) ), as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC and Regulation (EC) 807/2003; Shellfish Water Directive (79/923/EEC), as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC. Sectorial EIA Guidelines - Waste Water Treatment Plant, Skopje 2006, was also considered. Detailed description of EIA procedure giving special attention to the EIA for Waste Water Treatment Plants and the responsible authorities regarding the EIA procedure is presented in Annex Water management Water management comprises of measures and activities for rational and efficient water use, sustainable development of the water resources, protection of waters, and protection of the harmful effect of the waters. The Law on Waters is a framework law, and contains general standards and principles, rights, obligations and competences of the state administrative bodies, local selfgovernment units, as well as the rights and obligations of legal entities and natural persons in the domain of water management. According the law, Water Management are the overall actions, activities and measures to achieve the objectives like rational and efficient water use, sustainable water recourses development, protection of the waters and protection from adverse effects of waters. The new Law on waters directly transposes the requirements from the Water Sector related EU Directives. October, Part II: A6-51

10 Water Framework Directive (2000/60 /EC) as amended by Decision 2455/2001/EC; Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) as amended by Directive 98/15/EC and Regulation (EC) 1882/2003; Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) as amended by Regulation (EC) 1882/2003; Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) as amended by Regulation (EC) 1882/2003; Drinking Water Abstraction Directive (75/440/EEC) as amended by Directives 79/869/EEC and 91/692/EEC (it was repealed under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) from 22/ ); Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) repealing Directive 76/160/EEC; Dangerous Substances to Water Discharges Directive (76/464/EEC) as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC and 2000/60/EC (to be repealed under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) as from 22/ , except for Article 6, which was repealed with effect from 22/ ); Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC); Sampling Drinking Water Directive (79/869/EEC), as amended by Directives 81/855/EEC and 91/692/EEC, and Regulation (EC) 807/2003 (it was repealed under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) from 22/ ). The Law on waters regulates issues referring to: surface waters (including permanent watercourses or watercourses through which water flows occasionally, lakes, reservoirs and springs), ground waters, as well as the riparian lands and wetlands; management of waters, riparian lands and wetlands, including also the water resources distribution, water protection and conservation, as well as the protection against harmful impact of waters; water management structures and services; organizational arrangements and financing of water management; as well as the manner, the conditions and the procedures under which water can be used or discharged. The objectives of this Law are to provide availability of sufficient quantities of good quality water in conformity with the principles of sustainable water management, for drinking and food production; agriculture needs; industry needs, hydro-energy needs; needs regarding parks and other public areas, tourism, navigation, as well as for other needs; protection, conservation and continuous improvement of the available water resources, improvement of the state of aquatic ecosystems and water dependent ecosystems, protection and improvement the aquatic environment through rational use of water, and progress reduction of the harmful discharges and gradual elimination of the hazardous substances emissions into the waters; mitigate the consequences resulting from the harmful impact of the water and of water shortage. The water management is based on the Principle of sustainable water management, more particularly on: Ecological-social-economic concept; Precaution principle; Principle of prevention; Minimization of resource use principle; Integration principle; Polluter pays principle; Cost recovery principle; The principle of pollution prevention at the source of the pollution; Time perspective principle; Public participation and access to information principle; Integration of stakeholder principle. The Law stipulates that the water management shall be performed within hydrographical units delineated by watersheds of river basins, taking into account mutual linkage between surface and groundwater bodies. The territory of the Republic of Macedonia consists of four river basins: the river basins of the rivers Vardar, Crn Drim, Strumica and Juzna Morava. The defining of the boundaries October, Part II: A6-52

11 of the river basin districts is made by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, on a proposal made by the Minister of the Ministry of Environment and Physical planning. Water management by international river basin districts The MoFA in cooperation with the MoEPP shall seek to establish international river basin districts with the relevant neighboring states for river basins which extend beyond the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. The management of trans-boundary waters shall be performed in accordance with the law on waters and in accordance with the international treaties ratified by the Republic of Macedonia. Waste Water Management The existing legal framework dealing with the urban wastewater treatment comprises the following Laws: Law on Waters (Official Gazette of RM No.87/2008) Law on Water Supply, Drainage, Treatment and Discharge of Urban Wastewater (Official Gazette of RM No.03/2000; No. 68/2005; No 28/2006) Law on Local Self Government (Official Gazette of RM No. 5/2002) Law on Communal Services (Official Gazette of RM No. 45/1997;No. 23/1999 No. 45/2002 and 16/2004) Law on Environment (Official Gazette of RM No..53/2005; No. 81/2005; No. 24/2007) Rulebook on the procedure for obtaining A integrated environmental permit (Official Gazette of RM No. 4/2006), Rulebook on the procedure for obtaining B integrated environmental permit (Official Gazette of RM No.4/2006), Decree on Categorization of Watercourses, Lakes, Accumulations and Ground Water Resources (Official Gazette of RM No.18/1999). According to the Decree on Categorization of Watercourses, Lakes, Accumulations and Ground Water Resources Official Gazette of RM No.18/1999), natural and artificial watercourses, sections of watercourses, lakes, accumulations and ground waters are divided into five water categories. The categorization is carried out in order to set norms on the construction of facilities and devices for pollution mitigation or for wastewater treatment, limitation of discharge or prohibition of discharge of wastewaters. Categories from I to V consist of watercourses whose water has to comply with the requirements of each of the classes from I to V. New classification is expected to be prepared under the Law on waters in accordance with the EU Directives. The Law on waters provides provisions dealing with waste water management, and it generally prohibits the actions or emission leading to pollution of waters and discharge of waste water, or which facilitates pollution or discharge of waste water, unless it is specifically permitted. Instruments for the implementation of pollution prevention at the source and for emission control, as stipulated in the Law on Waters, are the permits for discharge into waters. Permits specify the conditions and the manner of discharging into waters, as well as the measures that should be undertaken to prevent pollution. With regard to certain installations and activities, the Law on Waters refers to the Law on Environment, concerning integrated environmental permits (IPPC), especially in the protected areas. Such permits, while addressing the aspects of water protection and water October, Part II: A6-53

12 pollution control, in all cases apply stricter standards. Any legal or natural entity, including the state bodies and the municipalities, City of Skopje and municipalities in the City of Skopje, can discharge waste waters or discharge and dispose materials and substances into recipient waters only upon prior permit for discharging into waters. The permit has to be issued in accordance with the river basin management plan. Compliance with the Law on Environment The permit for structures and facilities which are subject to a permit for discharging into waters, and which under the Law on Environment are subject to an A integrated environmental permit, have to obtain the permit under conditions, in a manner and in a procedure set forth in the Law on Environment. The permit for structures and facilities which are subject to a permit for discharging into waters, and which under the Law on Environment are subject to an B integrated environmental permit, have to obtain the permit under conditions, in a manner and in a procedure set up in that Law. The A or B- integrated environmental permit substitute the permit for discharging into waters only in the protected areas Environmental impact assessment of projects which under the Law on Environment are subject to a mandatory environmental impact assessment, including the projects which under the Law on environment require environmental impact assessment on case by case basis, shall be carried out under the conditions, in a manner and a procedure set forth in the Law on Environment. The discharge permit establishes the emission limit values and quantities of the substances and the environmental standards. Permit for discharging into waters The responsible authority for issuing the permit for discharge into waters is the state administrative body competent for execution of the expert works in the area of water management (according the Governmental decision from April 2007) from will be the MoEPP. Prior to filing the application for permit, the legal and the natural entity shall request from the MoEPP: Water management conditions for design; and The conditions for protection of aquatic ecosystems and water dependant ecosystems for the purpose of preparation of the technical documentation. Before starting the preparation of the application for permit, the legal entity and the natural entity have right to submit a written request for an initiation of a procedure for consultation with the MoEPP regarding the contents and the scope of the technical documentation attached to the request. The MoEPP has to start the procedure for consultation with the legal entity and the natural entity not later than 7 days from the day of receipt of the request. During the consultations, the MoEPP sign minutes of the consultations. The procedure for obtaining the permit starts when an application is submitted by a legal or a natural entity (applicant), to the responsible authority. The applicant can file for a request for obtaining the permit, after the EIA procedure is finished. The specific content and the form of the application, as well as the documentation required for issuance of the permit attached to the application have to be proscribed by October, Part II: A6-54

13 the Minister managing the MoEPP, for which there is a legal base in the new Law on Waters. Proceedings regarding the application for issuance of a permit After receiving the application, and the required documents, the MoEPP inspects whether there are any deficiencies. If so, the MoEPP shall instruct the applicant to supplement the application within a period not longer than 30 days from the day of receipt of the request for application, and determine which data should be additionally provided with the application and, depending on the type of deficiencies and the availability of the data, specify a period not shorter than 15 days within which the application should be supplemented. If the applicant fails to act in accordance, the MoEPP will reject the application with a Decision. This decision may be appealed by the applicant, within 15 days from the receipt. The cooperation between the different ministries, the Local Self-Government and other state administrative bodies is shown by the fact that one copy of the application has to be submitted by the MoEPP to the: State administrative bodies in charge of the activities which will be executed with the structure and/or facilities, The local self-government unit on the area of which the structure and/or facilities shall be constructed. The applicant may additionally file a request for amendments and supplements to the contents and the scope of the application for issuance of a water use permit. Public participation and access to information As it was previously mentioned, the Law on waters is based on the Public participation and access to information principle. Therefore, the MoEPP, as well as the public may within 15 days from the receipt of the application, submit in a written form their opinions and suggestions towards the application. The MoEPP has also the obligation to publish the application, in at least one daily newspaper available on the entire territory of the Republic of Macedonia and on the Ministry s web page within 7 working days from the date of the receipt. The MoEPP is also obliged to provide to the public, access to the information needed for shaping of the opinions and attitudes. The period in which the public expresses its opinions and remarks is not shorter than 15 days. October, Part II: A6-55

14 Rights and obligations of the organs of the municipality and the City of Skopje regarding the application The Mayor of the municipalities and of City of Skopje have the right to submit an opinion in writing regarding the notions included in the request to the MoEPP, within 15 days from the date of receipt of the application. Based on the written request, The MoEPP has to furnish or make available to the mayor of the municipality and of City of Skopje regarding the application, all information needed for shaping of the opinion. The Mayor of the municipalities and of City of Skopje regarding the application, can organize a public hearing regarding the application, in a manner and procedure stipulated in the Statute and other acts of the municipality and of City of Skopje. Where the mayor of municipalities and of City of Skopje, fails to submit the written opinion, it shall be considered to have no remarks regarding the application. The State administrative bodies in charge of the activities which will be executed with the structure and/or facilities, the local self-government unit on the area of which the structure and/or facilities will be constructed, competent administrative body of another state, may within 15 days from the receipt of the application, submit in a written form their opinions and suggestions towards the request for application. Issuance of a permit The MoEPP will issue the permit or reject (if it concludes that with the issuing of the permit the public interest will be endangered, or the provisions of a ratified international treaty by the Republic of Macedonia will be violated) the application within the term not longer than 3 months after the date of receipt of the application i.e. the receipt of the data needed for supplementing the application. The applicant may appeal against the issued permit with the minister managing the state administrative body competent for water management within 15 days from the date of receipt of the permit. Water book For the purpose of establishment of a data base and provision of information to all interested parties about the use of waters, a water book will be established and administrated. The water book will be kept and maintained by the MoEPP. The minister managing the MoEPP has to prescribe the content and the manner in which the book is to be established and administrated. (Having in mind that this law has just been adopted, the subsequent legislation for which there is a legal base in the Law has not been adopted yet). Establishment of protection zones and zones sensitive to Waste Water discharge The Law sets the grounds for establishing protection zones and areas, and grounds for determination of the regime of activities within such zones and areas. The protection zones and areas are to be established by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. The water protection zones for water bodies sensitive to urban waste waters discharge as water protection zones, are established by the Government (as mentioned) upon the proposal of the minister managing the MoEPP, and the minister managing the Ministry of Health (MoH). The requirements and procedures for establishing of water protection zones have to be more specifically prescribed by the Government. October, Part II: A6-56

15 Sensitive areas in relation to Urban Waste Water Discharge If a water body shows one of following criteria: surface waters which are found to be eutrophic or which are susceptible to become eutrophic in the near future, if no protective measures are undertaken; areas of water bodies intended for the abstraction of drinking water which contain a concentration of more than 50 mg/l of nitrate or which are susceptible to reach such a concentration in the near future; the receiving water body of discharged waste waters from agglomerations of more than 2000 equivalent population where further than secondary (biological ) treatment of the municipal waste waster is required, the water body must be identified as a sensitive area in relation to urban waste water discharge. As previously mentioned any discharge of waste water into a water body, drains, and sewers or on riparian lands and wetlands is prohibited, unless a prior permit is obtained. The Law on waters contains some particular provisions on groundwater, which prohibit direct discharge of any priority substances and pollutants into the groundwater and prohibit authorization of such activities. However, the law also proscribes exceptions from this prohibition, only if there is absolutely no risk of groundwater pollution and in several other cases. The specific requirements applicable for an authorization of a direct or indirect discharge into groundwater, and measures and activities to be undertaken to ensure that the input of any pollutant into the groundwater is avoided, including substances from agricultural fertilizers and plant protection, have to be further proscribed by the Minister managing the MoEPP in agreement with the Minister managing the managing the Ministry of Health. Plants operating with Hazardous Substances The structures and facilities which use or apply water-relevant hazardous substances in production, processing, filling, storage or any other manners have to be constructed, installed, operated and maintained in such manner that excludes any direct or indirect pollution of waters. This includes also pipelines for transport of such substances. Also they must satisfy BAT requirements, and have to have an integrated ecological permit. These requirements do not apply to structures and facilities for storage and filling of liquid manure and other by-products from agricultural activities. Waste Water Collection, Removal and Treatment As far as the waste water removal is concerned, the Law on Waters delegates the general obligation to the municipality and the City of Skopje to collect, remove and treat the waste water arising or generated in their area of jurisdiction, including the disposal of the sludge. The municipalities, City of Skopje and municipalities in the City of Skopje have to ensure that municipal waste water is entering collection systems and is being treated before discharge. They also have to ensure that plants are designed, constructed, operated and maintained in such way, as to ensure sufficient performance under all normal local climatic conditions, treated waste water and sludge arising from waste water treatment are reused whenever appropriate; the removal of waste water and sludge minimizes the adverse affects on the environment. It is the responsibility of the municipality and the City of Skopje to provide, improve and extend the sewage system and to cleanse and maintain the sewers so as to ensure that the area is appropriately drained, make provisions to empty the sewerage system and when necessary by means of sewage disposal works; allow for the discharge of commercial or industrial waste effluent into the sewers in accordance with the regulations and provide for their disposal, and finally oversee the compliance of the waste water removal with the provisions on monitoring. October, Part II: A6-57

16 Municipal Waste Water Collection, Removal and Treatment The Government in cooperation with the Mayor of the municipality and the City of Skopje has to ensure that: - a waste water collection system is provided at any agglomeration of more than 2000 population equivalent and that the waste water is appropriately treated before discharge to such purity-level as to allow the receiving waters to meet the relevant quality objectives; - appropriate treatment is provided of all waste waters discharged from collection systems in agglomerations smaller than 2000 population equivalents; - secondary (biological) or equivalent treatment is provided from collection systems of agglomerations of more than 2000 population equivalents in case the waste water is discharged into receiving waters of sensitive areas. If the establishment of a collection and removal system is not justified either because it would produce no environmental benefit, or because it would involve excessive cost, individual systems or other appropriate systems which achieve the same level of environmental protection shall be used. When such case occurs, the Government of Republic of Macedonia upon a proposal of the MoEPP and in agreement with the MoTC shall adopt a programme for realization of the requirements regarding the waste water collection systems. The proposal of the programme shall be developed on a basis of the programme proposals of the council of the municipality and of the City of Skopje. The conditions, manner and requirements for the design, construction and operation of the collection system and the municipal waste water treatment plants, technical standards, parameters, emission standards and quality norms for the pre-treatment, removal and treatment of the waste water, will be proscribed by the Minister managing the MoEPP, in cooperation with the Minister managing the Ministry of Transport and Communications, taking into account the load and method of treatment of the municipal waste waters that are discharged into water bodies of the sensitive areas and the special needs of protected areas. These conditions, manner and requirements have been drafted during the CARDS 2004 project, taking into consideration the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Directive (271/91/EEC). According the NPAA, this draft Ordinance should enter into force at the end of 2008: Draft Ordinance on the conditions, manner and requirements to the design, construction and operation of the collection system and the municipal waste water treatment plants, as well as the technical standards, parameters, emission standards and quality norms for the pre-treatment, removal and treatment of waste water, taking into account the load and method of treatment of the municipal waste water that are discharged into water bodies of the sensitive areas. This Ordinance regulates the conditions, manner and requirements as to the design, construction and operation of the collection system and the municipal waste water treatment plants, as well as the technical standards, parameters, emission standards and quality norms for the pre-treatment, removal and treatment of the waste water, taking into account the load and the method of treatment of the municipal waste waters that are discharged into water bodies of the sensitive areas for areas of 2000 population equivalent or more with exemption of those areas of less than 2000 population equivalent. October, Part II: A6-58

17 According this Draft Ordinance Appropriate treatment means treatment of urban waste water any process and/or disposal system which after discharge allows receiving waters to meet the relevant quality objectives and relevant provisions of this and other Community Directives; primary treatment means treatment of urban waste water by a physical and/or chemical process involving settlement of suspended solids, or other processes in which the BOD 5 of the incoming waste water is reduced by at least 20 % before discharge and the total suspended solids of the incoming waste water are reduced by at least 50%; secondary treatment means treatment of municipal waste water by a process generally involving biological treatment with a secondary settlement or other process. The Ordinance states that the municipal waste water entering collection systems for all agglomerations with a population equivalent of 2000 or more shall be secondary or equivalent treated. Municipal waster water that will be discharged to water bodies of sensitive areas shall undergo more stringent treatment (tertiary treatment such as disinfection by UV or filter membranes) than secondary treatment or an equivalent treatment. The more stringent treatment shall eliminate nitrogen and/or phosphorus and/or any other pollutants which might affect the quality or specific use of the receiving water body in a sensitive area. In the case of discharges to a water body in a sensitive area, if it can be demonstrated through analysis and monitoring that the minimum percentage of reduction of the overall load entering all municipal waste water treatment plants in that area is at least 75% for total phosphorus and at least 75% for total nitrogen, more stringent treatment is not needed. Discharges from Commercial and Industrial Waste Water Any industrial waste water is subject to permit for discharging into waters or integrated environmental permit before entering the municipal collection system and treatment plant. Any biodegradable industrial waste waters from plants representing more than 4000 population equivalent, which do not enter municipal waste water treatment plants, are subject to permit for discharging into waters or integrated environmental permit before discharge to receiving waters. Pre-treatment of Commercial and Industrial Waste Water The Minister managing the MoEPP, in agreement with the Minister managing the MoTC and the Mayor of the municipality and of the City of Skopje have to ensure that before the commercial and industrial waste water enter the collection system and municipal waste water treatment plants, are subject to a pretreatment. Reuse of Treated Municipal Waste Water The law stipulates an obligation for the treated municipal waste water to be re-used whenever appropriate, provided that any adverse effects on the environment is reduced to the lowest possible level, and the obtaining of a permit for the re-use. The form of the application and of the permit, as well as the manner and procedure for issuing the permit, will be regulated with subsequent legislation, proscribed by the Minister managing the MoEPP. The maximum allowed values and concentrations of the parameters for re-use of the treated waste water will be proscribed by the Minister managing the MoEPP in agreement with the Minister managing the MoH. October, Part II: A6-59

18 Water Management structures and facilities According the Law on waters water management structures and facilities are, among the others, structures intended for impounding, conveying and treatment of polluted waste waters and removal thereof into a recipient, and for prevention of a sudden excess discharge of hazardous and harmful substances. In order to safeguard the water resources and aquatic ecosystems and respond to the requirements of the society at large, certain water management utilities and services are of public interest. Among them are the water management utilities for collection and drainage, treatment and discharge of wastewater. The Law on Communal Services defines the communal services of public interest including collection and treatment of wastewaters (including receipt of wastewater from the customer s system, utilization of the sewage system treatment and discharge into a recipient, as well as cleaning the septic tanks). The works and services will be carried out by public or private entities founded by the competent authorities of the Republic of Macedonia or by the council of the municipalities or of the City of Skopje, in accordance with their responsibilities prescribed by this or the Law on local self government. The Law on Communal Services also defines the process of establishing the public communal enterprises, by municipalities and/or government in case systems of broader economic, technical of functional importance should be managed; organizing one communal enterprises for several municipalities; legal form of the Communal enterprises; activities of the communal enterprises; and communal enterprises can not be bankrupted. For these structures and facilities water management works approval has to be issued by the MoEPP, on written request of the investor. The request for the approval will follow a decision on construction conditions; proof that the land property issue has been settled; technical documentation at least at the level of preliminary design, put together by a professional institution or other legal or natural entity registered for such jobs. Within 60 days from the date of receipt of the request for issuance of the approval, the approval will be granted or rejected by a decision issued by the MoEPP. Every entity discharging utilized water or waste water into a water body or the aquatic environment is obliged to install water metering devices at the water outlet, to self-register the outlet water quantity and quality and keep regular records on the parameters. All water management works, structures and facilities have to be maintained and operated in a manner proscribed by the minister managing the MoEPP in agreement with the minister managing the Ministry for agriculture, forestry and water management (MoAFWM). The legal entities managing the water management structures and facilities are obliged to establish and maintain registration on those structures and facilities, which ahs to be submitted to the MoEPP. The minister managing the MoAFWM in agreement with the minister managing the MoEPP shall proscribe the contents and the manner of registration of the data as well as the manner of submission of registration data. The works and services are carried out by public or private entities founded by the competent authorities of the Republic of Macedonia or by the council of the municipalities or of the City of Skopje. Technical Provisions for water management works and services All water management works have to be constructed, operated and maintained in compliance with state-of-the-art techniques and recognized standards. To safeguard the public and ensure the requirements for environmental protection the minister managing the MoEPP, in agreement with the minister managing the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, and the minister managing the MoH, in agreement with the minister managing the Ministry of Economy, in agreement with the minister managing the Ministry October, Part II: A6-60

19 of Transport and Communication upon a proposal of engineering associations, shall proscribe technical rules and requirements. Every entity discharging utilized water or waste water into a water body or the aquatic environment is obliged to install water metering devices at the water outlet, to self-register the outlet water quantity and quality and keep regular records on the parameters. Request and documentation required for granting of a water management works approval The water management works approval is issued by the MoEPP, on written request of the investor. Attached to the request for a water management works approval, besides the information for the investor, one shall also submit: decision on construction conditions; proof that the land property issue has been settled; technical documentation at least at the level of preliminary design, put together by a professional institution or other legal or natural entity registered for such jobs. The technical documentation has to include in particular: location of the structure, hydrologic data, hydraulic calculations, purpose of the structure and the impact thereof on the water regime. The technical documentation must be reviewed by a professional institution or another legal or natural entity registered for such activity. Where the MoEPP reaches a conclusion that the submitted documentation is not in compliance with the provisions of the Law on waters and other regulations for preparation of such documentation, it shall adopt a conclusion for termination of the procedure, and set a deadline of at least 30 days in which the investor is obliged to submit the needed documentation or harmonize the already submitted documentation with the requirements. Where the investor fails to act in accordance with the conclusion, the MoEPP shall adopt a decision on rejection of the request for issuing of the water management works approval. The investor has the right to appeal against the decision from with minister managing the MoEPP within 15 days from the date of receipt of the decision. Integrated environmental permit and environmental permit The structures which according the Law on environment are subject to a mandatory integrated environmental permit, shall not be constructed or commence operations unless the permit is obtained in a manner and under procedure prescribed by Law on environment. The structures which according the Law on environment are subject to EIA, can not be constructed if a positive decision regarding the EIA Study has not been reached. Issuance of water management works approval Within 60 days from the date of receipt of the request for issuance of a water management works approval, the MoEPP shall adopt a decision on approval or rejection (When the MoEPP concludes that the conditions for issuance of a water management works approval are not met) of the request. The investor and other entities with legal interest may appeal against the decision, with October, Part II: A6-61

20 the MoEPP within 30 days from the date of receipt of the decision. Termination of water management works approval The water management works approval shall be terminated if the construction, reconstruction or completion of the structures and structures and facilities for which the approval was issued, have not started within two years from the date of the issuing thereof. Annulment of the water management works approval Where the MoEPP defines that the investor, during the execution construction, reconstruction or completion of the structures and facilities, does not comply with the conditions stipulated in the water management works approval, it shall adopt a decision on suspension of activities and set a term within which the investor has to comply with the conditions stipulated in the approval. The investor may appeal against the decision with the MoEPP within 15 days from the date of receipt of the decision,. The appeal does not postpone the execution of the decision. Where the investor fails to act in accordance with the decision, the MoEPP shall fully or partially annul the issued water management works approval. Water Supply and Urban Waste Water Discharge Another law dealing with waste water management is the Law for Water Supply and Urban Waste Water Discharge (Official Gazette of RM No. 68/2005; 28/2006). The general objective of this Law is to regulate the conditions and manner of drinking water supply, termination of the drinking water supply, and urban waste water discharge through the water supply and sewage systems, construction, maintenance, protection and connection to the water supply and sewage systems, the relations between the provider and the service user, as well as supervision over the enforcement of this Law. One of the purposes of this law is to provide adequate treatment of the industrial waste waters before they are discharged into the recipient and protection from the negative effects of the urban waste water discharge. According this law, the urban waste water discharge into the recipient, is done through the sewage system run by the provider of the service. The provider of the service by means of the law is a public enterprise, founded by the Municipality, the city of Skopje, the Government, or a private entity in which the Municipality, the city of Skopje, the Government, have most of the capital. If the sewage system is constructed by funds provided by citizens, foreign or local entities, it is assigned by a contract to the provider of the service, and is part of the entire sewage system. The construction of the sewage system is regulated in accordance with the Law on construction and the Programme for regulation of the construction land of the municipalities and the City of Skopje. October, Part II: A6-62

21 Use of Sludge from Waste Water Treatment The sludge is a result from the treatment of the municipal waste water. The Law on Waters stipulates that the sludge has to be re-used whenever appropriate, it has to be the subject to a prior permit and provided that any adverse effects on the environment are reduced to the lowest possible level. Having in mind that this is a new law, the subsequent legislation for which there are legal bases have not been adopted yet. This is also the case for the use of sludge. The Minister of Environment in agreement with the Minister of agriculture, forests and water management, have the obligation to regulate the manner and the conditions for the use of sludge, the maximum values of the concentrations of the heavy metals in the soil in which the sludge is used, the values of the concentrations of the heavy metals in the sludge, the maximum annual amounts of such heavy metals that can be introduced into the soil, as well as the type of information that sludge producers shall submit to the users on a regular basis, and the manner, conditions and procedures for issuance of a permit for use of sludge. The Minister of Environment is also obliged to regulate the content and the form of the application and of the permit for re- use of sludge resulting from the treatment of the municipal waste water, as well as the manner and procedure for issuing the permit. The subsequent legislation will be in accordance with the relevant EU Directives in the Water Sector and particularly the EU Directive on the protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil when sewage sludge is used in agriculture (86/278/EEC). According the NPAA, the subsequent legislation regarding this matter is planned for the year The purpose of this Directive is to regulate the use of sewage sludge in agriculture in such a way as to prevent harmful effects on soil, vegetation, animals and man, thereby encouraging the correct use of such sewage sludge. According the Directive, in Table 1-1 are the limit values for heavy metal concentrations in sludge for use in agriculture: Table 1-1 Limit values for heavy metal concentrations in sludge for use in agriculture Heavy metals Limit values for concentrations of heavy metals in soil mg/kg dm 5<pH<6 6<pH Sewage sludge Max. permitted mg/kg dm Limit values for amounts of heavy metals which may be added annually to agriculture land Pb , Cd Cr , Cu , Ni Zn , Hg Source: EU Directive (86/278/EEC). Competences Management of waters, riparian lands and wetlands is under the competence of the bodies of the state government, more particularly the administrative body competent for water management (MoEPP). The Law on Waters also delegates competences to the municipalities, the City of Skopje and municipalities in the City of Skopje. Each river basin district is managed by a unit of the MoEPP. October, Part II: A6-63

22 The National Water Council The National Water Council shall be established as an advisory and coordination body for the purposes of considering water management issues; approximating and coordinating the different needs and interests, as well as proposing various measures for conservation, protection and constant improvement of the water regime within the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. The state administrative body competent for execution of the expert work in the area of water management-administration body within the MoEPP For the purpose of undertaking specific expert measures and activities established by the law on waters for each river basin, a state administrative body competent for execution of the expert work in the area of water management shall be established. Manner and procedure for supervision over the performance of the organs of municipalities, City of Skopje and municipalities in the City of Skopje Supervision over the performance By supervising the implementation of this law, The National Water Council supervises the performance of the responsible administrative bodies of the municipalities, the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the City of Skopje. The supervision of the operation of the organs of the municipalities, the city of Skopje and the municipalities of the City of Skopje is based on the principle of legality, liability and independence in performance of the competences Carrying out the supervision The National Water Council in carrying out the supervision of the operation of the organs of the municipalities, the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the City of Skopje. Monitoring of waters Monitoring the status of the quantity and quality of all water bodies and all water intended for use in the Republic of Macedonia, is carried out in a manner and under conditions stipulated in the Law on Waters. The monitoring information is made available to the public and the competent authorities, organizations and institutions, particularly for the implementation and for the revision of measures relevant for the conservation, protection and continuous improvement of all water bodies. Responsibility for water monitoring Responsibilities of the Administration for Hydro-meteorological affairs, according the Law of Hydro-meteorological Affairs (Off. Gazette of RМ No. 19/92 and 5/03) This Law regulates the hydro-meteorological affairs, and the manner of conducting those affairs. The hydro-meteorological affairs are within the responsibility of the Administration for hydro-meteorological affairs, which is qualified as a legal person, and is within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water economy. According this Law, hydro-meteorological affairs comprise: the development and functioning of the hydro-meteorological monitoring, atmospheric research, research of the soil, and the water resources, as well as the application of the hydrology and meteorology. October, Part II: A6-64

23 Some activities regarding the development and functioning of the hydro-meteorological monitoring: 1) Establishment, construction and maintenance of hydro-meteorological network station, meteorological radar centres and anti-hail stations, scientific units and institutes; 2) hydrological monitoring and measurement of: surface and first level ground waters and springs, river alluvium, ice on the rivers, accumulations and lakes; specific hydrological monitoring, measurements within the hydrological network station and basic processing of the received data; 3) monitoring and measurement of the surface water quality, first level ground water quality, lakes and accumulations, including the radioactivity of the water in the hydrological network station and basic processing of the received data; 4) Establishment, and functioning of analytical-forecast system, analysis of the hydrological state, issuing forecasts and reports regarding the water levee of the rivers, lakes, accumulations, ground waters, as well as monitoring and alerting in case of harmful and dangerous hydrological appearances. 5) Issuing reports and forecasts on the air, water, and soil quality and monitoring and alerting in case pollution occurs. Some investigations of the atmosphere, soil and water resources: 1) investigation and monitoring of the hydrological processes and development of methods for forecasting waters; 2) investigation and monitoring of the qualitative characteristics of the air, rain, surface waters, first level ground waters, lakes and soil, including the radioactivity of air, rain, and waters, transmission of polluting substances and participation in investigations regarding the impact of the pollution on the water resources, climate and the vegetation, as well as development of methods for forecasting the air, soil and water pollution; 3) hydro-meteorological investigations for preparation of the water balance and utilisation of water potentials; 4) development of instruments and methods for hydro-meteorological monitoring and measurement. The hydrology and meteorology are applied in order to make an analysis of the spatial and time quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the surface water regime, and the first level ground water resources, for the preparation of hydrological bases for spatial and urban planning, for construction of large investment facilities. The hydro-meteorological affairs stipulated in this Law, are conducted on a continual bases and represent the single hydro-meteorological information system in Macedonia. This information system is in integral part of the social informing system, and is included in the international hydro-meteorological information systems. Responsibilities of the MoEPP The MoEPP performs all monitoring of water bodies within the state monitoring network. The state administrative body competent for execution of the expert work in the area of water management-the Administrative body in the MoEPP is responsible for implementation, operation, maintenance and development of the state water monitoring network. The mayor of the municipality, and of the City of Skopje performs all monitoring of the water bodies within the local water monitoring network and are responsible for the implementation, operation, maintenance and development of the local water monitoring network. October, Part II: A6-65

24 The MoEPP is responsible for monitoring of the discharge of waste waters. Certain expert activities for monitoring of the water bodies within the state and local monitoring network and waters intended for use may be performed by certificated scientific and expert organizations and other legal entities which meet specific requirements in regards to equipment, devices, instruments and space conditions for performance the expert activities, and at least one expert from the area of public protection. The minister managing the MoEPP in agreement with the minister managing the MoH are authorised to issue subsequent legislation which will closely prescribe specific requirements to be met by the entities, regarding expert staff, equipment, devices, instruments and space conditions, for performance the expert activities. The minister managing the MoEPP in agreement with the minister managing the MoH shall proscribe the methodology and parameters for measuring and monitoring the quality and the quantity of all water bodies identified as areas sensitive to discharge of urban waste waters. The information on the monitoring programs in form of summaries will be an integrated part of the relevant River Basin Management Plans. Monitoring of discharge of Waste Waters The legal and natural entities discharging waste waters have the obligation to install instruments for self- monitoring by measuring the discharged amounts of water and analyses of its quality; maintain them in a functioning order; keep records on the completed measurements, and submit these data to the MoH and the appropriate state administrative body competent for execution of the expert work in the area of water management-within the MoEPP. The legal and natural entities discharging waste water from Plants that operate with hazardous substances have to install instruments for measurement of the discharged amounts of water and analyses of its quality; maintain them in a functioning order; keep records on the completed measurements, and submit these data to the MoH and the MoEPP. The Minister managing the MoEPP shall issue subsequent legislation proscribing the methodology, manner and parameters for waste water monitoring, and self- monitoring. The legal and natural entities referred to in this paragraph may monitor waste waters through their own certificated services or through certificated scientific or expert organizations or other certificated legal entities. If there is any suspicion about the reliability of the submitted data, the interested parties may request a super analysis. The super analysis shall be performed by certificated entity that possesses appropriate equipment and appropriate expert staff for completion of the analysis. If the super analysis shows that the entities discharge harmful and dangerous substances above the permitted limits, the State administrative body competent for Hydro meteorological activities shall perform controlling examinations at least twice a month, with the associated costs borne by the entities discharging waste waters in the recipient. The MoEPP has the obligation to publish the reports on waste water discharge status every 2 years. Submission of information The State administrative body competent for execution of expert work in the area of water management- Administration body within the MoEPP shall compile process and keep all October, Part II: A6-66

25 monitoring information obtained from the monitoring of the water bodies. The MoH also has the obligation to compile process and keep all monitoring information obtained from the monitoring of the discharge of waste waters and submit to the MoEPP, and to the state administrative body competent for food safety. The mayor of the municipality, the City of Skopje and of the municipalities shall submit the results obtained from the local monitoring network to the MoEPP. The compiling, processing, keeping and submission of the monitoring data and information is free of charge. All information obtained and processed according to the tasks and responsibilities are available and accessible free of charge for all public authorities. The minister managing the MoEPP shall issue subsequent legislation proscribing the conditions, manner and procedure on the submission of information from the monitoring of waste waters, as well as the formats and contents of reporting. The public access to data and information is regulated in accordance to Law on Environment, therefore the State administrative body competent for Hydro meteorological activities and the MoH shall inform the public by publishing data and results obtained from the monitoring in periodical and annual reports. Water Management Information Basis The monitoring data and information as measured, collected, processed and verified, serve as official data and information basis for water resources development and supervision of water management operations and protection of the waters. The MoEPP has to transmit the relevant information basis to all administrations and public office-holders free of charge. Competences of the municipalities, the City of Skopje and municipalities in the City of Skopje are also set according the Law on Local Self Government and the Law on the City of Skopje. 1.3 Law on Local Self Government The Law on Local Self Government regulates the authorities of the municipality, citizens rights and responsibilities, organization of the municipality, administration, ownership of the municipality supervision, cooperation between local self governments and Government, official languages etc. This Law also states that the City of Skopje is a separate unit for local self-government that represents the common interests of the citizens of Skopje. 1.4 Law on City of Skopje The Law on City of Skopje defines those activities of local importance that can not be divided and are of equal importance (or have influence on) for city of Skopje are implemented by City of Skopje administration and bodies; Activities of local importance that functionally can be divided and are of importance for City of Skopje are implemented by municipality administration and bodies. This Law defines the authorities of City of Skopje, including communal services and environment protection. 1.5 Law on Expropriation The Law on Expropriation (Official Gazette of RM No. 33/1995, 20/1998, 40/1999 and 31/2003; 46/2005; 10/2008, 106/2008) regulates the expropriation of the property ownership and rights (real-estate), for the purpose of construction of facilities and other October, Part II: A6-67

26 issues of public interest, establishment of the public interest and assigning of the righteous compensation for the expropriated realty, calculated by the market value of the real-estate. In order to define the legal settlement, the market value of the property shall be determined based on the standards set forth in this Law when the expropriation proposal is submitted or at the request of the proprietor or possessor of other property rights at the time of defining the settlement. According the Law, "public interest" means the organization, rational use and special humanization, as well as the protection and improvement of the environment by construction of facilities according the special plans, among which are the waste water treatment plants and when the beneficiary of the expropriation is the State. Pursuant to the Law, expropriation can be carried out for: Procedure State for its purposes, for the purposes of the public services founded by the State, public funds, education, science, culture, social security, and sports when it s conducted as a public service; The Municipalities and the city of Skopje, for the needs of the local selfgovernment and the public services and funds, which are founded by the Municipalities, and the city of Skopje; For the needs of the legal and natural entities for the purpose of construction of facilities and conducting other public services. The expropriation procedure is a special, strictly formal, administrative procedure when provisions from the Law on General Administrative Procedure apply, unless otherwise stipulated by the Law on Expropriation. In the expropriation procedure are involved two parties. One is the proposer of the expropriation (entity for which the expropriation is carried out for, or expropriation beneficiary), and the other party is the owner of the realestate. Both parties have equal roles in the procedure. The procedure is initiated by submission of a proposal for expropriation by the expropriation beneficiary to the Office of Legal and Property Affairs (relevant administrative body for expropriation). 1.6 Emission Standards According the Law on environment, the term "emission" means the release or discharge of liquid, gaseous or solid substances, preparations, release of energy (noise, vibrations, radiation, heat), odor, organisms or micro-organisms, as well as release of microbiological material from any source into one or more environmental media as a result of human activity. Emission standards are requirements that set specific limits to the amount of pollutants that can be released into the environment. Emission limit values are the mass, expressed in terms of certain specific parameters, concentration and/or level of emission, which shall not be exceeded during one or more periods of time. In this Chapter, the emission standards for the following media are elaborated: Air, Water, Noise, Odor and Soil. October, Part II: A6-68

27 1.6.1 Air For the purpose of achieving the ambient air quality targets, according the Law on Ambient Air Quality (Official Gazette of RM No. 67/2004), the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, at the proposal of the MoEPP and the MoH, specified the: the terms for achievement of limit values for individual pollutants; limit values for levels and types of pollutants in the ambient air and alert thresholds; margins of tolerance for the limit value; target value and long-term targets for individual pollutants. The air quality is specified in the Decree on limit values (Official Gazette of RM No. 50/2005) more particularly the limit values of the levels and types of pollutants in ambient air and alert thresholds, terms for limit values achievement, limit value margins of tolerance, target values and long-term targets for ozone. The Decree sets limit values for the levels of concentrations, margins of tolerance and terms for achievement of the limit values for Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides, Suspended particulate matter (PM 10 ), Lead, Benzene, Carbon monoxide. Limit values are given in the Table 1-2. In 2006, a Rulebook on the criteria, methods and procedures for evaluation of the ambient air quality (Official Gazette of RM No. 82/06 ), was adopted, and is in foce from Another piece of legislation that tackles this matter is the Rulebook for the maximum allowed concentration and amount as well as other harmful substances that can be emitted in the air from different sources. This Rulebook sets the maximum allowed concentrations and amount of harmful substances that can be emitted in the air from industrial, communal and other sources. However this Rulebook will be substituted by a new Rulebook, which will refer to the emissions of the pollutants, and will be drafted according the EU Directives. Table 1-2 Limit values of different pollutants into the air Polluting Substances Max. allowed concentrations-limit values Max. limit values Daily average SO µg/m µg/m 3 Smoke 150 µg/m 3 50 µg/m 3 NO 2 80 µg/m 3 85 µg/m 3 SPM (EU Directive 80/779/EEC) 120 µg/m 3 Ozone-O 3 (EU Directive 92/72/EEC) 110 µg/m 3 CO 3 µg/m 3 1 µg/m Water Pb 0.7 µg/m 3 Cd 0.7 µg/m 3 The Law on Waters proscribes an obligation referring to the legal and natural entities discharging waste waters, to install instruments for self- monitoring by measuring the discharged amounts of water and analyses of its quality; maintain them in a functioning October, Part II: A6-69

28 order; keep records on the completed measurements, and submit these data to the MoH and the MoEPP. The legal and natural entities discharging waste water from Plants operating with Hazardous Substances, have to install instruments for measurement of the discharged amounts of water and analyses of its quality; maintain them in a functioning order; keep records on the completed measurements, and submit these data to the MoH and MoEPP. The quality of waters with regard to their use for specific purposes, according to the Law on Waters, is determined through the classification of waters and categorization of watercourses, lakes, accumulations and groundwater. The Decree on Water Classification Official Gazette of RM No. 18/1999) classifies waters by the following indicators: organolpetic indicators, acidity - ph, oxygen regime, BOD 5, mineralization, eutrophication, microbiological pollution, radioactivity and harmful and hazardous substances. Limit values have been specified for each of the above indicators, with regard to five water classes. These limit values apply to waters in watercourses with non-regulated flows, to waters in watercourses with regulated flows, to groundwater and to lakes. The said water classes determine the purpose (option) of water use. In the Table 1-3 are presented the limit values of above mentioned indicators that classify the waters into the 5 classes. Table 1-3 Limit values/maximum allowed values or concentrations/ of the oxygen, acidification and eutrofication regime Limit values of the indicators for different Class of Water Indicators 1 st Class 2 nd Class 3 rd Class 4 th Class 5 th Class 1. Dissolved oxygen mg / l O > 8.00 < 3.00 (non apply of the ground water) Saturation % < Biochemical oxygen demand BOD 5 mg/l 4. Chemical oxygen demand COD permanganate index mg/l O > < > < > Total suspended matters mg/l < > Total dissolved matters mg/l surface water ,000 1,500 > 1,500 ground water ,000 1,500 > 1, ph < Most probable number of thermo tolerant Coliform bacteria in 100 ml > 500 > Stage of saprogenic according to Liberman 10. Stage of biological productivity Mesosaprobic Mesosaprobic Moderate eutrophic Oligosaprobic Mesosaprobic poly Eutrophic Polysaprobic Oligotrophic Mesotrophic Hipereutrofic The maximum allowed levels of different pollutants into the waters have been given into the Decree on Water Classification (Official Gazette of RM No. 18/1999) and are given into the Table 1-4. October, Part II: A6-70

29 Table 1-4 Limit values/the maximum allowed levels or concentrations/ of dangerous and hazardous substances in waters Maximum allowed level of pollution Dangerous Substances Unit substances Classes I II III IV V 1. Ammonia μg/l NH > Ammonia ion μg/l NH 4 1,000 10,000 >10, Nitrate μg/l N 10,000 15,000 > 15, Nitrite μg/l N > Hydrogen di-sulfide μg/l Arsenic μg/l As > Antimony μg/l Sb > Copper μg/l Cu > Iron μg/l Fe 300 1,000 > 1, Mercuric μg/l Hg 0,2 1 > Cadmium μg/l Cd > Cobalt μg/l Co > 2, Molybden μg/l Mo > Nickel μg/l Ni > Lead μg/l Pb > Chromium Cr-total μg/l Cr > Chromium Cr-VI μg/l Cr > Zinc μg/l Zn > Phenols μg/l 1 50 > Cyanide μg/l CN > Noise Law on Noise protection was published in Official Gazette of RM No. 75 /2007. Regarding the limit values for noise, the Rulebook on noise in working conditions (Official Gazette of RM No. 29/1997) and Decision on terms and conditions for noise annoyance on citizens (Official Gazette of RM No. 64/1993) set noise emission limit values. The maximum allowed level of noise around different facilities is given in Table 1-5 and maximum allowed level of noise around different areas is given in Table 1-6. However having in mind that a new law on noise protection entered into force, and the process of harmonization of the Macedonian environmental legislation with the European legislation is ongoing, it is within the plan of the MoEPP to adopt further on subsequent legislation, in this case legislation regarding noise emission standards which will comply with the European standards. This also applies for all the above mentioned media for which the limit values were described (air, water, and the bellow mentioned odor and soil). Table 1-5 Maximum allowed level of noise db (A) around different facilities Type of objects Max. Allowed Level of Noise db (A) Day Night Living and working Facilities Schools other Educational Facilities Hospitals October, Part II: A6-71

30 Table 1-6 Maximum allowed level of noise db (A) around different areas Max allowed level I Purpose of the area from db (A) Max allowed level I from db (A) Day Night L 10 * L 5 * Areas of health institutions, spas, resting areas Tourist-recreational areas, hospital surroundings Living places, schools, educational institutions, public green and recreational areas Commercial-living-working areas with surrounding streets with 50 m depth from the middle of the street Commercial, administrative institutions without living facilities, or as an exception, some living facilities Production, warehouses, service or transport areas without living facilities *L10 level of noise in duration of 10% of measurement time *L5 level of noise in duration of 5% of measurement time Odour The Waste Framework Directive specifies that the Member States have to take the necessary measures to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment, without causing a nuisance through noise or odors. The Law on environment also provides that within the scope of work of the Inspector for the environment has the right to supervise the implementation of the measures for protection against odor, through ascertaining whether: measures for protection against odor have been undertaken in the premises and the surrounding where people stay and move; catering and tourist activities are performed in a manner preventing odor spread in the environment; articles causing odor have been eliminated and activities causing odor have been prevented; ascertains other conditions under his/her responsibility. However specific emission standards for odor have not been set yet Soil The Law on agricultural land tackles the issue for soil protection, however currently there is no subsequent legislation regarding emission standards for soil. October, Part II: A6-72

31 1.7 Overall view of the Administrative Framework a). Environmental functions within Water management The Government of R. of Macedonia Defining the boundaries of the river basin districts Adoption of the National Strategy for Waters at the proposal of the Government Adoption of the Water Master Plan Granting the concession seen as economic activities involving use of water from surface and ground water bodies Adoption of the approved River Basin Management Plans Adoption of a programme for measures for each River Basin District Preparation of the programme of measures Determination of quality and suitability of water for use for various purposes The Government upon proposals form the Minister managing the MoEPP; the Minister managing the MoH; Minister managing the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Water economy; Proclamation of protected, sensitive and vulnerable zones State Administrative Body for Water Management (According the Governmental Decision dated April 2007 the responsible body is the MoEPP starting from December 2009) Coordination of the plans for the management of international river basin district and the programmes of measures with the competent authorities of neighbouring states Limit water use due to safety, conservation and protection of available water resources and preservation and improvement of natural balance of water ecosystems and water dependent ecosystems Limit the use of ground waters in case it is ascertained that the groundwater reserves used to meet the needs of public water supply have been or will be exhausted Development of the National Strategy for waters and the River Basin Management Plans Prescribing the detailed content and the method of development of the river basin management plans Once in three years inform the Government on the implementation of the River Basin Management Plans Annual reporting to the Government on implementation of the Programme Adoption of a programme for protection from adverse effects of waters within each river basin Adoption of a Monitoring Programme Performing all monitoring of water bodies within state monitoring network Implementation, operation, maintenance & development of state water monitoring network Management of river basin district Management of protection zones October, Part II: A6-73

32 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning Establishment of international river basin districts with the relevant neighbouring states for river basins which extend beyond the territory of R.M Municipalities and the City of Skopje Perform all monitoring of the water bodies within the local water monitoring network and is responsible for the implementation, operation, maintenance and development of the local water monitoring network. b). Environmental functions within Waste Water management The Government Providing a wastewater collection and treatment system for all agglomerations (centres of population) greater than 2,000 p.e., and meeting quality targets The Government at a proposal of the MoEPP, in agreement with the Ministry for Transport and Communications Adoption of a programme for wastewater collection and treatment system for all agglomerations (centres of population) greater than 2,000 p.e. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning-Administration of Water Management Carrying out the procedure for the issuance of the permit for discharging into waters Publication of application and public participation in the permit issuance procedure Issuance of the permit for discharging into waters Carrying out a water resource management acceptance of the water management structures and facilities and issuing to the holder of the permit a confirmation of the water resource management acceptance of the structures and facilities Issuing a decision on putting the permit under temporary compulsory management Management of the Cadastre of Environment and the Register of Pollutants and Polluters Issuance of the permit for re-use of Treated Municipal Waste Water Water management works approval Setting the limit values for emissions into the water bodies Ministry of Transport and Communications Utility infrastructure, covering the issues of wastewater treatment and water supply The Minister managing the MoEPP, in agreement with the Minister managing the MoTC Pre-treatment of Commercial and Industrial Waste Water October, Part II: A6-74

33 c) The Mayor of the municipalities and of City of Skopje Public Hearing for the application for discharge permit Opinion regarding the application Collection, removal and treatment of waste waters originating in a local area, and collection and treatment prior to discharge Programme proposals for adoption of a programme for wastewater collection and treatment system for all agglomerations (centres of population) greater than 2,000 p.e. Providing a wastewater collection and treatment system for all agglomerations (centres of population) greater than 2,000 p.e., and meeting quality targets Pre-treatment of Commercial and Industrial Waste Water Carrying out water management services and waste water management servicespublic or private entities founded by the competent authorities of the Republic of Macedonia or by the council of the municipalities or of the City of Skopje October, Part II: A6-75

34 CONTENT 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Information on location Location of Main Collectors Location of WWTP Design of the Main Collector and Siphon Design of the WWTP Design Parameters Treatment Process Sludge Treatment Proposed Facilities of the WWTP Layout of the Facilities Flood Protection TABLES Table 2-1 Specifications of Main collector Table 2-2 Area available for the WWTP Table 2-3 Basic Conditions of the Central WWTP (1) Table 2-4 Basic Conditions of the Central WWTP (2) Table 2-5 Target Water Quality Table 2-6 Proposed Treatment process in Stages Table 2-7 General characteristics of the CASP treatment process Table 2-8 Contents of Digested Gas Table 2-9 Specification of the Proposed Facilities of the WWTP FIGURES Figure 2-1 Layout Plan Figure 2-2 Routes of the left and right bank collectors Figure 2-3 Water Economy Facility Zone as proposed location of the WWTP in Trubarevo Figure 2-4 Definition of the available area for the WWTP Figures 2-5 and 2-6 Proposed site on WWTP location Figure 2-7 Process Flow of CASP and Sludge Treatment Figure 2-8 Sludge Treatment Process Figure 2-9 Recycling Flow of Digestion Gas Figure 2-10 Layout of Treatment Facilities (1) Figure 2-11 Layout of Treatment Facilities (2) Figure 2-12 Existing and extended embankment Figure 2-13 Planned River Cross Section (Vardar River at +187km) Figure 2-14 Cross Section of Planned Embankment October, 2008 Part II: A6-76

35 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Description of the Proposed Project for the Wastewater Treatment Plant for Skopje s urban wastewater and the Main Collectors, covers following segments/parts: Location (including maps), Design parameters for the WWTP and the Main Collectors, Treatment process, Layout of the Facilities, Flood Protection. The aim of the description is to highlight the most important elements of the proposed project which will be used as a base for further consideration in the Environmental Impact Assessment Study. This Study covers the project sites and the area where potential impacts of the project could occur, which includes the City of Skopje and its surroundings. 2.1 Information on location The major components of the Proposed Project which are subject of the EIA Study are the following: The Central WWTP in Trubarevo, The Main collectors (interceptor) on the left and right river bank. Figure in Annex 3 presents the location of the segments of the proposed Project, actually the route of the left and right bank of the main collector and the location of the WWTP, with surrounding municipalities and settlements Location of Main Collectors The Layout plan of the rout of the Main collectors (left and right bank) together with diameters is shown on Figure 2-1. The collector is planned to be installed under roads planned by GUP (Target Year 2020). The total length of the left bank collector is 5,230 m, while the total length of the right bank collector is 4,030 m. The detailed figures about the diameters and length of the pipes are presented in the Table 2-1 bellow: Table 2-1 Specifications of Main collector Pipe Diameter Length remarks material (mm) (m) Concrete 1, Siphon Right Bank Concrete 1,800 3,770 Left Bank Sum 4,030 Concrete 1,500 1,400 Concrete 1,600 2,890 Concrete 1, Sum 5,230 Total 9,260 In order right bank collector to cross the River Vardar, it is planned to construct a siphon. More details about the siphon are given in the text bellow October, 2008 Part II: A

36 Figure 2-1 Layout Plan October, Part II: A6-78

37 Left bank collector mainly passes through Municipality of Gazi Baba (Trubarevo and Madzari settlement). The starting point is at the road 578 and through proposed road named Bulevar Pero Nakov in GUP, the collector goes to Bulevar Vojvodina (road No. 1491) and then follows the proposed road named Industriska 1 along the River Vardar and the proposed road named Industriska 2 until WWTP in Trubarevo. The route of the right bank collector passes through settlement of Novo Lisice in Municipality Aerodrom (Cadastre unit Kisela Voda 2). The starting point is at the Bulevar Srbija (road no. 1460), then continues on the Bulevar Asnom (road no. 1473) and after, follows the proposed road in GUP, Bulevar Asnom and Industriska 2 until WWTP The routes of the left and right bank collectors are shown on Figure 2-2. Figure 2-2 Routes of the left and right bank collectors Location of WWTP Planned area for the WWTP is indicated as Water Economy Facility Zone in the GUP map and is designated as land for WWTP (location of the WWTP is presented in Annex 4, and Figure 2-3 below. Planned location is near the settlement Trubarevo in the Municipality Gazi Baba, on distance of km (depending on the used roads) from settlement Madzari which is at the south end of City of Skopje. The proposed location of the WWTP is at the lowest part of municipality, at the left Vardar river bank. In the vicinity of the location there are roads, railway line, while cargo station and warehouses (Public custom warehouse) is on the east side of the location. There are no settlements within the boundary of the proposed site. The area landscape characteristics include: meadows, unfertile and fertile lands, water areas, etc. The main feature within this zone is the natural heritage Ostrovo, and the Arboretum, an area out of the zone for the WWTP, which has the level of protection as natural monument. October, 2008 Part II: A

38 Figure 2-3 Water Economy Facility Zone as proposed location of the WWTP in Trubarevo The area of the Water Economy Facility Zone covers in total 106 ha. From this area few deductions were made due to already occupied land and land which should be reserved for future infrastructure. After the deduction, the available area for the WWTP is 57 ha. The details are presented in the Table 2-2 and on the Figure 2-4. Table 2-2 Area available for the WWTP Water Economy Facility Area Present Vardar River area Right bank side of present Vardar River Planned road area Protected area for conservation of nature Available area for WWTP facilities Area 106 ha -8 ha -18 ha Remarks Total area for Central WWTP Based on plan table survey Not available until the river improvement schedule is fixed. -3 ha Not available -20 ha Not available 57 ha October, 2008 Part II: A

39 Figure 2-4 Definition of the available area for the WWTP On the following two Figures 2-5 and 2-6, the photos of the proposed site are presented. Figures 2-5 and 2-6 Proposed site on WWTP location October, 2008 Part II: A

40 2.2 Design of the Main Collector and Siphon The main designing parameters can be summarized as follows: Target year: 2030 Sewer district area for right bank: km 2 Sewer district area for left bank: km 2 Total sewer district area: km 2 Domestic wastewater: Industrial wastewater: Total wastewater: 2.57 m 3 /s (222,260 m 3 /d) 0.40 m 3 /s ( 34,840 m 3 /d) 2.98 m 3 /s (257,100 m 3 /d) The existing trunk (main) sewers in the network of the City of Skopje were constructed as sanitary sewers, but currently, the collected sewage is discharged to the River Vardar through storm sewers. As the City of Skopje has targeted to complete separate system, instead of converting the storm sewer to trunk sanitary sewer, a new trunk sewer will be installed in parallel with existing storm sewer. The most upstream point of the new trunk line is considered as the starting point of the main collector. The main collector will be equipped with storm water separation chambers with overflow weir from which the wastewater is conveyed to a wastewater treatment plant and the storm water is discharged into the river. At the right bank side, there will be three storm water separation chambers installed at its starting point and two points prior to the river crossing. At the left bank side, another three chambers will be installed. The first one will be at its starting point, the second chamber at about 1.5 km downstream and the third chamber prior to railway crossing. In order the Main collector - right bank to cross the River Vardar, a siphon structure is planned. It is planned to install two units with the same diameter and the siphon box to be equipped with either gate or sliding gate. Considering the high pressures and loads on which the siphon structure will be exposed, on one hand, and the need for avoiding any leakages and pollution of the River Vardar, on the other hand, solution to surround the siphon structure with concrete for 360 degrees was accepted. The position of the concrete surface level will be set at 50 cm lower than the current river bed level. 2.3 Design of the WWTP Design Parameters The targeted year for the Central WWTP is The basic parameters used for designing the WWTP are given in the Tables 2-3 and 2-4: Table 2-3 Basic Conditions of the Central WWTP (1) Per Capita Population Flow (person) (l/pc/d) Average Domestic Wastewater Industrial Wastewater Flow (m 3 /d) Peak Factor Hourly Maximum 513, , , ,300-32,300 Stormwater , Total 513, , , ,740 October, 2008 Part II: A

41 Table 2-4 Basic Conditions of the Central WWTP (2) Per Per Capita Popula- Average Capita Load tion Flow Flow (g/capita-d) (person) (m 3 /d) (l/pc/d) Domestic Wastewater Industrial Wastewater Pollution Load (kg/d) Water Quality (mg/l) BOD SS BOD SS BOD SS 513, , ,814 23, ,300 5,399 9, Stormwater 31,000 3,410 12, , Total 39,623 44, , Note: Population Equivalent based on pollution load is 660,380 persons, using 60 g/capita-day Treatment Process The selection of the treatment process was made upon the requirements of the EU Directives, constrains of the WWTP site and the project's investment and maintenance costs. After comprehensive analysis, it is propose to apply CASP (Conventional Activated Sludge Process) treatment process for the WWTP in Trubarevo. The explanations and reasons for the selection of this treatment process are presented in the Chapter 4. Analysis of Alternatives. The requirements of the EU Directives regarding discharge of treated wastewater into rivers are presented in Table 2-5. Table 2-5 Target Water Quality Parameter Quality Remarks Stage BOD SS COD 25 mg/l 35 mg/l 125 mg/l EU directives for urban wastewater: (1) Population Equivalent of Central WWTP sewer district is over 20,000, required treatment level: primary and biological treatment (2) Skopje is not located in Less Sensitive Area nor Sensitive Area Target Year 2020 (as a first stage) N P EU directives for urban wastewater: (1) In case of Sensitive Area, this Directives governs WWTP effluent After 2020 (as a second stage) The implementation of the proposed project for the WWTP is planned to be in two stages. The first stage is up to 2020 and includes conventional activated sludge process for BOD removal for the wastewater and secondary treatment for certain amount of storm water as first flush. At the second stage, after 2020, the treatment of the wastewater will be upgrade with nitrogen and phosphorous removal, while for the storm water, check on a need for detention reservoir is planned. The proposed treatment process in stages is presented in Table 2-6: October, 2008 Part II: A

42 Table 2-6 Proposed Treatment process in Stages Wastewater Treatment Storm water Treatment Sludge Treatment Stage Stage I (2020) Stage II (after 2020) Stage I (2020) Stage II (after 2020) Proposed Process Conventional activated sludge process for BOD removal Nitrification/Denitrification for nitrogen removal and chemical addition for phosphorous removal Secondary treatment for certain amount of storm water regarded as first flush Check whether detention reservoir is needed or not through qualitative and quantitative survey on storm water Sludge Thickening, Sludge Digestion, Sludge Drying General characteristics of the CASP process are summarized in the Table 2-7 below, while the Process flow of CASP and treatment of the sludge is shown in Figure 2-7 and in Annex 5. Figure 2-7 Process Flow of CASP and Sludge Treatment Each of the steps of the treatment process is described as follows: Grit chamber Grit chamber is used to remove the sand/gravel and prevents abrasion and wear of mechanical equipment, grit deposition in pipelines and channels and accumulation of grit in anaerobic digesters and aeration tanks. Primary settling tank The objective of the primary treatment is to remove readily settled matters by gravitational solid liquid separation in order to lessen loadings in the next step - biological treatment. The liquid part is called primary effluent and flows into aeration tanks. Retention time in primary settling tank is 1.5 to 2.5 hours and during this period, % of the suspended solids are removed. Separated solids are called primary sludge and are treated separately or jointly with excess activated sludge. Aeration tank Primary effluent is mixed with return sludge in aeration tanks and aerated for a period of 6 to 8 hours. Microbes contained in return sludge remove organics in primary effluent through initial adsorption followed by metabolic activities of aerobic microbes. Oxygen necessary for microbial activities is supplied by blowers. Microbes form floccules which are removed as secondary sludge at secondary settling tanks. October, 2008 Part II: A

43 Secondary settling tank Secondary settling tanks separate liquid part from solid part by gravity. The former is called secondary effluent which is chlorinated if necessary and finally discharged into the River Vardar. The final effluent has to comply with effluent quality standard. The latter is called secondary sludge. One part of this sludge is returned to aeration tanks for biological organics removal. The rest is conveyed to sludge treatment facility. Chlorine contact tank / disinfection tank The final effluent is chlorinated to disinfect pathogenic bacteria and to protect public health in the river. Usually, sodium hypochlorite is used for chlorination. The retention time in chlorine contact tanks is 15 minutes. Coliform number is usually used to evaluate to what extent is the sewage treated and disinfected. Table 2-7 General characteristics of the CASP treatment process Characteristics Characteristic of treatment process Operation Generation of sludge Loading of final settling tank Required amount of oxygen CASP It is operated in the condition of high loading. Therefore, careful attention in case of change of inlet flow rate and quality is required. Nitrification is not expected to occur in the planed WWTP due to relatively short period of sludge retention time. Technique of its operation is well established and it is commonly practiced among middle scale of WWTPs. It requires relatively careful attention for its operation. However, it is expected to be efficient for planned WWTP because one unit can be used for treating large amount. Generation of sludge including raw sludge. Loading of final settling tank can be m 3 /m 2 day because sedimentation of activated sludge is relatively better due to low MLSS (1,500-2,000mg/l). Energy efficiency is superior because oxygen requirement is lower due to the following reasons. Approximately, 40% of BOD 5 is removed in primary settling tank. Nitrification is not expected to occur Sludge Treatment The principles of sludge treatment include: Dewatering and reducing the volume of sludge produced from sewage treatment Stabilizing the quality of sludge Adjustment in order to utilize sewage sludge as resource Thus, anaerobic digestion is expected to be included in the process of sludge treatment in order to stabilize the quality of sludge and improve biological safety for utilization. The unit processes meeting these purposes are shown below: Reduction of the volume: Thickening, Dewatering and Drying Reduction of the solid content: Anaerobic digesting, Incineration and Melting Stabilization of the quality: Anaerobic digesting, Composting, Incineration and Melting October, 2008 Part II: A

44 The process of sludge treatment combining these unit processes is shown in Figure 2-8 Sludge Thickening Digesting Drying Storage Landfill or Reuse Figure 2-8 Sludge Treatment Process Each of the steps of the treatment process is described as follows: Gravity sludge thickener The function of gravity thickeners is in principle the same as of settling tanks. Mixture of primary and secondary sludge stays in gravity thickeners for 12 hours during which time solids are separated from liquid. Liquid part or supernatant is returned to the inlet of WWTP and treated from the beginning. Solid part or thickened sludge is further treated at digestion tanks. Anaerobic sludge digester In the digestion process the amount of organic matter and the number of disease-causing microorganisms present in the sludge are reduced. Anaerobic digestion is done by anaerobic bacteria that do not require free oxygen. These bacteria use oxygen contained in organics in the sludge. During the process, anaerobic digestion generates biogas with a high proportion of methane that can be used to heat the digestion tank when the atmospheric temperature is low. The required time for the process is around 30 days. Sludge drying bed At the initial stage of drying, the liquid part of digested sludge spread on sludge drying beds that seeps into gravel layer at the bottom of beds is returned to the inlet of WWTP. In the next stage, liquid contained in sludge is naturally evaporated. Total retention time is two weeks. Gas holder The generated gas will be stored in tanks and later used for heating of digesters. After thickening of the sludge in the gravity sludge thickener and digesting in anaerobic digestion tanks, the stabilized sludge is spread at drying beds. The reasons for selection of sludge drying beds are explained in Chapter 4. Analysis of the Alternatives. The planned production of sludge is 72,4 m 3 /day. The selected solution for storage of the sludge is very much depending on the contents of the sludge, regarding the presence of dangerous substances. The possible presence of dangerous substances is from the industrial wastewater. Under the Law on Environment, the IPPC system has come into force and the prevention measures of water, air and soil will be the obligation of each industry before discharge. According to the Law, the activities of new installations or substantial changes on existing installations shall be performed only upon prior obtained integrated environmental permit and the existing facilities have to submit the operational plan for its improvement. Each industry is required to implement the prevention measures by 2014 and the hazardous substances should be pre-treated before the wastewater is discharged into the collectors. By implementation and compliance of IPPC system, any dangerous substances will not be discharged into the sewers and the sludge can be disposed of at the existing landfill or used for the agriculture. October, 2008 Part II: A

45 However, considering the situation that the deadline for complete introduction of IPPC system is extended to 2014 from 2007, and the duration of the process of issuing permits and achievement of compliance with the legal requirements, it is difficult to say that by the operation of WWTP the industrial wastewater which will be discharged into the sewers will be completely pre-treated and any dangerous substances will not be present in the sludge. If there will be no dangerous matters in the sludge, it should be disposed at Drisla landfill. The solution for sludge with detected dangerous matters is to store it at special landfill for hazardous waste, which according to the plans of the MoEPP (Waste Management Strategy Action Plan) shall be operational in In the case that the special landfill for hazardous waste is not constructed yet, the sludge will be disposed in the temporary storage at the WWTP site. Concerning utilization of sludge, as construction material is excluded in this case because it requires the process of mechanical dewatering, but since the process of drying sludge is planned in this WWTP, dried sludge after composting can be utilized for agricultural purposes. Regarding energy utilization, this project considers usage of digested gas in order to heat digester. The planned contents of digested gas are shown in Table 2-8 and the systematic flow of utilization is shown in Figure 2-9 below. Table 2-8 Contents of Digested Gas Contents of Digested Gas in v/v % CH 4 CO 2 H 2 N 2 H 2 S 60~65 33~35 0~2 0~3 0.02~0.08 Heating Thickened Sludge Anaerobic Sludge Digester Gas Holder Heater Excess Gas Combustion Unit Figure 2-9 Recycling Flow of Digestion Gas Using the gas for energy production reduces energy operational costs and reduces the emission of the gas (methane) in the atmosphere, which all together contributes to less air pollution and less energy consumption Proposed Facilities of the WWTP In the Table 2-9, the specification of the proposed facilities of the WWTP is presented with the basic dimensions and number of units: October, 2008 Part II: A

46 Table 2-9 Specification of the Proposed Facilities of the WWTP Facility Dimension / Number Remarks A. Wastewater Treatment (1) Grit Chamber (2) Main Pumps 166 m 3 /min in total For maximum hourly (3) Primary Settling Tank Dia. 24.0m 8 tank (4) Aeration Tank 16.0m 67.0m 5.0m 8 tank (5) Secondary Settling Tank Dia. 24.0m 16 tank (6) Chlorine Contact Tank 10.0m 86.0m 2.0m 1 tank B. Sludge Treatment (1) Gravity Sludge Thickener Dia. 21.0m 2 tank (2) Anaerobic Digestion Tanks Dia. 23.0m 11.0m 4 tank (3) Gas Holder Dia. 12.0m 10.0m 2 tank (4) Sludge Drying Bed 18.0 ha Including transportation aisle Layout of the Facilities The layout of the facilities of the WWTP is presented on Figure 2-10 and Figure On the first figure, part of the area planned for the WWTP is presented (excluding sludge drying beds) with the list of other facilities. On the Figure 2-11, the whole area is shown, including all main facilities. October, 2008 Part II: A

47 Figure 2-10 Layout of Treatment Facilities (1) October, 2008 Part II: A

48 Main Collector Poundage land For sludge Site for wastewater treatment facilities Sludge Drying Beds Site for sludge treatment facilities Sludge Drying Beds N Green Buffer Zone for Sludge Drying Beds 0 500m Figure 2-11 Layout of Treatment Facilities (2) October, Part II: A6-90

49 2.3.6 Flood Protection One of the most likely events that could jeopardize and endanger the operation of the WWTP is the flooding. Based on the river plan prepared by the City of Skopje, the embankments to cope with 1,000 year return period flood have been constructed. However, the embankment near the WWTP site is only partly constructed, and there is a need for extension of the embankment in order to protect the staff members for operation and maintenance of the WWTP as well as the WWTP facilities. Figure 2-12 shows the location of the embankment extension and Figure 2-13 shows the typical section of Vardar River near the location. The embankment that should be extended will be situated between the railway on the western side of WWTP site and the existing embankment at the downstream of the river and will be design to cope with 1,000 year return period flood. Figure 2-12 Existing and extended embankment October, Part II: A6-91

50 Figure 2-13 Planned River Cross Section (Vardar River at +187km) The planned river water level of Q 1000 is +235m where the WWTP site is situated, and the level of planned embankment is set to be +236m. Figure 2-14 shows the cross section of the planned embankment. Figure 2-14 Cross Section of Planned Embankment October, Part II: A6-92

51 CONTENT 3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA WITHIN AND SURROUNDING THE SITE Topography Soil geology Groundwater Hydrology Climate and Meteorology Temperature Precipitation Wind Other climate parameters Water Quality General Water Quality of the River Vardar in project Area Measurements River Water Quality BOD River Water Quality SS River Water Quality Other Indicators Information about domestic waste water Information about industrial wastewater in Skopje Current Industrial Wastewater Generations and Quality Current Industrial Wastewater Management IPPC system and Implementation Current pollution source monitoring regarding Industrial wastewater in Skopje Waste Management Ambient Air Quality Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Skopje Noise Flora and Fauna Flora Assessment of Floral Diversity Evaluation of Floral diversity Fauna Assessment of Faunal Diversity Evaluation of Faunal Diversity Visual environment and landscape Description of nature, cultural and historical heritage Environmental Social Elements Population General economic condition Gross Domestic Product Work Force and Employment Population Health Urban Environment Urban Development and Housing Land use Industry and Services Traffic Water Supply Energy Infrastructure Green Areas Education and Culture Local Self Government October, 2008 Part II: A6-93

52 TABLES Table 3-1 Depths and Ground Level of the Boreholes Table 3-2 Groundwater Level Table 3-3 General information for River Vardar Table 3-4 Flow Rate in the River Vardar and Tributaries; High, Average, Low and Draught Water Table 3-5 Average monthly and annual air temperature Table 3-6 Absolute maximum monthly and annual air temperature Table 3-7 Absolute minimum monthly and annual air temperature Table 3-8 Historical Amount of Monthly Precipitation in Skopje City Table 3-9 Average monthly and annual precipitation sums in mm Table 3-10 The maximum monthly and annual precipitation sums Table 3-11 Average monthly and annual wind speeds in m/sec Table 3-12 Average monthly and annual insulation in hours, source: HMI Table 3-13 Average number of days with fog by months and at annual level for the period Table 3-14 Average monthly and annual cloudiness in tens Table 3-15 Water Quality Standards on BOD 5 and SS Table 3-16 Water Quality in the River Vardar - BOD 5 and SS Table 3-17 Location and Collected Number of Samples for River Water Monitoring Table 3-18 Mean Value of BOD 5 in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-19 Mean Values of SS in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-20 Mean Value of Organoleptic Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-21 Maximum Allowed Values of the Organoleptic Indicators Table 3-22 Mean Value of Indicators of Acidity in Vardar River and its Tributaries Table 3-23 Maxumum Allowed Values of the Indicators of Acidity Table 3-24 Mean Value of Oxygen Regime Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-25 Mean Value of Mineralization Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-26 Mean Value of Eutrophication Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-27 Mean Value of Microbiological Pollution Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-28 Mean Value of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-29 Mean Value of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in River Vardar and its Tributaries Table 3-30 Unit Load of Domestic Wastewater Table 3-31 Water Quality at Sewer Outlet from 2002 to Table 3-32 Water Quality at Sewer Outlet from 2002 to Table 3-33 Water Consumption by Type of Industry Table 3-34 Wastewater Generation by Type of Industry and Ratio of Wastewater Generation Table 3-35 Wastewater Generation Ratio (Wastewater Generation/Water Consumption (%) Table 3-36 Current Pollution Load Estimation of 50 Surveyed Industries Table 3-37 Quantities of Municipal Waste Generated in Skopje and Disposed on Drisla Landfill Table 3-38 The review of the average annually concentration of some parameters Table 3-39 The results from the monitoring stations under the Public Health Institute and the Hydrometrological Administration Table 3-40 Main conclusions on the noise monitoring data Table 3-41 Tree species within Ezerce ( in percentages) Table 3-42 Habitats in the region of Ostrovo Table 3-43 Floristic register of the registered plant species within the region of Ostrovo Table 3-44 Taxonomic survey of Fishes recorded in the River Vardar along the studied area Table 3-45 Taxonomic survey of Amphibians and Reptiles recorded in the investigated area Table 3-46 Taxonomic survey of Birds recorded in the investigated area Table 3-47 Taxonomic survey of Mammals recorded in the investigated area Table 3-48 Evaluation of Fishes Table 3-49 Evaluation of Amphibians and Reptiles Table 3-50 Evaluation of Birds Table 3-51 Evaluation of Mammals Table 3-52 Protected areas within City of Skopje Table 3-53 Natural Monuments (IUCN Category III) Table 3-54 Skopje Population - Breakdown by ethnic background Table 3-55 Some indicators regarding the growth volume of the total population, population density and urban population in Macedonia, years 1994 and October, 2008 Part II: A6-94

53 Table 3-56 Population Size and share (percentile %) within the basic functional age-sex contingents in the Skopje region Table 3-57 Working force, and Unemployment rate in Skopje Table 3-58 Incomes per Households Table 3-59 Skopje Region Unemployment rate Table 3-60 Volume and dynamics of social welfare beneficiaries in Skopje Region, Table 3-61 Total population, households, flats and capacity of surface occupied Table 3-62 Some indicators regarding dwelling in Skopje region, year Table 3-63 Usage and ownership of land at the left Bank of the Vardar River Table 3-64 Usage and ownership of land at the right Bank of the Vardar River Table 3-65 Lande use and ownership regarding WWTP Table 3-66 Summary breakup of Business activities by Gazi Baba municipality s areas Table 3-67 Total water consumption from the city water supply system Table 3-68 The current situation regarding consumption and the installed boilers capacity of the Heating Station Toplana Istok Table 3-69 Dimensions of the distributive gas pipelines in the city of Skopje Table 3-70 MRS Structures in Municipality of Gazi Baba Table 3-71 Municipality of Gazi Baba areas under permanent greenery Table 3-72 Level of education FIGURES Figure 3-1: The territory of the municipality of Gazi Baba Figure 3-2: Flow Rate Measuring Points in Study Area Figure 3-3: Flow Rate at Upstream stretch of the River Vardar (station Vlae) Figure 3-4: Flow Rate at Middle stretch of the River Vardar (station Skopje Z.Most) Figure 3-5: Flow Rate at Downstream stretch of the River Vardar (station Taor) Figure 3-6: Temperature Data for the Period (Skopje-Petrovec) Figure 3-7: Temperature Data for the Period (Skopje- Zajcev Rid) Figure 3-8: Variation of Monthly Precipitation in Skopje City Figure 3-9: Precipitations Data for the Period (Skopje-Petrovec) Figure 3-10: Precipitations Data for the Period (Skopje-Zajcev Rid) Figure 3-11: Wind rose for Skopje-Zajcev Rid monitoring station Figure 3-12: Wind rose for Skopje-Petrovec monitoring station Figure 3-13: Insulation at two monitoring stations in Skopje in hours Figure 3-14: Water Quality Measuring Points in R.Macedonia Figure 3-15: Locations of River Water and Wastewater Monitoring Station Figure 3-16: Wastewater Quality (Source: Vodovod) Figure 3-17: Locations of 50 Installations Surveyed Figure 3-18: Water Consumption by Type of Industry Figure 3-19: Wastewater Generation Ratio by Type of Industry Figure 3-20: Load Ratio by Type of Industry Figure 3-21: Timetable concerning the submission of the application for A and B installations Figure 3-22: Protected Area Ostrovo, forest vegetation Figure 3-23: Cultivated fields with cereal crops Figure 3-24: Marsh vegetation on the locality Ezerce Figure 3-25: Lemna sp on the surface of the Ezerce, while on the Figure 3-26: Populus alba, Typha latifolia Figure 3-27: Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry on locality nearby the WWTP Figure 3-28: Macedonian Barbel (Barbus macedonicus), Legally Protected Species, Figure 3-29: Vardar Spined Roach (Cobitis vardarensis), Legally Protected Species, Figure 3-30: Macedonian Crested Newt (Triturus macedonicus), Figure 3-31:Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca), Legally Protected and Globally Threatened Species Figure 3-32: Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) and Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Legally Protected and Globally Threatenedb Species Figure 3-33: Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), Legally Protected Species Figure 3-34: Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), Figure 3-35: Lesser Mole Rat (Spalax leucodon), Globally Threatened Species October, 2008 Part II: A6-95

54 Figure 3-36: Skopje Region Age Pyramid Figure 3-37: Regional GDP per capita, Figure 3-38: Land use in % (left bank) Figure 3-39: Land ownership in % (left bank) Figure 3-40: Land use in % (right bank) Figure 3-41: Land ownership in % (riht bank) Figure 3-42: Land use regarding WWTP (%) Figure 3-43: Land ownership regarding WWTP (%) Figure 3-44: Dependence: gross water supply October, 2008 Part II: A6-96

55 3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA WITHIN AND SURROUNDING THE SITE 3.1 Topography The city of Skopje is located in the central part of Skopje Valley at 42 0' N, 21 26' E, on m) above see level and is surrounded by high mountains Skopska Crna Gora on the north 1,626 m, on the west by the mountains Zeden 1,254 m and Osoj 1,369 m, Mountain Jakupica 2,540 m on the south and Katlanovo hill on the east. Skopje Valley is oriented from north-west to south-east in length of 47 km. The width varies between 28 and 50 km. Valley area is 2,100 km 2. The lowest point of the Valley is at altitude of 175 m and the highest point is at Jakupica Mountain 2,540 m. The city is on the upper course of the Vardar River, and is located in the central part of Skopje Valley spreaded on 7,656 ha in total. The natural predisposition looked from physical and geographic aspect and the land configuration indicate that the Skopje Valley, have an extraordinary suitable traffic and communication position, possibly higher than the utilization rate so far. The rapid economic, cultural and physical development of the city of Skopje resulted in technical ventures on the area that led to changes in the geographic environment (melioration on Vardar River, the swampy and muddy areas, construction of transportation and energy systems, etc.). These changes in the natural environment increased the attractive power of the space, which is expressed by the population and activities concentration, i.e. the location of complementary and supplementary city operations 1. The Topography map of Skopje City urban part is given in Annex 6. Planned location of Waste water treatment plant for Skopje is on the south-east part of Skopje Valley, in Trubarevo within municipality Gazi Baba in which presents a homogenous physical-geographic area, that occupies the lowest part of the Skopje Valley. As such this area is a high quality cultivated land in this region. The municipality Gazi Baba spreads on the east part of the Skopje valley and the City of Skopje, and covers 92(km 2 ). According the relief, it is an area, whose most part (central, south-west and the south) is situated in a valley. 65% from the area is fertile land. The rest of the territory covers several hills: in the north part there is characteristic landscape the forest Gazi Baba, in the central part is the location Kamnik, and in the east the mountain part of Skopska Crna Gora. The relief of the municipality consists from several different morphological elements and shapes. The municipality Gazi Baba borders on the north-west with the nicipality Butel, on the west with the municipalities Chair and Center, on south with Kisela Voda and Aerodrom, on south-east with the municipality Petrovec and on the east side with Ilinden, Arachinovo and Lipkovo. The diameter indirection east-west is 10 km, and south-north 15 km. The territory of the municipality of Gazi Baba. is shown in Figure Source: Feasibility Study on Integral Development of the Vardar Valley, Skopje, 1997 October, Part II: A6-97

56 Figure 3-1: The territory of the municipality of Gazi Baba The hills in the alluvial valley are: Gazi Baba, Kamnik and Krst, constructed from marl and dusty-clay sediments. As micro-relief forms they are relatively small and located on the left side of the river Vardar. The hill Kamnik spreads northeast from the metal industry complex Mines and Iron plant Skopje Skopje, in direction south-east north-west. It spreads over 5 km, starting from the settlement Chento on southeast to the hill Krts on north-west, and is the highest hill on the bottom of the Skopje valley. The hill has several peaks, and the highest is 317 m above sea level. The hill Krst is lower than the previous one and spreads in direction southeast northwest over 1,5 km. there are two peaks on it, with height of 315 and 316 m. on the western slopes is located the settlement Butel. South from the hill Krst, over the rails is situated the most remarkable hill in the municipality the hill Gazi Baba. Together with the previous two, it closes the wide amphitheatre where the former metal complex Mines and Iron plant is located. The hill spreads over 3 km in length, and over 1,5 m in width, and on its west and north slopes are located the settlements Bit Pazar, Butel 2 and Zelezara. The lowest part of Gazi Baba is the village Trubarevo with 225 m altitude above sea level, and the highest part is on 1,626 m altitude above sea level. The location of Trubarevo, where Waste water treatment plant is planned to be build is 41 58'N, 21 30'E, on 231(m) above see level. 3.2 Soil geology According to the regional geological research data presented on the Basic Geological Map, scale 1: , sheet Skopje, the ground of Skopje basin is made of masses of rocks from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic complex. October, Part II: A6-98

57 Basic geological ambience on the wide-spread area of Skopje basin is Neogene - Pliocene sediments and Quaternary-alluvial deposits. The basic rock masses are the Pliocene lake sediments taking about 700 meters, covered with Quarternary mostly alluvial-terrace sediments. Characteristics of the Quarternary sediments of upper layers were determined basically as gravel and sand and clay layers up to the terrain surface. Their genesis is connected with the alluvial flows of the river Vardar, as well as the flood deposits from the surrounding river basins. The Paleozoic complex encompasses: schist, marble and quartzite, which altogether spread from north-east to south-west. Considering the stratigraphic characteristic, the oldest rock masses in the Paleozoic complex are the amphibolites, the amphibolite schist, more exactly, here present through several varieties of minerals. The schist is dark-green, cracked, but firm and solid, containing relicts of metamorphosed diabase and gabbro. From seismic and tectonic aspect of the region, the location belongs to the Vardar seismic zone, where the Skopje epicentre area is the most striking by the level of the earthquake destructive effects. These aspects should be taken into consideration while dimensioning the statistical parameters for construction, in order to provide a seismic protection and inviolability in case of earthquake with anticipated intensity. Thus, seismicity of the Skopje valley associated with contemporary tectonic processes that caused strong to catastrophic earthquakes in the past. Maximum expected magnitude is M=6.5. The seismicity of the Skopje valley is dominantly controlled by the seismic activity of the local seismic sources. The maximum expected seismic intensity is IX (EMS- 98), defined using the data from all earthquakes that had affected the region. It is unlikely, that the seismic intensity would exceed this value, but due to unfavourable soil conditions at particular microlocations within the urban zone, higher intensities might be manifested locally. Annex 7 presents Seismotectonic Map of the Greater Skopje Region, hence relevant magnitudes are marked properly. Under super position, the marble appear next as interstratifications or in bands in the schist masses. They are mostly gray and white, or with striped, on some places with schist texture and significant percentage of mica, which point out the gradual transition with the surrounding mica schist. According to their presence in the Paleozoic complex, the biotite and quartz-sericite schist represent the basic mass. Mostly they are in a tectonic relation with the rest of the litostratigraphic members. They are clayey-sand products, which, metamorphosing during the long geological history, transformed into different varieties of schist. Their color is gray and brown, their surface is mostly degraded and dilapidated (frail), striped and with extended schists-like characteristic. The sediments and magmatites of the Mesozoic complex are found to contain creations of the period of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Triassic sediments are present through clayey and soils deposits from Lower Triassic period, tile-shaped limestone of the Middle Triassic and massive limestone of Upper Triassic. The sediments of the Lower Triassic are present through clayey and sandy soils. It has been established that they contain fossils of marine shells, which determined the age of the sediments. The tile-shaped limestone from the Middle Triassic appears in association together with chert and lie inside the previous rocks. The Upper Triassic is represented with massive limestone with gray on the surface. October, Part II: A6-99

58 The Upper Cretaceous sediments are represented with facies of red quartz conglomerate, which are in a trans-agressive relation with the Triassic sediments and a tectonic position towards the Jurassic formation. Generally, the soil on the location is composed of proluvial deposits represented by flour clay mixtures and gravel ingredients. The geo-mechanical features of these deposits are relatively low due to the narrow angles of internal friction and low modules of pressure. Therefore, such layers can be used only for low specific loads. Under this layer there is a layer of gravel deposits and sandy mixtures including small particles, very compact. This layer has satisfactory geo-mechanical features and can be used as direct foundation base. Geological map of Skopje area is given in Annex 8. Pedological composition of Skopje Valley is heterogeneous. Different soil types are represented: regosoils, coluvial, deluvial soils, vertisoils, chromium cambosoils (cinamonic forest soils), cambosoils (brown forest soils), fluvisoils (alluvion soils), fluvial-medow soils (humus fluvsoils) etc. Generaly, the ground down to 12.0 m is composed of the following substances: Humus soil; Soil with small particles and silt, medium solid consistency, very confined, darkbrown coloured; Clay flour, small and coarse sand and gravel and organic ingredients, medium plastic, medium solid consistency, brown colour; Small to coarse gravel, sandy, medium to thick concentration with presence of silt, oscillating percentage of granules Ø max mm, unconfined, reddish and brown. The whole territory of the municipality Gazi Baba was flooded from the former Skopje Lake (Oligocene lake). The relief, abrasive terraces and surfaces kept their horizontal position. Because of the tectonic movements and the big seismic instability, as well as the frequent earthquakes with epicentre in the Skopje valley and especially in the east part (the location of the municipality), resulted in leaking of the lake, rhythmically, with holding on to several levels, which formed the Skopje valley. The whole low land of the municipality is covered with youngest fluvial segments, represented by silt, sand and gravel. Beside that, there is neoggenic Lake sandy clay sediments which are visible 2 to 5 m depth. That is why the low lands provided favorable conditions for quality agricultural crops. Also, in the low lands the erosion is weak, which minimizes the negative consequences. The complex alluvial soils in Skopsko Pole are formed with fluvial accumulation activity of the rivers Vardar, Treska, Lepenec and Markova. The profile of these soils is relatively deep. The physical characteristics show great variety, and according the chemical content they are carbon and poor in humus. They are spread on the hilly terrains of Zajchev Rid, Belushka, Gazi Baba, Chukov Rid and Kamnik. The meadow soils, formed under the influence of the high underground waters, spread on the east from the settlements Chento, the village Singelich, Indzikovo, and on the southeast towards the village Trubarevo and municipality Ilinden. The resins are present on the east slopes of Gazi Baba and Kamnik. They are developed over different neogenic sediments. Larger areas southeast from Kamnik are the resins, which characterize with high productive ability. The alluvial-sandy soils are spread around Trubarevo and are used for intensive gardening, grapes and fruit production. October, Part II: A6-100

59 The meadow soils, formed under the influence of the high underground waters, spread on the east from the settlements Chento, the village Singelich, Indzikovo, and on the southeast towards the village Trubarevo and municipality Ilinden. During June 2008, detailed geotechnical survey was carried out in vicinity of Trubarevo, at the location of the future WWTP. At the location, twelve (12) boreholes were drilled with the following depths (Table 3-1). Table 3-1 Depths and Ground Level of the Boreholes Borehole No. Depth [m] Ground level[m.a.s.l.] B B B B B B B B B B B B During the drilling, it was conducted a terrain test in city (SPT) Standard dynamic penetration test at every one meter depth, which give us parameters for soil compressibility, also certain laboratory tests have been conducted on the samples of selected soil materials, taken in trial boring, according to current standards of the R. of Macedonia, to determine. Thus, the field investigations and laboratory tests conducted provide enough data to define and classify soil strata of the location up to the investigated depth. According to the investigations conducted and the results of those investigations, there can be generally defined the composition of the investigated location. On the basis of the investigations the following soil profile of the terrain has been established: ML SFs GW Sandy and clayly silt, low plasticity, light brown color, established in all boreholes as bed with depth of 0.5 to 1.2 m; Silty sand, rarely with gravel pieces, light brown colour. It has been established in the boreholes under the silt: B-1 ( m), B-2 ( m), B-4 ( m), B-7 ( m), B-9 ( m), B-10 ( m), B-11 ( m); Silty and sandy gravel, locally clayly, rarely with blocks, well size distribution, with fine and softy grains surface d max =8.0cm, compacted, gray colour. It has been established in all boreholes under the silt and sand to the investigation depth. Few examples of the results regarding terrain tests, laboratory tests and are presented in Annex 9 and Annex 10, while the overall results are as a part of the Geotechnical investigations and laboratory tests conducted for the purposes of the Feasibility Study. 3.3 Groundwater Two main aquifers characterise the groundwater below Skopje valley: high yield semiconfined aquifer of superficial sand and gravel with clay horizons and low yield aquifer in underlying marls. October, Part II: A6-101

60 The superficial aquifer is in direct connection with the River Vardar, being within the alluvial plain of the river. The depths of groundwater level vary depending on the local conditions, flowing in general in direction towards the river and downstream. The upper aquifer stretching along upper part of Skopje valley consists of compacted alluvial sand and gravel on both sides of the river. The thickness varies from 4-5 m in the western part to up to 144 m in Trubarevo. The hydraulic conductivity also varies. Data from existing wells shows K from 1.80*10-5 to as high as 3.60*10-2 m/s (Trubarevo). The depths are from m in the upper (western) part to m from surface in the east industrial area. In the upstream part of the River Vardar, at location Nerezi and near the mouth of the River Lepenec into the River Vardar, there are wells for municipal water supply. The wells were drilled in with total yield of 1,45 m 3 /s. In the industry area there are number of boreholes for supplying industry with water. The yield varies considerably depending on the location and borehole diameter and depth up to 60 l/s in the urban part and up to 225 l/s in the lower part of the valley. At certain locations the drawdown has been considerable reaching locally up to - 10 m. Monitoring of groundwater abstraction, groundwater levels and the water quality have been reduced in the later period, which significantly affected the data collection and recording. In order to have a clear picture the monitoring efforts have to be substantially improved. This is even more significant regarding the water quality monitoring which is insufficient at the moment. In the lower part of Skopje valley the same aquifer compacted alluvial sand and gravelcontinues with reduced thickness and similar conductivity. The groundwater level is artificially kept bellow the surface of the terrain by drainage network and pumped into the River Vardar before Taor gorge. The drainage system has been constructed in the 1950s to drain about 6,600 ha of the Katlanovo wetland for agricultural expansion. Around 70 ha of the wetland have been protected and preserved in 1956 with a special law. During June 2008, detailed geotechnical survey was carried out in vicinity of Trubarevo, at the location of the future WWTP. The Hydro geological Map of the area around Skopje is presented in Annex 11. At the location, twelve (12) boreholes were drilled with the following depths as presented in Table 3-1. The Layout with position of the boreholes at the location is given in Annex 12. The groundwater level was measured in all boreholes and the depths (distance from the ground level and groundwater level) are shown in the following Table 3-2 : Table 3-2 Groundwater Level Borehole No. Groundwater level [m] Borehole No. Groundwater level [m] B B B B B B B B B B B B It can be concluded that the groundwater level at the location for the WWTP is rather high and it varies from -3.5 m to -7.0 m. According to the results from the drilling, the characteristics of various lithological units are defined. The strata of silty sands and gravelly sands, which form part of the sequence of October, Part II: A6-102

61 alluvial sediments, represent layers with different thickness and rather high permeability. Clayey, sandy silts on surface layers are typical top hydrological aquiclude. Gravelly sands strata represent favorable aquifers, shown in Annex 11. According to the investigations, these aquifers are formed of non-consolidated sediments with a free water table (phreatic) and primary permeability (inter-granular porosity and permeability). The groundwater flow direction is similar to the flow of the River Vardar. This is rather common situation when the river and the groundwater flow through alluvial environment consisted of gravely sands, characterized with high inter-granular porosity. The permeability features and hydraulic conductivity (also called coefficient of permeability) are defined according to the grain size distribution curves of drilling samples using empirical formula and by in situ and laboratory tests. The coefficient of permeability according to the grain size distribution curves is calculated using the empirical equation recommended by USBR (United States Bureau for Reclamation): k 0.36 d Where: k - coefficient of permeability (m/s), d - grain size (mm) of unconsolidated sediment at intersection of 20%-line with accumulative curve of grain size distribution (weight rate). The obtained results are shown in Annex 13, and varies from 4.21x10-4 to 4.06x10-3 m/s for sandy gravel, while for upper layers of clayey sandy silts, the coefficient of permeability is estimated on 4x10-8 m/s. In order to get comparative results, the test for permeability were conducted on site by performing A. Ansberg method. The borehole is filled with water and water level is kept constant while measuring in the same time water flow by water meter. The value of the coefficient of permeability (k) is calculated using A. Ansberg equation: k coefficient of permeability (m/s) q specific discharge (l/min) l 0 length of the investigated layer r borehole radius (m). k q 0.66 log r l 0 According this equation, the values of the coefficient of permeability vary from 5.11x10-6 m/s to 1.96x10-4 m/s for sandy gravel. The results for each borehole are presented in Annex 13. In laboratory conditions, the sample permeability is tested in permeameters with constant pressure of 2 bars for samples built in with natural condition, using the following equation: k coefficient of permeability (m/s) q specific discharge A cross section of the sample t flow interval h constant pressure k A q t h October, Part II: A6-103

62 The values of the coefficient of permeability tested with this method, applying constant pressure of 2 bars for samples built in with natural condition are from 2.64x10-5 m/s to 6.2x10-3 m/s, which characterize the material with good permeability. The full set of results is shown in the Annex 13. According to obtained results the following can be concluded: -due to the high level of the groundwater level, difficulties during excavation works can be expected; -special attention shall be given on measures for drainage of the groundwater during excavation, foundation and construction works (elaboration of Final design for groundwater drainage). This is needed in order to avoid possible suffusion. There is a plan for drilling wells (in total around 50) for abstraction of ground water for street cleaning purposes and watering the parks and green areas. The wells are planned to be in the superficial aquifer, which also behaves like an underground river. Abstraction of water from the aquifer will reduce the water level and flow but since the intended use of the water is mostly watering of green areas, the water will be immediately reintroduced into the aquifer thus restoring the hydrological balance and without significant negative impact on the water quality. Although it is not expected that flow in the River Vardar will be affected by the proposed abstraction the risk of reduced flow is nevertheless still possible without appropriate monitoring and control on the use of the abstracted water. 3.4 Hydrology The River Vardar is the largest river in the Republic of Macedonia with catchment area of 22,290 km 2, which covers nearly 80 % of total land area (25,713 km 2 ) of the country. Within the Republic of Macedonia, the river has a length of 301 km, while in Greece the length is about 80 km. Its spring is near the village of Vrutok at 683 m. a.s.l. and after running through central part of Macedonia, the River Vardar inflows into Aegean Sea. The main tributaries of the River Vardar are: Treska, Lepenec (coming from Kosovo), Pcinja, Bregalnica, Crna Reka and Bosava. The average annual flow for the period at the border with Greece (Gevgelija) is 144.9m 3 /s, while the average annual volume of discharged water at the same location is about 4.56 billion m 3. The River Vardar within the Study area is one tenth of total length and located in the upper stretch. Some general information is given in Table 3-3. October, Part II: A6-104

63 Table 3-3 General information for River Vardar Hydrological station: Skopje - Zelezen Most unit River Vardar Station code Coordinates N 41º 59' 41" / E 21º 26' 50" Elevation m a.s.l. River basin area A 4,650.0 km 2 Average precipitation: P o 788 mm Average annual discharge Q sr 57.7 m 3 /s Average multi annual runoff module Mo l/s/km 2 Minimum discharges (1990) Q smin 22.7 m 3 /s Maximum discharges (1963) Q smax m 3 /s Water Volume W o 1,820,086,378.0 m 3 Module coeff. C m The flow rates in the River Vardar are identified on the bases of the flow rates and water levels for the period 1991 to 2005 collected from HMI which measures and processes related data. Locations at which measurement of flow and water level is carried out by HMI are shown in Figure 3-2. Figure 3-2: Flow Rate Measuring Points in Study Area Using the data provided by HMI, the tendency of flow rate from 1991 to 2005 for each station is shown on Figure 3-3 to Figure 3-5. Tendency of flow rate is very similar to those of precipitation, increases in May and December, and decreases in August. October, Part II: A6-105

64 Flow Rate at Vlae (m3/sec) Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 3-3: Flow Rate at Upstream stretch of the River Vardar (station Vlae) Flow Rate at Skopje (m3/sec) Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 3-4: Flow Rate at Middle stretch of the River Vardar (station Skopje Z.Most) Flow Rate at Taor (m3/sec) Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 3-5: Flow Rate at Downstream stretch of the River Vardar (station Taor) Using the above mentioned data from 1991 to 2005, high-water flow (95 days flow rate), average-water flow (185 days flow rate), low-water flow (275 days flow rate), and draught flow rate (355 days flow rate) have been calculated. Low water flow rate in the River Vardar is 19.6 m 3 /s at the upstream, 25.7 m 3 /s at the city center and 29.8 m 3 /s at the downstream. Low water flow in tributaries of the Vardar River is 8.4 m 3 /s in the River Treska, and 2.5 m 3 /s in the River Lepenec. The data are presented in Table 3-4. The low water flow rate is used for a water quality simulation. October, Part II: A6-106

65 Table 3-4 Flow Rate in the River Vardar and Tributaries; High, Average, Low and Draught Water Flow Rate [m 3 /s] Vardar River Treska Lepenec Vlae Skopje Taor River River High-water (95-day) flow rate Average-water (185-day) flow rate Low water (275-day) flow rate Draught-water (355-day) flow rate Climate and Meteorology The territory of the Republic of Macedonia is under an influence of the modified Mediterranean type of climate resulting from the Continental, Middle European and dry Eastern climate influences, then influence of the mountain climate, as well as the secondary factors relief and elevation. As a result of the climate corridors, the relief in the inland area and its high latitude, there is a great variability of different climatic parameters: precipitations, temperature, air pressure, winds, humidity etc Temperature The Skopje valley is the final point where the warm air circulation from the Aegean Sea is present and it represents a separate thermal area where the valley climate affects the temperature regime. On the other side, Skopje valley is surrounded with high mountains, which hold off the direct influence of the Mediterranean climate from south, while from north and north-west there is almost a free passage for the continental air flows that in winter period brings low air temperatures. The valley configuration influence with lowering the temperature of these air flows, so that during some years there have been extremely low air temperatures. During the warm months, especially in summer time, when this area is influenced by high air pressure, the air temperatures are very high. The air temperatures for Skopje City area are presented by data from two meteorological stations: Skopje-Petrovec and Skopje-Zajcev Rid. The average monthly and annual air temperatures in ºC for the period are presented in the Table 3-5. Table 3-5 Average monthly and annual air temperature Monitoring I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Station Skopje Petrovec Skopje- Zajcev Rid Source: HMI The highest average monthly temperatures for both stations are recorded in July, while the lowest in January. Annual average air temperature for Skopje-Petrovec is 12.2 ºC, while for Skopje-Zajcev Rid is 12.6 ºC. The absolute maximum monthly and annual air temperatures in º C for the period are presented in the Table 3-6. October, Part II: A6-107

66 Table 3-6 Absolute maximum monthly and annual air temperature Monitoring I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Station Skopje Petrovec Skopje- Zajcev Rid Source: HMI The absolute maximum air temperature for Skopje-Petrovec is recorded in August in value of 43.2 ºC. The absolute maximum air temperature for Skopje-Zajcev Rid is recorded in July in value of 41.9 ºC. The absolute minimum monthly and annual air temperatures in º C for the period are presented in the Table 3-7. Table 3-7 Absolute minimum monthly and annual air temperature Monitoring I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Station Skopje Petrovec Skopje- Zajcev Rid Source: HMI The absolute minimum air temperatures for both stations are recorded in January, as ºC and ºC, respectively. The monthly air temperatures (average, maximum and minimum) for the period for the two monitoring stations (Skopje- Petrovec and Skopje- Zajcev Rid) are given in the Figure 3-6 and Figure 3-7. Skopje-Perovec temperature C I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII month Tavg Tapsmax Tapsmin Figure 3-6: Temperature Data for the Period (Skopje-Petrovec) October, Part II: A6-108

67 Skopje-Z.Rid temperature ( S) I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII month Tavg Tapsmax Tapsmin Figure 3-7: Temperature Data for the Period (Skopje- Zajcev Rid) The temperature air inversions appear every month, but they are most present during the winter. The lowest temperatures during the days when temperature inversions are present are in the low parts of the valley, while the temperature gets higher at the higher parts. The difference in the temperature in situations of inversion between the lowest parts of the valley and the surrounding high areas during winter can exceed 10 ºC, depending the inversion intensity Precipitation The distribution of the precipitations in the Republic of Macedonia is very unfavorable in space and time and small in quantity, as a result of the Continental climate and the Mediterranean influence. The uneven distribution in time and space results in long dry periods (summer-autumn) and shorter winter periods. On the other hand, there are abundant precipitations between October and December and limited precipitation between March and May. Such a distribution of the precipitations, together with other meteorological phenomena categorized Macedonia as a semi-arid area. The average annual sum of precipitations on the country level is approximately 733 mm (for period ), while in the catchment area of the River Vardar is app. 700 mm. The historical data for presenting the status of the precipitation for Skopje valley are for the period from 1980 to The data up to 1996 are abstracted from former JICA report The Study on Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Master Plan in the Republic of Macedonia final report, while the data from 2002 are obtained from HMI, for RST027, Skopje station. The Table 3-8 below shows that the annual precipitation sum varies from 400 mm to 700 mm approximately and the average precipitation sum is 512 mm/year. October, Part II: A6-109

68 Table 3-8 Historical Amount of Monthly Precipitation in Skopje City Year Monthly precipitation, in mm Yearly Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec (mm) Average Source: 1980~1996 form JICA Report The Study on Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Master Plan in the Republic of Macedonia, 2002~2006 from HMI Monthly variation precipitation is shown in the Figure 3-8. The figure shows that the average precipitation is high in May and December, with 50 to 60 mm of monthly total precipitation. Average precipitation is low in February and August, with 30 mm of precipitation approximately. Precipitation (mm/month) Month Average Figure 3-8: Variation of Monthly Precipitation in Skopje City October, Part II: A6-110

69 Another historical data serial was analyzed (period ) and the obtained results are very similar to those for the period In the second case, two rain gauging stations were analyzed: Skopje-Petrovec and Skopje-Zajcev Rid. The average annual sum of the precipitations in Skopje valley for the period is 499 mm measured at Skopje-Petrovec station and 441 mm measured at Skopje-Zajcev Rid. The precipitation is unequally distributed during the year (months and weather seasons). The biggest precipitations are in May and November. The smallest quantities of precipitations are in January and August. The rain falls appear in any hour of the day of night and their distribution during this period has different values and frequency. According to the ombrographic measuring in the Skopje valley the precipitations are more frequent and with larger quantities during the afternoons, than the mornings. During the warm part of the year, there are heavy precipitations with various intensity and duration. The average monthly and annual precipitation sums in mm for the period has been given in the Table 3-9. Table 3-9 Average monthly and annual precipitation sums in mm Rain gauging station I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Skopje - Petrovec Skopje - Zajcev Rid Source: HMI The precipitations data for the period for the two rain gauging stations are given in the Figure 3-9 and Figure Skopje-Petrovec precipitation (mm) I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII month precipitation sum Source: HMI Figure 3-9: Precipitations Data for the Period (Skopje-Petrovec) October, Part II: A6-111

70 Skopje-Zajcev Rid precipitation (mm) I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII mesec suma na vrne`i Source: HMI Figure 3-10: Precipitations Data for the Period (Skopje-Zajcev Rid) The maximum monthly and annual precipitation sums in mm for the period are given in the Table Table 3-10 The maximum monthly and annual precipitation sums Monitoring Station I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Skopje- Petrovec Skopje-Zajcev Rid Source: HMI Wind In the Skopje valley the wind flows from the north and south quadrant are most frequent. But the orographic conditions have great impact on the wind paths. The average monthly and annual wind speeds in m/sec for the period are presented in the Table Table 3-11 Average monthly and annual wind speeds in m/sec Monitoring Station I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Skopje - Petrovec Skopje - Zajcev Rid The wind rose graph for the Skopje-Zajcev Rid measurement station and Skopje-Petrovec measurement station (Figure 3-11 and Figure 3-12) have shown how wind speed and direction are typically distributed at that particular location. Presented in a circular format, the wind rose shows the frequency of winds blowing from particular directions. The length October, Part II: A6-112

71 of each "spoke" around the circle is related to the frequency that the wind blows from a particular direction per unit time. Each concentric circle represents a different frequency, emanating from zero at the center to increasing frequencies at the outer circles. Wind rose for Skopje-Zajcev Rid monitoring location WNW NNW NW N NNE NE ENE W WSW 0 E ESE SW SSW S SE SSE frequency(%o) average speed(m/s) Figure 3-11: Wind rose for Skopje-Zajcev Rid monitoring station Wind rose for Skopje-Petrovec monitoring location frequency(%o) average speed (m/s) Figure 3-12: Wind rose for Skopje-Petrovec monitoring station In the open east part of the Skopje valley, the regime of the winds is quite different from the one in the city. Most presents are the north wind with an average of 142 /year and middle year speed of 3,9 m/sec. It is present during the whole year, but it appears to be most frequent in July - 210, middle speed 4,6 m/sec, and least frequent in May and middle speed 1,8 m/sec. After the north wind, the most frequent is the wind from the north-east path with an average of 120 /year and average speed of 3,3 m/sec. It is also present during the whole year, but most frequent is in March and middle month October, Part II: A6-113

72 speed of 3,1 m/sec, and least frequent in October and November with 95 and 98 with middle speed 3,3 m/sec. In the east part of the valley for this period, the north wind has the highest average speed without considering the month - 3,5m/sec, than the north-east with 3,3 m/sec and the south-east with 1,8 m/sec. The south-west, north-west and the west wind have a speed of 2,7 m/sec, and the south 2,2 m/sec. Considering the month, the highest speed of the wind is in February and March - 4,6 m/sec.the winds in the Skopje valley have their distinct and their daily path. In the mornings, the west and north-west winds are dominating, while the south-east winds are quite rare. Hence, there are three types of winds on the territory of the municipality Gazi Baba: Povardarec, South and north-west wind. The Povardarec comes from the Mountain Shar along the river Vardar, towards the south parts of Macedonia. During the summers it is dry, and during the winters it is followed by rains. The South blows from the opposite direction. It is warm wind and is always followed with rain Other climate parameters In order to give more comprehensive presentation of the climate in the project area, four more parameters for the period are presented: insulation in hours, fog in days, cloudiness in tens and maximum depth of the snow cover in cm. Insulation According to the data presented in the Table 3-12, for both monitoring stations in Skopje the maximum insulation hours are recorded in July and August, while on annual level more sunshine hours (2226,2) are recorded for Skopje Zajcev Rid. The average monthly distribution of the insulation is presented on Figure Table 3-12 Average monthly and annual insulation in hours, source: HMI Station I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Skopje - Petrovec Skopje - Zajcev rid Source: HMI 53,4 89,1 135,5 167,8 231,9 256,9 286,7 277,2 206,7 161,3 103,7 69,9 2013,1 82,2 114,8 155,8 188,1 235,4 282,6 318,9 302,5 234,4 161,4 90,6 59,6 2226,2 October, Part II: A6-114

73 Skopje-Petrovec Skopje-Z.Rid insolation (hours) insolation (hours) I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII month 0 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII month insolation insolation Figure 3-13: Insulation at two monitoring stations in Skopje in hours Fog Fog appears mostly in the winter period, from October to March. On average, there are 27 days with fog recorded at the monitoring station Skopje Petrovec, while 20 days at the monitoring station Skopje Zajcev Rid. The number of days in months and annual sum are presented in the Table Table 3-13 Average number of days with fog by months and at annual level for the period Station I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Skopje Petrovec Skopje Zajcev Rid Source: HMI Cloudiness The records of average monthly and annual cloudiness for the monitoring station Skopje- Petrovec are given in the Table 3-14, while for the monitoring station Skopje-Zajcev Rid, there are no data. Table 3-14 Average monthly and annual cloudiness in tens Station I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Annual Skopje -Petrovec Skopje- Zajcev Rid n/d no data Source: HMI 6,5 5,8 5,6 5,5 5,1 4,0 3,1 2,9 3,7 4,7 6,1 6,7 5,0 n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d n/d 3.6 Water Quality General According to the Regulation for Classification of Water (Official Gazette of RM No. 18/1999), there are five categories of water quality of surface water, water courses, natural and artificial lakes and groundwater: October, Part II: A6-115

74 - Class 1 This is very clean, oligotrophic water, which in its natural state or with possible disinfection can be used for drinking, production and processing of food product, and for breeding and raising of noble types of fish salmonids. - Class 2 This is a very clean, mesotrophic water, which in its natural state can be used for bathing and recreation, water sports, production of other types of fish, or which can be used after usual methods of purification / coagulation, filtration, disinfection etc./ for drinking and production and processing of food products. - Class 3 This class includes moderately eutrophic water, which in its natural state can be used for irrigation, and after usual purification methods (conditioning) for industries which do not need drinking water quality. - Class 4 This is strongly eutrophic, polluted water, which in its natural state can be used for other purposes only after certain process of treatment. - Class 5 This is much polluted, hypertrophic water, which in its natural state can be used only for other purposes. The indicators for the classification of water into classes are: Organoleptic Indicators, Indicator of Acidity, Oxygen Regime Indicators, Mineralization Indicators, Eutrophication Indicators, Microbiological Indicators, Radioactivity and Harmful and Dangerous Substances; Water quality standards for BOD 5 and SS are given in the Table Table 3-15 Water Quality Standards on BOD 5 and SS Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V BOD 5 (mg/l) < ~ ~ ~ 15 > 15 SS (mg/l) < ~ ~ ~ 100 > 100 Periodical water quality measuring and monitoring of rivers are carried out by the HMI and transmitted to the MoEPP. The monitoring points (Figure 3-14) along the main stream of the River Vardar are Radusa, Taor, Basino Selo, Nogaevci, Demir Kapija and Gevgelija. Monitoring locations near Skopje City are Radusa at the upstream, and Taor at the downstream about 15 km from Skopje City. Figure 3-14: Water Quality Measuring Points in R.Macedonia October, Part II: A6-116

75 According to the data on water quality at locations mentioned above, from Taor to Gevgelija, level of BOD 5 and SS at these locations in 2006, classified all these five locations under Class III both in terms of BOD 5 and SS, as the BOD 5 levels ranging from 6 to 7 mg/l and SS ranging from 35 to 55 mg/l. The results are presented in the Table Table 3-16 Water Quality in the River Vardar - BOD 5 and SS BOD 5 (mg/l) SS (mg/l) Average Min Max Average Min Max Class Present situation Taor III III Basino Selo III III Nogaevci III III - IV Demir Kapija II III - IV Gevgelija II III Note: The figures are average from February to December 2006 Source: City Health Protection Institute Water Quality of the River Vardar in project Area Measurements In the project area, there are three monitoring institutes which analyze the water quality of the River Vardar in area of Skopje city: - City Health Protection Institute (CHPI) - Vodovod - Hydro Meteorological Institute (HMI) Data on water quality for the Study were collected by the above monitoring institutes from the following locations on rivers, during the indicated time period and using the following number of collected data: Table 3-17 Location and Collected Number of Samples for River Water Monitoring Vardar Treska Lepenec Monitoring River River River Collected Data Institutes Locatio Sample No. Location Location Term n (total) CHPI /4-2007/10 36 Vodovod /4-2007/10 36 HMI 1 (Taor) 1 1 On the Figure 3-15, the locations for monitoring of the water quality of the River Vardar and the municipal waste water are shown. October, Part II: A6-117

76 Figure 3-15: Locations of River Water and Wastewater Monitoring Station River Water Quality BOD5 According to the recorded data on monthly variations of BOD 5 in Vardar River by CHPI and Vodovod, the water quality in upstream and middle stretches mainly reaches class II, because, the BOD 5 value is around 2 mg/l. Monthly variations of BOD 5 in the River Vardar along its middle to downstream stretch deteriorate the water quality compared to upstream section because there are many houses and industry located around the middle reach and often untreated wastewater are drained to the River Vardar. Values of BOD 5 along this stretch vary from 2 to 7 mg/l and existing water quality for this stretch falls in Class III on average. Monthly variations of BOD 5 along tributaries of the River Vardar, i.e. the River Treska and the River Lepenec, classify the water quality of these rivers in Class II. Table 3-18 Mean Value of BOD 5 in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Location Designated class by CHPI by Vodovod River Vardar - - Saraj bridge Vlae bridge II UN bridge (4.0) Stone bridge Sajimiste bridge After Ohis III Trubarevo bridge (7.0) Jurumleri Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska II River Lepenec (4.0) Average data from Apr to Oct (Source: JICA Study Team) October, Part II: A6-118

77 River Water Quality SS Recorded data on SS in the upstream stretch of the River Vardar, shows value range from 20 to 60 mg/l, with 30 mg/l in average. According to these values, the water quality is classified as Class III. It was expected that turbid water from the River Lepenec would influence the quality in the River Vardar, but there is no significant difference between SS value at Vlae Bridge and Stone Bridge which are located before and after the confluence, respectively. Monthly variation in SS along the downstream stretch of the River Vardar shows values in a range from 10 to 100 mg/l, while the average is 35 mg/l which defines the water quality of Class III. Large number of houses and industries are located in the middle of Skopje City and wastewaters from these houses and industries leads to deterioration of the water quality along the downstream of the River Vardar. SS value in the River Treska is mostly less than 30 mg/l and defines the water quality of Class II. Since water quality deteriorates occasionally, average existing water quality is of Class III. The level of SS in the River Lepenec varies from 30 to 100 mg/l and water quality in terms of SS could be in Class III. In Table 3-19, mean values of SS in the River Vardar and its tributaries are shown. Table 3-19 Mean Values of SS in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Measuring Points Designated Class by CHPI by Vodovod River Vardar - - Saraj Bridge 31.2 Vlae Bridge 32.5 II UN Bridge (3.0) - Stone Bridge 31.2 NA Sajimiste Bridge 33.0 After Ohis 36.6 III Trubarevo Bridge (6.0) 42.2 Jurumleri - NA Tributaries of Vardar River Treska II Lepenec (3.0) 50.0 NA River Water Quality Other Indicators Organoleptic Indicators According to the monitoring records, there are no visible wastes in the River Vardar, while smells are recorded only one day. In terms of color, the water quality is of Class I in general, while the River Lepenec and downstream stretch of the River Vardar falls under Class II. Regarding turbidity, in general, river water is of Class III, and the River Lepenec and downstream stretch of the River Vardar are of Class IV. October, Part II: A6-119

78 Table 3-20 Mean Value of Organoleptic Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Location (designated class) Visible Smell at 25 waste Degrees Color Turbidity River Vardar - - Degree Pt-Co NTU > than Saraj bridge (II) Vlae bridge (II) Stone bridge (II) Sajmiste bridge (II) After Ohis (III) Trubarevo bridge (III) Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) River Lepenec (II) Note: The water quality data is the average from April 2003 to October 2007 Source: City Health Protection Institute According to the "Regulation for Classification of Waters", the maximum allowed values of the organoleptic Indicators for Class II and Class III are given in the Table Table 3-21 Maximum Allowed Values of the Organoleptic Indicators Indicators Visible waste Smell at 25 degrees Color Degree Pt-Co Turbidity NTU > than Class II Class III - Slight smell Indicators of Acidity Regarding ph, river water quality falls under Class I in the entire study area, which is weak alkali. Considering alkalinity, river water quality falls in Class II in the stretch along study area. Table 3-22 Mean Value of Indicators of Acidity in Vardar River and its Tributaries ph Alkalinity River Vardar - mg/l CaCO 3 Saraj bridge (II) Vlae bridge (II) Stone bridge (II) Sajmiste bridge (II) After Ohis (III) Trubarevo bridge (III) Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) River Lepenec (II) Note: The water quality data is the average from April 2003 to October 2007 Source: City Health Protection Institute According to the "Regulation for Classification of Waters", the maximum allowed values of the Indicators of Acidity for Class II and Class III are given in the Table October, Part II: A6-120

79 Table 3-23 Maxumum Allowed Values of the Indicators of Acidity Indicators ph Alkalinity mg/l CaCO 3 Class II Class III Oxygen Regime Indicators The recorded values of Dissolved oxygen along the river stretches classify the water under Class I in Study area. Saturation of oxygen is under Class I or II due to super saturation. Tendency in BOD 5 has been already described earlier. In this analysis, value of COD is often observed to be lower than those of BOD 5, which could be a result of inaccurate monitoring procedure. Table 3-24 Mean Value of Oxygen Regime Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Dissolved Saturation River Vardar Oxygen of Oxygen BOD 5 COD mg/l % mg/l mg/l Saraj bridge (II) Vlae bridge (II) Stone bridge (II) Sajmiste bridge (II) After Ohis (III) Trubarevo bridge (III) Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) River Lepenec (II) Limit value: Class II Class III Note: The water quality data is the average from April 2003 to October 2007 Source: City Health Protection Institute The maximum allowed values of the Oxygen Regime Indicators according to the "Regulation for Classification of Waters", for ClassII and ClassIII are given in the Table1-3. Mineralization Indicators Compared to the high SS values, values of dry matters under filters (Total Dissolved Solid) are relatively small (Class I). Table 3-25 Mean Value of Mineralization Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Suspended particles River Vardar (SS) Dry matters under filter (TDS) mg/l mg/l Saraj bridge (II) Vlae bridge (II) Stone bridge (II) Sajmiste bridge (II) After Ohis (III) Trubarevo bridge (III) Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) River Lepenec (II) October, Part II: A6-121

80 Limit value: Class II Class III Note: The water quality data is the average from April 2003 to October 2007 Source: City Health Protection Institute The maximum allowed values of the Mineralization Indicators according to the "Regulation for Classification of Waters", for ClassII and ClassIII are given in the Table1-3. Eutrophication Indicators Values of total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorous (T-P) could not be obtained. Values of nitrogen and phosphorus are listed here instead of T-N and T-P. Table 3-26 Mean Value of Eutrophication Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries Ammonia as Ammonia as Phosphates - orto River Vardar NH 4 Nitrogen μg/l μg/l μg/l Saraj bridge (II) Vlae bridge (II) Stone bridge (II) Sajmiste bridge (II) After Ohis (III) Trubarevo bridge (III) Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) River Lepenec (II) Note: The water quality data is the average from April 2003 to October 2007 Source: City Health Protection Institute The maximum allowed values of the Eutrophication Indicators according to the "Regulation for Classification of Waters", for ClassII and ClassIII are given in the Table1-4. Microbiological Pollution Indicators It is observed from the available test results that there were only two values of MPN of bacteria (in one liter), i.e., 0 or 200,000 in samples. For the reference, number of days on which bacteria were detected in samples out of total days is presented in the right column. Table 3-27 Mean Value of Microbiological Pollution Indicators in the River Vardar and its Tributaries River Vardar Most probable number of coliform bacteria Number of day detected / Number of days tested No. bacteria / l Saraj bridge (II) 1.9E+05 24/30 Vlae bridge (II) 2.0E+05 24/29 Stone bridge (II) 2.1E+05 26/30 Sajmiste bridge (II) 2.1E+05 26/30 After Ohis (III) 1.9E+05 24/30 Trubarevo bridge (III) 1.9E+05 24/30 Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) 1.8E+05 23/30 River Lepenec (II) 1.9E+05 23/30 Limit value: Class II October, Part II: A6-122

81 Class III Note: The water quality data is the average from April 2003 to October 2007 Source: City Health Protection Institute The maximum allowed values of the Microbiological Pollution Indicators according to the "Regulation for Classification of Waters", for ClassII and ClassIII are given in the Table1-3. Harmful and Dangerous Substances According to the presence of Cyanide and Nitrites as Nitrogen, river water quality is clasified in Class III or IV in the entire Study area, and regarding Chromium 6+ and Phenols water is in Class III or IV along some parts of the River Vardar within the Study area. In terms of other parameters from this group, river water quality is in Class I or II in entire Study area. It should be noted that in terms of harmful and dangerous substances, limit values in case of Class I and II are the same, as in Class III and IV. Therefore, water quality is described as Class I or II, or Class III or IV. Table 3-28 Mean Value of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in River Vardar and its Tributaries Total Aluminum Cadmium Chromium VI River Vardar chromium Cyanide Copper μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Saraj bridge (II) Vlae bridge (II) Stone bridge (II) Sajmiste bridge (II) After Ohis (III) Trubarevo bridge (III) Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) River Lepenec (II) Limit value: Class II Class III Table 3-29 Mean Value of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in River Vardar and its Tributaries Nitrates Nitrites as Fenols Iron Lead Zinc as River Vardar Nitrogen Nitrogen μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Saraj bridge (II) Vlae bridge (II) Stone bridge (II) Sajmiste bridge (II) After Ohis (III) Trubarevo October, Part II: A6-123

82 bridge (III) Tributaries of Vardar River River Treska (II) River Lepenec (II) Limit value: Class II Class III Note: The water quality data is the average from April 2003 to October 2007 Source: City Health Protection Institute 10, , The maximum allowed values of the Harmful and Dangerous Substances according to the "Regulation for Classification of Waters", for ClassII and ClassIII are given in the Table Information about domestic waste water According to the data from Vodovod, the domestic water supply which includes households, business and public utilities in Skopje account approximately 85,000 m 3 /day in 2005 and On the basis of this data on water consumption, unit load of the domestic wastewater is estimated and presented in the Table Table 3-30 Unit Load of Domestic Wastewater Water Consumption Population Unit Load (Domestic) Served Illegal connection Total Design Value m 3 /d l/c/d 15~20% l/c/d l/c/d 84, , ~34 194~ Note: The ratio of illegal connection of 15~20% is based on the estimation of Vodovod. Source: Vodovod In order to assess the pollution load in absence of reliable data, the recommended values of the EU Directives on Urban Wastewater Treatment is applied for BOD 5 load as 60 g/c/d. For the value of SS load which is not indicated in the directives, a value of 45 g/c/d is applied following the recommendation indicated in the Standard of River Basin Management of Japan. The applied values were justified with data from the sewer in Dracevo, which in collecting only domestic wastewater. The BOD 5 load for Dracevo was estimated on 45 g/c/l in 2020, and taking into consideration that this load is increasing due to wastewater from business offices, the value of 60 g/c/d for the wastewater from the city of Skopje is acceptable. On the basis of the survey data of Vodovod from the outlets of sewers during , the wastewater quality is analyzed (see Table 3-31). The survey results shown in Figure 24 are all different. The average of BOD 5 is around mg/l. Factors related to the low value of mg BOD 5 /l is not clear. As a result of survey, the wastewater quality in here is assumed to be around mg/l BOD 5. The SS load is mg/l which is much higher than expected in all outlets measured. The average acidity of wastewater is slightly alkaline in all data surveyed. As a hazardous material, the presence of phenol is measured (see Table 3-32). The result implies that industrial effluents are added to wastewater surveyed. The wastewater quality regarding BOD 5 and SS is presented on Figure Table 3-31 Water Quality at Sewer Outlet from 2002 to 2004 October, Part II: A6-124

83 Name of Outlet BOD 5 (mg/l) SS (mg/l) Remarks Bardovci Outlet of Bardovci area. Keramidnica The biggest outlet in left bank. The discharge from beer factory is included. Blvd Serbia, bridge The biggest outlet in right bank. Novo Lisice Out let of Novo Lisice area. Vardariste Vardariste Usje channel Only one open channel. Others are Dracevo - inflow underground channels. The inflow into the existing WWTP for Dracevo area. Presently does not work. Dracevo - outflow The discharge from Dracevo WWTP. Source: Vodovod Table 3-32 Water Quality at Sewer Outlet from 2002 to 2004 Name of Outlet Fenols NO - 3 -N NO - 2 -N Cl SO 4 Oils mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l Bardovci Keramidnica Blvd Serbia, bridge Novo Lisice Vardariste Vardariste Usje channel Dracevo - inflow Dracevo - outflow Source: Vodovod October, Part II: A6-125

84 BOD5 (mg/l) BOD5 in Wastewater (Near Upstream of Vardar River) Bardovci Keramidnica Serbia bridge Novo Lisice Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb Apr- 03 BOD5 (mg/l) 15-Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb BOD5 in Wastewater (Near Downstream of Vardar River) Vardariste 1 Vardariste 2 Usje channel Dracevo - inflow Dracevo - outflow 0 20-Feb Apr Jun- 02 SS (mg/l) 19-Aug Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb SS in Wastewater (Near Upstream of Vardar River) Bardovci Blvd Serbia, bridge Keramidnica Novo Lisice 21-Feb Apr- 02 SS (mg/l) 21-Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb SS in Wastewater (Near Upstream of Vardar River) 21-Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb Apr Jun Aug Oct Dec Feb- 04 Vardariste 1 Vardariste 2 Usje channel Dracevo - inflow Dracevo - outflow Figure 3-16: Wastewater Quality (Source: Vodovod) October, Part II: A6-126

85 3.8 Information about industrial wastewater in Skopje Current Industrial Wastewater Generations and Quality The wastewaters in Skopje originated from both the households and the industries are discharged into the recipients/ Vardar River and some small channels and tributaries, without proper or any treatment. For the purpose improvement of Vardar River water quality, management of industrial wastewater is necessary which covers monitoring and analyses of its quality. The estimation of industrial wastewater generation is very difficult, and no actual data on generation either in factories/enterprises or in supervising office was available. Thus, within the Project Wastewater Management in Skopje in the Republic of Macedonia Industrial survey was conducted in December For this purpose, fifty (50) factories/industries were selected as the target installations. Results from the conducted survey are used regarding the analyses within this chapter. Figure3-17 presents the locations of selected installations. Figure 3-17: Locations of 50 Installations Surveyed The target installations were selected referring to the followings: Enterprises selected under the Study on Sewerage Development Plan in Skopje in 1999, Cadastre of polluters prepared by MoEPP after the similar survey in 2003, Enterprises listed under IPPC system by MoEPP and Other installations. Among these references, the enterprises that consume relatively large amount of water were also considered within the selection of target enterprises for this survey. October, Part II: A6-127

86 Water consumption by type of industry Table below presents the water consumption by the relevant type of industry. Table 3-33 Water Consumption by Type of Industry Type of industry Water consumption (m 3 /year) Rate of water consumption (%) Energy industries 665,491 4 Production and processing of metals 11,654, Mineral industry 395,000 2 Chemical industry 2,552, Waste management 9,025 0 Other activities under IPPC (food, paper industry) 1,466,817 8 Other (services) 1,134,969 6 Total 17,878, Metals Production and processing industries are the largest water consuming industries in Skopje. Out of the total water used by surveyed 50 installations, more than 66% is used by only seven metal producing and processing plants (Figure3-18). It is because 11,351,653 m 3 /annually (64% of total consumption of 50 surveyed installations) is consumed by former steel manufacturing complex including Arcelormittal, Makstil, and Skopski Leguri. Water consumption (%) Energy industries Production and processing of metals 66% Mineral industry Chemical industry 4% 6% 8% 0% 2% 14% Waste management Other activities under IPPC Other Figure 3-18: Water Consumption by Type of Industry October, Part II: A6-128

87 Wastewater generation and ratio of wastewater generation Wastewater generation from surveyed installations based on their types is presented in Table Table 3-34 Wastewater Generation by Type of Industry and Ratio of Wastewater Generation Type of industry Wastewater generation (m 3 /y) Ratio of wastewater generation (%) Energy industries 100,841 1 Production and processing of metals 5,856, Mineral industry 368,000 4 Chemical industry 1,295, Waste management 34, Other activities under IPPC (food, paper industry) 1,280, Other (services) 1,037,429 0 Total 9,974, Total wastewater generation from surveyed industries is 9,974,019 m 3 /y. Of this, the wastewater from production and processing of metals contributes 59 % (Figure 3-19). This is due to the reason that 56 % of total wastewater generation from 50 surveyed installations is contributed by former steel manufacturing complex including Arcelormittal, Makstil, and Skopski Leguri. Wastewater generation (%) Energy industries 59% 4% Production and processing of metals Mineral industry Chemical industry 1% 10% 13% 0% 13% Waste management Other activities under IPPC Other Figure 3-19: Wastewater Generation Ratio by Type of Industry October, Part II: A6-129

88 The ratio of wastewater generation to water consumption by type of industry Figure 27 shows the ratio of wastewater generation to water consumption by type of industries using values from Table 3-35 and Table Table 3-35 Wastewater Generation Ratio (Wastewater Generation/Water Consumption (%) Type of industry Water consumption (m 3 /year) Wastewater generation (m 3 /year) Wastewater generation ratio (%) Energy industries 665, , Production and processing of metals 11,654,602 5,856, Mineral industry 395, , Chemical industry 2,552,601 1,295, Waste management 9,025 34, Note1 Other activities under IPPC (food, paper industry) 1,466,817 1,280, Other (services) 1,134,969 1,037, Total 17,878,505 9,974,019 Note 1: Waste disposal site, including leachate Table indicates that among surveyed installations, wastewater generation ratios of energy industries, metal production and processing industries, and chemical industry are relatively lower and those of mineral industry, food industry, paper processing industry and services industries are high. The average wastewater generation ratio to water consumption is 65 %, excluding the case of waste disposal site. Wastewater generation and load by Industrial Survey The data of water quality of industrial effluents is necessary to estimate the current pollution load from industrial sector. However, continuous monitoring record of such data for these industries based on their own sampling and analysis, or even in MoEPP central laboratory is not available sufficiently until now. Even if some data are available in MoEPP information center, these include information on only some of the general parameters such as ph, COD, SS, NO 3 - N, NO 2 - N, PO 4, BOD 5, etc., and heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Cr, etc. Table 3-36 includes the summary of current pollution load of fifty (50) surveyed installations in terms of BOD 5 and SS estimated by the quantity of generated wastewater and using estimations of quality as mentioned above. Figure 3-20 shows the ratio of pollution loads by type of industries. October, Part II: A6-130

89 Table 3-36 Current Pollution Load Estimation of 50 Surveyed Industries Type of industry Wastewater BOD 5 load SS load generation (m 3 /d)* (kg/d) (kg/d) Energy industries Production and processing of metals 16, ,936 Mineral industry 1, Chemical industry 4,044 1, Waste management Other activities under IPPC (food, paper industry) 3,751 1,821 1,679 Other (services) 2, Total 28,464 4,039 7,447 * Annual wastewater generation/ operation days of each installation. Calculation of daily and hourly peaks of wastewater generation of each installation needs detailed data processing by water consumption using records of many years of each installation. However, it is impossible to do it due to lack of time and data of each installations. Therefore, the Study Team only calculated daily and hourly wastewater generation of each installation from the Industrial Survey. (Refer to Appendix 5.7). Regarding the seasonal fluctuation, only five (5) installations answered that they hope to discharge their wastewater into sewer in the future. As a result, it was ignored because their ratio to total amount of wastewater generation from fifty (50) is only 0.2 %, although there will be hourly, daily and seasonal fluctuations. Grasping and supervision of the operations of each installation is the key in IPPC system; the data will be gathered gradually from 2008 with financial resources. Load Ratio of Type of Industry Ratio of Load (%) BOD 5 SS Energy industries Production and processing of metals 1 3 Mineral industry Chemical industry 0 0 Waste management Other activities under IPPC Other Figure 3-20: Load Ratio by Type of Industry In Figure 29 it is observed that BOD 5 load ratio is high in food industry and paper processing industry among other activities under IPPC (45 %), and chemical industry (25 %). On the other hand, SS load ratio is high in production and processing industries of metals (53 %), and in other activities under IPPC (23 %). October, Part II: A6-131

90 Wastewater Outlet by Industry The outlets with large amount of wastewater discharge and fairly bad water quality were selected for the Industrial survey based on the information of Vodovod s water quality laboratory that has been analyzing water quality of major outlets every month. Among the selected outlets, one is the private outlet of Arcelormittal Steel and Makstil. Also, a major main sewer on the left bank of the Vardar River, including industrial wastewater from beer and food installations is selected. The amount of industrial wastewater discharge from Arcelormittal Steel and Makstil was calculated to be approximately 0.9 m 3 /sec (approximately 80,000 m 3 /d) on the basis of two times survey including 24 hours continuous measurement. According to Vodovod, this amount is almost the same as the direct water supply from Rasche spring. Rasche spring is the common water supply source regarding City of Skopje, managed by Public enterprise Vodovod. Parallel pipeline from Rashce Spring supplies the above mentioned Industries. Thus, this water supply system is not managed by Vodovod. Additional Estimation of Current Industrial Wastewater Generation As described above, industrial wastewater generation from Arcelormittal Steel and Makstil, which is big water consumption industry and has their own water source, was estimated as approximately 0.9m 3 /d (approximately 80,000m 3 /d) 2. Although the data collected on quantity and quality through Industrial Survey is based on response of installations and they may not be very high in accuracy 3, the estimated industrial wastewater generation of approximately 27,000 m 3 /d excluding that of Arcelrmittal Steel and Makstil was judged to be appropriate, because the amount of 27,000 m 3 /d is almost same as Vodovod s water supply amount. On the other hand, the current industrial wastewater generation was estimated to be 33,900m 3 /d, excluding those of the two surveyed installations, Arcelrmittal Steel and Makstil. Taking into consideration that some installations use own wells, the values of industrial wastewater generation gathered from the Industrial Survey is expected to cover 65 % of the wastewater generation of the entire installations within the City. The outline of the calculation is as following: (1) Total industrial wastewater generation from the Industrial Survey: 28,464 m 3 /day (2) Assuming the amount above is equivalent to 65 % of the total industrial wastewater generation: total generation is 43,791 m 3 /day (3) Industrial wastewater generation by self-declaration of two steel related enterprises: 9,888 m 3 /day (4) Industrial wastewater generation excluding those of the above two enterprises: 33,903 m 3 /day 2 Iron production in year 2006 was 4,356,000 Mg/year that is close to the maximum production of 4,720,000 Mg/year in year Therefore, there will not be increase in industrial wastewater generation of steel related companies. 3 The Study Team compared each industrial wastewater generation by the Industrial Survey to that in MoEPP information center from year 2002 to 2006 and water supply by PE; however, there is little harmony in the figure. October, Part II: A6-132

91 Estimation of Current Average Industrial Wastewater Quality for the Estimation of Pollution Load to Sewer in Future Results from the Industrial survey presents that the current average industrial wastewater quality is 161 mg/l of BOD 5 and 244 mg/l of SS, excluding the four specified industries that have plan to discharge their wastewater directly to Vardar River after treating by their own treatment plants in future. Thus, the outline of the calculation is listed as follows. (1) Industrial wastewater generation excluding those of the four enterprises that have plan to discharge their wastewater directly to Vardar River after treating by their own treatment plants in future: 30,034 m 3 /day (2) Current BOD 5 level excluding that of the four enterprises that have plan to discharge their wastewater directly to Vardar River after treating by their own treatment plants: 4,832 kg/day (3) Current SS level excluding that of the four enterprises that have plan to discharge their wastewater directly to Vardar River after treating by their own treatment plants: 7,334 kg/day (4) From the above, current BOD 5 and SS levels are calculated as 161mg/l and 244mg/l, respectively Current Industrial Wastewater Management The current industrial wastewater management system in the surveyed installations presents the following: Only nine (9) industries have their treatment plants including simple oil separator out of the fifty (50) surveyed industries. Other industries do not have any treatment facilities. Most of them discharge their wastewater to existing public sewerage system and few discharges directly to Vardar River. Among the installations which answer to have treatment plants, installations with sedimentation, oil separator, biological treatment plant and cyimide oxidation facilities are six, (6), four (4), one (1) and one(1), respectively. Among 50 surveyed industries, only 20 % installations arrange pollution controller. Of twenty one (21) factories that have ISO 9000 or 14000, more than half of them do not have arrangement of pollution controller. Only 26 % of the surveyed factories recycle or reuse water. Remaining 74 % of the installations do not practice recycling of water. The surveyed installations responded that they grasp the water consumption by meter or bill. However, they do not measure generated amount of wastewater. Although, in principle, self-monitoring of industrial wastewater is essential, only less than 30 % of surveyed installations practice it. Among the installations that want to discharge their effluent to public sewerage system in future, less than 50 % of them show willingness to pay for sewerage services. (no reply is counted negative) IPPC system and Implementation IPPC (Integrated pollution prevention control) system which is deeply related to industrial wastewater management has been started in Macedonia according the related laws and regulations. Hence, IPPC system is introduced as a comprehensive environmental prevention in water, air pollution and soil pollution. October, Part II: A6-133

92 The operation permit application for any new installation is evaluated based on the concept of BAT (Best available techniques) in EIA stage. As for existing facilities, reasonable plan for its improvement is required. Consequently, latest data provided by MoEPP and Skopje City, present that so far, 29 installations from Skopje city have already submitted the A applications, while 22 have submitted B IPPC application. Industrial survey conducted in 2007 have covered twenty (20) installations of category A and thirteen (13) installations of category B which are included as selected target installations. In regard to the Decree determining the activities of installations requiring integrated environmental permit or compliance permit with an operational plan and time table for submission of application for compliance permit with an operational plan (Official Gazette of RM No. 89/2005) the timetable concerning the submission of the application for A and B installations is commenced from till and extended till For all existing installations which are currently operating there is an obligation to fulfill the requirements which are stipulated in the Operational plan till end of Figure 3-21 presents timetable concerning the submission of the application for A and B installations for different sectors Source: Application form for an A environmental integrated permit/ adjustment permit with an adjustment plan, MoEPP Figure 3-21: Timetable concerning the submission of the application for A and B installations Current pollution source monitoring regarding Industrial wastewater in Skopje As for sewage and industrial wastewater monitoring, monitoring system in Skopje so far is not sufficient compared to environmental water quality monitoring due to the concept of self-monitoring by each enterprise. Sewage and industrial wastewater quality analysis have been conducted mainly by MoEPP central laboratory and Vodovod s laboratory. MoEPP central laboratory has been analyzing them only after State Inspectorate concerning environmental protection, decides that control of waste water quality is needed. In such cases the inspector visits the site and collects samples to be analyzed by MoEPP central laboratory. If the cause of the accident is identified with the analysis result, MoEPP has been entrusted to conduct administrative disposition over the factory causing any such accident. MoEPP information center has been collecting and establishing a database using the data obtained from MoEPP central laboratory, from the enterprise or out-sourcing laboratories. October, Part II: A6-134

93 However, this kind of data is still very limited. With the start of IPPC system, regular industrial wastewater monitoring has just started in MoEPP information center has prepared cadastre of pollutants of each installation to show main polluters with the information of existing analysis results and quality and quantity of kinds of pollutants including toxic substances. Vodovd regularly collects samples of outlets of sewage and industrial wastewater along Vardar River and its tributaries and analyzes them. However, in the laboratory of Vodovod, AA (Atomic absorption analyzer) is not available to analyze heavy metals. Concerning Industrial facilities, only Alkaloid (Chemical industry) and OKTA (Oil refinery, located out of area of this Study) conduct self-monitoring of its own industrial wastewater through analysis in its own laboratories and send the results to MoEPP information center. 3.9 Waste Management Municipal solid waste (MSW) includes wastes which are collected from households, together with street sweepings and park wastes, commercial-institutional waste and wastes generated in industry with household like character. A small proportion of the household waste stream is hazardous: household batteries containing heavy metals and acids, outdated medicines, residues of packaging of household cleaning materials, garden pesticides, etc. Quantities of municipal waste generated on territory of Skopje and disposed on Drisla Landfill are presented in the Table Table 3-37 Quantities of Municipal Waste Generated in Skopje and Disposed on Drisla Landfill Service provider Year 2003 Year 2004 Year 2005 (tones) (tones) (tones) Public Communal Entreprise Communal Hygiene. 124,727 95, ,000 Private Communal Enterprises 10,442 7,430 11,000 Total 135, , ,000 Source: Public Communal Entreprise Communal Hygiene. Regular waste collection services are mainly limited to urban areas, with little or no attention paid to rural settlements. In total about around 70% of the total population receive regular waste collection services and only about 20% of the population in rural settlements. Standardization is lacking since Communal Enterprises use all different types and sizes of collection and/or compaction vehicles and containers. In rural areas the limited collection services are usually performed by a tractor and trailer, sometimes by a small multipurpose municipal vehicle. Most of the MSW and other collected wastes are disposed without any pre-treatment at Landfill Drisla or at wild dump sites. Separate collection of municipal waste does not exist, except for some separate bulky waste collection. Packaging Wastes At present the capacity for recycling, reuse and recovery of packaging is very limited. Some facilities exist for metals, paper & cardboard, PET, PVC and HDPE recycling, but these are not currently operating at full capacity. There are some recycling activities in the October, Part II: A6-135

94 informal sector with growing tendency due to the increased interest of numerous small private companies to get involved in the recycling business. Industrial Solid Wastes Industrial solid wastes consist of all solid waste generated in industries, either from the industrial process or any other source within the industrial premises. Distinction has to be made between industrial non hazardous waste and industrial hazardous waste (all hazardous wastes generated within the industrial premises). Generally the HZW generators do not separate, but mix the different types of hazardous wastes with the other, non-hazardous wastes. The separation of some HZW streams waste types is primarily driven by market demand i.e. only those types of HZW wastes are separated that can be sold. There are no officially licensed collectors and transporters of HZW in the country. Medical Waste According to the data obtained from the Sanitary Landfill Drisla, department of Public Enterprise Communal Hygiene, quantity of solid medical waste from Health Care Facilities in Skopje that they collect, transport and incinerate is about tons/per day (about 360 tons/per year), which presents only 35% of total medical waste in the country. All Public Health Care Facilities in Skopje and two bigger Private Health Care Institutions are covered with safe management of solid medical waste. The small private ambulances (more than 300) are not fully covered yet because of their refusal to be involved in this process. The quantity of veterinary waste in Skopje is estimated to total of 6,524 tons per year: 1,624 tons from animal corpses (cows, pigs, sheep, horses and poultry) and 4,900 tons from slaughter losses. There is no data for handling and treatment of the veterinary waste (Local Environmental Action Plan for the city of Skopje, LEAP; 2004: 65). Special waste This group of waste includes: waste oils, equipment with PCB contaminated oils, end of life vehicles, car batteries and accumulators and used tires. Although there is on power legislative and regulations for safe handling and disposal of the special waste, still this waste is mainly disposed in unorganized manner, on illegal landfills, endangering the public health and provoking threats for the environment. Waste Infrastructure and Facilities The solid waste generated in Macedonia is mostly disposed on landfills which are not satisfying the legal requirements and standards. The landfill Drisla, serving the Skopje region, is the only landfill in Macedonia that is fulfilling the sanitary requirements and standards. This landfill is located in the catchment area of the River Markova, 14 km southeast of Skopje. It spreads on surface of 76 ha, with time horizon of 30 years. The capacity of the landfill is 26 million m 3 (16 million t) of waste, and so far, approximately 6% of the designed capacity has been used. October, Part II: A6-136

95 3.10 Ambient Air Quality In the Republic of Macedonia there are three responsible institutions for air quality measurement and data management, which are maintaining different air quality networks, as follows: The national network of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP); The network of the Public Health Institute (PHI) and its regional branches located in Skopje and major cities in the country; The network of the Hydro-Meteorological Administration (HMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy. The monitoring network of the MoEPP is a national automatic ambient air quality monitoring network, managed by the Macedonian Environmental Information Centre (MEIC). The two other networks work on manual basis. Each of the monitoring networks operates on the basis of separate programmes under the annual work programme of each of the above mentioned institutions. All the institutions and legal entities which perform monitoring of air quality are obliged (Under the Law for Environment) to send the data to the MoEPP/MEIC. Macedonian Environmental Information Centre within the MoEPPis collecting and analysing all data and information about the emissions and ambient air quality from the stationary sources and other institutions monitoring and it reports them into the Annually Ambient Air Quality Reports for Macedonia Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Skopje The Health Institute in City of Skopje has established the monitoring network for measurements of the SO 2 and the black smoke on 7 measurements locations in Skopje. The Hydro Metrological Administration has established the monitoring network on 9 measurements locations in Skopje with measurements of the SO 2 and the black smoke. There are 4 fixed automatic monitoring stations on ambient air quality measuring several environmental and metrological data in Skopje (Karpos, Center, Lisice and Gazi Baba), one station for air quality monitoring from the traffic located in the Skopje center (Main Buiding-Rektorat at the University St. Cyril and Methodius). Additionally in 2005 the two low volume samplers were placed at locations Lisice and Karpos for performing PM 10 measurements. The main on-line monitoring parameters that are performed are: SO 2 [ g/m 3 ]; NO 2, NO x, NO [ g/m 3 ] ; CO [mg/m 3 ] ; O 3 - ozone [ g/m 3 ]; SPM suspended particulate matters (PM 10 /opt. PM 2.5 ) expressed in g/m 3. These Automatic Air Monitoring Stations perform also the metrological measurements of the following parameters: wind speed [m/s]; wind direction ; temperature [ C] ; pressure [hpa] and humidity [%]; global radiation [W/m 2 ]. October, Part II: A6-137

96 The locations of the mentioned monitoring stations in Skopje are presented in Figure in Annex 14., and Annex 15 presents the main characteristics of the stations, actually parameters that they are analysing. Thus PHI monitoring stations measures the following parameters: SO2, Black smoke, Acidity and Pb twice a year at the measurement station CHPI Skopje PHI. HMA conducts measurements at 9 monitoring stations, were SO 2, Black smoke are measured at 7 stations, at HMA Karpos 4 beside O 2, Black smoke are also measured NO2, NOx, O 3, while at HMA UHMR also are monitored meterological parameters. MOEPP have placed automatic monitoring stations at 5 location. In the existing monitoring stations the subsequent pollutant substances: SO 2, NO 2, NO, NO x, O 3, CO, PM 10 are measured. Only two monitoring stations in Skopje measure BTX, but currently that equipment is under reparation, meaning that the procurement of the spear parts for BTX monitoring is in procedure. Meteorological parameters that are measured include: temperature, relative humidity, speed and wind direction, solar radiation as well as atmospheric pressure. Data from the monitoring stations are transferred through phone line to the MEIC in MOEPP, where are processed within the ambient air quality data base. Analysis of the ambient air quality data gained from the automatic monitoring stations under the MoEPP and monitoring stations under the Public Health Institute and the Hydrometrological Institute was performed by the Macedonian Environmental Information Centre under the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. The review of the average annual concentration for 2006 of some parameters relevant for the air quality and number of days when this concentration exceed the limit values has been given into the Table Table 3-38 The review of the average annually concentration of some parameters Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning Automatic monitoring stations Monitoring station SO 2 [µg/m 3 ] NO x [µg/m 3 ] CO [mg/m3] Ozone O3 Average annually concentration Max Min Limit values Number of days with average daily concentrations above limit values Karpos Centar Lisice Karpos Centar G. Baba Lisice Rektorat Karpos Centar G. Baba Lisice Rektorat Karpos Lisice [µg/m3] Rektorat Karpos Karpos Sampler PM 10 Lisice [µg/m 3 ] Lisice Sampler Rektorat Source:The MoEPP, Annual Report on Air Quality 2006 October, Part II: A6-138

97 The analysis show that the SO 2 concentration in Skopje are under the limit value according the national secondary legislation (expressed as maximum allowed concentrations) at the monitoring location Lisice, but the limit values have been exceeded in the period of 7 days at the monitoring locations Karpos and Centar. There are several days (the largest number of days are for monitoring location Rektorat) where limit values for NO 2 have been exceeded due to the traffic and metrological conditions into the winter period of the year. All data for CO concentrations are above limit values at all monitoring locations due to the traffic, burn of wood and fuel for heating and metrological conditions. The exceeds of the PM 10 concentrations at all monitoring locations have been registered by all three monitoring stations for more than 71 days in the year especially in the winter months. The results of the analysis performed on the annual concentrations of SO 2 and black smoke at the monitoring stations under the Public Health Institute and the Hydrometrological Administration show the exceeds of the limit values for black smoke at all monitoring locations. There is light exceeds of the limit values for SO 2 at several monitoring locations within a few days in the year. These results are given in the Table Table 3-39 The results from the monitoring stations under the Public Health Institute and the Hydrometrological Administration Monitoring station Public Health Institute Skopje Hidro Metrological Administration SO 2 µg/m 3 CHPI Skopje DDD CHPI Skopje Elementary school Dimo Hadzi Dimov CHPI Skopje Insitute for forensic medicine CHPI Skopje PHI HMA AMSM HMA Avtokomanda Average annually concentration HMA Dracevo HMA Josip Broz Tito HMA Karpos October, Part II: A6-139 Max Min Limit values Number of days with average daily concentrations above limit values

98 Public Health Institute Skopje HMA Lisice HMA UHMR HMA Univerzitetska HMA Agiculture insitut black smoke µg/m 3 CHPI Skopje DDD CHPI Skopje Elementary school Dimo Hadzi Dimov CHPI Skopje Insitute for forensic medicine CHPI Skopje PHI CHPI Skopje Evropa CHPI Skopje Kinder garden Srnicka CHPI Skopje Usje HMA AMSM HMA Avtokomanda HMA Dracevo HMA Josip Broz Tito HMA Karpos HMA Lisice HMA UHMR HMA Univerzitetska HMA Agiculture insitut Source:The MoEPP, Annual Report on Air Quality 2006 Hidro Metrological Administration October, Part II: A6-140

99 The average monthly data from the automatic monitoring stations of MOEPP regarding different pollutants (year 2007) are given in Annex 16. Annual data with regard to 2007, are not officially published by MOEPP Noise The institutions that measure and monitor the level of noise in Macedonia are: The Central Laboratory of the MoEPP, which performs only ad-hoc measurements upon request. They are using the state off the art technology for noise measurements. The Public Health Institute with its regional branches which perform measurements on the 14 monitoring locations in Skopje. In compliance with the legal regulations, the data from the measurement and monitoring of noise levels are submitted to the Macedonian Environmental Information Centre within the MoEPP, where such data is stored, processed and published in the Annually Reports on the noise levels. Locations of the noise monitoring stations in Skopje are given in Annex 17. The monitoring data for the period has been analyzed by the Macedonian Environmental Information Center under the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. The analysis and main conclusions are given into the Table 3-40 refer to the exceedance of the limit values through the whole 10 years period with maximal noise level and year when this maximal level occurred. Also the noise level trend of increasing/decreasing or consistency through years has been presented. October, Part II: A6-141

100 Table 3-40 Main conclusions on the noise monitoring data Identification Location of the point on the Period station map Kinder garden Orce Nikolov Bul. Partizanski Odredi Kinder garden N.N.Borce High School Josip Broz Tito 10 Clinical Center City Park- Zena park Cinema Kisela Voda Ul. Prvomajska Bul. Jane Sandanski Bul. Koco Racin Bul. Aleksandar Makedonski Bul. Kliment Ohridski Ul. John Kenedi ul. Cvetan Dimov Ul. John Kenedi Kinder Garden Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period/exept 1997 Exceed the limit value through all years period Exceed the limit value through all years period Max. noise level (db (A)/year Noise level trend through years db / 1991 Decreasing trend db / 2001 Increasing trend db / 1998 Increasing trend db / 2000 Increasing trend db / db / db / 1996 Slight increasing trend Consistency trend Slight decreasing trend db / 1998 Decreasing trend 90.3 db / db / db / 2002 Consistency trend Consistency trend Consistency trend db / 2005 Increasing trend 86.2 db / 1997 Slight decreasing trend db / 1991 Decreasing trend Snezana Source: Report on Environment and Social consideration Survey (IEE Study), Project: Study on Wastewater Management in Skopje, February, 2008, Skopje October, Part II: A6-142

101 3.12 Flora and Fauna Flora Assessment of Floral Diversity Within the locality of Ostrovo and its closer surroundings, which was subject of assessment with our research aiming at evaluation of its flora and vegetation, the following habitats have been registered: Areas with forest vegetation The forest which exists in the locality of Ostrovo is today only modest remains of formerly rich autochton beside-the-river riparian vegetation which had in the past flourished beside the river Vardar, before shifting its flow direction and its river bed, as well as before the land-reclamation measures taken in the swamps in Skopje Ravine. The forest used to be one of the few resting sites for the migratory birds in the lowland parts of Skopje Ravine nearby Skopje. Figure 3-22: Protected Area Ostrovo, forest vegetation That is the reason why the locality of Ostrovo was proclaimed as the Natural monument. While preparing the EIA study, we did not have any data concerning the flora-vegetation composition of this area at the time when it was proclaimed as the Natural monument. However, from the flora-vegetation analysis performed, taking into account the overall recent ecological conditions within that area, a conclusion can be drawn that the forest vegetation there has undergone significant species changes. Beside the shift in the flow direction of the river Vardar, other noteworthy reasons for this change are the altered hydro regime in this area, lowering of the level of underground waters, the fires that had taken place there in the past, inappropriate foresting, global climate changes and the like. Therefore, this forest can no longer be considered as a typical riparian-vegetation forest. Rather, it is a mixture of species, where the artificially planted American maple trees (Acernegundo), Amorpha fruticosa, Robinia pseudoacacia) prevail, with scattered single trees of Populus alba, Salix alba, Salix fragilis, Ulmus laevis (U. effusa) and others. October, Part II: A6-143

102 Nevertheless, certain habitats are still recognizable in this forest (! 44.1 Riparian willow formations;! 44.8 Southern riparian galleries and thickets), i.e. types of vegetation listed in the International Convention lists (flora-vegetation features will be listed below), which, coupled with the natural aesthetic and recreation values of this area, make it particularly important, which is the reason why its preservation is a must. Areas (cultivated fields) with cereal crops Along the edges of Ostrovo, from its four sides, the alluvial lower parts beside the river Vardar have been turned into cultivated fields, where cereal crops - wheat and barley mainly - are grown. Yet, not the whole of this area is used for farming purposes. Some parts which seem inappropriate for farming have remained uncultivated, this resulting into development of rich weed-like and ruderal vegetation. This weed-like and ruderal vegetation (ass. Geranio-Sylibetum mariani) constitutes a significant part of the total floravegetation diversity in this area. Figure 3-23: Cultivated fields with cereal crops Sites with marsh-vegetation (a small-size marsh over Arboretum - Ezerce) These are depressions usually flooded by the waters of the river Vardar during winter and early spring months. Here the level of the underground waters is higher, which results into creation of conditions for development of marsh- vegetation. Even though these are secondary habitats, their further existence should be supported, as they are habitats with marsh-vegetation (Scirpeto-Phragmentum), which has largely been destroyed in Skopje Ravine by the land-reclamation measures. Table 3-41 below presents most dominant species of trees within Ezerce. October, Part II: A6-144

103 Table 3-41 Tree species within Ezerce ( in percentages) White Poplar (Populus alba) dominant plant represented with > 50 % Crack Willow (Salix fragilis) 10 % White Willow (Salix alba) -20% Maple -Acer negundo- 10% Black poplar (Populus nigra)- <5%; Bulrush (Typha latifolia) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis) are two dominant aquatic plants within the ground level. On the surface of the water, Lemna sp. is numerous and gives green color especially during the summer period. Figures from 3-24 to 3-26 below presents respectively marsh vegetation on the locality Ezerce, and some of the dominant species. Figure 3-24: Marsh vegetation on the locality Ezerce Figure 3-25: Lemna sp on the surface of the Ezerce, while on the ground level is Typha latifolia October, Part II: A6-145

104 Figure 3-26: Populus alba, Typha latifolia and Phragmites australis Arboretum at the Faculty of Forestry in Skopje The Arboretum at the Faculty of Forestry in Skopje is located north-west of Ostrovo, containing a large number of tree species planted and grown in cultures originating from various parts of the world. It is an educational centre of enormous importance for the students of forestry at the Faculty of Forestry in Skopje, enabling them to realize part of there practical exercises there. Figure 3-27: Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry on locality nearby the WWTP October, Part II: A6-146

105 Evaluation of Floral diversity Metodology Diversity of Flora and Habitats in Ostrovo locality is presented by the dominant habitat types, plant communities (vegetation) and characteristic plant species (flora). Evaluation (valorisation) of the global (and national) biodiversity value was realized according to the many international criteria: IUCN Red List of threatened Plant species (Walter and Gillet 1998) Eu Habitat Directive 92/43EEC BERN Convention Habitat Directive Annex II b, Annex IV b CORINE EMERALD IPA (Important Plant Areas) CITES Convention on International Trade in Endagered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Evaluation took into account the personal available data of the author, as well as the data from the Country Study for Biodiversity Strategy of the Republic of Macedonia-first Nationa Report)(2003) and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Republic of Macedonia)(2004). Habitat types vegetation and flora Habitat types The following habitats, listed in the International Convention lists, can be found in the region of NM (Natural Monument) Ostrovo: Table 3-42 Habitats in the region of Ostrovo BERN Convention, Resolution No 4 (1996) Eu Habitat Directive 92/43EEC! 44.1 Riparian willow formations Salix alba and Populus alba galleries! 44.8 Southern riparian galleries and thickets Vegetation 44.8 Thermo-Mediterranean riparian galleries (Nerio-Tamaricetea) ass. Tamarici-Salicetum amplexicaulis (Karp.1962) Em 1967 Within the listed habitats in fragmentary state, the following types of vegetation grow: ass. Tamarici-Salicetum amplexicaulis (Karp.1962) Em From the vegetation survey conducted, as per the fitocenological methodology by Braun- Blanquet (1962), this type of vegetation in fragmentary state can be found only in the southern part of Ostrovo, being represented by the following composition: October, Part II: A6-147

106 ass. Tamarici-Salicetum amplexicaulis (Karp.1962) Em 1967 (41 58'40''N; 21 30'51''E; 245 m.), Tamarix parviflora 3 Ulmus laevis 2 Dasypyrum villosum 1 Cynodon dactylon 1 Poa trivialis 1 Saponaria officinalis + Silene alba + Schoenus nigricans + Asparagus tenuifolius + Eryngium campestre + Rubus sanguineus + Verbascum thapsus + Cirsium palustre + Tordylium maximum + Robinia pseudoaccacia + Galium verum + Euphorbia gerardiana subsp. niciciana + Anchusa procera + Ruderal vegetation ass. Geranio-Silybetum mariani Oberd (41 58'39''N; 21 30'54''E;238 m) Silybum marianum 3 Onopordon acanthium 2 Torilis nodosa 2 Xanthium spinosum 1 Carduus picnocephalus 1 Erodium ciconium + Conyza canadensis 1 Sambucus ebulus + Hordeum murinum + Balota nigra + Rumex pulcher + Papaver rhoeas + Sonchus oleraceus + Flora Based on field researches conducted, a floristic register of the following registered plant species has been drawn up in Table October, Part II: A6-148

107 Table 3-43 Floristic register of the registered plant species within the region of Ostrovo Ostrovofamily species field wood marsh ACERACEAE Acer negundo + AMARANTHACEAE Amaranthus retroflexus + + APIACEAE Torilis arvensis + + Bidens tripartitus + Tordylium maximum + Eryngium campestre + + ARACEAE Arum maculatum + ASPARAGACEAE Asparagus tenuifolius + ASTERACEAE Arctium lappa + Artemisia vulgaris + + Chondrilla juncea + + Cirsium palustre + + Conyza bonariensis + + Crepis foetida subsp. rhoeadifolia + Erigeron annuus + Onopordon acanthium Picris hieracioides + + Sonchus asper + Silybum marianum + Tragopogon pratensis + + ARISTOLCHIACEAE Aristolochia clematitis + + BORAGINACEAE Anchusa procera BRASSICACEAE Sisymbrium loeselii CANNABACEAE Humulus lupulus + CARYOPHYLLACEAE Saponaria officinalis + Silene alba + CAPRIFOLIACEAE Sambucus nigra + CHENOPODIACEAE Chenopodium album + Atriplex patula + CONVOLVULACEAE Convolvulus arvensis CORNACEAE Cornus sanguinea + CYPERACEAE Schoenus nigricans + + EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia cyparissias + Euphorbia gerardiana subsp niciciana FABACEAE Amorpha fruticosa (cult) + Robinia pseudoaccacia (cult) October, Part II: A6-149

108 family species Ostrovowood field Vicia sativa subsp. nigra + Trigonella monspeliaca + + marsh GERANIACEAE Erodium cicutarium + HYPERICACEAE Hypericum perforatum var. angustifolium + + JUGLANDACEAE Juglans regia + LAMIACEAE Ballota nigra + Lycopus europaeus + Marrubium vulgare + + Mentha aquatica + Mentha spicata + LEMNACEAE Lemna minor LYTHRACEAE Lythrum salicaria + MALVACEAE Althaea cannabina + + Abutilon teophrastii + + MORACEAE Morus alba + OLEACEAE Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa + PAPAVERACEAE Papaver rhoeas + + PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago lanceolata + POACEAE Cynodon dactylon + Apera spica-venti Avena barbata + + Brachypodium sylvaticum + Bromus sterilis + + Phragmites australis + + Setaria viridis + + Sorghum halepense + + Dasypyrum villosum + + Digitaria sanguinalis Poa trivialis POLYGONACEAE Rumex conglomeratus + + Polygonum hydropyper PORTULACACEAE Porrtulaca oleracea + PRIMULACEAE Lysimachia vulgaris + ROSACEAE Rubus discolor + + Rubus sanguineus + Rubus caesius + Potentilla canescens RUBIACEAE Galium verum + October, Part II: A6-150

109 family species Ostrovowood field marsh SALICACEAE Populus alba + + Salix alba + + Salix fragilis + + SCROPHULARIEACEAE Rhinanthus minor + Verbascum thapsus + + Linaria genisifolia SOLANACEAE Solanum dulcamara + + Solanum nigrum Datura stramonium TAMARICACEAE Tamarix parviflora + TYPHACEAE Typha latifolia + ULMACEAE Ulmus laevis + URTICACEAE Parietaria officinalis + Urtica dioica + VERBENACEAE Verbena officinalis + + VITACEAE Vitis sylvestris + VIOLACEAE Viola sp. General conclusions From botanical aspect, we can generally conclude that this area has lost, in the course of the passed years, quite a lot of its autochthon flora-vegetation values. This is mainly due to the fact that, in the passed years, primarily as a consequence of change in the river bed of the river Vardar, changes in the level of the underground waters, fires and inappropriate foresting, which have altogether had drastic anthropological effect, there has occurred modification of overall ecological relations, which has resulted into modification of the autochthon flora-vegetation specificities. Within this region, two habitat types have been registered, which are already listed in BERN Convention, Resolution No 4 (1996) (! 44.1 Riparian willow formations,! 44.8 Southern riparian galleries and thickets) and in Eu Habitat Directive 92/43EEC (44.17 Salix alba and Populus alba galleries, 44.8 Thermo-Mediterranean riparian galleries (Nerio-Tamaricetea ass. Tamarici-Salicetum amplexicaulis (Karp. 1962) Em 1967). They grow in fragmentary state, due to the reasons mentioned in the conclusion above. From the register of plant species drawn up, a conclusion was drawn that in this area have not been registered plant species already listed in the International Documents and Conventions (IUCN Red List of threatened Plant species, BERN Convention, Habitat Directive Annex II b, Annex IV b, CORINE, EMERALD, CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). In the areas around Ostrovo, along its edges, there are cultivated fields planted mainly with cereal crops - wheat and barley. In them, as well as beside them, there is weedlike and ruderal flora and vegetation. October, Part II: A6-151

110 Fauna Introduction Based upon an analysis of biodiversity richness among the countries of Europe, the Republic of Macedonia holds the top position on the "European Hotspot" list (Gaston, K.J. & David, R., 1994; Blondel & Aronson, 1999). In the case of the studied area, simple figures of relative species richness do not bring out the real importance of the site in terms of its conservation value. The most conspicuous feature of the site is its significance as an important Stopover Habitat within the Birds Migration Route Danube-Morava-Vardar-Aegean Sea. Stopover habitats are essential to successful bird migrations. Migrating birds need these critical stopover locations strategically located along the migration routes (patches of woods, wetlands, mudflats, and river banks) with adequate food and shelter ensure the survival of a species. A migrating bird faced with the dilemma of a stopover site having disappeared may not have any viable options. Without places along the way that provide an adequate food supply for the quick replenishment of fat reserves, shelter from predators, and water, will cause declines in the numbers of many migratory bird species. Methods Assessment of Fauna Within the current report a database has been developed which includes complete species lists for the studied area (Trubarevo) for the following groups of organisms: freshwater fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. The classification of species follows the most contemporary publications on the taxonomy of various taxonomic groups, i.e. Fishes: Kottelat & Freyhof (2007); Amphibians and Reptiles: Gasc et al. (1997) and Arnold & Ovenden (2002); Birds: BirdLife International 2004b; Mammals: Krystufek & Petkovski (2003, 2006) and Wilson & Reeder (2005). The lists of species have been prepared on the basis of historical published records, unpublished data, as well as current field investigations conducted by the author for the purposes of this project. Evaluation of Fauna During the last decades, a set of international conventions and treaties has come into effect for the protection of threatened species in Europe. The most notable are the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (usually referred to as the Convention of Bern), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (usually referred to as the Convention of Bonn), both set up in 1979, the EU Birds Directive (1979, implemented in 1981) and the EU Habitats Directive (1992, implemented in 1994). The implementation of these instruments, and particularly the establishment of Natura 2000 under the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive (European Union), and the Emerald Network under the Bern Convention (wider European), is of vital importance in the development of the Pan European Ecological Network (PEEN), since these instruments provide the conservation of many valuable sites across Europe. The physical realization of PEEN should be based on existing initiatives and European directives. Detailed explanation of the mentioned Conventions, Directives and other relevant treaties with regard to the assessment and evaluation of the fauna is given in Annex 18. October, Part II: A6-152

111 Assessment of Faunal Diversity Fishes Table 3-44 Taxonomic survey of Fishes recorded in the River Vardar along the studied area TAXONOMIC GROUP / SPECIES ENGLISH COMMON NAME MACEDONIAN COMMON NAME PISCES (FISHES); (RIBI) Petromyzontidae (Lampreys); (Zmiorki) 1. Eudontomyzon mariae Brook Lamprey Zmiorka Anguillidae (Eels); (Jaguli) 2. Anguilla anguilla European Eel Jagula Cyprinidae (Carps, Minnows); (Krapovidni ribi) 3. Rhodeus meridionalis Vardar Bitterling Platiche ili Ploskun 4. Gobio balcanicus Vardar Gudgeon Vardarska krkushka 5. Romanogobio elimeius Vardar Stone Tenkoopashesta krkushka Gudgeon 6. Barbus balcanicus Large Spot Barbel Crna mrena 7. Barbus macedonicus Macedonian Barbel Bela mrena 8. Carassius carassius Crucian Carp Karas 9. Carassius gibelio Prussian Carp Zlaten karas 10. Cyprinus carpio Carp Krap 11. Alburnoides bipunctatus Spirlin Chejmen; Pliska, Vardarka; 12. Gomnushka Alburnus thessalicus Thessaly Bleak Vardarska Plashica; Nivicka; Belovichka 13. Chondrostoma vardarense Vardar Nase Vardarski bojnik, skobust 14. Squalius vardarensis Vardar Chub Vardarski klen 15. Pachychilon macedonicum Mavrotsironi Mergur 16. Phoxinus phoxinus Minnow Pior 17. Rutilus rutilus Roach Crvenoperka 18. Scardinius erythrophthalmus Rudd Pisa 19. Vimba melanops Dark Vimba Popadika ili Deverika Cobitidae (Spined Loaches); (Shtipalki) 20. Cobitis vardarensis Vardar Spined Roach Vardarska shtipalka 21. Sabanejewia balcanica Balkan Golden Loach Zlatna shtipalka Nemacheilidae (Stone Loaches); (Vretenushki) 22. Barbatula barbatula Stone Loach Vardarska vretenushka, Viun Siluridae (Catfishes); (Somovi) 23. Silurus glanis European Catfish Som Percidae (Perches); (Perkii) 24. Zingel balcanicus Vretenar Vardarski vretenar The names of families and their classification into species follows Kottelat & Freyhof (2007). For freshwater fishes there was no appropriate national species list available and the database for fishes was therefore compiled from various sources. On National level the Superclass Pisces (Fishes) is represented by 64 indigenous freshwater species, which is 12% of European freshwater fish fauna, including 20 endemic species, with centres of endemism in the three natural lakes, as well as in the River Vardar and its tributaries. Twenty- eight of the fish species are Globally Threatened, seventeen of which are Macedonian endemics. According to Karaman (1924, 1931a, 1931b, 1937, 1952), Dimovski & Grupce (1971, 1974a, 1974b, 1976, 1977, 1987), Grupce & Dimovski (1973), Georgiev (1998), Naumovski (1995) and Kottelat & Freyhof (2007) in the wider area of the River Vardar October, Part II: A6-153

112 along the studied area 24 fish species have been recorded, which is 37,5% of the total freshwater fish fauna of Macedonia. Amphibians & Reptiles Table 3-45 Taxonomic survey of Amphibians and Reptiles recorded in the investigated area TAXONOMIC GROUP / SPECIES ENGLISH COMMON NAME MACEDONIAN COMMON NAME AMPHIBIA (AMPHIBIANS); (VODOZEMCI) Caudata (Tailed Amphibians: Salamanders and Newts); (Opashesti vodozemci: Dozdovnici i Mrmorci) 1. Salamandra salamandra Fire Salamander Sharen Dozdovnik 2. Triturus macedonicus Macedonian Crested Newt Makedonski mrmorec 3. Triturus karelinii Balkan Crested Newt Balkanski mrmorec 4. Triturus vulgaris Common Newt Obichen mrmorec Anura (Tailless Amphibians: Frogs and Toads); (Bezopashesti vodozemci: Zhabi) 5. Pelobates syriacus Balkan Spadefoot Toad Balkanska lukova zhaba balcanicus 6. Bufo bufo Common Toad Golema krastava zhaba 7. Bufo viridis Green Toad Zelena krastava zhaba 8. Hyla arborea Common Tree Frog Gatalinka 9. Rana dalmatina Agile Frog Gorska zhaba 10. Rana ridibunda Marsh Frog Ezerska zhaba REPTILIA (REPTILES); (VLECHUGI) Testudines (Tortoises and Terrapins); (Zhelki) 11. Testudo hermanni Hermann's Tortoise Ridska zhelka 12. Testudo graeca Spur-thighed Tortoise Polska zhelka 13. Emys orbicularis European Pond Terrapin Blatna zhelka Sauria (Lizards); (Gushteri) 14. Lacerta trilineata Three-lined Lizard Golem zelen gushter 15. Podarcis taurica Balkan Wall Lizard Polski gushter 16. Podarcis erhardii Erhard's Wall Lizard Makedonski gushter 17. Anguis fragilis Slow Worm Slepok Ophidia (Snakes); (Zmii) 18. Typhlops vermicularis Worm Snake Crvovidna zmija 19. Coluber caspius Large Whip Snake Zholt smok 20. Elaphe quatuorlineata Four-lined Snake Zdrepka 21. Natrix tessellata Dice Snake Zmija Ribarka 22. Natrix natrix Grass Snake Beloushka 23. Vipera ammodytes Nose-horned Viper Poskok The classification of Amphibians and Reptiles follows Gasc et al. (1997) and Arnold & Ovenden (2002). The database for amphibians is based on records of: Karaman (1922, 1928a, 1931a, 1937, 1938, 1939), Dimovski (1960, 1963, 1964, 1966), Sidorovska (2003), Petkovski et al. (2000/2001), Dzukic et al. (1998) as well as current field investigations conducted for the purposes of this project. Within the investigated area presence of 10 amphibian species has been ascertained, which is 66% of the total number of Amphibians on National level represented by 15 species, while of the Reptiles, presence of 13 species has been ascertained, which is 40,6% of the total number of Reptiles on National Level, represented by 32 species. October, Part II: A6-154

113 Birds Table 3-46 Taxonomic survey of Birds recorded in the investigated area TAXONOMIC GROUP / SPECIES ENGLISH COMMON NAME MACEDONIAN COMMON NAME AVES (BIRDS); (PTICI) Podicipedidae (Grebes); ( Nurkachi) 1. Tachybaptus ruficollis Dabchick Mal nurkach Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants); (Kormorani) 2. Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant Golem kormoran 3. Phalacrocorax pygmaeus Pygmy Cormorant Mal kormoran Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets and Bitterns); ( Chapji) 4. Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Siva Chapja 5. Cosmerodius albus Great White Egret Golema bela Chapja 6. Egretta garzetta Little Egret Mala bela Chapja 7. Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron Nokna capja 8. Botaurus stellaris Eurasian Bittern Voden bik ili Bukavec 9. Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern Mal voden bik ili Mal bukavec Ciconiidae (Storks); (Shtrkovi) 10. Ciconia ciconia White Stork Bel shtrk Anatidae (Swans, Geese and Ducks); (Lebedi, Guski i Shatki) 11. Cygnus olor Mute Swan Crvenoklun lebed 12. Anser fabalis Bean Goose Posevna guska 13. Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose Belocelna guska 14. Anser brachyrhynchus Pink-footed Goose Rozovonoga guska 15. Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Diva shatka 16. Anas Penelope Wigeon Shatka svirkach 17. Anas querquedula Garganey Shatka pupcharka 18. Anas crecca Teal Shatka krkach 19. Anas acuta Pintail Shilestoopashesta shatka 20. Anas clypeata Shoveler Shatka lazhicharka 21. Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard Crvenokluna potopnica; Prevez 22. Mergus albellus Smew Mal severen potopnik ili Bel potopnik Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles and Vultures); (Orli, Eji, Lunji i Jastrebi) 23. Accipiter gentilis Goshawk Jastreb kokoshkar 24. Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk Jastreb vrapchar 25. Accipiter brevipes Levant Sparrowhawk Kratkoprst jastreb 26. Buteo buteo Common Buzzard Obichen gluvchar 27. Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier Blatna eja 28. Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier Polska eja Falconidae (Falcons); (Sokoli) 29. Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Siv sokol 30. Falco subbuteo Hobby Sokol lastovichar 31. Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Obichna vetrushka ili Kerkenez 32. Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel Stepska vetrushka Phasianidae (Gamebirds); (Lovni ptici) 33. Coturnix coturnix Common Quail Potpoloshka 34. Perdix perdix Common Partridge Polska Erebica 35. Phasianus colchicus Common Pheasant Fazan Rallidae (Rails); (Blatni kokoshki) 36. Fulica atra Common Coot Liska 37. Gallinula chloropus Moorhen Zelenonoga blatna kokoshka 38. Rallus aquaticus Water Rail Kresliva blatna kokoshka Charadriidae (Plovers); (Dozhdosvirci) 39. Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover Recen dozdosvirec 40. Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Kaludjerka October, Part II: A6-155

114 Recurvirostridae (Avocets and Stilts); ( Sabjarki) 41. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet Krivokluna sabjarka Scolopacidae (Typical Waders), (Vistinski mochvarki) 42. Actitis hypoleucos Marsh Sandpiper Blatna tringa 43. Scolopax rusticola Woodcock Shumska shljuka 44. Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe Blatna bekasina 45. Limnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe Mala bekasina Laridae (Gulls and Terns); (Galebi i vrtimushki ) 46. Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull Obicen galeb Columbidae (Pigeons); (Gulabi, Grlici i Gugutki) 47. Columba livia Rock Dove Div gulab 48. Columba oenas Stock Dove Gorski gulab 49. Columba palumbus Wood Pigeon Gulab grivnesh 50. Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove Gugutka 51. Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove Grlica Cuculidae (Cuckoos); (Kukavici) 52. Cuculus canorus Eurasian Cuckoo Obicna kukavica Strigidae (Typical Owls); (Utki vistinski) 53. Bubo bubo Eagle Owl Buf 54. Asio otus Long-eared Owl Shumska ushesta utka 55. Otus scops Scops Owl Kjuk 56. Athene noctua Little Owl Domashna kukumjavka Caprimulgidae (Nightjars); (Nokjni lastovici) 57. Caprimulgus europaeus Europaean Nightjar Nokna lastovica ili Kozodoj Apodidae (Swifts); (Pishtarki) 58. Apus apus Common Swift Obichna pishtarka Alcedinidae (Kingfishers); (Ribarchinja) 59. Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher Ribarche Meropidae (Bee-eaters); (Pchelarki) 60. Merops apiaster European Bee-eater Pcelarka Coraciidae (Rollers); (Smrdivrani) 61. Coracias garrulus European Roller Smrdivrana Upupidae (Hoopoes); (Pupunci) 62. Upupa epops Hoopoe Pupunec Picidae (Woodpeckers); (Klukajdrvci) 63. Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Woodpecker Golem sharen klukajdrvec 64. Dendrocopos medius Middle Spotted Sharen klukajdrvec Woodpecker 65. Dendrocopos minor Lesser Spotted Mal sharen klukajdrvec Woodpecker 66. Picus viridis Green Woodpecker Zelen klukajdrvec Alaudidae (Larks); (Chuchuligi) 67. Alauda arvensis Skylark Polska cuculiga 68. Lullula arborea Woodlark Shumska chuchuliga 69. Galerida cristata Crested Lark Cuculesta ili Kjubesta kukavica Hirundinidae (Swallows and Martins); (Lastovici) 70. Hirundo rustica Swallow Selska lastovica 71. Delichon urbica House Martin Gradska lastovica Riparia riparia Sand Martin Pesocna ili Krajbrezhna 72. lastovica Motacillidae (Pipits and Wagtails); (Tresiopashki i Trepetlivki) 73. Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit Planinska trepetlivka 74. Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit Polska trepetlivka 75. Anthus spinoletta Rock/Water Pipit Vodna trepetlivka 76. Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit Shumska trepetlivka 77. Motacilla alba Pied/White Wagtail Mala tresiopashka 78. Motacilla flava Yellow/Blue-headed Zholta tresiopashka Wagtail October, Part II: A6-156

115 79. Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail Planinska tresiopashka Laniidae (Shrikes); (Svrachinja) 80. Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike Crvenogrbo svrace 81. Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike Golemo sivo svrache Sylviidae (Warblers); ( Grmusharki) 82. Locustella luscinioides Savi's Warbler Crcorec trskar 83. Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler Obichno trskarche 84. Acrocephalus Sedge Warbler Rogozarche schoenobaenus 85. Cettia cetti Cetti's Warbler Svileno trskarche 86. Sylvia communis Common Whitethrout Belogushesto koprivarche 87. Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchiff Elov pevec 88. Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler Bukov pevec Muscicapidae (Flycatchers),; (Muvarchinja) 89. Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher Pegavo muvarche Turdidae (Thrushes, Chats, Wheatears and Robins); (Drozdovi, Crvenogushki, Slavei i kosovi) 90. Erithacus rubecula Robin Crvenogushka 91. Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale Slavej 92. Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush Imelov drozd 93. Turdus pilaris Fieldfare Smrekov drozd 94. Turdus merula Blackbird Kos Remizidae (Penduline Tits); (Sipki torbarki) 95. Remiz pendulinus Penduline Tit Sipka torbarka Paridae (Tits); (Sipki vistinski) 96. Parus caeruleus Blue Tit Sina sipka 97. Parus palustris Marsh Tit Mochurishna sipka 98. Parus major Great Tit Golema sipka Troglodytidae (Wrens); (Palcinja) 99. Troglodytes troglodytes Wren Palche Emberizidae (Buntings); (Ovesarki) 100. Miliaria calandra Corn Bunting Siva ovesarka 101. Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Zholta ovesarka Fringillidae (Finches); Chinki ili Zvingalki 102. Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Bilbilche, Kadnka ili Shtiglic 103. Carduelis cannabina Linnet Konoplarche Ploceidae (Sparrows and Snowfinches); (Vrapchinja i Snezhni vrapchinja) 104. Passer domesticus House Sparrow Domashno vrapche 105. Passer montanus Tree Sparrow Polsko vrapche Oriolidae (Orioles); (Zholni ili Vugi) 106. Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole Zholna ili vuga Sturnidae (Starlings); (Skolovranci) 107. Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Obicen skolovranec Corvidae (Jays, Magpies and Crows); (Cavki, Vrani, Stracki, Gavrani i Galki) 108. Garrulus glandarius Eurasian Jay Sojka 109. Pica pica Magpie Strachka 110. Corvus corax Raven Gavran 111. Corvus frugilegus Rook Polska vrana 112. Corvus corone cornix Hooded Crow Siva vrana 113. Corvus monedula Jackdaw Chavka The scientific names of species are presented according to the nomenclature followed in Birds in Europe 2, BirdLife International 2004b). Subspecies are not included in the database, although certain subspecies are acknowledged at the species level in recent taxonomic studies. On European Level, the most prominent peak of the great diversity richness of birds rises from the very heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Macedonia, where from, cascades down southwards, across Sterea Hellas, finishing in Peloponnese (Vasic, 1994). Therefore, it is October, Part II: A6-157

116 not surprisingly the fact that on the whole territory of the Republic of Macedonia has been ascertained presence of 314 species of birds, which is 61% of the total number of birds fauna in Europe, represented by 514 species. The list of species recorded within the investigated area (see Table above) is based on records given by: Karaman (1928b, 1931a, 1948, 1950), Makatsch (1950), Matvejev (1948), Matvejev & Dimovski (1955), Matvejev & Vasic (1963), Snow & Perrins (1998). Fully updated overview of the bird species occurring in the investigated area is given by Maletic (unpublished data) based on his long term monitoring within the last 20 years. Notwithstanding the fact of the extremely small size of the investigated area, including the bank of the River Vardar, the protected area Ostrvo, the wetland Ezerce, the Arboretum Forest and the agricultural land, an extremely high level of birds diversity richness has been ascertained. The total number of 113 bird species recorded on the site, represents 36,3% of the total number of 314 species on national level, as well as 22% of the total number of species recorded in Europe. Mammals Table 3-47 Taxonomic survey of Mammals recorded in the investigated area TAXONOMIC GROUP / SPECIES ENGLISH COMMON NAME MACEDONIAN COMMON NAME MAMMALIA (MAMMALS); (CICACHI) Isectivora (Insectivores); (Insektojadni cicachi), 1. Erinaceus roumanicus Eastern Hedgehog Ezh 2. Neomys anomalus Miller's Water Shrew Blatna rovchica 3. Crocidura suaveolens Lesser White-toothed Shrew Gradinarska rovchica 4. Talpa europaea Common Mole Obicna krtica Chiroptera (Bats); (Liljaci) 5. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Greater Horseshoe Bat Golem potkovichar 6. Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser Horseshoe Bat Mal potkovichar 7. Myotis myotis Greater Mouse-eared Bat Golem nokjnik 8. Eptesicus serotinus Serotine Shirokokrilen severnik 9. Nyctalus noctula Noctule Lisest vechernik 10. Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common pipistrelle Djudjest liljak 11. Pipistrellus nathusii Nathusius' Pipistrelle Natusiev liljak 12. Plecotus austriacus Grey Long-eared Bat Siv ushest liljak 13. Miniopterus schreibersi Shreiber's Bat Dolgokrilest liljak Lagomorpha (Rabbits and Hares); (Zajakoobrazni cicachi) 14. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare Div zajak Rodentia (Rodents); (Glodari) 15. Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel Ververica 16. Arvicola terrestris Water Vole Vodna poljanka 17. Microtus rossiaemeridionalis Sibling Vole Obichna poljanka 18. Apodemus flavicollis Yellow-necked Mouse Zholtogrlest glushec 19. Spalax leucodon Lesser Mole Rat Slepo kuche Carnivora (Carnivores or Flash-eaters); (Zverovi) 20. Vulpes vulpes Red Fox Lisica 21. Mustela nivalis Weasel Nevestulka 22. Mustela putorius Western Polecat Obichen tvor 23. Vormela peregusna Marbled Polecat Sharen tvor 24. Martes foina Beech Marten Kuna belka 25. Meles meles Badger Jazovec 26. Lutra lutra Otter Vidra 27. Felis silvestris Wildcat Diva machka The classification of Mammals follows Mitchell Jones et al. (1999), Krystufek & Petkovski (2003, 2006). Wilson & Reeder (2005). The database for mammals is based on records of Petkovski & Krystufek (1998), Krystufek & Petkovski (1989, 1990), Krystufek et al. (1992), October, Part II: A6-158

117 Petrov (1992), Maletic (unpublished data), as well as current field investigation conducted by the author for the purposes of this project. Within the investigated area presence of 27 species of mammals has been ascertained, which is 33% of the total number of Mammals on National level represented by 81 species, as well as 16,4% of the total number of 164 European terrestrial (non marine) species Evaluation of Faunal Diversity Evaluation of Fishes HABITATS DIRECTIVE 92/43/EEC: Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora: ANNEX II: Animal and plant species of Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation. ANNEX IV: Animal and plant species of Community interest in need of strict protection. BERN: CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS. APPENDIX II: Strictly protected faunal species. APPENDIX III: Protected faunal species. THE IUCN RED LIST OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES (2007). Threatened Species means species evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR); Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU). Table 3-48 Evaluation of Fishes LEGAL PROTECTION IUCN SCIENTIFIC NAME Globally 92/43 BERN Threatened DISTRIBUTION Category Pisces (Fishes) 1. Eudontomyzon mariae II III Anguilla anguilla - - CR - 3. Rhodeus meridionalis II - - Vardar Drainage 4. Gobio balcanicus II - - SE Balkans 5. Romanogobio elimeius II - - Vardar Drainage 6. Barbus balcanicus II III - Balkans 7. Barbus macedonicus II III - Vardar Drainage 8. Cyprinus carpio - - VU - 9. Cobitis vardarensis II III - Vardar Drainage 10. Sabanejewia balcanica II III - SE Europe 11. Zingel balcanicus II II - Vardar Drainage Legal Protection In total 9 freshwater fishes have a strict legal protection and all of these species are listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. The Bern Convention includes only one species on Appendix II, while an additional 5 species are included on Appendix III. From the 2 globally threatened species no one have a strict legal protection. October, Part II: A6-159

118 Figure 3-28: Macedonian Barbel (Barbus macedonicus), Legally Protected Species, endemic to the River Vardar Drainage Figure 3-29: Vardar Spined Roach (Cobitis vardarensis), Legally Protected Species, endemic to the River Vardar Drainage Threat Status From the total number of 24 recorded species within the investigated area only 2 species are threatened. Extensive recent taxonomic changes (Kottelat & Freyhof, 2007) will mean that the status of certain fish species on the Red List needs to be re-assessed. The present data should be regarded as a preliminary list, since for most of the species there is not enough information for an assessment of the threat status DD ( Data Deficient ). Unfortunately, Macedonia has not yet prepared its National Red List of Threatened Species and Red Data Book. On the other hand, it is known that many threatened fish species do have a small distribution range and must be regarded as regional or local endemics. Some of these endemic species are vulnerable to extinction due to their very restricted range size. In the case of the River Vardar such examples include the species Vardar Bitterling (Rhodeus meridionalis), Vardar Gudgeon (Gobio balcanicus), Vardar Stone Gudgeon (Romanogobio elimeius), Macedonian Barbel (Barbus macedonicus), Vardar Nase (Chondrostoma vardarense), Vardar Chub (Squalius vardarensis), Mavrotsironi (Pachychilon macedonicum), Vardar Spined Roach (Cobitis vardarensis), Vretenar (Zingel balcanicus) which occur only in the River Vardar drainage. October, Part II: A6-160

119 Evaluation of Amphibians and Reptiles HABITATS DIRECTIVE 92/43/EEC: Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora: ANNEX II: Animal and plant species of Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation. ANNEX IV: Animal and plant species of Community interest in need of strict protection. BERN: CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS. APPENDIX II: Strictly protected faunal species. APPENDIX III: Protected faunal species. THE IUCN RED LIST OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES (2007). Threatened Species means species evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR); Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU). Table 3-49 Evaluation of Amphibians and Reptiles SCIENTIFIC NAME LEGAL PROTECTION 92/43 BERN IUCN Globally Threatened Category DISTRIBUTION Amphibia (Amphibians) 1. Triturus macedonicus II/IV II - SW Balkan 2. Triturus karelinii II/IV II - Balkan 3. Pelobates syriacus SE Balkan IV II - balcanicus 4. Bufo viridis IV II - Central and SE Europe 5. Hyla arborea IV II - Euroasia 6. Rana dalmatina IV II - Europe Reptilia (Reptiles) 1. Testudo hermanni II/IV II LR/nt Mediterranean Area 2. Testudo graeca II/IV II VU South Europe 3. Emys orbicularis II/IV II LR/nt Europe 4. Lacerta trilineata IV II - Balkan 5. Podarcis taurica IV II - SE Europe 6. Podarcis erhardii IV II - Balkan 7. Coluber caspius IV II - SE Europe 8. Elaphe quatuorlineata II/IV II - SE Europe 9. Natrix tessellata IV II - SE Europe 10. Vipera ammodytes IV II - Balkan Legal Protection The Bern Convention covers all European species of amphibians. The most threatened species are included in Annex II and all other species are listed on Annex III. Therefore in the evaluation table are included only species covered by Annex II of the Bern Convention. From the total number of 10 recorded Amphibian species in the investigated area, six species are included in Annex II (strictly protected species) of the Bern Convention. Habitats Directive provide also a strict legal protection for all these six species (Annex IV), while the species Macedonian Crested Newt (Triturus macedonicus) and Balkan Crested Newt (Triturus karelinii) are included in the list of Annex II, which means that the species are of community interest whose conservation requires designation of special areas of conservation. Both newts are endemic species, vulnerable to extinction due to their very restricted range size, which covers wetland ecosystems with disjunctive distribution only within certain parts of the Balkan Peninsula. The species have been recorded in the small wetland Ezerce. October, Part II: A6-161

120 Figure 3-30: Macedonian Crested Newt (Triturus macedonicus), Legally Protected Species, regional endemic Concerning the Reptiles, the Bern Convention also covers all European species of reptiles. The most threatened species are included in Appendix II (strictly protected faunal species) and all other species are listed on Appendix III (protected faunal species). From the total number of 13 recorded Reptilian species within the investigated area, 10 species are included in Appendix II (strictly protected faunal species). Figure 3-31:Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca), Legally Protected and Globally Threatened Species Habitats Directive provide also a strict legal protection for all these 10 species (Annex IV), including the species Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca), European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) and Four-lined Snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata) which are also included in Annex II (Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation). The Hermann's Tortoise, Spur-thighed Tortoise and the Four-lined Snake October, Part II: A6-162

121 have been recorded within the borders of the protected area Ostrvo, while the European Pond Terrapin in the wetland Ezerce. Threat Status At the European scale, amphibians and reptiles are still in decline (IUCN 2007). The already small global populations of the European endemic amphibian and reptile species are continuing to decline, primarily caused by the severe destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats. However, from the amphibian and reptile species recorded within the borders of the investigated area only the Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is included in the list of Globally Threatened Species in the Category VU (Vulnerable), while the species Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) in the Category NT (Near Threatened). Evaluation of Birds SPECs: SPECIES OF EUROPEAN CONSERVATION CONCERN. SPEC1: Species of global conservation concern. SPEC2: Species with "unfavorable conservation status" in Europe whose world populations are concentrated in Europe. SPEC3: Species with "unfavorable conservation status" in Europe whose world populations are not concentrated in Europe. BIRDS DIRECTIVE 79/409/EEC: COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 79/409/EEC ON THE CONSERVATION OF WILD BIRDS: ANNEX I: Birds species of special conservation measures concerning their habitat in order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution. ANNEX II: Birds species may be hunted in the geographical sea and land area where this Directive applies. BERN: CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS. APPENDIX II: Strictly protected faunal species. APPENDIX III: Protected faunal species. BONN: CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SPECIES OF WILD ANIMALS. APPENDIX I: Endangered migratory species. APPENDIX II: Migratory species conserved through Agreements. THE IUCN RED LIST OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES (2007). Threatened Species means species evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR); Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU). Table 3-50 Evaluation of Birds SCIENTIFIC NAME SPEC Status LEGAL PROTECTION 79/409 BERN BONN IUCN Globally Threatened Category Aves (Birds) 1. Phalacrocorax pygmaeus 1 I II II NT 2. Cosmerodius albus - I II II - 3. Egretta garzetta - I II Nycticorax nycticorax 3 I II Botaurus stellaris 3 I II II - 6. Ixobrychus minutus 3 I II II - 7. Ciconia ciconia 2 I II II - 8. Mergus albellus 3 I II II - 9. Accipiter gentilis - - II II Accipiter nisus - - II II Accipiter brevipes 2 I II II Buteo buteo - - II II Circus aeruginosus - I II II Circus cyaneus 3 I II II Falco peregrinus - I II II Falco subbuteo - - II II Falco tinnunculus 3 - II II Falco naumanni 1 I II I VU October, Part II: A6-163

122 19. Charadrius dubius - - II II Vanellus vanellus 2 II III II Recurvirostra avosetta - I II II Actitis hypoleucos 3 - II II Bubo bubo 3 I II Asio otus - - II Otus scops 2 - II Athene noctua 3 - II Caprimulgus europaeus 2 I II Alcedo atthis 3 I II Merops apiaster 3 - II II Coracias garrulus 1 I II II EN 31. Upupa epops 3 - II Dendrocopos major - - II Dendrocopos medius - I II Dendrocopos minor - - II Picus viridis 2 - II Lullula arborea 2 I III Hirundo rustica 3 - II Delichon urbica 3 - II Riparia riparia 3 - II Anthus pratensis - - II Anthus campestris 3 I II Anthus spinoletta - - II Anthus trivialis - - II Motacilla alba - - II Motacilla flava - - II Motacilla cinerea - - II Lanius collurio 3 I II Lanius excubitor 3 - II Locustella luscinioides - - II II Acrocephalus scirpaceus - - II II Acrocephalus schoenobaenus - - II II Cettia cetti - - II II Sylvia communis - - II II Phylloscopus collybita - - II II Phylloscopus sibilatrix 2 - II II Muscicapa striata 3 - II II Erithacus rubecula - - II II Luscinia megarhynchos - - II II Parus caeruleus - - II Parus palustris 3 - II Parus major - - II Troglodytes troglodytes - - II Miliaria calandra 2 - III Emberiza citrinella - - II Carduelis carduelis - - II Carduelis cannabina 2 - II Oriolus oriolus - - II - - Legal Protection The Birds Directive forms the principal means for legal protection of bird species within the European Union member states. From the total list of 514 European bird species there are 172 species listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive. For the Annex I species, the EU member states are obliged to assign "Special Protection Areas" for the most suitable territories. October, Part II: A6-164

123 Most species that are listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive are also included in Appendix II of the Bern Convention. Together with Appendix I of the Bonn Convention, which lists 17 migratory species, these three legal documents provide legal protection for 355 European Bird Species. From the total number of 113 bird species recorded in the investigated area, 22 species are listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive (Species of special conservation measures), which is 12,8% of all European bird species included in Annex I. The largest portion of the birds recorded within the investigated area is legally protected by the Bern Convention, i.e. 65 species are listed on Appendix II (strictly protected species). Concerning the Bonn Convention, only the species Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is listed on Appendix I (Endangered migratory species), while another 31 species are listed on Appendix II (Migratory species conserved through Agreements). Figure 3-32: Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) and Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Legally Protected and Globally Threatenedb Species Figure 3-33: Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), Legally Protected Species October, Part II: A6-165

124 Threat Status The analysis in Birds in Europe 2 was fed into the 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. At the European scale, BirdLife International has developed objective criteria for assessing the conservation status of birds at the European scale, taking into account the requirements of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and the IUCN guidelines on using Red List categories at regional scale. This resulted in a classification of various categories for Species of European Conservation Concern (SPECs) according to the methodology of Tucker & Heath (1994). The SPEC status refers to many more species than just those meeting the global IUCN Red List criteria. From the birds recorded in the investigated area, the species Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus), European Roller (Coracias garrulous) and Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) are listed on the SPEC 1 category of Globally Threatened Species. In the SPEC 2 category (Species group with unfavorable conservation status, whose global populations are concentrated in Europe) are listed 10 species. In the SPEC 3 category (Species group with unfavorable conservation status, whose global populations are not concentrated in Europe) are listed 20 species. In the IUCN Red List of Globally Threatened Species (2007), within the categories of threatened species are included the European Roller (Coracias garrulous) in the threat category EN (Endangered) and the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in the threat category VU (Vulnerable), while the species Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) is evaluated as NT (Near Threatened). Evaluation of Mammals HABITATS DIRECTIVE 92/43/EEC: COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/43/EEC ON THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL HABITATS AND OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA: ANNEX II: Animal and plant species of Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation. ANNEX IV: Animal and plant species of Community interest in need of strict protection. BERN: CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS. APPENDIX II: Strictly protected faunal species. APPENDIX III: Protected faunal species. BONN: CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SPECIES OF WILD ANIMALS. APPENDIX I: Endangered migratory species. APPENDIX II: Migratory species conserved through Agreements. THE IUCN RED LIST OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES (2007). Threatened Species means species evaluated as Critically Endangered (CR); Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU). Table 3-51 Evaluation of Mammals IUCN LEGAL PROTECTION Globally SCIENTIFIC NAME DISTRIBUTION Threatened 92/43 BERN BONN Category Mammalia (Mammals) 1. Rhinolophus Palaearctic II/IV II II LR/nt ferrumequinum 2. Rhinolophus hipposideros II/IV II II VU Western Palaearctic 3. Myotis myotis II/IV II II LR/nt Western Palaearctic 4. Eptesicus serotinus IV II II - Palaearctic 5. Nyctalus noctula IV II II - Palaearctic 6. Pipistrellus pipistrellus IV III II - Palaearctic 7. Pipistrellus nathusii IV II II - Europe - Asia Minor 8. Plecotus austriacus IV II II - Western Palaearctic 9. Miniopterus schreibersi II/IV II II LR/nt Euroasia, Africa 10. Spalax leucodon VU South-east Europe 11. Vormela peregusna - II - VU Euroasia 12. Lutra lutra II/IV II - NT Palaearctic 13. Felis silvestris IV II - - Western Palaearctic October, Part II: A6-166

125 Legal Protection The legal documents provide strict protection to 12 mammalian species, from the total number of 17 species recorded within the investigated area. There is a large degree of overlap between the Bern Convention and the Habitats Directive in coverage of species. The Bern Convention lists 11 species on Appendix II, while the Habitats Directive includes also 11 species on Annexes II or IV. The Bonn Convention includes 9 migratory species on Appendix II. Threat Status The IUCN Red List includes three mammalian species that are globally threatened species (IUCN 2007), namely Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), Lesser Mole Rat (Spalax leucodon) and Marbled Polecat (Vormela peregusna) all in the threatened category VU (Vulnerable). Another four species: Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), Greater Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis myotis), Shreiber's Bat (Miniopterus schreibersi) and Otter (Lutra lutra) are evaluated as NT (Near Threatened). Figure 3-34: Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), Legally Protected and Globally Threatened Species Figure 3-35: Lesser Mole Rat (Spalax leucodon), Globally Threatened Species October, Part II: A6-167

126 General Conclusions Assessment & Evaluation The faunal diversity richness of the investigated area (including the protected area Ostrvo, the wetland Ezerce, the Arboretum Forest and the River Vardar) does represent a significant portion for, at least, National biodiversity. In the River Vardar along the investigated area 24 fish species have been recorded, which is 37,5% of the total freshwater fish fauna of Macedonia. From the total number of fish species within the investigated area, 9 species have a strict legal protection and all are listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. The species European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) is included in the list of Globally Threatened Species in the Category CR (Critically Endangered), while the species Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the Category VU (Vulnerable). Ten amphibian and 13 reptilian species have been ascertained in the investigated area, which is 66% of amphibians and 40,6% of reptiles on National Level. From the 10- recorded amphibian species, six are included in Annex II (strictly protected species) of the Bern Convention. Habitats Directive provide also a strict legal protection for all these six species (Annex IV), while the species Macedonian Crested Newt (Triturus macedonicus) and Balkan Crested Newt (Triturus karelinii) are included in the list of Annex II, which means that the species are of community interest whose conservation requires designation of special areas of conservation. Of the 13-recorded reptilian species, 10 are included in Appendix II of the Bern Convention (strictly protected faunal species). Habitats Directive provide also a strict legal protection for all these 10 species (Annex IV), including the species Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni), Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca), European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) and Four-lined Snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata), that are also included in Annex II (Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation). However, from the amphibian and reptile species recorded within the borders of the investigated area only the Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is included in the list of Globally Threatened Species in the Category VU (Vulnerable), while the species Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) in the Category NT (Near Threatened). The total number of 113 bird species recorded on the site, represents 36,3% of birds on National Level. Twenty-two of these species are listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive (Species of special conservation measures). The Bern Convention legally protects the largest portion of the birds recorded within the investigated area, i.e. 65 species are listed on Appendix II (strictly protected species). Concerning the Bonn Convention, only the species Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is listed on Appendix I (Endangered migratory species), while another 31 species are listed on Appendix II (Migratory species conserved through Agreements). The species Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus), European Roller (Coracias garrulous) and Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) are listed on the SPEC 1 category of Globally Threatened Species. In the SPEC 2 category (Species group with unfavourable conservation status, whose global populations are concentrated in Europe) 10 species are listed. In the SPEC 3 category (Species group with unfavourable conservation status, whose global populations are not concentrated in Europe) 20 species are listed. In the IUCN Red List of Globally Threatened Species (2007), within the categories of threatened species are included the European Roller (Coracias garrulous) in the threat category EN (Endangered) and the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in the threat category VU (Vulnerable), while the species Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) is evaluated as NT (Near Threatened). October, Part II: A6-168

127 The 27 species of mammals that have been ascertained in the investigated area represent 33% of the total number of Mammals on National Level. Legal documents provide strict protection to 12 mammalian species. There is a large degree of overlap between the Bern Convention and the Habitats Directive in coverage of species. The Bern Convention lists 11 species on Appendix II, while the Habitats Directive includes also 11 species on Annexes II or IV. The Bonn Convention includes 9 migratory species on Appendix II. The IUCN Red List includes three mammalian species that are globally threatened species (IUCN 2007), namely Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), Lesser Mole Rat (Spalax leucodon) and Marbled Polecat (Vormela peregusna) all in the threatened category VU (Vulnerable). Another four species: Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), Greater Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis myotis), Shreiber's Bat (Miniopterus schreibersi) and Otter (Lutra lutra) are evaluated as NT (Near Threatened). Consequently, simple figures of relative species richness do not bring out the real importance of the site in terms of its conservation value. The most conspicuous feature of the site is its significance as an important Stopover Habitat within the Birds Migration Route. Stopover habitats are essential to successful bird migrations. Migrating birds need these critical stopover locations strategically located along the migration routes (patches of woods, wetlands, mudflats, and river banks) with adequate food and shelter ensure the survival of a species Visual environment and landscape From a bio-geographic standpoint, Macedonia is located in the zonobiom of the sub- Mediterranean Balkans forests (according to Matvejev, 1995), while according to the climate-vegetation-soil classification, Macedonia is in the continental-sub Mediterranian region characterized by climate zone community of the Bubescent oak (Quercus pubescens) and oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), (Filipovski et al. 1996). According to the classification of the European landscapes, Macedonian zonobiom belongs to landscape types Mediterranean open surfaces (Stanners and Bordeau 1995). Therefore, concerning landscape in Skopje City as result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors (geological structure, relief structure, climate, hydrography, pedological composition), the city enrols among cities with specific landscapes. As protected landscapes in Skopje according IUCN (Category V), are: Katlanovo Wetland (faunal features), Rusica (dendrologic /forestry features; under IUCN Category IV), as dendrologic forestry features are Vodno and Kozle. Considering that the Main collector of the current project pass trough settlements within the Municipality of Gazi Baba and Aerodrom, and the WWTP will be build in Trubarevo (settlement in Gazi Baba), landscape and visual characteristics of this area are taken in consideration. Thus, Gazi Baba municipality spreads on the eastern part of Skopje valley, 65% of the total territory is fertile land, and the rest is highest areas. On fertile territory different crops are grown (wheat, ray, barley, corn) as well as gardening culture (peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, leek, potatoes, water melons etc). On the territory of the municipality exists the forested area Gazi Baba, which according the decision of the Council of the City Skopje in 1998 was declared as characteristic landscape. The Gazi Baba forest is unique of the type on the Balkan region and represents true green treasure. The total area is ha, from which 88,24 is forest (man-made plantings) or 86,13% of the total surface, and 14,20 ha or 13,87% is an area which is not afforested. In the Gazi Baba forest, there are many wood types and bushes, October, Part II: A6-169

128 and from the conifer types, most found is the black pine. Near this location on east is Industrial zone within which Zelezara is big metal complex Iron plant. Botanic garden within natural-mathematics Faculty, Institute for Biology is also located in Gazi Baba municipality, and as well as Dendro-park of the Faculty for Agriculture and Forestry, Skopje, Arachinovo marsh (1 km 2, south from Arachinovo, with unique values for the biodiversity, and the marsh ecosystems). As mentioned in the description of the Project the main collector will be on the left bank and right bank of the Vardar River, following the road lines. The landscape characteristics considering the cadastre parcels use within municipalities of Aerodrom (settlement Aerodrom, Novo Lisice, Gorno Lisice), and Gazi Baba (settlements Madzari, Trubarevo), presents that surrounding in this locations includes: - on the left bank : fields, gardens, pastures, yards, orchards, buildings, land under temporary structure, roads, railroad; - on the right bank: fields, pastures, orchards gardens, electric facility, land under building. Near the location of the planned project activities on north is the old road to Kaltanovo, and part of the highway E-75. Water Economy Facility Zone as proposed location of the WWTP is in Trubarevo settlement which is the lowest part of Municipality Gazi Baba. Cargo station and warehouses (Public custom warehouse) is on the east side of the location. Thus, landscape characteristics surrounding this part of Trubarevo include: meadows, unfertile lands, water areas, and as well as roads, railway line pass near the location. Within Economy Facility zone is the natural heritage Ostrovo, and outside is Arboretum as well as area considered as natural protected monument. Between the location of WWTP and the Arboretum following the line of the zone are raised embankments. Also embankments are raised on the, left and right banks of the River Vardar in order to hold back water in case of flood. Thus, no settlements exist within the boundary of the proposed sites. At present, the area including this zone is used as hunting area for hare, partridge and pheasant. This is not the commercial hunting area but closed type for scientific and educational purpose. Consequently, Ostrovo, and Arboretum areas, as natural protected monument, are not used as hunting area thus also only for scientific and educational purpose. Before mentioned areas within the surrounding of the planed location for the Project are presented in Annex Description of nature, cultural and historical heritage Concerning natural conditions in the Republic of Macedonia, the country enrols among rare European countries with rich diversity of flora and fauna habitats, and great protected network. Thus, Macedonia covers 74 items of nature, with an area of ha, or 7.11% of the total surface area of the country. Republic of Macedonia also is rich in immovable cultural heritage of exceptional cultural, historical and artistic values, confirming the existence, the continuity and the identity of Macedonian people. According to official records kept in the national organization responsible for cultural heritage conservation and its local units, there are immovable monuments of culture registered in the Republic of Macedonia. October, Part II: A6-170

129 Therefore, according to the latest Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia (2004) were the list of protected areas is given, and this areas are presented by protection group and municipality. Table 3-52 gives an overview of the protected areas concerning City of Skopje and the relevant locations of the proposed project. According to the Law on Nature Protection (O.G. No. 67/2004), the protected area that have been under protection since before the enactment of this Law shall be revalorized for proclamation of the protected area within three years after the date of the commencement of the application of this Law. The period of the revalorization is extended to six years and the revalorization is not finished yet. During the transition period, the protected areas that have been under protection since before the enactment of this Law are under protection. Hence, these areas are protected by Macedonian s laws and also under the City of Skopje. Table 3-52 Protected areas within City of Skopje Group Title of the item Municipality Protection status SPNR Begovo Pole Kisela Voda Proposal SRNR Salakovski Ezera (lakes) Kisela Voda Proposal ASNP Vodno Skopje, Sopiste, Saraj Protected MN Arboretum Gazi Baba Protected MN Kale (tower) Centar Proposal MN Katlanovski Predel (landscape) Petrovec Protected MN Canyon Matka Saraj Protected MN Ostrovo Gazi Baba (Trubarevo) Protected MN Pestera Dona Duka (cave) Saraj Proposal MN Pestera Krstalna (cave) Saraj Proposal MN Pestera Nad Vrelo (cave) Skopje Proposal MN Pestera Vrelo (cave) Skopje Proposal MN Skopska Tvrdina (Skopje Fortress) Centar Protected Source: Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia (2004) SPNR: strictly protected natural reserves; SRNR: scientific and research natural reserves; ASNP: areas with special natural properties; MN: Monuments of nature. More detailed description of the protected areas in and around Skopje City, according classification of the World Conservation Union (IUCN - Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), is given on Table 75. October, Part II: A6-171

130 Table 3-53 Natural Monuments (IUCN Category III) Area Protected No. Name Region (ha) since year Description 1. Trubarevo Skopje Arboretum 2. Ostrovo Skopje Skopje fortress Katlanovo region Matka Canyon Skopje Skopje Skopje Unique bird resort in the Skopje region Paleontological area Tectonic rift 350 m long, mineral resources Penetrance canyon, number of caves, important refuge for significant number of flora and fauna species Features Dendrologic/forestry features Faunal features Geologic-paleontological, mineralogical- petrografic features Surface geomorphologic features Hydrologic features, Geologic-paleontological, mineralogical- petrografic features Floristc features Surface geomorphologic features Subterranian geomorfologic features Hydrologic features Faunal features Source: Classification of the World Conservation Union (IUCN - Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Explanation: Category III (Natural monument) is protected area managed mainly for conservation of specific natural features area containing specific natural or natural/cultural feature(s) of outstanding or unique value because of their inherent rarity, representativeness or aesthetic qualities or cultural significance. With special emphasis for the current activity should be noted natural protected area Ostrovo (marked green on the Teble75) located within Water Economy Facility Zone and as well as Arboretum (marked green on the Table 75) outside this zone in the nearest surrounding. Thus, Ostrovo near Vilage Trubarevo is enacted as natural land mark under Decision of the Skopje City, Decision No /1976 and this area is listed within the relevant table presented in Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia (2004) (part of the list is presented in Table 74). According the requirements regarding monuments of nature within the Law on Nature Protection, natural protected areas are is under procedure of revalorisation, therefore Ostrovo area is also under this procedure. Figure in Annex 4 gives Google view of ecosystem at Trubarevo location with protected areas. Municipality of Gazi Baba, within which is Trubarevo settlement, from the cultural-history characteristics, encounters the neolith settlement Tumba Madzari, one of the oldest in Macedonia and the Balkan region (located between the settlements Madzari II and Chento) with the famous ceramic statue Big Mother and the pre historic necropolis with urns near the traffic knot Hipodrom. Within the frames of the urban area of the municipality Gazi Baba, also are located several other historical and cultural monuments: Church St. Arhangel Mihail (with Britain and Serbian graves); The Ashik Chelebi turbe, 1572; Kind K zi turbe, 15th century; Archeological findings, village Madzari, 4th century. These historical and cultural monuments are not within the nearest surround of Project location. October, Part II: A6-172

131 3.15 Environmental Social Elements The city of Skopje is an administrative, economic, cultural and educational center of Republic of Macedonia. As a separate unit of the local self government it consists of ten municipalities and they are as follows: Aerodrom, Butel, Gazi Baba, Gjorce Petrov, Karpos, Kisela Voda, Centar, Chair, Shuto Orizari and Saraj. Skopje as a city represents a complex socio-demographic, spacious physical, economic and ecological unity. The city as a whole, or some of its separate components, zones or areas are resulting from the overall socio-economic development as well as from the Social relations which are being established in a natural way. In such settings, the activities related to the quality of Environment in Skopje and generally related to the quality of the life in the city are closely tied to the quality of the Social elements of the Environment Population According to the State Statistics Bureau official data, in Republic of Macedonia there are (2,022,547) residents in total, of whom (506,926) with various ethnicity are living in Skopje (dispersed among ten municipalities as it follows: Aerodrom, Butel, Gazi Baba, Gjorce Petrov, Karpos, Kisela Voda, Centar, Chair, Shuto Orizari and Saraj). The breakdown of the residents by municipalities, as well as by their ethnicity is shown in the following table. Table 3-54 Skopje Population - Breakdown by ethnic background Ethnicity Municipality Total Macedonians Albanians Turks Romas Vlahs Serbs Bosnians Others Aerodrom 72,009 64,391 1, , ,470 Butel 36,154 22,506 9,107 1, , Gazi Baba 72,617 53,497 12, , , Gjorce Petrov 41,634 35,455 1, , , Karpos 59,666 52,810 1, , ,266 Kisela Voda 57,236 52, , Centar 45,412 38,778 1, , ,099 Chair 64,773 15,628 36,921 4,500 3, , Shuto Orizari 22,017 1,438 6, , Saraj 35,408 1,377 32, , ,358 TOTAL 506,926 (66,75%) Source: State Statistical office, ,891 (20,49%) 8,595 (1,7%) 23,475 (4,63%) 2,557 (0,5%) 14,298 (2,82%) 7,585 (1,5%) 8,167 (1,61%) According to the available data regarding Skopje region, unlike other regions (Pelagonia, Vardar s, North-Eastern, South-Western, South-Eastern, Polog and the Eastern region), in between the last two censuses it distinguishes by the humongous rise of the population, numbering 43% of the total rise of the overall population in the country. Skopje region is the most densely populated space in Republic of Macedonia. The population density varies across different urban areas in the city. October, Part II: A6-173

132 It averages 146 residents per hectare, however in the central area this number raises up to 455 residents/ha. The city marks 65 residents per hectare raise in its population (0.8% in urban areas and 2.0% in rural areas), which is mostly the result of the waterworks network development. The Natality rate in Skopje region amounts to 14.2 per mills, while the rate of the natural growth is 6.1 per mill. Table 3-55 shows some indicators regarding the volume and respective growth components of the total population, density of population in Macedonia and Skopje region (1994/2002). From the social elements point of view, some interesting indicators regarding size of the population as well as regarding its share within in the basic functional age-sex contingents in Skopje region are shown in Table The Age pyramid of the Skopje Region shows the break up of the population by sex and age (Figure 3-36). Source: State Bureau of Statistics (2004) Figure 3-36: Skopje Region Age Pyramid October, Part II: A6-174

133 Table 3-55 Some indicators regarding the growth volume of the total population, population density and urban population in Macedonia, years 1994 and 2002 Region Total Population Population (growth) Change Population Growth Rate Natural growth Migration balance Population density Population Concentration (Total ) Urban population Amount Amount % Amount %* Macedonia Skopje Region *A share of the total population Source: State Bureau of Statistics (2004) Table 3-56 Population Size and share (percentile %) within the basic functional age-sex contingents in the Skopje region Skopje Region Total Population Childreen of preschool age(0-6) Childreen of school age (7-14) Work Age Population (15-64 men women) Female fertile Population (15-49) Women at optimal reproductive age (20-34) Elderly people at the age of 60 and beyond Elderly people at the age of 65 and beyond Elderly people at the age of 80 and beyond Amount % Source: State Bureau of Statistics (2004) October, Part II: A6-175

134 General economic condition The economic indicators are being a necessary precondition for making general concept of an effective development policy, as well as it is true regarding any kind of developmental activities, that should embed the principles of sustainability. The analysis of the economic condition, shell present two indicators: Gross Domestic Product and the Work Force/The rate of employment Gross Domestic Product Gross domestic Product per capita in Macedonia regarding 2005 amounts to 140, denars. The Skopje Region Gross Domestic Product per capita is 231, denars. Figure 3-37 presents the regional GDP per capita regarding Source: Republic of Macedonia,State Statistical Office,No: ,( ) Figure 3-37: Regional GDP per capita, Work Force and Employment According to the Employment Agency official data, 200,937 or 39.64% of the total Skopje population amounting (506,926), are at working age. Of those at work age 143,745 (71.54%) are employed and 57,192 (28.46%) are unemployed. Table 3-57 shows data regarding Skopje Work Force and Unemployment rate. October, Part II: A6-176

135 Table 3-57 Working force, and Unemployment rate in Skopje Municipality Working Employment Unemployment Employed Unemployed force rate rate Aerodrom 35,484 28,310 7, % 20.22% Butel 13,821 9,824 3, % 28.92% Gazi Baba 29,326 19,766 9, % 32.60% Gjorce Petrov 18,584 13,586 4, % 26.84% Karpos 26,212 21,784 4, % 16.89% Kisela Voda 25,068 18,582 6, % 25.87% Saraj 7,661 2,891 4, % 62.26% Centar 19,967 16,662 3, % 16.55% Chair 19,179 10,433 8, % 45.60% Shuto Orizari 5,635 1,970 3, % 65.04% Total Skopje 200, ,745 57, % 28.46% Source: Employment agency of Republic of Macedonia, 2006 There is no data regarding family incomes In Republic of Macedonia. These are usually being derived upon approximate indicators. According these, the greatest number of families receives averagely from Denars per month. The Data regarding attained incomes should take in consideration the shadow economy as well, which is steadily present in Republic of Macedonia, and especially in Skopje, as an alternative way of making additional incomes. According to a Research (Environmental and social consideration survey, 2008) comprising 403 families from Skopje, the following data has been derived: Table 3-58 Incomes per Households Income groups No of HH (MKD/month/HH) % of total up to 8, % 8,001-14, % 14,001-18, % 18,001-24, % 24,001-35, % 35,001-50, % over 50, % Did not answer % Total % Source: Environmental and Social Consideration Survey, Krafting Group-Skopje (2008) According to available data from prior Skopje region based researches, shown below in Table 3-59, the unemployment rate amounts The highest rate of unemployment 67.6 is recorded at the young population. October, Part II: A6-177

136 Table 3-59 Skopje Region Unemployment rate NUTS 3 Unemployment rate Unemployment rate males Unemployment rate females Unemployment rate young population Percentile of employed people in agriculture Percentile of employed people in industry Percentile of employed people in services Percentile of long term unemployed out of the total number of unemployed Women activity rate(percentile of women workforce out of the total women population at age 15 and beyond Skopski % 40% 66% Source: Ministry of Local Self Government (2005) October, Part II: A6-178

137 The unemployed and others are beneficiaries of welfare as well as other kinds of State aid. The Next Table shows data regarding the volume and dynamics of social welfare beneficiaries: Table 3-60 Volume and dynamics of social welfare beneficiaries in Skopje Region, 2002 Number of heads of the Households (Number of Households) 19,222 Household members (including the head of the Household) 67,659 Growth of the number of Heads of Households 26.5 % Growth of the households members 6.6 % Skopje Region (2002) Percentile of Heads of Households (total=100.0) 23.3 % Percentile of Households members (total =100.0) 23.4 % Percentile of Social Welfare recipients out of the total population 11.7 % Percentile of social welfare beneficiary households out of the total number of households 11.7 % Out of the total number (40,324 in year 2003) of Social Welfare recipients in Republic of Macedonia, 23.8% belongs to the Skopje region Population Health There is no data regarding direct connection between quality of environment and Population Health, however the appearance and quantity of the illnesses of Skopje population, especially those infectious, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, is pointing to a correlation between the quality of the basic qualitative factors of the Environment (water, air, and landscape) and population health condition. The most frequent acute infectious diseases in Republic of Macedonia, as well as in Skopje are: enterokolit, small poxes, hepatitis A, Alim, Toxic-infections, unmarked hepatitis, skabiez, skarlatina, brucellosis, salmonellas, parotit and dysentery. Skopje Health care is organized at three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary level, within public and private healthcare organizations. Concerning the primary healthcare, there are: 5 healthcare ambulances; 2 clinics; 94 general medical practices (462 in RM); 23 village points with permanent Doctor s presence (152 in RM); 22 Labor medicine services (77 in RM); 20 Pediatric Healthcare services (84 in RM); 16 Student s and Youth s Healthcare services (63 in RM); 16 Women s HealthCare services (50 in RM); 100 dentist s practices (335 in RM); 3 public pharmacies (40 in RM). Regarding Skopje private sector, there are: 134 private medical practices (555 in RM); 236 dentist s practices (449 in RM); 169 pharmacies (392 in RM). There are also other forms of organized primary HealthCare in Skopje which are servicing the HealthCare of the general population: 20 counseling offices for preschool children (84 in RM); 16 medical dispensaries for school age (7 19 years of age) children (63 in RM); 1 counselling office for family planning (25 in RM). The secondary HealthCare is more specialized form of medical care. It is being organized within medical centers which comprise polyclinics and general hospitals. In Skopje there are: 1 specialized Hospital; 1Healthcare Facility; and 3 Rehab Centers. October, Part II: A6-179

138 The tertiary HealthCare level is being accomplished predominantly in the city of Skopje since it implies highly specialized medical staff within highly specialized institutes. These level of medical Care is being realized within 48 medical care institutions (clinics and institutes), whereas beyond the healthcare there are also scientific and research activities taking place there. Regarding Skopje city, characteristic is the number of persons in poor health, amounting 2.4 ill persons / 1000 people. The highest concern is the number of cancer diagnosed patients (1,817) in Skopje, which is the overall highest score on a state level. The increased number of tuberculosis diagnosed patients is also a worry. Some 377 cases of tuberculosis have been recorded, as a result of the ever worsening living standard of the population (It is known that tuberculosis occurrence is closely tied to the nutrition and the quality of life). In respect of HIV/AIDS as an infectious disease, there have been 103 registered HIV positive cases in Republic of Macedonia, of who 27 are infected and 76 diseased. Most of them are from Skopje. The greatest number of HIV positives had been recorded in Considering that the greater portion of the positives has still not entered the AIDS stadium, the consequences of the HIV/AIDS epidemics are jet to be experienced and battled for a long time. Worrying is the data regarding the age group of the HIV positives (30-39 years of age) Urban Environment The Urban Environment is a complex category. It embeds many elements which are being reviewed and ranked according to the various researches needs. Hereby, it will be presented as means of: urban development and housing, land use; industry and services; traffic; water supply; energy infrastructure; green areas and nature s heritage Urban Development and Housing Skopje Urban development is being characterized by speeded pace of construction, engaging land in the city area and suburbs thus putting pressure on the city functioning (as a distinct administrative, business and educational complex) and infrastructure. The urbanized area of Skopje encompasses 6,100 ha in total. The Housing takes 2,646 ha or 35% of the overall city territory. Further increase of land utilization is about to be expected (reassignment and permanent loss), thus ballasting the infrastructure and changing other parameters related to the Social elements of the Environment. Furthermore, binding toward the above said is the ever present illegal construction, which is overgrowing into a complex problem with significant spatial, economic, social and politic dimensions and characteristics. Table 3-61 shows data regarding total population, households, flats and capacity of surface occupied. October, Part II: A6-180

139 Table 3-61 Total population, households, flats and capacity of surface occupied Municipality Total Number of Number of Surface occupied by population households dwellings flats (m2) Aerodrom 72,009 21,495 23,741 1,636,724 Butel 36,154 10,056 11, ,644 Gazi Baba 72,617 20,336 22,739 1,521,629 Gjorce Petrov 41,634 11,886 13,928 1,015,762 Karpos 59,666 19,680 22,838 1,590,358 Kisela Voda 57,236 17,577 20,221 1,390,968 Saraj 35,408 7,972 7, ,092 Centar 45,412 15,355 18,853 1,371,812 Chair 64,773 17,107 17,122 1,052,052 Shuto Orizari 22,017 5,102 5, ,988 Total in Skopje 506, , ,579 11,315,029 Source: State Bureau of Statistics (2004) Some 564,237 or 29% of the total number of households in Republic of Macedonia are pertaining to the Skopje region. The number of household s members averages 3.5. Table 3-62 Some indicators regarding dwelling in Skopje region, year 2002 Total number of dwellings 188,196 Change (growth) in % 16.9 Percentile (%) of dwellings erected beyond water supply, sewage, electricity and Skopje Region (2002) Percentile (%) of households or central heating 35.4 dwellings equipped water supply, sewage and electricity 61.8 with installations: Only electricity 2.6 Kitchen, Bathroom and Closet 85.1 Bathroom and Closet 0.7 Percentile (%) of households or dwellings equipped with installations: Only Kitchen 6.8 Source: State Bureau of Statistics (2004) According to the Analysis of the housing standard elements (number of flats, surface occupied by flats per a dweller, average flats surface, construction material, installations),in the municipality of Gazi Baba it can be stated that it complies with a satisfactory housing standard. The gross density of municipality of Gazi Baba population amounts 33 residents / ha (number of residents per municipality surface area in total). The average Net dwelling density is 120 residents / ha (number of residents per overall dwelling surface). The biggest net dwelling density is recorded in municipality of Avtokomanda accommodating 432 residents/ha. (General Urban Plan of the City of Skopje 2001 to 2020, year 2002.) Land use The construction of waste waters treatment system (main collector left and right bank and WWTP) will cover 250 cadastre parcels state owned, private owned, state owned but under claim and land with unknown ownership. Therefore, analyses is conducted based on latest data from Cadastre of R.M., considering surface of the cadastre parcel, ownership, land use (field, garden, pasture, roads and etc.) October, Part II: A6-181

140 Concerning construction of main collector on the left river bank, whole parcels or part of the cadastre parcels will be used, with total amount of 13,738 ha. Greater portion of this area is owned by the State. Also, there are no build structures on greater portion of this area. The data regarding use and ownership of land is processed and presented by means of quantified indicators in Table Table 3-63 Usage and ownership of land at the left Bank of the Vardar River Surface of cadastre parcel (ha) Land use (left bank) State ownership Private ownership State but under claim Unknown ownership Total Field 0,1634 1,9289 1,1625 / 3,2548 Garden 0,0510 0,0290 / / 0,0800 Pasture 0,0537 / / / 0,0537 Yard 0,8371 0,8931 / 0,0078 1,7380 Under temporary structure 0,0540 0,1612 / / 0,2152 Under building 0,0446 0,2640 / / 0,3086 no existing construction 3,0735 0,0260 / 0,8046 3,9041 Road 1,3571 / 0,2047 / 1,5618 Railroad 2,3576 / / / 2,3576 Orchard / 0,0251 / / 0,0251 rocky land / / / 0,2390 0,2390 Total 7,9923 3,3271 1,3672 1, ,7380 Land use (left bank) 0,18% 11,37% 2,25% 28,42% 17,16% 1,74% 0,58% 23,69% 0,39% 12,65% 1,57% Garden Field Pasture Yard Under temporary structure no existing construction under building road orchard railroad rocky land Figure 3-38: Land use in % (left bank) October, Part II: A6-182

141 Land ownership (left bank) 58,18% 60,00% 50,00% 40,00% 30,00% 20,00% 10,00% 24,22% 9,95% 7,65% State ownership Private ownership State but under claim Unknown ownership 0,00% State ownership Private ownership State but under claim Unknown ownership Figure 3-39: Land ownership in % (left bank) Concerning construction of main collector on the right river bank, whole parcels or part of the cadastre parcels will be used, with total amount of 95,153 ha. Greater portion of this area is private owned. At the same time, greater portion of these privately owned lands are fields The data regarding usage and ownership of land is processed and presented by means of quantified indicators in Table 3-64 Table 3-64 Usage and ownership of land at the right Bank of the Vardar River Surface of cadastre parcel (ha) Land use (right bank) Private Unknown State ownership Total ownership ownership Field 11, ,6658 2, ,4079 Garden / 0,0310 / 0,0310 Pasture 0,0404 / 0,2330 0,2734 Yard 0,0030 1,9180 0,0270 1,9470 Under temporary / 0,0373 / 0,0373 structure Under building 1,0024 0,4350 0,0040 1,4414 no existing construction / 0,0239 / 0,0239 Road 24,4750 2,3106 / 26,7850 Orchard 0,0015 3,9105 5,2948 9,2068 Total 37, ,3314 7, ,1536 October, Part II: A6-183

142 Land use (right bank) 1,51% 0,03% 28,15% 0,02% 9,68% 0,04% 0,29% 2,05% 58,23% Garden Field Pasture Yard Under temporary structure orchard no existing construction road Under building Figure 3-40: Land use in % (right bank) Land ownership (right bank) 52,89% 60,00% 50,00% 40,00% 30,00% 20,00% 39,05% 8,06% State ownership Private ownership Unknown ownership 10,00% 0,00% State ownership Private ownership Unknown ownership Figure 3-41: Land ownership in % (right bank) The analysis of the land use for the WWTP, presents that whole parcels or part of cadastre parcels with total amount of 96,8677ha of land will be considered necessary for this purpose. Greater portion of this area is currently being under claim to be denationalized. At the same time, greater portion of these denationalization lands are meadows. The data regarding usage and ownership of land is processed and presented by means of quantified indicators at Table October, Part II: A6-184

143 Table 3-65 Lande use and ownership regarding WWTP Land use for WWTP area State ownership (ha) Private ownership (ha) State but under claim (ha) Total (ha) Agriculture field / / 18, ,8533 Meadow 2,4305 0, , ,1735 Road 1,7822 / 0,5760 2,35825 Water 1,8499 / 28, ,6387 Unfertile 2,8415 2,8415 Under Object / / 0,0025 0,0025 Total 8,9041 0, , , ,63% 2,43% Land use for WWTP 2,93% 19,46% 0,00% 43,54% Agriculture field Meadow Road Water Un-fertile Under Object Figure 3-42: Land use regarding WWTP (%) Land ownership for WWTP 100,00% 80,00% 90,80% 60,00% State ow nership 40,00% 20,00% 9,19% 0,55% Private ow nership State but under claim 0,00% State ownership Private ownership State but under claim Figure 3-43: Land ownership regarding WWTP (%) October, Part II: A6-185

144 The analysis regarding Land use and ownership concerning construction of waste water treatment system shows that immediate action ought to be taken to solve the issue of land ownership Industry and Services The economic capacities of Skopje engage total area of 1, ha. Industry plays dominant role. There are four industrial zones in the city: Northeastern (black metallurgy zone); Eastern (mechanical industry zone, carmaker zone, pharmaceutical, and leather and beer industry zone); Southeastern (electro technical, tobacco and chemical industry) and Western (chemical, wood, industry, construction materials, and colored metallurgy) zone. The total area of city s industrial objects amounts to ha or 54.4%, of which the greatest portion is located at Gazi Baba municipality s perimeter. The same municipality accommodates the biggest industrial zone of Skopje city and Republic of Macedonia. There are over 6,600 business subjects registered within municipality s territory, of which 2,050 are as far as this active. The Industry plays dominant role in the economic development of Gazi Baba municipality, followed by, agriculture and construction. Some 33% of the overall turnout at state level is created within its territory. Prime economy branches within the municipality are metallurgy, metalworking, pharmaceutical, food industry, sweets and beverages and beer industry. Table3-66 shows the summary breakup of business activities by municipality s areas Table 3-66 Summary breakup of Business activities by Gazi Baba municipality s areas Surface occupied by Nº Branch structures in square meters Land surface in hectares 1 Industry and mining 336, ,35 2 Wholesale ,14 3 Construction ,12 4 Traffic and Communications ,28 5 Catering and tourism ,17 6 Finance, Technical and business services ,22 7 Housing - Communal activities and Spatial & Urban planning ,78 8 Craftsmanship and personal services ,53 9 Agriculture and Fishery ,34 10 Forestry Waterworks 0 0 Total: ,93 Source: LEAP for Gazi Baba, Traffic Skopje is the main traffic node whereas railway and air traffic traverses. Regarding traffic circulation, there are problems with the frequent traffic congestions in the city, which are occurring especially at the crossroads. The undone primary traffic network in the city has been a problem as well as it is the partial realization of the fast main roads. The nonexistence of main roads and condensing roads is also a problem which bears a key significance pertaining to the connection of the western to the central part of the city and October, Part II: A6-186

145 certain localities in the southern industrial zone, as well as there is lack of an alternative connection between the northern and central city area, which causes the overall traffic from north to condense at the Sudska Palata crossroad. Length of planned primary traffic network in the City of Skopje amounts km (according GUP from 2002). Public transportation has been organized in terms of distance such as long distance, suburban, urban and taxi transportation of travelers. Buses are the major means of transportation. The network comprises 27 urban lines and 25 suburban lines. Due to the inadequate fleet of vehicles, as well as due to the poor road infrastructure these public transportation problems are ever worsening. The primary traffic network in Municipality of Gazi Baba has been categorized in to two categories: main streets (with speed limit of 60 Km/h) and condensing streets. The primary street network in Municipality of Gazi Baba is adjoining the primary network of Skopje City as well as the exterior road network Republic wide. The local road network is covering almost all populated areas. Exempting some rural areas, the road network generally consists of quality build asphalt paved roads Water Supply For the purposes of water supply, the population and part of the Skopje industry uses high quality water from the Rashche spring (from two derivations with average annual capacity of 4,15 m 3 /sec), as well as from the Nerezi Lepenec draw-well area. Some 96,1% of the population are connected to the city waterworks, where as the rest 3.9% are being supplied by local sources. The overall annual water consumption within the city waterworks amounts m 3 /sec or 516 L/day/inhabitant. Some m 3 /year is being consumed by the households connected to the city waterworks. The industry consumes m 3 /year (LEAP of Skopje city). The great loss of water within the waterworks, with 33% technical loses and 50% in total, of the overall water production, presents a significant problem. Table 3-67 shows data regarding the overall water consumption in the city. Table 3-67 Total water consumption from the city water supply system Water consumption by: m 3 /year % l/day/inhabitant 1 Households 24,873,982 28, Economy and industry 16,658,083 19,14 99 Total: 41,532,065 47, Water losses m 3 /year % l/day/inhabitant Useful water used 16,040,150 18, Technical losses 29,460,613 33, Total: 45,500,763 52, Grand total 87,032, Source: MUP of Skopje City, 2002, PC for spatial and urban planning, Skopje Some sections of the water supply network (toward the point stations and Pripor reservoir, and also in the direction of Usje, Ohis, Drachevo and Kisela Voda districts, and to the villages of Injikovo and Trubarevo) are experiencing great loss of pressure, which points to the need for reconstruction and extension of the network. October, Part II: A6-187

146 The city lacks a separate water system for maintaining public sanitation (some 3% of the overall water produced in 2000 had been used for these purposes) and for watering of greenery (some 6.8% of the overall water produced in 2000 had been used for these purposes). Cutting of the waterworks loses could lead in that direction as well. The quantity of Skopje water consumption varies to some degree. These variations are related to the user type. The reduction of the economy and shutting down significant industrial capacities has redeemed certain quantity of water that is sufficient for all the needs at this moment. Nevertheless, the tendency of constant population growth in Skopje is implying a need for greater quantity of general purpose water. It is estimated that the needs for quality water will increase in future, thus alternative water supply solutions should be provided in time. In this direction, the usage of Kozjak-Matka II and Kadina reka hydro system is predicted as an alternative for technical and technological water supply. The analysis of the climate change influence upon the water resources, which could have impact on the Social, Economic and Health conditions, encompasses the water supply needs of the population and industry as well. Climate changes and especially the extremes phenomena (high temperatures and draughts) are influencing the population water supply needs progressively. Water supply norms and temperature dependence have been analyzed by using data from the daily average temperatures and daily gross water supply norm of Skopje. The Analysis results have been presented in the following figure. Source: MoEPP, (2006) Figure 3-44: Dependence: gross water supply norm for Skopje - temperatures October, Part II: A6-188

147 It is obvious the trend of growth of water supply norm as per the rise of the temperatures. The prognosis value of the growing water supply needs of the population, in terms of climate changes, could rise up to 30% Energy Infrastructure The Energy infrastructure of Skopje consists of electrical, heating, and gas infrastructure. Skopje is being supplied with electrical energy by the electricity power supply system of Republic of Macedonia, relayed through the four primary transformer stations, wherefrom it is being transferred to the users as well as it is connected to the neighbouring electricity power systems. Nevertheless, the present power network capacity is often being overloaded. At Municipality of Gazi_Baba territory there are: - 2 transformer stations with transforming ratio of 110/35 kv - 3 transformer stations with transforming ratio of 35/10 kv and transformer stations with transforming ratio of 10/0,4 kv As per the voltage levels, the length of the distributive network are as follows: kv landlines - 8,4 km - 35 kv landlines - 13,49 km - 35 kv underground cables - 4,82 km - 10 kv landlines - 65 km and - 10 kv underground cables km There are 212 km of low voltage landlines and 107 km of underground electricity power supply network.in Municipality of Gazi Baba the average density of the installed power per inhabitant is 2.44 (KVA/inhabitant) and per household is 8.94 (KVA/Household) 4. Heating is being supplied by the City Heating System (three Heating Power Stations, three Boiler Stations, adequate heating distributive network of 170 km in length, and more than reduction stations). Some MWh of thermal power are being produced during the heating season. Some 70% or 57,493 Households of the 82,133 households in total that consumes central heating power in Republic of Macedonia are located within the Skopje region. Within the territory of Gazi Baba Municipality there is Heating power Satation Toplana Istok with overall capacity of 293,93 MW. Table 3-68 presents the current situation regarding consumption and the installed boilers capacity of the above said Heating Station Table 3-68 The current situation regarding consumption and the installed boilers capacity of the Heating Station Toplana Istok Power Heating Station Istok Reported Power Consumption in MW Consuming threshold Consumers Consuming threshold Power Heating Station Boilers Maximal Power in MW Hot Water Boilers Steam Boilers Source: LEAP for Gazi Baba, 2007 October, Part II: A6-189

148 The Heating Power Station "ISTOK" consists of seven installed driving units which are being fueled by heating oil and natural gas. Beside this, a significant portion of the Zelezara district is being supplied with heating by the former JP Elektrostopanstvo, Energetika plant. Two boilers with total power of 60 MW and fueled by natural gas and heavy oil,had been installed there. The gas pipeline system consists of the main pipeline which is 98 Km in lenght, and city pipeline network which is 19,170 Km in length. The Gas Pipeline Sistem which is yet to be completed is servicing 13 consumers. Additional 12 km of pipeline network are being planned to be constructed for the purpose of completion of the gas infrastructure. Table 3-69 presents the distributive pipelines in the city of Skopje. The distributive gas pipelines have capacity of m3/h. Table 3-69 Dimensions of the distributive gas pipelines in the city of Skopje Distributive Pipelines Dimensions Skopje - South Skopje - North Length (Km) Diameter (mm) Source: LEAP for Gazi Baba, 2007 In municipality of Gazi Baba there have been constructed 6 measuring-regulation stations (MRS) that are connecting the great industrial consumers with the city gas pipeline network. Table 3-70 shows the industrial facilities which are using gas as energy source. Table 3-70 MRS Structures in Municipality of Gazi Baba Nº Industrial Facilities Type Capacity (m 3 /h) Maximum Capacity (m 3 /h) Output Pressure (bar) 1 FAS 11 Oktomvri IV 4,000 6, Pivara IV 3,000 6, Tplana Istok VIII 40,000 36,000 4 Alkaloid II 750 1, Evropa II 1,300 1, Mak. Folklor II 870 1,500 3 Source: LEAP for Gazi Baba, Green Areas Green areas and other open areas had been planned and realized as a system consisting of: parks, squares, housing ground greenery and linear greenery. Regarding Skopje, a standard of 16m 2 /inhabitant has been attained. The overall Green area of the City amounts 667.9ha, or 8.7% of the total City surface and it is dispensed as: public greenery (housing ground greenery-276,70 ha; district parks- 3,38 ha; city parks- 54,82ha; child playgrounds- 0,75 ha; central amusement park- 2,97 ha; and sports terrains- 17,47 ha); greenery of limited usage- 144,98 ha; and protected greenery- 166,83 ha. Table 3-71 shows the total area under greenery at municipality of Gazi Baba territory. October, Part II: A6-190

149 Table 3-71 Municipality of Gazi Baba areas under permanent greenery Nº Greenery Surfaces [m 2 ] 1. Bulevard s greenery 112, Block s greenery 192, Unatended surfaces 31, Total: 336,278 Source: LEAP for Gazi Baba, Education and Culture The greatest number of educational and pedagogical institutions in Republic of Macedonia is located in the City of Skopje. According to available data there are 59 nurseries, 17 kindergartens and 13 specialized elementary schools. State and private schooling had been organized for all levels of education (primary, secondary, graduate, postgraduate studies). The elementary and secondary education is mandatory. In Skopje there are 98 elementary schools and 100 secondary schools (93 state- public schools and 7 private schools). The higher education activity is being commenced at the State University ("Ss. Cyril and Methodius") as well as it is at another four private universities. Macedonian Academy of Arts and Sciences is the highest scientific and research institution in Republic of Macedonia. Within MAAS there are four departments: Linguistics and Literature; Social Sciences; Exact Sciences; and Arts Department. Following table shows the breakup of educational structure by municipalities. Table 3-72 Level of education Municipality Without education Incomplete primary education Primary school Secondary school High school Faculty /Academy Master degree / doctorate Aerodrom 488 2,264 9,254 35,078 2,535 10, Butel 733 1,964 8,037 14, , Gazi Baba 2,069 5,098 16,112 30,010 1,296 3, Gjorce Petrov 587 2,264 7,435 19,461 1,231 2, Karpos 620 2,259 6,481 25,444 2,740 11, Kisela Voda 714 3,122 9,425 27,049 1,755 4, Saraj 1,252 2,319 17,139 3, Centar 351 1,434 4,900 18,313 2,194 11,080 1,080 Chair 2,576 4,933 20,533 17,293 1,203 2, Shuto Orizari 1,869 2,635 8,092 2, Total in Skopje 11,259 28, , ,425 14,194 49,554 3,459 Source: State statistical office (census 2002) The educational network is complemented by the functioning of the National University Library St. Clement of Ohrid and the city library Brakja Miladinovci, The Youth Cultural October, Part II: A6-191

150 Center - Karposh and Youths Information and Cultural Center-KIC. The Cultural life of Skopje population is been organized and it functions within many cultural institutions. In Skopje there are 3 Museums; 5 Theatres; 9 Cinemas; 1 Cultural Center ; 1 Hall of Culture; 1 Worker s University. Citizens Associations are giving a distinguished mark to the city as well. There have been 2326, registered citizen associations in Skopje or 44% out of the total number of 5288 registered associations in Republic of Macedonia Local Self Government A multifaceted one-level system of local self-government is functioning in the city of Skopje, represented by two equal types of local self government units: the city and the municipalities. The City Committee of Urbanism, Communal-Housing Affairs, Traffic and Environment is divided into six organizational units/ departments and accordingly it is accountable for these matters. The City Committee performs the following inspection activities under City competences: Communal Inspection, Road Traffic Inspection and Traffic Inspection. The Urbanism Affairs have been assigned to be under competences of the Skopje City Chief Architect. Local self government units (the municipalities) are in charge of the Protective and Preventive measures regarding water pollution, air pollution, soil pollution, protection of the Nature s Heritage, noise and non-ionic radiation protection, as well as they have competences regarding communal sphere, urban and rural planning and other areas related to the Environment and nature. Municipality s Council is the highest decision making body. Principal Act of the municipality is the Statute, which determines the working bodies and decision making procedures related to all issues of citizen s concern. October, Part II: A6-192

151 CONTENT 4 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES Alternative Solutions for project Realization Introduction Review on Existing Plans and Selection of Optimal Solution / Alternatives on the Capacity of the WWTP overview Alternatives for the Routs of the Main Collectors Left and Right Bank Alternatives for Location of the WWTP Alternatives for Treatment Technologies Treatment Process Treatment process for fulfillment the Regulation for Classification of Water Treatment level for fulfillment the EU standards Selection of the Treatment Process Alternatives for Sludge Treatment and Disposal Treatment Process of Sludge Sludge Disposal Utilization of Sludge Alternatives With/Without Project TABLES Table 4-1 Treatment Processes and Removal Rates Table 4-2 Comparison on treatment characteristic with the required SRT Table 4-3 Characteristic of Treatment Processes (Secondary Treatment) Table 4-4 Comparison of Treatment Processes Table 4-5 Effluent Standard Table 4-6 Treatment Level and City Scale Table 4-7 Comparison of sludge natural drying and mechanical dewatering Table 4-8 Contents of Digested Gas Table 4-9 Impacts of With/Without Scenario FIGURES Figure 4-1 Area of Sewerage Figure 4-2 Layout of the Optimal Alternative (C) for Sewerage Development in Skopje Figure 4-3 Alternative Routes for the Main Collectors Figure 4-4 Alternatives for WWTP Location and Settlements Figure 4-5 Process of Secondary Treatment Figure 4-6 Process Flow of CASP and Sludge Treatment Figure 4-7 Sludge Treatment Process Figure 4-8 Recycling Flow of Digestion Gas Figure 4-9 River Water Quality of With / Without Project Scenario October, 2008 Part II: A6-193

152 4 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 4.1 Alternative Solutions for project Realization Introduction The wastewater from the city of Skopje is discharged into the River Vardar without any treatment. As a result, the water quality is constantly deteriorating. At upstream stretch of the River Vardar (from location: Vlae bridge to location: Sajmiste bridge), the water quality is rather good, with BOD 5 level ranging 2-3 mg/l, which falls in the designated Environmental Standard Class II. River water quality gradually deteriorates along downstream stretch and BOD 5 level of 4 mg/l is recorded. It still falls under the designated Class III (from location: Vardariste to location: Taor). However, situation in the River Vardar will become worse and BOD 5 will exceed the designated water quality category, if the domestic and industrial wastewater will continue to be discharged into river without treatment and without control. BOD 5 level is expected to be over 10 mg/l and the water quality will be classified as Class IV. This is strongly eutrophic, polluted water, which in its natural state can be used for other purposes than drinking, bathing, irrigation, recreation, only after certain processes of treatment. According to the EU Directives on Urban Wastewater Treatment, for the agglomeration at the scale of population like Skopje (more than 20,000 PE), secondary treatment (biological process) is required. The Republic of Macedonia as an EU candidate status needs to fulfill this EU Directives in the near future. Regarding the target year, it has been agreed between the JICA and the Macedonian side, to be 2020, as in the Sewerage M/P and GUP. However, the Study Team proposes the target year 2020 for WWTP and 2030 for design of main collectors, respectively. A WWTP can be extended after year 2020 easily in the vast reserved site for this purpose, while the capacity of the main collectors will be difficult to extend for future flows. The possibility for increase of the capacity of the main collectors would be to install additional main collectors along the same roads as the previous ones, which is rather unreasonable and uneconomical Review on Existing Plans and Selection of Optimal Solution / Alternatives on the Capacity of the WWTP overview In the Basic Plan, three alternatives were analyzed regarding the coverage of the sewerage areas (municipalities) and location and number of wastewater treatment plants. The municipalities and settlements, together with the areas of sewerage systems are shown on the Figure 4-1. Shortly, the following alternatives were analyzed: Alternative A - This alternative comprises a 100% centralized solution, in which all wastewater is collected and conveyed to the proposed location of the central wastewater treatment plant at the left bank of Vardar River downstream in Trubarevo. Alternative B - This alternative includes Central WWTP in Trubarevo that will treat the wastewater from urban part of Skopje and Dracevo, while Saraj and Novo Selo will have separate WWTPs. Alternative C - This alternative includes Central WWTP in Trubarevo for treatment of the wastewater only from urban part of Skopje and three separate WWTPs in Saraj, Novo Selo and Dracevo. According to the results of the analysis for optimal solution for sewerage and treatment of the wastewater in the Skopje area, the Alternative C, is recommended as the optimal one. October, Part II: A6-194

153 This alternative is subject to analysis in the Feasibility Study. On the Figure 4-2, the layout of the optimal alternative (C) is presented. Figure 4-1 Area of Sewerage Figure 4-2 Layout of the Optimal Alternative (C) for Sewerage Development in Skopje Alternatives for the Routs of the Main Collectors Left and Right Bank In order to select the optimal routs of the Main collectors left and right bank, three alternative routs were analyzed. Currently, there are local roads on both banks of the River Vardar, but they do not reach the location for the WWTP. As the installation of main collectors in the banks of the river is not allowed, the construction of new roads is required. The following alternatives were analyzed: October, Part II: A6-195

154 a) Alternative 1: Proposed roads in GUP The proposed roads in GUP as alternative routes 1 are shown on Figure 4-3. The target year of GUP is 2020 and these roads are not constructed yet. The responsible organization for road construction is City of Skopje and the budget for design of these roads was approved by the City Council in b) Alternative 2: The route for the left bank There is the road in the left bank of the River Vardar which comes near to the proposed WWTP site. c) Alternative 3: The route along the Vardar River This alternative proposes to install the main collectors along the Vardar River. This would be the shortest route, but it makes the O&M difficult as there are no access roads to this route and the land acquisition will be required. Considering the above factors, the Alternative 1 to use the proposed roads under GUP is selected as the best option. Figure 4-3 Alternative Routes for the Main Collectors Alternatives for Location of the WWTP In general, the WWTP should be located downstream of the sewer network of Skopje and sewer outlet, in order to collect all wastewater by gravity and, along the River Vardar bank for discharging the effluent into the river. Four possible locations for the WWTP were analyzed and their ranking was made upon the abovementioned criteria. All four possible locations, together with the sewer outlet and the settlements are presented on Figure 4-4. October, Part II: A6-196

155 Alternative 2 Sewer outlet which is located downstream of Skopje sewer network Alternative 1 Alternative 3 Alternative km Figure 4-4 Alternatives for WWTP Location and Settlements Alternative 1: Water Economy Facility Zone in GUP First alternative location is the one which is designated as water economy facility zone in the GUP and Sewerage M/P. The main features of the location are: It is downstream of the Vardar River, It is out of the boundaries of the City of Skopje, There is no residential area near the proposed site. Additionally, the proposed location has these advantages: Favourable position of the sewer network and main outlet: the sewer network is installed upstream of the proposed site and the main outlet for collected wastewater is 3-4 km upstream of the proposed site. Conveying the collected wastewater to the WWTP can be done easily and by gravity. Favourable position regarding discharging of the effluent: the proposed site is located along the river and discharging of the effluent to the river will be rather easy. Favourable position regarding the wind direction: dominant wind blows along the river and the odour will be swept away downstream of the River Vardar where there is no residential area. Favourable status regarding infrastructure and housing: there are no houses/structures within the area and there is no need for involuntary resettlement. Favourable status of the area: the area is designated as water economy facility zone in GUP and the purpose of the use is already defined and approved by the relevant administrative body. Beside the information that the land in this area is used for agriculture, it is very important to note that the water economy facility zone includes the protected area named Ostrovo October, Part II: A6-197

156 which is the unique bird resort in Skopje region. Also, close to this location, there is Arboretum, an area which is considered as natural protected monument. Alternative 2: Former Waste Disposal Site This location is the former waste disposal site and currently this area is not used for any purpose. As the area was used as the waste dumping site, the ground is not solid and stable. Another disadvantage of the location is the position towards the sewer outlet, because it is upstream of the outlet. Some facilities of treatment plant such as collectors and pumping system should be installed underground, which complicate the design and increase significantly the costs for operation (due to pumping). As a result of the analysis the criteria, it is concluded that this location is not suitable for WWTP. Alternative 3 Alternative 3 is located downstream of Alternative 1 along the River Vardar. This area is used for agriculture and is divided into small parcels. This location also has the advantages like the downstream position regarding the sewer network and outlet, closeness to the river side and no need for resettlement. However, there is a settlement near this location and there might be the impacts by the odour. Additionally, the main collectors for conveying the wastewater to the WWTP should be rather long, and there is no existing road or planned road where the collectors can be installed. This will require additional land acquisition and construction of new roads. The conclusion is that due to increased costs for construction and closeness to the settlement, this location is less convenient for WWTP than the first one. Alternative 4 Alternative 4 is located downstream of other alternatives along the River Vardar. This area is used for agriculture and is divided into small parcels. This location also has the advantages like the downstream position regarding the sewer network and outlet, closeness to the river side, no need for resettlement, and there is no settlement downstream of this site. However, this area is around 5 km away from the sewer outlet, and the extension of two large collectors (1600 and 1800 mm diameter) on both banks of the river and the additional crossing of railway are necessary. As for the Alternative 3, there are no roads under which the main collectors can be installed and the additional land acquisition and construction of road will be necessary. All this will significantly increase the costs for construction of the WWTP and main collectors, which makes this alternative location not competitive to others. Considering the above alternatives, Alternative 1 is the most appropriate location for WWTP, with stressing that the mitigation measures for the protected zones Ostrovo and Arboretum are necessary. 4.2 Alternatives for Treatment Technologies Treatment Process Alternatives for treatment process were analyzed from the aspect of fulfillment of the Regulation for Classification of Water and EU standards. October, Part II: A6-198

157 Treatment process for fulfillment the Regulation for Classification of Water According to the Regulation for Classification of Water, downstream of WWTP site river water quality is classified as the class III. Currently, the river quality is within the required class, but in close future with increased quantity of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater discharged into the River Vardar, the water quality would not meet the class III. In order to achieve the class III, primary treatment and secondary treatment (90% removal) would be required. There are several treatment processes which can remove 90% of organic matters as shown in the Table 4-1. Treatment processes that include aerated lagoon and waste stabilization pond are not very stable to achieve 90% removal. Therefore, these two processes are excluded from the further comparison. The remaining processes are explained through the flowchart at Figure 4-5. Table 4-1 Treatment Processes and Removal Rates Treatment level Treatment process BOD 5 (%) SS (%) Secondary CASP (Conventional activated sludge process) Oxygen aeration activated sludge process Oxidation ditch process Extended aeration process 90~95 90~95 Sequencing batch activated sludge process Source: Sewerage facilities Plan and Design Standard (JSWA) Source: Sewerage facilities Plan and Design Standard (JSWA) Figure 4-5 Process of Secondary Treatment As the influent of the WWTP has the water quality of domestic wastewater, oxygen aeration activated sludge process is not appropriate because of very low organic matters. Additionally, sequencing batch activated sludge process is preferable for small capacity of treatment, not for a large capacity of 160,000m 3 /d. Therefore, oxygen aeration activated sludge process and sequencing batch activated sludge process are excluded for further comparison. The following evaluation is made considering the remaining treatment processes. October, Part II: A6-199

158 Characteristic of treatment processes Sludge Retention Time (SRT) is compared and presented in the Table 4-2. Table 4-2 Comparison on treatment characteristic with the required SRT SRT Long hours Short hours Process Characteristic extended aeration process oxidation ditch process CASP stable treatment easier to have influence of varied Influent quality and quantity less excess sludge large production of excess sludge ease of O&M relative difficulty of O&M large energy consumption for wastewater treatment small energy consumption for wastewater treatment required large land small area of required land ease of operation for nitrification Source: Sewerage Facilities Plan and Design Standard (JSWA) Depending on SRT, the required area for WWTP is varied. Furthermore, SRT is related to the values of the design parameters such as MLSS concentration, BOD 5 -SS loading, HRT (Hydraulic Retention Time for Wastewater), ASRT (Activated Sludge Retention Time) etc., whose values are shown in Table 4-3. Table 4-3 Characteristic of Treatment Processes (Secondary Treatment) Process MLSS (mg/l) BOD 5 -SS loading (kgbod 5 )/(kg/ss d) HRT (h) ASRT (d) Remarks CASP 1500~ ~0.4 6~8 3~6 Extended aeration process 3000~ ~ ~24 13~50 Oxidation ditch process 3000~ ~ ~48 8~50 Source: Sewerage Facilities Plan and Design Standard (JSWA) without primary settling tank without primary settling tank In the Table 4-4, comparison of the proposed treatment processes is given, regarding the characteristics of the process, operation, generation of sludge, loading of final settling tank, required amount of oxygen, initial costs, O&M costs, annual costs and required area. October, Part II: A6-200

159 Table 4-4 Comparison of Treatment Processes Characteristic of treatment process Operation Generation of sludge Loading of final settling tank Required amount of oxygen Initial cost CASP It is operated in the condition of high loading compared to other processes. Therefore, careful attention in case of change of inlet flow rate and quality is required. Nitrification is not expected to occur in the planed WWTP due to relatively short period of SRT. Technique of its operation is well established and it is commonly practiced among middle scale of WWTPs. It requires relatively careful attention for its operation. However, it is expected to be efficient for planned WWTP because one unit can be used for treating large amount. Generation of sludge including raw sludge and excess sludge is larger in amount compared to other two processes. Loading of final settling tank can be m 3 /m 2 day because sedimentation of activated sludge is relatively better due to low MLSS (1,500-2,000mg/l). Energy efficiency is superior because oxygen requirement is lower due to the following reasons. Approximately, 40% of BOD 5 is removed in primary settling tank. Nitrification is not expected to occur million Euros (100%) Oxidation ditch process It is operated in the condition of low loading. Therefore, stable removal of organic substance can be achieved even in case of change of inlet flow rate and quality. Nitrification is expected to occur due to relatively long period of SRT. Therefore, anaerobic zone is required to prevent degradation of effluent quality due to fall of ph. Generally, it requires easy operation due to the stability of treatment. However, this process is basically suitable for small scale WWTPs. It is not efficient for planned WWTP because it needs large number of units due to the limitation of the capacity of one unit. Generation of sludge is smaller in amount compared to CASP due to long period of SRT. Loading of final settling tank is required to be 8-12 m 3 /m 2 day because sedimentation of activated sludge is relatively not good due to high MLSS (3,000-4,000mg/l). Oxygen requirement is approximately three times compared to CASP due to omission of primary settling tank and occurrence of nitrification. Required energy increases further by use of surface aerator due to low efficiency compared to diffuser, which is commonly used in oxidation ditch process million Euros (109%) Extended aeration process Similar to oxidation ditch process, stable removal of organic substance can be achieved and anaerobic zone is required due to occurrence of nitrification. Careful attention towards the degradation of activated sludge caused by excessive aeration is required. Similar to oxidation ditch process, it requires easy operation due to the stability of treatment. And also, it is efficient for planned WWTP because one unit can take care of large amount of wastewater. Similar to oxidation ditch process, generation of sludge is smaller in amount compared to CASP due to long period of SRT. Similar to oxidation ditch process, loading of final settling tank is required to be 8-12 m 3 /m 2 day due to high MLSS (3,000-4,000mg/l) Similar to oxidation ditch process, oxygen requirement is approximately three times compared to CASP million Euros (106%) October, Part II: A6-201

160 O&M cost Annual cost Required Area CASP 1.62 million Euros (100%) 4.37 million Euros (100%) 30 ha (100%) Oxidation ditch process 2.66 million Euros (164%) 5.64 million Euros (126%) 35 ha (117%) Extended aeration process 2.24 million Euros (138%) 5.07 million Euros (114%) 35 ha (117%) Evaluation A C B As a result of comparison, it is concluded that CASP is the most economical process in terms of both initial cost and O&M cost. O&M cost of CASP is the lowest due to its superior efficiency of energy uses for treatment compared to other processes. Also, CASP is very commonly practiced among middle scale of WWTPs and procedure of its operation is also well established. The operation of WWTP using CASP becomes more efficient due to fewer units requirement for sewage treatment because one unit can be used for treating large amount. Finally, the use of CASP for sewage treatment is the most advantageous for the prevailing conditions in the Central WWTP and it is recommended as optimal treatment process Treatment level for fulfillment the EU standards Environmental policies In Macedonia are generally based on EU Directives. Treatment level is selected under three types of approaches. These considerations include characteristic of the water bodies where effluent is discharged, utilization of treated water and sensitiveness of land. General effluent standard for secondary treatment level is expressed as given in Table4-5. Table 4-5 Effluent Standard (mg/l) Item Long term target Short term target BOD COD SS Source: Sewerage M / P The long-term is defined as the time which complies with the European Union's set of water-related regulations. The short-term objective is to reduce the most severe water pollution and the problems derived thereof. Furthermore, the objective is to develop wastewater sector and to initiate the development towards future compliance with the EU Directives. In sensitive areas, advance treatment should be applied including removal of Total- N and Total-P. In less sensitive areas, primary treatment is applied. At the moment, there is no categorization of the areas regarding the sensitivity. Considering the fact that downstream of the WWTP, there are rural settlements which are using ground water for drinking, it could be expected that due to the linkage of the ground water aquifer with the River Vardar, the area downstream of the WWTP would be designated as "sensitive area". October, Part II: A6-202

161 Due to this, it is decided that the development of the WWTP is done in two stages. For the first stage which is up to 2020 it is planned to have BOD removal for the wastewater and secondary treatment for certain amount of storm water as first flush. At the second stage, after 2020, the treatment of the wastewater will be upgrade with nitrogen and phosphorous removal, while for the storm water, check on a need for detention reservoir is planned. Based on population, treatment level is proposed as shown in Table 4-6. Table 4-6 Treatment Level and City Scale City Scale (Population Equivalent) Treatment Level 3,500 to 20,000 Primary Treatment More than 20,000 Biological Treatment Note: Population equivalent = sanitary sewer + domestic-equivalent industrial wastewater Treatment process in each treatment level Primary treatment; inflow pump grit chamber primary settling tank Biological Treatment; primary settling tank aeration tank final settling tank Source: Sewerage M/P It is obvious that for city of Skopje, the biological treatment should be applied. General flow of biological treatment is shown in Figure 4-6. The CASP and oxygen aeration activated sludge process can remove organic matters biologically. As mentioned earlier, oxygen aeration activated sludge is excluded from the comparisons. Therefore, CASP remains as a good candidate under consideration of above table Selection of the Treatment Process The wastewater treatment processes that can meet the requirements of environmental standards of the Regulation for Classification of Water and can also comply with EU Directives are described respectively in previous sections. CASP is recommended as the treatment method for the Central WWTP. Process flow of CASP and treatment of the sludge is shown in Figure 4-6. Figure 4-6 Process Flow of CASP and Sludge Treatment October, Part II: A6-203

162 4.3 Alternatives for Sludge Treatment and Disposal One of the principles of sewage treatment is to treat sludge produced from wastewater treatment stably and efficiently on a permanent basis. It is important to consider energy efficiency and utilizing resource and energy which sewage possess for eco friendly society while choosing treatment process of sludge. Also, treatment process of sludge is related to the prevention of global warming because it produces greenhouse effect gas such as CO 2 and methane during treatment. Therefore, it is expected to reduce emission of GHG and utilize resource and energy such as digested gas Treatment Process of Sludge The principles of sludge treatment are as follows. Dewatering and reducing the volume of sludge produced from sewage treatment Stabilizing the quality of sludge Adjustment in order to utilize sewage sludge as resource Anaerobic digestion is expected to be included in the process of sludge treatment in order to stabilize the quality of sludge and improve biological safety for utilization. The unit processes meeting these purposes are shown below. Reduction of the volume : Thickening, Dewatering and Drying Reduction of the solid content : Anaerobic digesting, Incineration and Melting Stabilization of the quality : Anaerobic digesting, Composting, Incineration and Melting The process of sludge treatment combining these unit processes is shown in Figure 4-7. Figure 4-7 Sludge Treatment Process In order to reduce the volume of the sludge after thickening and digesting of the sludge, there is a need for drying of the wet sludge. Natural drying and mechanical dewatering were compared in terms of mechanism of dewatering, required site area, cost, and characteristics of final product and easiness of operation. In both cases, digestion is done prior to dewatering because of less odor emission of digested sludge. The comparison is shown in Table 4-7 October, Part II: A6-204

163 Table 4-7 Comparison of sludge natural drying and mechanical dewatering Natural drying Mechanical dewatering Remarks Mechanism Natural dewatering by gravity followed by drying through evaporation by wind Mechanical dewatering using tension of two layer filter cloth between which the sludge is put Required site area (m 2 ) Moisture content of product 100,000 1,100 About 65% About 80% Amount of product 80 m 3 /day 142 m 3 /day Easiness of operation Construction cost Operation cost Annual cost Laborious sludge scraping is needed but little skill is required. Skilful operators are needed. 7,100,000 Euro 12,000,000 Euro 345,000 Euro per year 1,438,000 Euro per year 457,000 Euro per year 2,120,000 Euro per year Mechanical dewatering consumes considerable amount of energy and chemicals. Mechanical dewatering requires a building for dewatering equipment. Naturally dried sludge is easier to handle because of lower moisture content Difference in moisture content causes difference in quantity Including land acquisition cost Including sludge disposal cost Supposing life time of 50 years for civil works and of 15 years for mechanical and electrical equipment Despite of much larger site area required, natural drying is much more viable for the central WWTP in terms of energy consumption, sludge production, operation and maintenance, handling of the final product and costs. It has to be emphasized that in order to minimize the disadvantages of use of sludge drying beds like: odor problems, fly problems and transportation mainly by labor forces, set of mitigation measures must be foreseen and applied Sludge Disposal The alternatives for sludge disposal are depending on the content of the produced sludge, actually whether there are dangerous substances or not in the sludge. Alternative 1: If there are no dangerous substances in the sludge, one of the possibilities for disposal is to be transported and disposed at landfill/disposal site Drisla. Under the Law on Environment, the IPPC has come into force and the prevention measures for water, air and soil will be the obligation of each industry before discharge. Each industry is required to implement the prevention measures by 2014 and the dangerous substances should be pre-treated before the wastewater is discharged into the collectors. As a result of the pretreatment, the sludge generated at WWTP will not contain the dangerous elements and it is possible to dispose the generated sludge from this WWTP at the existing landfill Drisla. This landfill is for municipal and non-hazardous waste, and it is located 14 km southeastern of the centre of Skopje. PE Communal Hygiene agreed that the quantity of sludge can be acceptable at Drisla landfill. October, Part II: A6-205

164 However, considering the situation that the deadline for complete introduction of IPPC system is extended to 2014 from 2007, and the capacities of MoEPP which has the obligation to evaluate the application of industries, provide the permission and inspect the industrial activities, it is difficult to say that by the operation of WWTP the industrial wastewater which will be discharged into the sewers will be completely pre-treated and any dangerous substances will not included in the sludge. Alternative 2: Planned Landfill for Hazardous Waste If the sludge cannot be disposed of at the existing landfill for municipal and non-hazardous waste, then the sludge should be disposed of at the landfill for hazardous waste. Macedonia does not have the landfill for hazardous waste at present. The responsibility of construction and management of landfill for hazardous waste is with the MoEPP. According to the Waste Management Strategy , the design of industrial hazardous waste management plants and landfills is planned to conduct in the year from 2009 to 2011, and the construction / operation of industrial hazardous waste management plants and landfills is planned to implement in the period from 2011 to2013. When the sludge contains the hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of at the existing landfill for municipal and non-hazardous waste, the planned industrial hazardous waste management plants and landfills could be the option for disposal of the sludge. Alternative 3: Construction of a new disposal site If the sludge can be acceptable in the existing landfill site, the construction of a new disposal site is not feasible as the new construction requires the large area in outskirts of the city that might cause large impacts on land use and resettlement. It also will result into increased cost for construction and O&M and this cannot be covered by user charges. Alternative 4: Temporary Storage at the WWTP Site The temporary storage of the sludge at the WWTP site could be an option if the above mentioned planned industrial hazardous waste management plants and landfills cannot be operated by the operation of the WWTP and the sludge includes the dangerous substances. This is only for the temporary measures, because if the untreated industrial wastewater with dangerous substances mixes the domestic wastewater, Vodovod will inform the MoEPP for inspection of the wastewater from the industries and MoEPP has the power to order the industries to treat the industrial wastewater. Alternative 5: Re-use for agriculture The EU encourages using the sludge for agriculture as a fertilizer or an organic soil improver suitable. The Council Directive on the protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil, when sewage sludge is used in agriculture (86/278/EEC) regulates the use of sewage sludge in agriculture in such a way as to prevent harmful effects on soil, vegetation, animals and man, while encouraging its correct use. The sludge can be used for the agriculture if the quality of the sludge meets these criteria. After analyzing all possible alternatives, the selection of the optimal one depends on the content of dangerous substances in the sludge. If there is no dangerous substances in the sludge, then in can be disposed at Drisla landfill (Alternative 1). In opposite case, the sludge must be disposed at a special landfill for hazardous waste (Alternative 2), and if there is still no operational landfill for hazardous substances, then the sludge should be disposed on temporary storage location at the WWTP site (Alternative 4). October, Part II: A6-206

165 4.3.3 Utilization of Sludge Normally, treated sludge is utilized as construction material, in agriculture, for energy production etc. Utilization of sludge as construction material is excluded in this case because it requires the process of mechanical dewatering. In agricultural, dried sludge after composting is used as fertilizer. The process of drying sludge is included in the process, while in future, the process of composting sludge may be additionally introduced depending on the level of demand. For agriculture use, the examination of contents of heavy metals and arrangement with the related authorities are required. For energy production, the available choices are to use digested gas to heat digester and generate electricity. In this project, digested gas is planned to be used in order to heat digester. Excess of digested gas is required to be burnt out considering safety and the prevention of global warming. The contents of digested gas are shown in the Table 4-8 and the systematic flow of utilization is shown in the Figure 4-8. Table 4-8 Contents of Digested Gas (v/v %) CH 4 CO 2 H 2 N 2 H 2 S 60~65 33~35 0~2 0~3 0.02~ Alternatives With/Without Project Figure 4-8 Recycling Flow of Digestion Gas This chapter analyzes two different scenarios, one without implementation of the project and another one with implementation. The alternative without project is also called Zerooption. The future urbanization and population grow as well as expected rapid increase of the industries in Skopje region will result in increase of quantities of domestic and industrial wastewater. All this water will continue to be discharged untreated directly into the River Vardar. If the project is not implemented, the water quality of Vardar River in 2020 will deteriorate due to the continuous discharge of untreated increased amount of wastewater (see Figure 4-9). The polluted water would continue to affect the ground water quality, threatening irrigation activities and drinking water safety (usually abstracted from the ground waters) affecting the health of urban and rural residents. As a consequence, the quality of life and the standards of living of residents in the proposed project area will deteriorate. In addition, the Vardar River is the trans-boundary water body that is shared between Macedonia and Greece. Therefore, the river water quality is one of the essential environmental issues discussed between neighbouring countries during the transboundary water management negotiations. In 2005 Macedonia has been granted EU candidate status and one of the conditions for EU membership is that the candidate October, Part II: A6-207

166 country aligns its national legal system with EU legislation. The transposition of the EU water related directives has been started and the provisions of wastewater treatment plant related EU Directives should also be enhanced. Hence, the pressure from legal obligations on national and trans-boundary level will be very strong and the alternative of no project seems to be not realistic under these conditions. The Figure 4-9 shows the river water quality in cases of with project and without project scenario. If the project is not implemented, the quality of river water near the proposed WWTP site in 2020 would 16 mg/l in terms of BOD 5. However, in case of with the Project, the BOD 5 concentration in river water is expected to be 5 mg/l. Figure 4-9 River Water Quality of With / Without Project Scenario The scenario with the project will result with positive impacts as follows: The collection and treatment of the wastewater before entering the River Vardar will improve water quality of the river and river environment. A proper sewage handling and disposal arrangement will minimize the chances of contamination of ground and surface water. The project will enable maintaining ecological balance by reducing damages to flora and fauna. Development of the project will encourage increased economic activities like commercial, industrial, etc. and will generate increased employment alternatives and economic growth for the area. Improvement in the existing sewerage facilities will help tourism and boost the economy of the area. The construction activity can provide opportunities to the local population and residents of the neighbouring area for income. They may provide labour or their services for the construction works under the Project. Nutrient rich treated effluent and dried sludge can be used for irrigation, or as a natural fertilizer in agriculture. The project will contribute towards fulfilment of the EU directives requirements regarding wastewater treatment and maintaining good environment status of the River Vardar, which will finally enhance the position of the Republic of Macedonia in the accession process towards EU. October, Part II: A6-208