A comprehensive project for improving the state of water bodies at the Ida- and Lääne-Viru Counties has started under the Ministry of the Environment.In the framework of the LIFE IP CleanEST project, the state of water bodies in these regions will be improved during the next ten years. Possibilities for means of improvement will also be analysed.
The Geological Survey of Estonia (EGT) participates in the Life IP CleanEST project as a partner in two activities on groundwater bodies. One of the activities involves hydrogeological studies on six groundwater bodies. The aim is to determine the concentration of hazardous substances (such as nitrates, arsenic or phenols) found in groundwater and the development of its general chemical composition, and to predict changes in the state of groundwater. Studies within the second activity focus on examining the impact of agricultural diffuse pollution on groundwater quality in the vicinity of major agricultural enterprises.
Altogether 38 days were spent in fieldwork at the geological survey in the framework of the program LIFE IP CleanEST during the year 2019. At the field data were collected in Ida- and Lääne-Virumaa from more than 150 drilled wells. Water samples were taken, water levels were measured and well depths were controlled. Preliminary data analysis and preparation of becoming fieldwork will be done in 2020.
The total cost of activities performed by the Geological Survey of Estonia is 612 967 €, of which the European commission finances 60%. The own contribution of 40% is financed through the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre budget. At EGT the project is led by the hydrogeologists Merle Truu and Joonas Pärn.
Closer information on the project: LIFE IP CleanEST projekt.
