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Regional problems of transboundary air pollution

According to the reports of the Co-operative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long Range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe Meteorological Synthesising Centre (EMEP MSC - EAST) - in 1991, the amount of transboundary emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides entering Latvia was double the amount produced in Latvia; in 1992, transmitted emissions exceeded pollution produced in Latvia by four times.

Approximately 80% of sulfurous oxides and 90% of nitrous oxides that are emitted to the atmosphere are transported to neighbouring countries: the Russian Federation, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Belarus and the Ukraine, as well as to the Baltic Sea.

There are several possible solutions for this problem, such as:

Energy saving policy and efficient use of energy resources. Initially, the organisation within the energy sector should be improved, as well as the use of energy resources. New energy saving technologies and equipment should be implemented in production, commercial and domestic situations. Energy demand should be specified and regulated.

In order to implement this, it is necessary to

in energy sector:

• achieve optimisation of energy streams;
• reduce losses in energy production cycles, networks and economic activity;
• use modern and cost-efficient technologies, equipment and materials when undertaking new energy sector projects and when renovating existing plants;
• use the heat potential of existing boiler houses for the co-production of energy as well (if it is technically possibilities and economically feasible);

in heating:

• improve the technical condition of existing heating networks by reducing heat and water losses;
• optimise and operate heating systems under optimum regimes, provide systems and individual users with heating meters and regulatory equipment;
• elaborate and implement new standards for housing construction and heating network construction;
• develop the production of heat-insulating materials.

Transition to heating materials that produce less hazardous emissions as a result of the incineration process.

Transition to alternative energy sources. The use of wind generators and hydro-power plants on small rivers of Latvia should be further investigated. The sustainable use of local fuel resources should be considered for heating. However, in implementing this measure, the considerations of subchapters `Eurtofication of water cources and degradation of water ecosystems`, `Reduction of biodiversity` and `Non-sustainable use of natural resources` should be taken into account.

Implementation of efficient treatment facilities. Energy power plants should have equipment installed for the detection and treatment of SO2 and NOx.

Introduction of early warning and efficient response systems. Air monitoring systems should be combined with early warning systems to improve the reaction time for potential accidents.

To implement these measures, the following policy instruments are necessary:

international co-operation and agreements:

• implementation of the UN Framework Convention ‘On Climatic Change’;
• becoming party to four protocols of the Geneva convention ‘On Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution’ (see Appendix 2);
• international environmental agreements with neighbouring countries, Lithuania in particular. Treaties should also include a section on air pollution problems.

national legislation, including:

• law on energy (drafting and implementation);
• differentiated nature resources tax;
• differentiated tariffs on use of energy;
• law on air protection (to be drafted).

monitoring.

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Last updated: November 8, 1996. The information prepared by Valts Vilnitis: fuxis@varam.gov.lv