Air pollution is one of the main environmental causes for a number diseases in Europe. The effects of poor air quality are felt most strongly in urban areas where people experience significant health problems and at ecosystems where vegetation is damaged. Related economic activities with road traffic, electricity and heat production, industry and agriculture are a major source of air pollution. Fine powders particulate matter (PM10), ozone (O3), benzo (a) pyrene (indicator for polycyclic aromatics) hydrocarbons) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the main and most problematic pollutants in in terms of air quality and human health. For protection atmospheric air quality in the European Union (EU) have been introduced and adopted a number of normative documents regulating the minimum admissible concentrations of pollutants, measures to be taken by Member States to improve the purity of atmospheric air, requirements for the adoption of national and local regulations, strategies, programs, etc. The framework air quality management directives are a key element of European Union strategy for improving air quality such as whole. The requirements of European legislation have been transposed into national law level with the Atmospheric Air Purity Act (ACAA) (Promulgated SG, issue 45 of 28.05.1996, amended and ext. no. 12 of 03.02.2017) and the bylaws as: Ordinance №7 of 03.05.1999. for assessment and management of atmospheric quality air, Ordinance №11 of 14 May 2007. for norms of arsenic, cadmium, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmospheric air, Ordinance №12 of 15.07.2010. for the norms for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine dust particles, lead, benzene, carbon monoxide and ozone in the atmospheric air and Ordinance №14 of 23.09.1997. for norms for maximum permissible concentrations of harmful substances in the atmospheric air of the settlements. The thus established legislative framework establishes norms for the levels of the main indicators characterizing the air quality in the ground layer and determines the conditions, the order and the ways for improvement of the air quality in the regions where the admissible norms have been exceeded.
Source: [8] Atmospheric air quality program of Blagoevgrad municipality for the period 2019-2023
Greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector
According to data from the Executive Environment Agency (EEA) in Bulgaria annually are prepared National Inventory reports of greenhouse gas emissions.
The reports are prepared in connection with Bulgaria ‘s commitments to the signing ofUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and include an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for the country by sources and sinks according to the methodology approved by the UNFCCC. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the first and foremost international legal instrument addressing climate change at the global level. The main objective of the Convention is “To stabilize GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference within the climate system”. In 1995, Bulgaria ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The inventories cover emissions of direct greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O); greenhouse gas precursors (NOx, CO and NMVOCs) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) are subject of studies in Bulgaria since 1995.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector are the result of activities and processes of production and processing of agricultural products, soil fertilization, treatment, and storage of animal waste.
The main sources of CH4and N2O gasses are the processes and activities of the above-mentioned subcategories.The greenhouse gas emissions from sector Agriculture are divided into following sub categories:
• domestic livestock activities with enteric fermentation;
• treatment of waste from farm animals;
• rice cultivation, CH4;
• N2O emissions from agricultural soils (fertilization);
• Agricultiural residue burning.
When burning agricultural residue from stubble, certain amounts of GHG precursors are also emitted. Although the burning of stubble is prohibited in Bulgaria, the practice shows that not only stubble is burned, but also areas with plantations that have no economic significance for the owners. Therefore, this source of GHG emissions is also estimated in the inventory.
Agriculture emits a total of 38,282 t of ammonia, with cattle being the largest source (dairy cows and buffaloes). In 2009, agriculture emitted 35,374 t of non-methane volatile organic compounds. The biggest source is the annual plantations with fertilization. Agriculture is also a source of greenhouse gases. The main greenhouse gases emitted by agricultural activities are methane and nitrous oxide.
In 2018, the agricultural sector contributes 11.10% to the total greenhouse gas emissions in Bulgaria (excluding NMVOCs).In 2009, the emissions from the Agriculture sector represent 10.5% of the total greenhouse gas emissions of Bulgaria. The analysis of the data shows a decrease in total emissions from agriculture by 67.4% compared to the base year of 1988. Since 2004, there has been a steady downward trend in emissions due to the reform of agricultural enterprises.
The trend of GHG emissions from 1988 to 2018 shows a decrease of 53.40 % for this sector due to decrease in activity data.
Figure 48 Trend of GHG Emissions from agriculture sector
CH4 emissions are 27% from of the total emissions in the sector in CO2-eq in 2018. Methane emissions are 36% from of the total emissions in the sector in 2009. A steady trend of emissions decrease is observed after 2002 due to reduction in animal numbers. The domestic livestock activities with enteric fermentation is the largest source of methane emissions (such as CO2-eq.) – 21.9% of the sector’s emisions.In 2004, CH4 emissions (such as CO2-eq.) were 1 491.5 Gg., which is about 2% of the total GHG emissions. In 2004 is observed slight decrease by 0.7% compared to the 2003, due to weak distribution of the main animal types.
N2O emissions from the sector are also significant. The share of N2O emissions is 73% for the year 2018. The biggest share in these emissions has the agricultural soils category with89,63%, which shows an increase compared to 2004 (87%), but there is a steady trend for the whole period 1988-2003, when the share remains in the range of 83-88%. N2O emissions from manure management and field burning of agricultural residues are an order of magnitude smaller and in total are about 13 – 15% of the total N2O emissions from the sector.
Since 1988 the CH4 emissions from agriculture decreased by 71% and N2O emissions by 40%.CH4 emissions were 69,47 Gg in the year 2018. The decrease for the year 2018 is 0.88%compared to 2017. N2O emissions decrease from 16.01 Gg in 2017 to 15.59 Gg in 2018 year.
The trend of GHG emissions from agriculture for the period 1988-2018 is shown in Table 4 1 Trend of GHG emissions from agriculture for the period 1988-2018.
Year | GHG emissions(Gg) | ||
CH4 | N2O | CO2 | |
1988 | 237.14 | 26.10 | 62.17 |
1990 | 225.78 | 22.72 | 45.49 |
1995 | 105.95 | 10.97 | 14.88 |
2000 | 91.99 | 9.69 | 16.65 |
2005 | 82.92 | 10.33 | 18.32 |
2010 | 73.21 | 12.10 | 18.05 |
2015 | 71.53 | 14.82 | 31.27 |
2016 | 71.01 | 16.02 | 35.93 |
2017 | 70.16 | 16.02 | 33.42 |
2018 | 69.47 | 15.59 | 33.74 |
Figure 49 Trend 1988-2018 from agriculture by sub-categories
Figure 49 and Table 4-2 present total GHG emissions and trend 1988–2018 from agriculture by sub-categories as well as the contribution to the overall inventory emissions. Important categories are 3.D Agricultural soils (65%) and 3.A Enteric Fermentation (23%) followed by 3.B Manure management (9%).
ектори
Year | GHG emissions (Gg CO2-equivalent) by categories | ||||||
3 | 3.A | 3.B | 3.C | 3.D | 3.F | 3.H | |
1988 | 13767.95 | 5071.20 | 2000.60 | 126.99 | 6469.60 | 37.40 | 62.17 |
1990 | 12461.57 | 4804.54 | 1974.49 | 95.37 | 5504.10 | 37.57 | 45.49 |
1995 | 5933.28 | 2329.68 | 889.46 | 12.43 | 2663.21 | 23.62 | 14.88 |
2000 | 5205.33 | 2112.83 | 651.98 | 32.16 | 2375.37 | 15.34 | 16.65 |
2005 | 5170.04 | 1869.65 | 688.32 | 40.53 | 2532.89 | 20.33 | 18.32 |
2010 | 5454.64 | 1566.57 | 610.19 | 107.87 | 3125.78 | 26.17 | 18.05 |
2015 | 6236.25 | 1535.49 | 606.12 | 111.77 | 3919.58 | 32.02 | 31.27 |
2016 | 6585.68 | 1521.87 | 604.38 | 107.97 | 4282.63 | 32.91 | 35.93 |
2017 | 6555.36 | 1512.39 | 594.70 | 93.97 | 4286.05 | 34.82 | 33.42 |
2018 | 6415.69 | 1490.19 | 593.65 | 99.10 | 4163.41 | 35.59 | 33.74 |
Total for 2018 в % |
– | 23.23% | 9.25% | 1.54% | 65.85% | 0.55% | 0.53% |
Table 4 2 GHG emissions 1988–2018 of agriculture by categories
As can be seen in Figure 49 and Table 4-2, the overall trend for emissions in the most categories is decreasing. The reasons for the decrease are structural changes in agricultural holdings which lead to reduction in farm animal populations and decrease in arable land area.
Source: [18] http://eea.government.bg/bg/dokladi/unfccc -National Inventory reports of greenhouse gas emissions
1.1.1 Blagoevgrad region
According to data from the regional reports on the environmental conditions, issued by RIEW Blagoevgrad for 2017, 2018 and 2019, the ambient air quality in the municipality of Blagoevgrad is assessed by analyzing the data obtained from the monitoring point (AMS – Blagoevgrad) and comparison with the measured concentrations for the controlled pollutants with the air quality standards set in the normative acts (national and EU).
According to the requirements of art. 11, Annex № 6 of Ordinance № 12 of 2010 for standards for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matters, lead, benzene and ozone in ambient air, AMS – Blagoevgrad is categorized as an urban background point located in the built-up area of the city, without a predominant influence of emissions from production and other activities. The range of AMS – Blagoevgrad is from 100 m to 2 km, the station is located on the site of the Hydrometeorological Observatory – Blagoevgrad to NIHM-BAS, Kyustendil branch.
AMS – Blagoevgrad controls the main indicators for air quality under Art. 4 of the Atmospheric Air Purity Act (Directive 96/62 / EC) – PM10, SO2, NO2, benzene, surfactants, NO, O3, two additional (Toluene and P-Xylene), is also equipped with a standard set of meteorological parameters SSMP). The tests are performed according to – BSS ISO 10 473, BSS EN 14 212, BSS EN 14 211, BSS EN 14 625, BSS EN 14 662-2. SSMP includes the determination of meteorological parameters: wind direction and speed, temperature, pressure, humidity and strength of sunshine.
The analysis of the data for the period 2017-2019 shows that in 2017 and 2018. the levels of the main indicators for the ambient air quality are below the established norms for protection of human health with the exception of PM10. Till 31 December 2019, the levels of the controlled main indicators for the quality of the ambient air are below the established norms for protection of human health. In 2017, AMS-Blagoevgrad did not register any exceedance of the average daily, average hourly and average annual norms for indicators: nitrogen dioxide and ozone. There were registered two exceedances of the average daily norm and four exceedances of the average hourly norm for sulfur dioxide. In 2018, AMS-Blagoevgrad did not register any excess of the average daily, average hourly and average annual norms for indicators: nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone. In 2019, AMS-Blagoevgrad did not register any exceedance of the average daily, average hourly and average annual norms for the indicators nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. For 2019, one exceedance of the short-term target norm (STTN) for protection of human health in terms of ozone has been registered.
The number of exceedances of the threshold values of the average daily norm (TV of the ADN) for PM10-50 µg/m3 exceeds the permissible under Ordinance №12 / 2010 for 2017 and 2018. In 2019 the registered exceedances of the ADN of PM10 is 33 pcs, which is below the statutory number of exceedances – 35 pcs. for one calendar year.
Exceedances in terms of fine dust particles are registered mainly during the winter heating season, and this is due to the widespread use of solid fuels for heating in the domestic sector, transport traffic and the typical windless weather, fog, temperature inversions, creating conditions for retention and accumulation of atmospheric pollutants in the ground layer.
In 2019, there is a decrease in the average monthly concentrations of PM10, compared to 2017 and 2018. Compared to 2017, in 2018, the number of days exceeding the average daily norm for PM10 increased by 3%. Compared to 2017 and 2018 in 2019, the number of days exceeding the average daily norm for PM10 has decreased by 50%.
Figure 50 Distribution of the average monthly concentrations of PM10 – 2017, 2018 and 2019
Figure 51 Measured average annual concentrations of PM10-2017, 2018 and 2019, compared to AAN
In connection with the commitments of the Republic of Bulgaria to ensure the achievement of the established norms for the quality of the ambient air and under the requirements of art. 27 of the Atmospheric Air Purity Act, the Municipality of Blagoevgrad has developed and is implementing a Program for reduction of harmful emissions into the air (PM10) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the territory of the town of Blagoevgrad. Municipality of Blagoevgrad has also developed and an action plan, with a period of action 2015 – 2018.
With decision №265 / 28.09.2018 of the Municipal Council – Blagoevgrad was adopted “Update of the municipal program for air quality and reaching the established norms of fine dust particles (PM10) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (surfactants) on the territory of Blagoevgrad municipality, with a period of validity 2019-2023″. In 2019 and 2020 the Municipality of Blagoevgrad continues to implementthe measures set in the “Update of the municipal program for air quality and achievement of the established norms of fine dust particles (PM10) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (surfactants) of the territory of the municipality of Blagoevgrad, with a period of validity 2019-2023. ”
Source: [8] Atmospheric air quality program of Blagoevgrad municipality for the period 2019-2023
1.1.1.1. Sources of emissions into the air
The control of sites and activities with fixed sources of emissions in the ambient air carried out by RIEW-Blagoevgrad in the period 2017 – 2019 covers about 100 sites with over 170 fixed sources of emissions. All operating sites are included in a plan for monitoring activities and given their number and the provisions of Art. 25, para. 3 of the AAPA, the sites are inspected at least once every two years.
In 2019, 116 inspections were carried out on the implementation of the Atmospheric Air Purity Act and 3 acts were drawn up forthe establish administrative violations.
In 2019, measurements were made of 96 fixed sources of emissions in a total of 41 sites.
Till 31.12.2019 two enterprises (“Bulgartransgaz” EAD, city of Sofia for site: Compressor station – Petrich and “Blagoevgrad BT” AD, town of Blagoevgrad, for a fuel installation with a nominal heat output of 28 MW in a Tobacco Products Factory, Blagoevgrad) are falling within the scope of art. 34, para. 2 of the Atmospheric Air Purity Act and having issued a Greenhouse Gas Emission Permit (GGEP) within the territorial scope of RIEW – Blagoevgrad. In 2019, the GGEP of “B and VGD Greenhouses – Petrich” OOD, town of Petrich, operator of the Installation for production of heat for the purposes of a greenhouse complex and production of electricity for the production of vegetables, was repealed by Decision № 158- H0-I0-A1-O / 2019 of the Director of the EEA – Sofia.
In 2017 and 2018 were performed 45 inspections, and in 2019 – 57 inspections of sites operating equipment (refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump installations) with fluorinated greenhouse gases, ozone depleting substances and users of fluorinated greenhouse gases. During the inspections no violations of the regulatory framework were found. The 23 pcs. prescriptions given in 2019 for submission of additional information and updating of the documentation available at the sites have been fulfilled within the deadlines indicated by the experts of the competent authorities.
Source: [8] Atmospheric air quality program of Blagoevgrad municipality for the period 2019-2023
1.1.2. Smolyan region
During the period 2017-2019 there is a tendency for reduction of PM10 pollution in Smolyan region. According to the data from the 365 measurements conducted in 2017, 84pcs. (27% of all analyses) exceed the threshold values of the average daily norm (TV of the ADN) for PM10., and the exceedances by months are as follows: in January – 25 pcs.; February – 21 pcs.; March – 10 pcs.; April – 2 pcs .; May – 1 pcs; November – 15 pcs. and December – 10 pcs. The analyses of results for 2017 show that the exceedance values for PM10 are in winter months, and for the months – January, February, November and December was measured monthly concentration above 50 µg/m3.
Over the next two years (2018 and 2019) is observed slight decrease in the number of measurements exceeding the TV of the ADN. In 2018, were performed 312 measurements of PM10, of which the exceedances values were 57pcs (18%) of all measurements. The exceedances by months are as follows: January – 17pcs.; February – 8 pcs.; March – 2 pcs.; April – 1 pcs.; October – 2 pcs.; November – 9 pcs. and December – 18 pcs.. The analyses of results for 2018 show that the exceedance values for PM10 are in winter months, and for the months – January and December was measured monthly concentration above 50 µg/m3.
In 2019, were performed 334 measurements of PM10, of which the exceedances values were 56pcs (17%) of all measurements. The exceedances by months are as follows: January – 19pcs.; February – 12 pcs.; March – 5 pcs.; April – 4 pcs.; October – 2 pcs.; November – 4 pcs. and December – 10 pcs.. The analyses of results for 2019 show that the exceedance values for PM10 are in winter months, and for the months – January, February and December was measured monthly concentration above 50 µg/m3. The higher values in the winter months for all three years increase not only the average annual concentration of PM10 but also the admicible number of exceedances per calendar year. The reason for the significant number of exceedances during the winter season are the geographical location of the city, the specific meteorological conditions (low wind speed, presence of inversions, etc.) and impossibility to disperse the atmospheric pollutants.
Figure 52 below shows the average monthly values of pollutant PM10 for AMS – Smolyan for the period 2012-2019.
Figure 52 Average monthly values of pollutant PM10 for AMS – Smolyan for the period 2012-2019.
The average annual value of PM10 measured by AMS “Smolyan” for the town of Smolyan for 2017 is 39.42 µg/m3 , for 2018 – 36.14 µg/m3, for 2019 – 33.65 µg/m3, where the AAN is 40 µg/m3, which indicates that there are no exceedances for this pollutant. The main PM10 polluter is domestic heating, intensive transport and unsupported road and adjacent infrastructure.
The maximum values of CBS Rozhen in the winter season are reported from 1 to 3 days later then the AMS Smolyan measurements. In the summer the tendency is that the high values are measured at CBS Rozhen, and then at AMS Smolyan, which leads to the conclusion that the transmission is from the interior parts of the country.
With Decision № 860 / 18.12.2014 of the Municipal Council – Smolyan, were adopted a Program for reduction of PM10 pollution on the territory of the Municipality of Smolyan and Action Plan with a period fof validity 2015-2020. In 2016, with Decision № 183 / 12.05.2016 of the Municipal Council – Smolyan, the update of the Program for reduction of pollution with fine dust particles (PM10) and Action Plan 2015-2016 was adopted.
Source: [1] PROJECT REPORT on STUDY AND ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF THE MAIN SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE CROSS-BORDER BORGER OF GREECE AND BULGARIA AND THE ROLE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN SOLVING THESE PROBLEMS; Sofia, September 2020г.
1.1.2.1. Sources of emissions into the air
On the territory of RIEW Smolyan, where Smolyan region is located, are operating 345 installations with over 3 kg of freon and/or with over 5 t/CO2 eq. In 2017, were inspected installations in 29 sites, in 2018 – 39 sites, and in 2019 – 37 sites. No violations were found during the inspections and no acts were drawn up, except for one in 2019, related to non-submission of the annual report on quantities used freon, when at the company was issued an AEAV and an PD was issued.
The main singnals for air pollutants in the region are from the operation of industrial fuel sources below 0.5 MW, which are not normed. The main industrial pollutants on the territory of the inspection are the asphalt bases, the mills to the ore concentrators, the dryers to the wood processing enterprises. When it is performed emission control of the polluting sites in the region and exceedances of the norms for admissible emissions are registered, administrative penalty measures shall be taken.
Source: [1] PROJECT REPORT on STUDY AND ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF THE MAIN SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE CROSS-BORDER BORGER OF GREECE AND BULGARIA AND THE ROLE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN SOLVING THESE PROBLEMS; Sofia, September 2020г.
1.1.3. Haskovo and Kardzhali regions
According to data from the regional reports on the environmental condition of RIEW Haskovo for the period 2017-2019 the condition of the ambient air in the regions of Haskovo and Kardzhali is monitored by two AMS and one manual checkpoint of the Ministry of Environment and Water:
• AMS “Rakovski” – categorized as a city background point, located in the built-up part of the town of Dimitrovgrad, reporting the impact of emissions from production activities and emissions from the household sector. The sampling results are displayed hourly (automatically). It is serviced by RL – Haskovo, branch EEA. AMS – Rakovski controls the following indicators for ambient air quality: PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, H2S, NH3 and O3.
• AMS “Studen Kladenets” – categorized as an urban background point, located in the built-up part of the town of Kardzhali, reporting the impact of emissions from production activities and emissions from the household sector. The sampling results are displayed hourly (automatically). It is serviced by RL – Haskovo, branch of EEA. AMS – “Studen kladenets” controls the following indicators for ambient air quality – PM10, Pb aer., SO2, NO2, CO, H2S, NH3 and O3.
• “RIEW – Haskovo” – categorized as urban background, with manual sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis. The point works five days a week, performing four hourly samplings in the light part of the day. The following indicators for ambient air quality are analyzed: SO2 and NO2. For PM10, cadmium and surfactants, sampling is 24 hours. In the event of accidents (accidents, fires, deteriorating weather conditions, etc.) that can lead to deterioration of air quality, an accelerated sampling schedule is introduced.
Fine dust particles (PM10)
During the period 2017-2019 is monitored reduction of PM10 pollution on the territory of RIEW-Haskovo, where are located the regions of Haskovo and Kardzhali. This ambient pollutant is controlled daily at 3 points.
During the period 2017 – 2019 the following exceedances of the daily average norm (DAN) for protection of human health (concentrations above 50 µg/m3) have been registered in points as follows:
– in AMS “Rakovski”, located in the town of Dimitrovgrad – for 2017 – 48 pcs., for 2018 – 35 pcs., for 2019 – 17 pcs.
– in AMS “Studen Kladenets”, located in the town of Kardzhali – for 2017 – 58 pcs, for 2018 – 43 pcs., for 2019 – 22 pcs.
– in the manual checkpoint “RIEW – Haskovo”, located in the town of Haskovo – for 2017 – 69 pcs., for 2018 – 62 pcs., for 2019 – 36 pcs.
The comparative analysis of the registered values in the monitoring points by years shows a positive trend, as the registered exceedances of the average daily norm of 50 µg/m3 for the period are reduced by almost half. Full compliance with the normative requirements for air quality in Dimitrovgrad and Kardzhali has been achieved, and for Haskovo the exceedance of the ADN over the permissible 35 pcs./year is only one. The ABN is set in the Ordinance № 12 of 15.07.2010 for standards for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine dust particles, lead, benzene, carbon monoxide and ozone in ambient air.
Figure 53 Exceedances of AAN for the period 2017-2019 for the indicator PM10
As shown in Fig. 53 for the period 2017 – 2019, the measured average annual concentrations (AAN) of PM10 are lower than the average annual norm of 40 µg/m3. The tendency for decrease of the average annual concentration of PM10 continues.
During the studied period the pollution of the ambient air with PM10 is mainly during the autumn-winter period. The main reasons for this are the combustion processes in the domestic, commercial and administrative sector and the use of solid fuel, linear and mobile point sources of emissions – roads, highways, street network in settlements, road transport. The climatic conditions during the autumn-winter period also contribute – there are no wind and fog.
Sulfur dioxide
The trend for the period 2017-2019 shows a decrease in sulfur dioxide pollution on the territory of RIEW-Haskovo, where the regions of Haskovo and Kardzhali are located. In 2017 In AMS “Rakovski” were measured 5 exceedances of the TV and AHN of 350 µg/m3 on the indicator sulfur dioxide, In 2018 were measured 5 exceedances of TV for AHN of 350 µg/m3 and one exceedance of TV for ADN of 125 µg/m3 on sulfur dioxide indicator, as they do not exceed the admissible number values for one calendar year (respectively 24 and 3). In 2019, were registered 4 exceedances of TV for ADN of 350 µg/m3. No exceedance of TV for AND of 125 µg/m3 was registered. The excessedances are due to the transfer of emissions from the energy complex “Maritsa Iztok” – Stara Zagora, when the direction of the wind is from the northeast. There is a steady trend for compliance with the admissible number of exceedances of the norms for sulfur dioxide.
For the period 2017-2019 no exceedances of the legislative admissible concentrations for sulfur dioxide were registered in the other two points – RIEW – Haskovo and AMS “Studen Kladenets”. Compliance with the standards for sulfur dioxide continues.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (surfactants)
In 2019, in the manual checkpoint “RIEW-Haskovo” – Haskovo, was measured 1 ng/m3 average annual concentration of surfactants which corresponds to the average annual target value of 1 ng/m3. There is a decreasement compared to 2017 and 2018, when the measured average annual concentrations were of 2.8 and 1.73 ng/m3.
The average annual concentration of surfactants, measured in 2019 in AMS “Studen Kladenets”, town of Kardzhali is 1 ng/m3 and meets the average annual target value of 1 ng/m3. There is a decreasement in the measured concentration of surfactants compared to 2017 and 2018, when the measured values for this indicator were 1.85 and 1.73 ng/m3, respectively.
Point “RIEW-Haskovo”, AMS “Studen kladenets”,
town of Haskovo town of Kardzhali
Figure 54 Average annual concentration of surfactant benzo (a) pyrene in ng/m3 for the period 2017-2019
The main reason for air pollution with surfactants is the incomplete combustion of various types of fuels – coal and diesel fuel, including the household sector. During this three-year period, there is a tendency to reduce the concentration of surfactants, which is in directly correlation to the reduced concentrations of PM10, as the measurement of surfactants is in a fraction of PM10.
Ozone
Ozone is a gas naturally contained in the atmosphere (ground layer). Ground-level ozone is formed by complex chemical reactions with other atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, methane, non-methane volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide, known as ozone precursors under the influence of high temperature and sunlight. These processes occur most often during the summer period of the year.
Ozone is controlled by AMS “Rakovski” – town of Dimitrovgrad and AMS “Studen Kladenets” – town of Kardzhali. During the period 2017 – 2019, no exceedances of the eight-hour average values of the short-term target norm of 120 µg/m3 have been registered and no exceedances of the threshold for informing the population of 180 µg/m3 have been registeredin in the both points AMS “Rakovski” and AMS “Studen Kladenets”.
Hydrogen sulfide
In 2017 in the town of Dimitrovgrad are registered 3pcs measurements exceeding the average daily value of 0.003 mg/m3. In 2019 are registered 918pcs measurements exceeding the MAC for one hour (0.005 mg/m3) and 97 pcs. measurements exceeding the daily average value (0.003 mg/m3). In 2018 at the AMS “Rakovski”, Dimitrovgrad are registered 1003 pcs. measurements exceeding the MAC for one hour and 165 pcs. measurements exceeding the daily average value. The largest number of measurements were registered in January, February, September, November and December. The registered excessedances during the winter period are due to the increased consumption of solid fuels in the household sector.
The territory of the country is divided into regions for assessment and management of air quality. The municipalities of Haskovo and Dimitrovgrad fall in the southeastern region, the municipality of Kardzhali – in the southwestern. In connection with the reduction of PM10 emissions, the municipalities have updated their air quality programs, respectively the Municipality of Haskovo in 2016, the Municipality of Kardzhali in 2017 and the Municipality of Dimitrovgrad in 2018. In each ot these three municipalities the implementation of the measures set out in the municipal programs, such as rehabilitation and gasification of public and industrial enterprises, continues. However, the amount of the used gaseous fuels is incomparable with the large amount of solid fuels used in the combustion instalations of the household sector. The implementation of the measures and planned activities of the Programs for the cities of Dimitrovgrad, Kardzhali and Haskovo should strengthen the established trend for reduction the number of exceedances and registered average annual concentrations of PM10 for Haskovo and Kardzhali and full compliance with the regulative norms for Dimitrovgrad.
Source: [1] PROJECT REPORT on STUDY AND ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF THE MAIN SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE CROSS-BORDER BORGER OF GREECE AND BULGARIA AND THE ROLE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN SOLVING THESE PROBLEMS; Sofia, September 2020г.
1.1.3.1. Sources of air emissions
RIEW – Haskovo controls enterprises, fixed sources of emissions, as well as sites using fluorinated greenhouse gases and substances that deplete the ozone layer and volatile organic compounds.
For 2019, were conducted emission measurements at both planned for monitoring sites which are also included in the approved schedule for emission control – installation for charcoal production “Gorsi” OOD, village of Gruevo and the greenhouse for vegetable production “Agro Omega” EOOD, town of Lyubimets. The results of the conducted monitoring measurements for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and dust from the emiting device to the boiler “BRUNA” 4.5 MW of the greenhouse for vegetable production “Agro Omega” EOOD in Lyubimets show exceedance of the permissible emission standards only for the measured carbon monoxide concentration. An ongoing sanction has been imposed on the operator.
The control of the emitted harmful substances from the emission sources was carried out through own periodic measurements (OPM) by licensed laboratories. Reports on the results of the performed measurements of 12 emission sources incl. “Trakia Dairy Products” EOOD, town of Haskovo; “Kamenitza” AD – brewery, town of Haskovo, show that the presented OPM are within the normatively established.
In connection with the requirements of Ordinance № 7 on permissible emission standards for volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere as a result of the use of solvents in certain installations, were conducted 12 scheduled inspections of sites performing activities: coating of metal, adhesive coatings , surface cleaning, extraction of vegetable oils and animal fats, dry cleaning, etc. During the inspections 2 prescriptions were given, which were fulfilled.
By 31.12.2018 RIEW – Haskovo controls 655 pcs. refrigeration and air conditioning systems with over 3 kg of imports and 5 tCO2eq F-Gas, 30 users and one distributor of fluorinated greenhouse gases. In connection with the requirements of Ordinance № 1 of 17 February 2017 on the procedure and manner of training and issuance of qualification documents for persons performing activities with equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases, as well as on the documentation and reporting of emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases and Ordinance establishing measures for the implementation of Regulation (EU) № 1005/2009, on substances that deplete the ozone layer, the annual reports of operators, users and distributors of ozone-depleting and fluorinated greenhouse gases are presented.
In 2019, the total number of inspections for control and management of F-Gas and ozone-depleting substances is 70pcs., two of which are unplanned. There were given 17 prescriptions, which are fulfilled. The trend of replacing ozone-depleting substances in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems with fluorinated greenhouse gases continues. RIEW – Haskovo carries out control in connection with the complete abandon for placing on the market and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) from 01.01.2015 and requires the necessary documentation related to the decommissioning of controlled substances.
In compliance with the requirements of the Climate Change Limitation Act, within the Monitoring Plan for 2019 are included three plants – “Neochim” AD, Termal Power Plant (TPP) “Maritsa” 3 AD, town of Dimitrovgrad and “Harmanliyska Keramika” AD, town of Harmanli. No discrepancies were found during the monitoring.