Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan of Georgia

Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 1 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan of Georgia Government of Georgia Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 2 Decree of Government of Georgia No 907, April 21, 2011, Tbilisi on Approval of Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan In accordance with Article 7 of Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants ratified by Decision No 2840-Is (dd. April 11, 2006) of Parliament of Georgia; and in accordance with subparagraph “S” of Article 5 and Paragraph 2 of Article 16 of the Law of Georgia on Structure, Competencies and Rules of Operation of the Government of Georgia; and with the purpose of avoiding the negative impact of persistent organic pollutants on human health and the environment; as well as with the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Stockholm Convention requirements and establishing efficient chemical safety system: 1. The following Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan of Georgia shall be approved 2. The Ministry of Environment of Georgia shall cooperate with the international organizations and donor countries with the purposes of obtaining technical and financial assistance aimed towards achieving the goals and objectives of the Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan of Georgia and development/implementation of the efficient environmental policies. 3. The agencies and organizations set out in the Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan of Georgia shall implement the activities described in the National Implementation Plan and submit annual reports to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia. 4. The Ministry of Environment of Georgia shall coordinate the implementation of the Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan of Georgia. Prime Minister Nika Gilauri Approved by the Ordinance No 907 of Government of Georgia April 21, 2011 Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 3 Persistent Organic Pollutants National Implementation Plan of Georgia Goals of the National Implementation Plan 1. The National Implementation Plan (NIP) is a strategic document set for the period of 2011-2015. It aims towards developing maximally efficient strategies of persistent organic pollutant (POP) management in Georgia, as well as ensuring protection of human health and the environment through implementing sustainable policies. 2. The national goals with regard to POPs are as follows: a) developing and enforcing the integrated legal framework and institutional system, reducing and avoiding the impact of POPs in human health and in the environment; b) ensuring detailed inventory, reduction and destruction of POP pollution in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; c) developing and implementing national and global measures that will avoid the creation of new POPs sources. Priorities of the National Implementation Plan POPs related priority issues were set in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders by joint efforts of UNITAR and UNDP/GEF POPs projects, and took into consideration the best interests of the country. The following main areas were identified: 1. Pesticides (obsolete pesticide stocks). 2. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). 3. Furans and dioxins (by-products). Priority No 1 – Based on the aforementioned efforts, the top priority among the POPs was given to make POP-containing pesticides obsolete. As a whole, the primary inventory revealed about 3,057 tons of chemicals, 2,700 tons of which are probably located at Ialghuja pesticide burial, while the remaining amount is distributed among various chemical storages throughout the country. Extrapolation of the chemical tests performed for the samples taken from these storages showed that about 60-65% of the obsolete pesticides (357 tons in total) contain POPs. There is the possibility that additional pollution sources will be revealed, a number of which will be identified in the course of secondary inventory. It should be mentioned that in 2007-2009, with the state and international funding, the measures for collecting and temporarily safely storing the pesticides were taken. As a result, 214 tons of obsolete pesticides, most of which contain POPs, were collected and disposed of Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 4 at the Ialghuja burial. Besides this, there is most likely an additional 250-300 tons of POP containing pesticides disposed of at the Ialghuja shelter since 1970-ies. Priority No 2 – The second priority was given to equipment and wastes containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In the course of primary inventory, the relevant institutions were inspected; more than 5,000 capacitors and 15,000 transformers were discovered. An inspection of part of the capacitors and transformers showed content of PCB-contaminated oils. It should be mentioned that it will be necessary to carry out additional inventory of capacitors and transformers at a country-wide scale, in order to precisely identify the amount (volume) of PCB-contaminated oils. Priority No 3 – The third priority was given to the POP-containing by-products, in particular to emissions of furans and dioxins. According to 2004 data, 80% of dioxin/furan emissions resulted from uncontrolled combustion processes (uncontrolled/spontaneous combustion of wastes and wildfires),a majority of which are taking place at the landfills. In consideration of these general problems, the actions were defined as follows: a) development of the respective POPs related legislation; b) capacity building in the fields of risk assessment and management; c) development of the monitoring system; d) development of efficient public awareness raising program. Persistent Organic Pollutants Management Plan The POPs management plan has been developed based on the identified priority areas, in consultation with the stakeholders. The plan contains the short- and medium-term activities. It sets goals, objectives, activities, expected results, responsible parties, timeframes, approximate costs and potential funding sources. The short-term activities shall be implemented in 2011-2013. They mainly include development of legal framework and waste management plan, destruction of POP-containing pesticides, elimination of uncontrolled combustion of waste at landfills and other relevant measures. The medium-term activities shall be implemented in 2013-2015; these include: POPs management, research, development, monitoring and other relevant activities. Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 5 1. Improvement of Legal Framework and Planning Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Coordination of POPs NIP implementation Establishment of inter-ministerial coordination group Efficient implementation of NIP Ministry of Environment together with other relevant ministries 2011-2015 Development of legal framework in accordance with the requirements of Stockholm, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions and EU legislation Developing new or improving the existing legislation on basis of the analysis of the current situation, and in consideration of the POPs issues. Identification of the enforcement needs The amendments to be introduced into the legislation are identified The legislation is improved and it reflects the respective requirements of EU directives Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Ministry of Finance of Georgia EUR 1.25 million Development updating the database of chemicals regulated by the Stockholm, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions Developing the unified database of chemicals regulated by the Stockholm, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions in accordance with the international standards and in consideration of the analysis of the current situation The data base complies with the international standards (IUPAC and CAS), harmonised code system (HS), and based on this, management of chemicals regulated by the Stockholm, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions is improved Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Finance of Georgia Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Development of waste management framework in consideration of the POPs Developing the waste management framework in consideration of technical, organisational, environmental, economic and financial feasibility The waste management framework is developed Ministry of Environment in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders EU assistance Twinning 2011-2012 Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 6 2. Institutional Capacity Building Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Institutional capacity building in the field of waste and chemical management Identifying the institutional framework and capacity building in the field of waste chemical management The institutional frameworks are identified and capacities improved Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Training of the employees of all relevant ministries and agencies in waste and chemical management issues Organising trainings and workshops for capacity building The capacities of the employees are improved Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Finance of Georgia Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Other relevant agencies 350,000 GEF Bilateral donors 2011-2013 3. Management of POPs Containing Pesticides and Waste Destruction Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Inventory of POPs containing pesticides (second phase) Carrying out the inventory of POPs containing pesticides in accordance with FAO and UNEP methodologies The second phase of inventory is accomplished. The report contains the updated information on the amounts of POPs containing pesticides Ministry of Environment in cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture 150,000 GEF 2011-2012 Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 7 Removal and packaging of POPs containing pesticides stored at Ialghuja burial Carrying out the works for removing, packaging and temporarily storing the pesticides from Ialghuja burial The pesticides are removed from Ialghuja burial (min 200 tons) and packaged Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Destroy POPs containing pesticides collected throughout country and disposed at the Ialghuja burial Destroying at least 200 tons of pesticides (in Georgia in cement plant, through export to the other countries and incineration in the special furnaces, or by the other methods) Minimum 200 tons of pesticides are destroyed Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Improvement of Ialghuja burial status Studying/evaluating status of the burial Fencing Building drainage system Covering the open surfaces with the ground Ecological status of Ialghuja burial is improved Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia 1 million 400,000 GEF EU assistance Bilatéral donors GEF Bilateral donors EU assistance 2011-2013 2013-2015 4. Polychlorinated Biphenyls Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Inventory of PCBs (second phase) Carrying out inventory of the PCB containing equipment at the national scale PCB containing oils and PCB contaminated devices inventory is accomplished and the database is developed Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia USD 200,000 GEF Donors 2012-2013 Identifying/studyin g the costs connected with the collection and destruction of PCB containing equipment Developing the measures for the collection and destruction of PCB containing equipment in consideration of financial instruments The costs connected with the collection and destruction of PCB containing equipment are studied and identified Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Georgia Private sector USD 50,000 UNDP/GEF 2013-2015 Implementation of pilot project on destruction of the PCB containing oils Arranging the temporary warehouse Creating the special teams for PCB destruction and training their members on the spots Collecting, disposing and destroying 100 tons of PCB containing oils The conditions necessary for destruction of PCB oils are created and 100 tons of PCBs are destroyed The experience is gained and spread throughout the country Ministry of Environment Private sector 500 000 GEF EU assistance 2014-2015 Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 8 5. Reduction of Dioxin/Furan Emissions Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Development / implementation of the demonstration project with the purpose of eliminating the open combustion processes at the old landfills, and promotion of introduction of the modern waste management practices Taking the respective measures at two remaining landfills with the purpose of elimination of the open combustion processes Introducing the waste separation practices Improving the municipal waste collection system in order to avoid the open combustion processes at the landfills Conducting training on the municipal waste management for the respective personnel Open combustion processes at the landfills are eliminated Waste separation practices are introduced The waste collection system is strengthened in the pilot region The respective personnel is trained Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Local Self governments 1,300,000 EU assistance Bilateral assistance 2011-2015 Build demonstration sanitary landfill and closing the landfill existing in the adjacent zone Build demonstration sanitary landfill and closing the landfill existing in the adjacent zone Waste disposal problem is resolved in one of the regions Ministry of Environment of Georgia Local Self governments 8,400,000 EBRD SIDA 2011-2014 Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 9 6. Dissemination of Information, Informing Public and Awareness Raising Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Ensure availability of the information and participation of the social groups Exchanging information with the Convention Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders Creating informational portal Information on POPs is regularly updated and provided to the stakeholders Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Local Self governments NGOs 100,000 Raise public awareness on the adverse impact of POPs in human health and environment Informing and awareness raising of various social groups Preparing and disseminating print materials, organising workshops, disseminating information through media, etc. Awareness of the population on POPs is higher Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia NGOs 150,000 GEF EU assistance 2011-2015 7. Creation of Monitoring System Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Create possibilities for POPs monitoring Renewing lab for the POPs monitoring Training the respective personnel POPs monitoring possibilities are created. The respective personnel and equipment is in place Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia 400,000 GEF EU assistance 2012-2014 Unofficial Translation Georgian National Implementation Plan First Edition Tbilisi, Georgia 2012 10 8. Research Objectives Activities Expected Results Leading and Partner Organisations Expected Costs Possible Funding Sources Timeframe Promote POPs related research Arranging international / regional conferences on the POPs related research topics Promoting development of the Clean Technologies The POPs related researches are underway The Clean Technologies are developed and being introduced Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Local Self governments Academic sector 150,000 Bilateral cooperation 2012-2015 Evaluate, demonstrate, introduce alternatives of DDT to use against malaria vector Development and introduction of alternative to use of DDT measures for fighting against the vectors The human health and environment friendly alternatives of DDT are identified and introduced Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security of Georgia Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia 500,000 GEF EU assistance 2011-2014