DPS 9: Crisuri Water Basin Administration [RO]

Location: Barcău, Crișul Repede, and Crișul Negru Rivers (Crișuri Water Basin, Romania)

Challenge: These transboundary rivers, flowing from Romania into Hungary, suffer from significant plastic pollution, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. This not only harms the aquatic ecosystem in the Crișuri Basin but also poses a threat to downstream areas in Hungary.

Solution: Strategic Litter Trap Placement

The Crișuri Water Basin Administration (CWBA) is implementing a targeted solution to tackle plastic pollution: the installation of three litter traps in strategic locations along the Barcău, Crișul Repede, and Crișul Negru Rivers. These locations are not accidental - they overlap with protected Natura 2000 sites designated under the Habitats and Birds Directives, ensuring the project addresses environmental concerns within these ecologically valuable areas.

Benefits for a Healthier River System:

• Reduced Plastic Pollution: The litter traps will effectively capture floating plastic debris, significantly reducing its presence in the rivers. This directly improves water quality for aquatic life and prevents the transport of plastic pollution downstream to Hungary.
• Improved Ecosystem Health: Cleaner waterways promote a healthier ecosystem for fish, birds, and other wildlife that rely on the Crișuri Basin rivers. Reduced plastic pollution minimizes entanglement risks and protects the food chain.
• Enhanced Transboundary Cooperation: By addressing plastic pollution at its source, the project demonstrates Romania's commitment to environmental stewardship and fosters collaboration with Hungary in protecting shared water resources.

Optimizing Litter Trap Placement:

For maximum effectiveness, the CWBA carefully considers factors beyond location:

• Sub-catchment Selection: Traps are placed within sub-catchments of the main rivers, where slower water velocity allows for more efficient collection of debris.
• Accessibility and Maintenance: The chosen sites prioritize areas with minimal vegetation and easy access for transportation vehicles, ensuring efficient debris removal and trap maintenance.

Conclusion:

The Crișuri Basin River Cleanup Project exemplifies a strategic approach to tackling plastic pollution. By utilizing well-placed litter traps and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the project offers a promising solution to protect the Crișuri Basin ecosystem and promote cleaner water resources for Romania and Hungary.