Activity regarding assessment of sources and solutions to reduce nitrogen pollution
Background:
One of the priority tasks decided at HELCOM 25/2004 for HELCOM LAND was to identify sources of airborne nitrogen pollution and to propose solutions for reduction mainly by addressing decision-making in other fora.
In 2003, the two Meteorological Synthesizing Centres, EMEP MSC-East and EMEP MSC-West, finalised the sixth joint summary report for HELCOM, on the atmospheric inputs of nitrogen, lead, cadmium, mercury and lindane entering the Baltic Sea in 2001.
The main emission sources of the oxidised nitrogen deposition entering the Baltic Sea include sources in Germany and Poland, and shipping on the Baltic Sea itself. It should be noted, however, that more distant emission sources, such as the United Kingdom, France and shipping on the North Sea have also made significant contributions to this deposition. For reduced nitrogen, local emission sources are more important. The main contributors to reduced nitrogen deposition are Germany, Poland and Denmark.
The total annual atmospheric deposition of nitrogen into the Baltic Sea amounted to 223,800 tonnes, which is more than 20 % of the total nitrogen load to the Baltic Sea.
Aim:
The aim of this activity is to assess the sources contributing to the deposition of nitrogen on to the Baltic Sea in more detail in order to find solutions for further measures.
Actions:
The work includes the assessment of sources of airborne nitrogen deposited to the Baltic Sea, including the differentiation in the most significant sectors.
The existing requirements in EU, HELCOM, LRTAP and other fora for reducing pollution from the identified significant sources as well as the implementation status of the requirements will be analyzed based on available reports.
Based on the results of the analysis, solutions to reduce nitrogen pollution are evaluated.
The project will also give input to the project carried out under HELCOM MARITIME on the assessment of the additional need for measures to reduce emissions from shipping.
Contact:
Kaj Forsius
Professional Secretary
Helsinki Commission
Katajanokanlaituri 6 B
00160 Helsinki
Tel: +358-9-6220 220
E-mail: kaj.forsius@helcom.fi