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Description
The aim of the project is to remediate the historically polluted site “Višķi professional secondary school heavy fuel oil repository” in Augšdaugavas municipality, with land designation no.44980050048 and land unit designation 44980050708, with a total area of 3,94 ha, in order to improve soil quality and prevent further risks to human health and the environment.
The project aims to solve the following problems: remediate historically polluted site; close up the sources of pollution (release/clean up tanks and ponds formed by historical oil spills, dismantle heavy fuel oil repository underground and surface infrastructure and excavate heavily polluted soil) and rehabilitate and revitalize the polluted area.
The project partners are involved in achieving these objectives: 1) Latvian Association “Višķu attīstībai”, will ensure public awareness on the impact of historical pollution on the environment and human health, as well as risks of climate change increasing this impact; 2) The Norwegian partner “Henric Johansson Konsult” will ensure an international exchange of experience between the applicant, the participating co-operation organizations, companies and municipal authorities in Norway.
The main beneficiaries of the project will be the 19,639 residents of former Daugavpils municipality, who will benefit from the reduction of environmental pollution and will be educated about the possible impact of such pollution on the environment and human health and possible increase of the impact resulting from climate change factors.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to remove a heavy fuel oil storage facility from a historically polluted site in Višķi Parish, which posed a constant threat of contaminating the surrounding area. The project goals have been achieved – the sources of pollution have been eliminated, further expansion of contamination has been stopped, and the environmental quality at the Višķi site now meets environmental protection standards.
The polluted area contained remnants of the old heavy fuel oil plant: a former boiler house, two heavy fuel oil tanks with residual heavy fuel oil, and both above-ground and underground service pipes. The site also included a large open pond contaminated with heavy fuel oil products. The clean-up work was successfully completed: the pollution sources were eliminated, and the tanks along with the above-ground and underground infrastructure were dismantled. Several important initiatives were implemented, including educational events about the impact of historically polluted, degraded areas on human health and the environment.
The main goal was achieved – to clean up the degraded territory and restore the environmental quality to an acceptable standard. Additionally, public awareness of environmental issues has been significantly increased. A total of 6,150 tons of hazardous waste containing heavy fuel oil products was collected and disposed of, including spilled oil products, contaminated soil, and water. The revitalized land area covers 3.73 hectares. A sustainable monitoring system has been established, consisting of a network of 10 drill holes. The municipality will continue to monitor this area for five years.
As part of the public awareness campaign, several key initiatives were implemented, including educational events highlighting the impact of historically polluted, degraded areas on human health and the environment. The campaign also addressed the potential risks of climate change and its role in exacerbating environmental contamination and health hazards. Eight informational events were organized, including climate change picnics, environmental education contests, and workshops on environmental issues.
Three publicity activities were conducted, and three videos documenting the project''s progress were produced. The project was covered by regional and public television, educational materials were developed, and two consultations on local and international cooperation were held.
The project’s expert group also had the opportunity to participate in an experience exchange visit to Hamar, Norway, while Norwegian partners visited Augšdaugava Municipality. The role of the Norwegian partner was to foster cooperation between the municipality and Norwegian organizations, facilitate experience exchange, and share examples of best practices in environmental protection. \project partner already have ideas for implementing new projects.
Since the beginning of the project, photo and video monitoring of the site has been conducted.
Summary of bilateral results
The donor project partner provided valuable experience in public communication on climate change issues and facilitated inter-institutional cooperation. This collaboration enhanced the project''s capacity to engage with the public and various organizations, fostering a broader understanding of environmental challenges and solutions.The Norwegian partner played a key role in strengthening cooperation between the municipality and organizations in Norway. They facilitated experience exchange and shared best practices in environmental protection. As a result of this partnership, new ideas for joint projects have already emerged.The experience gained from this cooperation has established a reliable network of partners, opening opportunities for future projects across various fields. One focus area for continued collaboration is the prevention of contamination and the restoration of historically polluted areas, specifically related to waste dumps and sewage sludge discharge and storage.