Meeting on the results of hydrological modeling of Dviete river restoration

A meeting took place within the premises of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MoEPRD), Riga, on April 23, where the "Center of Processes' Analysis and Research", Ltd (PAIC) reported on the results of hydrological modeling of Dviete river restoration. Representatives of the MoEPRD, Daugavpils Regional Environmental Board of the State Environmental Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, „Real Estate of the Ministry of Agriculture", State Ltd., „Meliorprojekts", State Ltd., Latvian Fund for Nature, PAIC, ARK Nature, Institute for Environmental Solutions and Elm Media took part in the meeting (24 participants in total).

Hydrological modeling was necessary to ascertain, if and how the parameters of the river bed, recommended by experts of hydrology from the Netherlands and planned within the technical project of river restoration, elaborated by „Meliorprojekts”, will influence hydrological regime within and outside Dviete floodplain nature park. The model, elaborated by PAIC, shows, that both scenarios of river restoration – recommended by Netherland’s experts and prepared by „Meliorprojekts”, will not affect hydrological conditions outside the nature park. As regards areas inside the nature park – Dviete floodplain within the project area, situation is more complicated. Parameters of the riverbed, recommended by the experts from the Netherlands, can cause flooding of floodplain during the period of low water level in several sites, while the parameters, used by „Meliorprojekts”, may not ensure increase of ground water level in the project area, planned within the project.

During the discussions, representatives of „Real Estate of the Ministry of Agriculture” raised concerns about potential impact of river restoration on adjacent areas, though „PAIC” Ltd. rebuted them, basing of the elaborated model. E. Griķītis („Real Estate of the Ministry of Agriculture”) expressed opinion, that the changes in water levels within the nature park they are ready to judge different, less severely, then in agricultural lands outside the Dviete floodplain nature park.

To ensure increase of groundwater level within the project area, simultaneously avoiding flooding of the floodplain during the period of low water level, Latvian Fund for Nature made an agreement with PAIC on surplus modeling of compromise scenario after the meeting. The results of modeling will be submitted to „Meliorprojekts” for making alterations in the technical project. It is planned to start river restoration works in the autumn of 2013.

Ilze Priedniece

30.04.2013.