Environmental Framework Programme Series • Nº 1, November 2000. “Economic Impact of Environmental Spending and Investment of the Basque Public Authorities” • Nº 2, May 2000. “Social Ecology Barometer 2001” • Nº 3, October 2001. “Summary of the Diagnosis of the Environment in the Basque Country 2001” • Nº 4, January 2002. “European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development” • Nº 5, February 2002. “Inventory of Hazardous Waste in the Basque Country (Outline)” • Nº 6, April 2002. “Cycling Towards Fume-free Cities” • Nº 7, May 2002. “Total Material Requirement of the Basque Country. TMR 2002” • Nº 8, July 2002. “Transport and the Environment in the Basque Country. TMA Indicators 2002” • Nº 9, August 2002. “Sustainable Development in the Basque Country” • Nº 10, October 2002. “Environmental Indicators 2002” • Nº 11, November 2002. “Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Basque Country 1990-2000” • Nº 12, November 2002. “The Environment and Business Competitiveness” • Nº 13, December 2002. “Industrial Ecology Barometer 2002” • Nº 14, January 2003. “Cities, Children and Mobility” • Nº 15, January 2003. “Climate Change” • Nº 16, January 2003. “Education for Sustainability. School Agenda 21: a Guide for Schools (CEIDA)” • Nº 17, February 2003. “6th Community Programme of Action on the Environment” • Nº 18, February 2003. “Environmental Tax Reforms in the Basque Country” • Nº 19, April 2003. “World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg” • Nº 20, May 2003. “Methodological Guide for the Calculation of Local Sustainability Indicators in the Basque Country. Local Agenda 21 Indicators” • Nº 21, May 2003. “The Environment in the Basque Country: Ecoefficiency 2003” • Nº 22, May 2003. “Sustainability Criteria Applicable to Urban Planning” • Nº 23, July 2003. “Greenhouse gas emissions in the Basque Country (1990-2001)” • Nº 24, September 2003 “Energy and the Environment in the Basque Country 2003” • Nº 25, July 2003. “Environmental Contribution of the Cement Industry to Sustainable Development in the Basque Country (2003-2006)” • Nº 26, July 2003. “Environmental Contribution of the Chemical Industry to Sustainable Development in the Basque Country (2003-2006)” • Nº 27, October 2003. “Environmental Contribution of the Steel Industry to Sustainable Development in the Basque Country (2003-2006)” • Nº 28 November 2003. “Environmental Indicators 2003”
The Basque Government WebSite on Sustainable Development in the Basque Country
© IHOBE 2003
Published by: IHOBE -Sociedad Pública de Gestión Ambiental Designed by: Dual XJ - Comunicación & Diseño Basque Translation: Elhuyar English Translation: Chris Pellow Depósito Legal: BI-2805-03 Reproduction permitted, provided that bibliographical source is cited Printed entirely on recycled paper bleached without chlorine
Index FOREWORD BY THE BASQUE GOVERNMENT MINISTER
3
SUMMARY OF TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
4
INTRODUCTION
6
WATER QUALITY Indicator 1. WATER QUALITY .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7 Indicator 2. POLLUTANT LOAD IN INLAND & COASTAL WATER............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
AIR QUALITY Indicator 3. AIR QUALITY INDEX .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Indicator 4. EMISSIONS OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
SOIL QUALITY Indicator 5. CONTAMINATED SOIL AREAS INVESTIGATED & REMEDIATED ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator
6. WATER CONSUMPTION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 7. ENERGY CONSUMPTION...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 8. CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22 9. INTENSITY OF ARTIFICIALISATION OF LAND ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
WASTE Indicator 10. WASTE PRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Indicator 11. WASTE MANAGEMENT...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS & CLIMATE CHANGE Indicator 12. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE Indicator 13. BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE INDEX................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
URBAN ENVIRONMENT Indicator Indicator Indicator Indicator
14. LOCAL MOBILITY........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34 15. NOISE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 16. URBAN AIR QUALITY ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 17. LOCAL AGENDA 21 SCHEMES AT BASQUE MUNICIPALITIES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 39
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS Indicator 18. INCIDENTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REPERCUSSIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 41
HEALTH & THE ENVIRONMENT Indicator 19. EFFECTS ON HEALTH RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ............................................................................................................................. 43
BUSINESS & THE ENVIRONMENT Indicator 20. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AT COMPANIES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 45
AUTHORITIES & THE ENVIRONMENT Indicator 21. PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 46
ECO-EFFICIENCY INDICATORS Indicator 22. OVERALL & SECTORAL ECOEFFICIENCY ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 47
CONCLUSIONS
52
APPENDICES
57
Foreword by the Basque Government Minister or the second year in succession, the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment presents its report on Environmental Indicators in the Basque Country. This document is published in response to the commitment acquired under the Basque Environmental Sustainability Strategy (2002-2020) to prepare annual reports based on a small number of indicators to mark overall trends in progress towards the main environmental objectives set in that strategy.
F
The 22 indicators detailed here are intended to provide summarised information on environmentally sustainable development, oriented towards points which are fundamental for the making of policy decisions. These 22 indicators have been selected in line with the structure of internationally accepted reports and in accordance with the objectives and commitments envisaged in the Basque Environmental Sustainability Strategy, to reveal whether or not we are heading in the right direction. If environmental protection is to have its place in policy debates on sustainable development, as we have proposed that it should, it must be possible to describe trends in the environment via just a few key indicators (in this case 22). These indicators simplify matters so that complex phenomena can be quantified and information can be passed on to the general public, NGO’s, businesses, etc., thus encouraging them to participate and co-operate in protecting the environment. If we know where we want to go (thanks to the Basque Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2002-2020), and have a way to check that we are heading in the right direction (i.e. environmental indicators), we may get there.
Sabin Intxaurraga Basque Government Minister for Land Use and the Environment
3
Summary of trends in Environmental Indicators INDICATOR 1. Water quality index
PERIOD ANALYSED 1998-2002
ASSESSMENT OF TREND 2002 Report 2003 Report
MAIN POINTS • From 1998 to 2002 a general improvement has been observed in river water quality: the percentage of stations classed as "good" rose from 20% in 1998 to 30% in 2001 and 55% in 2002. However, the standard of conservation on riverside land is very low, and poor quality water persists in the Nerbioi, Oria and Deba axes. • There has been some improvement in estuarine waters over the past year, with the number of stations recording slight or no pollution increasing from 35% in 2001 to 47% in 2002. • All samplings of coastal waters in 2002 showed little or no pollution. The trend is positive, with the number of stations with no pollution at all rising from 23% in 1998 to 46% in 2002.
2. Pollutant loads in inland & coastal waters
1998-2002
• The trend in pollutant loads from 1998 to 2002 is positive, thanks to the installation of drainage and sewerage infrastructures. The biggest reductions are in copper (59%), zinc (79%) and organic nitrate compounds (64%).
3. Air quality index
2001-2002
• In 2001 there were 23 days when air quality was recorded as bad or very bad, while in 2002 there were 21. • In terms of SO2 and NO2 air quality has improved substantially in recent years. The limits laid down by law were not exceeded on any day in 2001 or 2002. • Particle concentration (PM10) was high in 2001 and 2002 in some areas (Santurtzi, Erandio, Barakaldo, Bilbao, Basauri, Arrasate-Mondragón) and we are far from meeting the targets set by European legislation for 2005. • 36 ozone concentrations higher than the threshold for the protection of human health were detected in 2001.
4. Emissions of atmospheric pollutants
1990-2001
• Between 1990 and 2001 emissions of acidifying substances dropped by 8%, and emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors (TOP’s) by 9%. • Emissions of NOx, SO2 and VOC’s are still far from the target levels set by the EU, though there was a drop in all three in 2001 (4% in NOx, 17% in SO2 & 5% in VOC’s).
5. Contaminated soil areas investigated & remediated
1990-2002
• Between 1990 and 2002 103 sites with potentially contaminated soil, totalling 490 hectares, were investigated and remediation work was done on 56 sites, totalling 207 hectares.
6. Water consumption
1996-2001
• Urban water consumption increased by 39% from 1996 to 2001. The biggest increases were in industry and services (65%). • Urban water consumption in 2001 was 8% up on the previous year.
7. Energy consumption a. Energy consumption
1990-2001
• Total energy consumption increased by 24% from 1990 to 2001. The figure for 2001 was 0.8% up on 2000.
b. Energy intensity
1990-2001
• Energy intensity dropped by 13% from 1990 to 2001, i.e. energy efficiency has increased. • Energy efficiency in 2001 was up 2% on the previous year.
1990-2001
• From 1990 to 2001 total consumption of materials increased by 18% from 75 to 89 tonnes per person. However it fell by 7% in 2001.
1990-2001
• Efficiency in the consumption of material resources increased by 21% from 1990 to 2001. For 2001 alone the figure was up 10% on the previous year.
9. Intensity of artificialisation of land
1990-2000
• Between 1990 and 2000 a surface area of 53 km2 was artificialised, mainly at the expense of consumption of agricultural land. • From 1990 to 2000 the surface area occupied by industrial and commercial zones increased by 35% and that occupied by motorways, dual carriageways and associated land by 20%. • An area the size of 500 football pitches is artificialised each year.
10. Waste production
1998-2002 (MSW)
• Municipal waste increased by 30% from 1998 to 2002, to 533 kg per capita. The increase from 2001 to 2002 was 2 kg (0.37%).
1994-2001 (Hazardous)
• Total hazardous waste production in 2001 was 320,127 tonnes, slightly down on the figure for 2000 but 10% up on that of 1994.
1998-2002 (MSW)
• From 1998 to 2002 the amount of municipal waste sent to landfills dropped by 13 points from 85% to 72%. Selective kerbside collection increased by 64%.
1994-2001 (Hazardous)
• Major progress has been made in hazardous waste management. In 2001 all hazardous waste inventoried was managed (compared to 72% in 1994), and 39% was valorised (compared to 28% in 1994 and 34% in 2000).
1990-2002
• From 1990 to 2001 direct emissions of the main greenhouse gases in the Basque Country increased by 20%.
8. Consumption of materials a. Total Material Requirement b. Material efficiency
11. Waste management
12. Greenhouse gas emissions
• After three consecutive years of increases in GHG emissions, the figure fell by 4% from 2000 to 2001. However the preliminary data for the 2002 inventory show an upturn of 7.6%, taking the cumulative increase to 28.6% since 1990. • GHG emissions per capita in the Basque Country in 2001 were the same as the EU average (10.9 t of CO2 equivalent).
4
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
INDICATOR 13. Biodiversity & landscape index
14. Local Mobility
PERIOD ANALYSED
ASSESSMENT OF TREND 2002 Report 2003 Report
MAIN POINTS
Various years
• Reduction & fragmentation of coastal sand banks, wetlands, heath-land & scrub-land. • Intensive land use in valleys and on the Bay of Biscay side of the watershed have resulted in large-scale fragmentation and low levels of connectivity of autochthonous woodland. • Populations of endangered continental fish species have decreased, while allochthonous species have increased. • Nesting woodland, mountain, scrub-land and water birds are in general progressing favourably. The situation of species in coastal wetlands and agricultural systems is declining sharply.
2003
• In 2003 mobility in the BC continues to be dominated by the private car, which is used for 73% of all distances travelled. More environmentally friendly modes of transport (bus, train, bicycle, walking) account for only 25% of the total. • In terms of number of journeys, private cars account for 37%, while walking accounts for 41%. • No data on trends in this indicator are currently available, though work is ongoing. 17 municipalities are currently working on noise impact assessment plans.
15. Noise
• 80% of the Basque population declare themselves to be concerned or very concerned at noise levels.
16. Urban air quality
1997-2002
• Urban air quality has improved over the past 5 years. Average annual concentrations of NO2 and SO2 have fallen at most sampling stations. At stations such as Bilbao and Santurtzi, however, concentrations of suspended particles (PM10) above the limit levels were detected in 2002.
17. Local Agenda 21 schemes at Basque municipalities
1998-2002
• In all, 91 Basque municipalities are involved in Local Agenda 21 schemes, 16 of them already in the process of implementing action. • From 2001 to July 2003, the number of Basque municipalities starting Local Agenda 21 processes has trebled.
18. Incidents with environmental repercussions
1995-2002
• In 2002 the number of incidents was pegged back to 1995 levels (42 incidents). • Industrial accidents fell by 52% from 1999 to 2002, and incidents in transport by 15%.
19. Effects on health related to exposure to environmental factors 1990-2001
• No samples containing more than the permitted tolerable intake of the four heavy metals analysed (lead, mercury, cadmium & arsenic) were collected in any year from 1990 to 2001.
1990-2001
• 2002 saw an increase in outbreaks of food poisoning, though the number of people affected is down. Both the number of outbreaks and the number of people affected by water-based infections fell substantially.
20. Environmental management systems at companies
1998-2002
• Over the past 5 years the number of Basque firms that hold environmental management certificates has increased by 22-fold. • In 2002 a 117 more companies (+46%) were certified, and a further 188 performed an Ekoscan.
21. Public sector spending on environmental protection
1995-2002
• From 1995 to 2002 there was a 61% increase in public sector spending on the environment. The increase in 2002 was 5%.
a. Heavy metal intake through diet b. Infections originating from food and water
22. Overall & sectoral ecoefficiency: Economy in general
• However, the percentage of total public spending represented by spending on the environment remained practically unchanged over that time, and in fact fell slightly from 2000 to 2001.
1990-2001
• From 1990 to 2001 there was relative de-linking of the environment from economic growth, as the main pressures on the environment grew at a lower rate than GDP. Economic growth accompanied by a reduction in pressure on the environment (absolute de-linking) was observed for the first time in 2001.
Transport
1990-2001
Industry
1990-2001
Primary sector
1990-2001
• The main pressures on the environment are increasing at more then the overall rate of economic growth. The upward trend in the main pressures on the environment exerted by transport was maintained in 2001. • Over the past ten years this sector has reduced the pressure it exerts on the environment and at the same time substantially increased output. Pressure on the environment remained practically unchanged in 2001. • Pressure on the environment is increasing at a higher rate than the wealth generated by this sector. In 2001 pressure levels were unchanged from 2000 figures.
Residential sector
1990-2001
• Pressure on the environment has increased in recent years by a higher rate than private spending. In 2001 there were drops in energy consumption and GHG emissions, but municipal waste production and the number of cars continued to increase.
Energy processing
1990-2001
• Increases in energy production are being accompanied by higher increases in GHG emissions. However a downturn in GHG’s was observed in 2001.
1. SUMMARY
5
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Introduction Basque Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2002-2020 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
NECESSARY CONDITIONS
1. 2. 3. 4.
To ensure clean, healthy air, water and soil. Responsible management of natural resources and waste. Protection of nature and biodiversity: a unique asset to be fostered. Balance between territories & mobility: a common approach. Limit effects on climate change.
Integrating environmental variables into other policies. Improvements in current environmental legislation and its application. Encourage the market to act in an environmentally-friendly way. Enable the public, the authorities and businesses, making them jointly responsible, and modify their behaviour in favour of sustainability. 5. Promote research, technological development and innovation in environmental matters.
he Basque Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2002-2020 sets out the medium- and long-term goals that we have set between us all to establish just what is meant in the Basque Country by environmentally sustainable development.
T
This Strategy has established 223 specific commitments running up to 2020. To determine and monitor what progress has been made, two annual monitoring mechanisms have been set up: • An Environmental Sustainability Report to be submitted to the Basque Cabinet in the first week of June. The first such report was submitted in (see www.ingurumena.net). It reflects progress in sustainability matters on the basis of action taken in regard to the commitments established. It also gives an overall assessment of environmental sustainability at the government, thus pointing out the main challenges facing us in the short term. • 22 Environmental Indicators, to be published in November each year. These enable general conclusions to be drawn regarding trends and incidents in human activity in the environment. Their importance lies in the fact that we can only manage what we can measure. The objectives of these indicators are as follows: - To offer clear, simple information to decision-makers and to the general public on the key factors (parameters) which determine the situation or state of the environment. - To indicate to the public and to policy makers whether or not we are moving towards environmental sustainability.
- To focus public attention of what environmentally sustainable development means, and to offer an overview of whether we are reducing our consumption of nature (in terms of consumption of resources, emissions, waste dumping, etc.). - To provide support for decision-makers in establishing objectives which can help control environmental policies and identify the areas where most action is required. - To foster public awareness of environmental topics. For more information on environment problems in the Basque Country, see other publications by the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, such as reports on the state of the environment and monographic reports on specific topics, all of which are available via the Basque Government’s WebSite on sustainable development at (http://www.ingurumena.net). The 2002 Environmental Indicators report was the first of its kind, and as such it gave details of the selection criteria for the 22 environmental indicators, along with a description of the calculation methods used (see Appendix 4). For the 2003 Environmental Indicators report it has been decided not to include these sections. Readers who need more detailed information on the methodological analysis involved in calculating each of the 22 indicators are referred to the detailed, updated information sheets on the WebSite of the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment (www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales).
The "smileys" used in the tables summarise the assessment of each indicator:
Some progress, but not enough to attain targets, or mixed trends in the relevant indicator.
★ ★ ★ High ★ ★ Medium
Negative trend, moving away from our goal.
★
Positive trend, moving towards our goal.
No data available. Assessment is based on the full period covered by the indicator.
6
Quality of information:
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
Low
INDICATOR 1. Water Quality index ■ From 1998 to 2002 a general improvement has been observed in river water quality: the percentage of stations classed as "good" rose from 20% in 1998 to 30% in 2001 and 55% in 2002. However, the standard of conservation on riverside land is very low, and poor quality water persists in the Nerbioi, Oria and Deba axes. ■ There has been some improvement in estuarine waters over the past year, with the number of stations recording slight or no pollution increasing from 35% in 2001 to 47% in 2002. ■ - All samplings of coastal waters in 2002 showed little or no pollution. The trend is positive, with the number of stations with no pollution at all rising from 23% in 1998 to 46% in 2002.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce dumping of hazardous and pollutant substances.
• Achieve a good or very good environmental & chemical status of 80% of bodies of surface water by 2012.
• Remediate or clean up degraded ground and surface water.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: Trends in the status of rivers TREND AS PER BMWP INDEX’ Stations
100%
92
92
92 Clean or non polluted
80% 64
82
60% 40%
Some effects of pollution
20% 0%
Polluted, very polluted or extremely polluted
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
WATER QUALITY
7
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
ANNUAL SCORE AS PER BMWP INDEX' Hydr. Unit
Basin
Station
Arakil Artibai
Arakil Artibai
Baia
Baia
Barbadun
Barbadun
ARAR-150 A-062 A-202 BA-258 BA-558 M-045 M-190 MGA-075 BI-555 BIJA-050 BAN-022 BAN-040 BAT-060 B-062 B-226 BES-072 BES-086 DMA-024 D-296 D-460 DEG-068 DMI-044 DO-095 EGBR-172 EG-146 EG-370 EGBI-102 NA-260 IA-120 IA-222 AS-045 AS-160 IE-140 GA-095 G-034 G-082 KAH-100 I-140 I-160 I-271 I-394 KA-326 KA-372 KA-517 N-120 N-258 N-338 N-520
Bidasoa Butroe
Galdames Bidasoa Jaizubia Andrakas Atxispe Butroi Estepona
Deba
Artzalerreka Deba Ego Mijoa Oñati Berrón Ega
Ega
Ibaizabal
Izki Altube Arratia Asúa Elorrio Galindo Gobela Herrerías Ibaizabal
Kadagua
Nerbioi
Nerbioi
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2 4 1 6 3 1 1 2
3 1 5
5 5 6 5
1 4 2 6 2 3 2 3 5 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 3 5 5 6 6 4
3 4
4 3
4 3 4 4 5 3 5
4 3 6 4 5 4 5 5 6 1 4 5 5 6 4 6 5 6 4 6 5
2 4 4 4 5 4 6 4 6 4 6 5
4 3 4 2 5 3 2 1 3 6 3 3 3 3 6 3 3 3 5 5 6 6 4 4 4 4 3 3 4 6 5 6 4 5 5 6 2 5 5 6 6 4 3 4 6 4 6 5
4 1 3 2 6 3 2 1 1 6 3 3 3 1 5 3 3 1 5 5 6 5 3 4 4 3 1 2 3 4 4 6 3 5 5 6 1 5 6 5 6 4 3 4 6 5 6 6
3 1 3 1 6 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 5 4 6 3 4 2 3 1 1 2 2 5 4 4 3 3 2 4 1 4 4 4 6 2 1 3 6 3 6 6
Hydr. Unit
Basin
Station
Inglares
Inglares
Karrantza Lea
Karrantza Ea
IN-175 IN-235 K-130 LEA-036 LEA-046 L-040 L-112 L-196 OI-102 OKAR-020 OKGO-120 OKLA-018 OKLA-038 OKMA-040 OKMA-056 OK-045 OK-114 OM-080 OM-244 OM-380 OMSA-034 OMTU-136 OZI-042 O-262 O-424 O-490 OZU-010 PU-080 U-160 U-210 U-490 UR-320 UR-434 ZAL-150 ZAY-018 ZAY-372 ZBA-088 ZSE-042 Z-060 Z-160 Z-336 Z-576 Z-828 ZZA-160
Lea
Oiartzun Oka
Oiartzun Artika Golako Laga Mape Oka
Omecillo
Oria
Omecillo
Salado Tumecillo Ibarrola Oria
Purón Urola
Urteta Purón Urola
Urumea
Urumea
Zadorra
Alegría Ayuda Barrundia Urkiola Zadorra
Zaia
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 3 4 3
2 2 2 5 3
3 5 2 3 4
3 3 3 1 3 1 2 1 3 4 2 3 4 1 3 2 6 3 3 4
3 5 4
4 5 5 4 3
6 6 3 2 4
6 6 3 3 6
3 2
3 3
6 4 3 5 4
5 4 3 4 4
3 4 3 3 3 1 2 3 4 4 1 3 4 1 3 3 6 3 3 3 5 1 4 5 5 5 4 2 5 6 3 2 5 4 3 2 1 2 5 3 4 5 5 3
3 3 2 3 3 1 2 4 5 2 1 3 3 1 1 1 5 1 1 4 6 1 4 4 5 4 4 1 5 6 5 1 3 3 1 2 1 2 5 3 3 5 3 1
2 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 2 4 5 4 1 1 3 4 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 5 1 3 4 3 2
BMWP Biotic Index 1
Very clean water
4
Polluted water
2
Non polluted water
5
Very polluted water
3
Water with some effects of pollution
6
Extremely polluted water Estimates based on prior data
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Analysis of the results shows the following: • The installation or renovation of sewerage infrastructures has improved the physical and chemical quality of water. • In some cases, such as the axis of the Nerbioi, Oria & Deba the general condition is very poor due to insufficient treatment, lack of sewerage infrastructures and pressure from urban develop-
8
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
ment and industry, leading to low quality water and riverside land. • In the case of 2002 in particular, there was a general improvement in the figures recorded by the monitoring network, due in some measure to the fact that low water levels were far from extreme. This means that the habitual situations of stress, i.e. the oxygen depletion, higher concentration of pollutants and
INDICATOR
1.
WATER QUALITY INDEX
nutrients entailed by low water levels failed to appear in 2002, so that a better overall index was obtained. • In most cases recovery in physical and chemical quality has brought with it a gradual recovery of the biological communities in rivers. Representative examples of this recovery are: - The middle reaches of the Kadagua, where the water quality shifted from very poor in the early 90’s to acceptable and even good in 2002 as a result of the installation of urban and industrial waste water treatment facilities. - The axis of the Urola, where the bringing on line of the Badiolegi and Alto Urola treatment plant has increased scores in biotic indices, though the situation is still not optimum, and has enabled numerous species of fish to appear. - The river Urumea in Ergobia and the Oiartzun in Ugaldetxo (both historically highly polluted), where aquatic fauna is gradually making a come-back.
- In those areas where sewerage systems have been installed most recently (the Artibai in Markina, the Gobelas basin, etc.) quality will improve gradually over the coming years. • In some cases the general improvement in physical and chemical quality has so far proved insufficient to enable the aquatic ecosystem to recover, due either to insufficient treatment processes in the relevant river basins or to the influence of occasional accidental discharges (Salvatierra, Araia, axis of the Ibaizabal). However, it must be said that the other biological and hydro-morphological factors required to achieve good environmental status (as per the objective of Directive 2000/60) are as yet far from optimal. Major points include the physical barriers represented by numerous dams and the low degree of conservation of riversides. Both these problems have significant consequences for river environment quality: aquatic ecosystems, flood prevention, treatment of pollutants, etc.
Estuarine and Coastal Waters TREND IN THE BIOTIC INDEX Stations
Biotic Index: Estuaries 100%
17 16
16
17
17
17
17
20
100%
12
12
12
13
13
13
13
13
15
16
80%
80%
10 40%
10 60%
40% 5
nº stations sampled
60%
% stations sampled
15 nº stations sampled
% stations sampled
Stations
Biotic Index: Coastal Waters
5 20%
0%
20%
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
0
0%
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Non polluted
Non polluted
Slightly polluted
Slightly polluted
Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
0
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
WATER QUALITY
9
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
ANNUAL SCORES AS PER BIOTIC INDEX Estuaries Hydr. Unit Artibai Barbadun Bidasoa Butroe Deba Ibaizabal
Lea Oiartzun Oiartzun Oka Oria Urola Urumea
Station E-A10 E-M10 E-BI10 E-BI20 E-B10 E-D10 E-N10 E-N20 E-N30 E-L10 E-OI10 E-OI20 E-OK10 E-OK20 E-O10 E-U10 E-UR10
Coastal Waters
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2 1 2 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 5 3 2
4 2 4 3 2 3 5 2 2 1 5 3 2
4 2 3 3 2 2 5 2 3 1 5 3 3
2 2 4
2 2 2
3 3 3
4 1 4 3 2 4 5 3 2 1 4 3 3 1 3 3 4
3 2 2 4 2 2 5 3 2 2 4 3 3 2 3 3 2
4 2 3 3 1 3 5 2 2 1 4 4 3 3 3 3 2
3 2 3 3 2 2 5 3 2 1 4 4 3 2 3 3 3
3 1 2 3 2 3 3 2 2 1 4 3 3 3 3 2 2
Hydr. Unit Artibai Bidasoa Butroe Deba Ibaizabal Lea Oiartzun Oka Oria Urola Urumea
Station L-A10 L-BI10 L-B10 L-B20 L-D10 L-N10 L-N20 L-L10 L-OI10 L-OK10 L-O10 L-U10 L-UR20
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2
1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 4
2 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 1 2 1 4
2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 4
2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 4
1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 3
1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 4
Biotic Coefficient 1
Non polluted
3
Medium polluted
2
Slightly polluted
4
Heavily polluted
5
Extremely polluted
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
The environmental quality estuaries and coastal areas is affected substantially by the quality of the water in the main river and tributaries that flow into them, by discharges in the estuaries themselves, by work in nearby areas, by accidental spillages and by the weather conditions prior to sampling. The situation is most problematical in estuaries, due to the proximity of discharges and work that bring down their quality. 2002 saw some improvement over 2001, with the percentage of stations recording slight or no pollution increasing from 35% to 47%. The high quality of inshore or coastal waters is maintained, reflecting the low level of influence of human activity on them. All such waters sampled in 2002 showed slight or no pollution.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
10
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
★★★
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. WATER QUALITY http://www.euskadi.net/vima_aguas/calidadaguas_c.htm
European Environment Agency. WATER INDICATORS http://themes.eea.eu.int/Specific_media/water/indicators
European Environment Agency. Europe's water: An indicator-based assessment http://reports.eea.eu.int/report_2003_0617_150910/en/europes_water.pdf
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. High
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia1_c.htm
2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1
INDICATOR 2. Pollutant loads in Inland & Coastal Waters ■ The trend in pollutant loads from 1998 to 2002 is positive, thanks to the installation of drainage and sewerage infrastructures. The biggest reductions are in copper (59%), zinc (79%) and organic nitrate compounds (64%).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Cut discharges of hazardous and pollutant substances.
• Reduce the total load of pollutants discharged in the Basque Country into publicly owned waters, coastline and tidal waters by 50% by 2006 in comparison with 2001 levels.
• Remediate or treat degraded ground and surface water.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: TREND IN POLLUTANT LOAD: HEAVY METALS (figures corrected according to water circulation)
TREND IN POLLUTANT LOAD: NUTRIENTS (figures corrected according to water circulation)
300
150
250
125
200 Cd 0%
150
Hg 0%
100
Pb -1% Cu -59%
50 0 1998
Zn -79%
1999
2000
2001
2002
Índex 1998 = 100
Index 1998 = 100
PO4P +31%
100 Total N -11%
75 NO3N +47%
50
NH4N -47%
25 0 1998
Total P -80%
1999
2000
2001
2002
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
The data available are for all rovers on the Bay of Biscay watershed as a whole. Analyses take 1998 as a reference and are corrected for annual variations in the amount of water carried. Annual average levels for heavy metals analysed (cadmium, mercury, copper, lad & zinc) are below the figures set in the applicable quality standards1 and the generalised downward trend is maintained, with the amount of water carried being particularly significant for mass estimates. Copper and zinc levels dropped by 59% and 79% respectively from 1998 to 2002. In the case of nutrient loads there is also a clear downward trend, especially in nitrates (down 64% from 1998 to 2002). There is a striking discordance between the results for orthophosphates and total phosphorous because of an increase in detectable limits of orthophosphates in comparison with earlier reports.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. WATER QUALITY http://www.euskadi.net/vima_aguas/calidadaguas_c.htm
European Environment Agency. WATER INDICATORS http://themes.eea.eu.int/Specific_media/water/indicators
European Environment Agency. Europe's water: An indicator-based assessment http://reports.eea.eu.int/report_2003_0617_150910/en/europes_water.pdf
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia2_c.htm
1 Royal Decree 995/2000 of 2nd June sets quality targets for certain pollutants and modifies the Regulations for Publicly Owned Water Courses approved by Royal Decree 849/1986 of 11th April.
WATER QUALITY
11
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 3. Air Quality index ■ In 2001 there were 23 days when air quality was recorded as bad or very bad, while in 2002 there were 21. ■ In terms of SO2 and NO2 air quality has improved substantially in recent years. The limits laid down by law were not exceeded on any day in 2001 or 2002. ■ Particle concentration (PM10) was high in 2001 and 2002 in some areas (Santurtzi, Erandio, Barakaldo, Bilbao, Basauri, Arrasate-Mondragón) and we are far from meeting the targets set by European legislation for 2005. ■ 36 ozone concentrations higher than the threshold for the protection of human health were detected in 2001.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce emissions of pollutants as a whole.
• Meet the targets for ambient air quality (immission) laid down by the EU.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: Nº OF DAYS PER AREA PER AIR QUALITY LEVEL. 2001-2002 ZONING Ribera
Kostaldea
Donostialdea
Goierri
Deba Ibaizábal
Alto Nervión Encartaciones
Llanada Alavesa
Bajo Nervión
400 350
Nº of days
300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 Good
Poor
Admissible
Very Poor
1 Alto Nervión. Encartaciones 2 Bajo Nervión 3 Kostaldea 4 Donostialdea 5 Alto Deba. Ibaizábal 6 Goierri 7 Llanada Alavesa 8 Ribera
N.B.: From 2001 onwards the Air Quality Index takes into account two more pollutants not considered in 2000: ozone and carbon monoxide (CO).
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
In 2001 a air quality was recorded as "bad" or "very bad" in the Basque Autonomous Community on 23 days. In 2002 the figure dropped to 21 days (2 days in Donostialdea, 2 in Goierri, 4 in Alto
12
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
Deba – Ibaizabal, 3 in Alto Nervión – Encartaciones, 6 in Llanada Alavesa and 4 in Bajo Nervión).
INDICATOR
3.
AIR QUALITY INDEX
AIR QUALITY LIMIT LEVELS (Royal Decrees 1073/2002 & 1494/1995) POLLUTANT
LEVEL
SO2
125 µg/Nm as daily limit for the protection of human health. This figure may not be exceeded more than 3 times per year.
1st January 2005
NO2
200 µg/Nm3 as hourly limit for the protection of human health. This figure may not be exceeded more than 18 times per year.
1st January 2010
PM10
50 µg/Nm3 as daily limit for the protection of human health. This figure may not be exceeded more than 35 times per year.
1st January 2005
Ozone
110 µg/Nm3 as average level over 8 hours for the threshold of protection for human health.
Nº DAYS WITH DAILY LIMIT FOR PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH > 125 µg/Nm3 para el SO2
35 30
Limit level not to be exceeded more than 3 times per year
Limit level not to be exceeded more than 18 times per year
25 Nº of hours
4 3
27th September 1995
Nº HOURS WITH HOURLY LIMIT FOR PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH > 200 µg/Nm3 para el NO2
5
Nº of days
COMPLIANCE DATE
3
20
2
10
1
5
15
17
15
11 5 1
10 7
4
1
4
6
1
0 0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2001
Abanto Erandio Eibar
Abanto
Barakaldo (Cruces) Bilbao (Mazarredo) Santurtzi (Serantes)
2002 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Los Herrán) Rentería Bilbao (San Adrián)
Nº DAYS WITH DAILY LIMIT FOR PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH > 50 µg/Nm3 para PM10 250
Nº of days
200 150 Limit level not to be exceeded more than 35 times per year
100 50
2002
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Llo to ria di o -G Vi as to t ria eiz Za -G lla (3 as d te em iz ar (A zo vd ) a. Ga ste iz) Ag ur ain La nt ar Be ón rn ed o (Iz ki) Be Do as no ain sti aA rra Sa n sa Ai Se te a ba ( P sti ag án oe ta (A ) te go rri et a) Re nt er ía
2001
Vi
xo (N aú tic a) Ab an to Ba ra ka ld o Er an Bi lb di ao o ( Bi Z or lb ro ao za (M ) az ar re do ) Ba sa ur i Du ra ng o
Ge t
Po rtu
ga let e
Al
go rta
0
AIR QUALITY
13
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
EXCEEDENCES OF THRESHOLD FOR PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH > 110 µg/Nm3 for ozone (average over 8 hours) 40 30 25
20 11
10
10
6
4 2
0
9
9
7
7
Abanto
2
3
2
Arrasate Donostia
1997
1998
1999
3
3
2 2
2
Basauri
Beasain
2000
2001
4 4 2 2
2
Erandio
9 5
5
Getxo
1
Llodio
1
Bilbao
2
1
1
Rentería
Gasteiz
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
★★★
Concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the air have dropped to around one tenth of the levels recorded in the 1970’s. This is due mainly to the close-down of companies using obsolete technologies, the use of fuels with low sulphur content, the spread of natural gas as an alternative fuel and policies to encourage cleaner production processes. In none of the last 6 years has the daily limit value for SO2 for the protection of human health been exceeded on more than 3 occasions (as per Royal Decree 1073/2002).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
In the past 2 years no station in the air quality monitoring network has recorded more than 18 exceedences per annum of the hourly limit for NO2 for the protection of human health set for 2010.
European Environment Agency. AIR QUALITY INDICATORS
In 2001 and 2002 the total suspended particle concentration (PM10) exceeded the daily limit level established for 2005 for the protection of human health at 8 environmental monitoring stations. Ozone concentrations in excess of the threshold for the protection of human health (110 µg/Nm3 as the average over 8 hours) were encountered on 36 occasions in 2001. The levels detected were higher than those recorded in 1999 and 2000 (19 in each yea) but well below that of 1998 (83 exceedences).
14
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. AIR QUALITY SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING NETWORK http://www.euskadi.net/vima_aire/red_vigilancia_c.htm
http://themes.eea.eu.int/Environmental_issues/air_quality/indicators
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia3_c.htm
INDICATOR 4. Emissions of Atmospheric Pollutants ■ Between 1990 and 2001 emissions of acidifying substances dropped by 8%, and emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors (TOP’s) by 9%. ■ Emissions of NOx, SO2 and VOC’s are still far from the target levels set by the EU, though there was a drop in all three in 2001 (4% in NOx, 17% in SO2 & 5% in VOC’s).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Promote clean production systems.
• Reduce emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) from 2000 levels as per the emission targets set by the EU by 2010.
• Reduced emissions of pollutants as a whole. • Reduce the risk of emissions.
• Reduce emissions of SO2 from 2000 levels as per the targets set by the EU by 2010.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: EMISSIONS OF ACIDIFYING SUBSTANCES (tonnes of acidification equivalent) 3,000
Tonnes equivalent
2,500 Total
2,000 1,500
NOx
1,000 500
SO2
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
EMISSIONS OF TROPOSPHERIC OZONE PRECURSORS (tonnes of TOP equivalent) 140,000 Total
Tonnes equivalent
120,000 100,000 80,000
NOx
60,000 40,000
COV
20,000
CO
0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
AIR QUALITY
15
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
NOx EMISSIONS
SO2 EMISSIONS
120
VOC EMISSIONS
130
130
110
110
NOx +9%
90 80
Target for Spain by 2010: -27%
70
Índex 1990 = 100
Índex 1990 = 100
100
SO2 -28%
90
Índex 1990 = 100
110
70 50
Target for Spain by 2010: -64%
30
VOC -30%
90 70 50
Target for Spain by 2010: -65%
30
60 0
0 1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2001
2010
1990
0 1992
1994
1996
1998
2001
2010
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2001
NB: The emissions of NOx, SO2 & VOC’s dealt with here are from the BAC. The targets are those set for the whole of Spain. Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Emissions of acidifying substances dropped by 8% from 1990 to 2001. From 1990 to 1997 there was a major drop in their emission thanks to the reduction of the sulphur content of fossil fuels. Then from 1997 to 2000 the tendency changed and emissions rose by 36%. In 2001 the downward trend seems to have re-established itself. Emission of TOP’s dropped by 9% from 1990 to 2001. The trend is similar to that shown by acidifiers, with drops from 1990 to 1997 and increases from 1998 to 2000. However, decreases in CO and VOC emissions have resulted in a drop in TOP emissions in 2001. An analysis of results in the Basque Country for 1990-2001 in regard to NOx, SO2 and VOC’s shows that we are still a long way from meeting the targets set for Spain in Directive 2001/812. However, levels of all three of these pollutants did begin to decrease in 2001 (4% for NOx, 17% for SO2 & 5% for VOC’s).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. AIR & NOISE. http://www.euskadi.net/vima_aire/indice_c.htm
European Environment Agency. AIR INDICATORS http://themes.eea.eu.int/Specific_media/air/indicators
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia4_c.htm
2 The ceilings on emission set for Spain under Directive 2001/81 are 746,000 tonnes for SO2, 847,000 tonnes for NO2, 662,000 tonnes for VOC’s and 353,000 tonnes for NH3.
16
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
2010
INDICATOR 5. Contaminated Soil: Areas Investigated & Remediated ■ Between 1990 and 2002 103 sites with potentially contaminated soil, totalling 490 hectares, were investigated and remediation work was done on 56 sites, totalling 207 hectares.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce discharges of contaminants as a whole at source.
• Recover 20% of the publicly owned contaminated soil areas in the Basque Country by 2006, based on 2001 levels.
• Remediate contaminated soil areas.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED SOIL AREAS INVESTIGATED 120
600 Cumulative nº of sites
100
Cumulative surface area
400
80
300
60
200
40
100
20
0
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
CONTAMINATED SOIL AREAS REMEDIATED
2000
2001
Nº of sites
Hectares
500
0
2002
Target for BC by 2006: 34 sites
250
60 Nº of sites remediated
Hectares
40
150 28
Nº of publicly owned sites remediated
100
30 Cumulative 20 surface area
50
Nº of sites
50
200
10
0
0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2006
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Between 1990 and 2002 103 potentially contaminated sites were investigated, with a total surface area of 490 hectares. Remedial work has been done on 56 of these sites, totalling 207 hectares. 28 of the sites were publicly owned.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
IHOBE. CONTAMINATED SOIL http://www.ihobe.net/suelos/suelos.htm
European Environment Agency. SOIL INDICATORS http://themes.eea.eu.int/Specific_media/soil/indicators
METODOLOGÍA DE CÁLCULO DEL INDICADOR:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia5_c.htm
SOIL QUALITY
17
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 6. Water Consumption ■ Urban water consumption increased by 39% from 1996 to 2001. The biggest increases were in industry and services (65%). ■ Urban water consumption in 2001 was 8% up on the previous year.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Fomentar el ahorro de agua.
• Reverse the upward trend in water consumption per head of population and cut losses in high and low pressure water supplies by 20% by 2012, based on 2002 figures.
• Promover la modificación de los hábitos no sostenibles de consumo de agua. • Mejorar la eficiencia en el uso del agua.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: URBAN WATER CONSUMPTION & LOSSES IN THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK (millions of m3) BREAKDOWN OF WATER CONSUMPTION BY SECTORS. 2001
300 Water consumption
250 2%
millions of m3
202 187
200 150
146
156
172
166
57%
34%
7%
Losses in distribution
100 60
65
72
69
78
71
50 0
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Industry & services
Municipal use
Home use
Others
Source: INE; EUSTAT.
The sectors of the economy which use most water in the Basque Country are industry and services with 34% and domestic users with 57%. The remainder is accounted for by municipal and other uses. From 1996 to 2001 urban water consumption in the BAC increased by 39%, from 146 million m3 to 202 million (per capita consumption rose from 69 to 96 m3). The sectors where consumption increased most were industry and services (+65%), and the smallest increase was in home use (+23%). Losses in the water distribution network also increased, reaching 71 million m3 in 2001.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★
Low
Data on urban water consumption are available only for 2000 and 2001. There are no comparable data for agricultural consumption and industrial water intake. Work is ongoing to obtain comparable, consistent data in order to calculate this indicator.
18
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
National Institute of Statistics. WATER INDICATORS http://www.ine.es/inebase/cgi/um?M=%2Ft26%2Fp069%2Fp03%2Fa1996 -2001%2F&O=pcaxis&N=&L=0
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia6_c.htm
INDICATOR 7. Energy Consumption ■ Total energy consumption increased by 24% from 1990 to 2001. The figure for 2001 was 0.8% up on 2000.
■ Energy intensity dropped by 13% from 1990 to 2001, i.e. energy efficiency has increased. ■ Energy efficiency in 2001 was up 2% on the previous year.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Promote improvements in energy efficiency in all sectors.
• Foster energy efficiency to reduce energy intensity in general in line with the targets set and directives issued by the EU and specified in the Basque energy strategy.
• Encourage energy saving in all sectors. • Encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
• Contribute by 2012 to the meeting of the objectives set for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyoto Agreement. • Increase the use of renewable energy sources by 2010 to a percentage of total gross internal consumption and electricity generation in particular in line with EU targets, with indicative levels to be specified in the Basque energy strategy.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY SECTORS (Ktep) 5,500 5,000 4,500
Total
SECTORAL BREAKDOWN OF FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION. 2001
4,000 Ktep
3,500
31%
3,000 2,500
3%
11%
48%
7%
2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Industry
Services
Transport
Residential
Primary
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
19
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY SECTORS 240 Services +124%
220 200
Transport +70%
Índex 1990 = 100
180 160
Primary +64%
140 120
Residential +35%
100 80 Industry –2%
60 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY ENERGY SOURCES (Ktep) 6,000
BREAKDOWN OF FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY SOURCES. 2001
5,000
Total 3%
Ktep
4,000
4% 27%
4%
39%
3,000 23%
2,000 1,000 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Solid fuel
Petroleum derivatives
Natural gas
Electricity
Derivative energy
Renewable energy
ENERGY INTENSITY, ENERGY CONSUMPTION & GDP 150 GDP +43%
140
Energy consumption +24%
Índex 1990 = 100
130 120 110 100 90 80
Energy intensity –13%
70 60 0 1990
20
1991
1992
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
1993
2003
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Source: EVE & EUSTAT.
INDICATOR
7.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
In 2001 the Basque Country (BC) consumed a total of 5,042.1 Ktep. Most of that consumption was accounted for by industry (49%) and transport (39%). Domestic consumption accounted for 11%, the service sector for 7% and the primary sector for 3%. Final energy consumption has been growing in all these sectors since 1997. In 2001 final energy consumption remained steady at a similar level to the previous year, though transport and services continued to exert more pressure. From 1990 to 2001 energy consumption in the transport sector increased by 70% and in the domestic (residential) sector by 35%. In services the increase was 124%, though this sector accounts for only 7% of total final energy consumption. The only sector where energy consumption decreased during this period was industry (-2%). At 39% of the total, petroleum derivatives are the main source of energy used in the Basque Country. Electricity accounts for 28% of total final energy consumption, and natural gas for 23%. Renewable energy sources provide just 4% of the total, despite a 15% increase since 1990. This figure shows how hard it will be for the Basque Country to meet the target set by the EU of 12% by 2010.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Ente Vasco de la Energía. ENERGY IN EUSKADI http://www.eve.es
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY 2003 http://www.ingurumena.net
European Environment Agency. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE EUROPEAN UNION http://reports.eea.eu.int/environmental_issue_report_2002_31/en/ eni-env.pdf
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia7_c.htm
From 1990 to 2001 energy intensity dropped by 13% (measured as energy consumption divided by GDP at constant prices), but total energy consumption rose by 24%.
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
21
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 8. Consumption of Materials ■ From 1990 to 2001 total consumption of materials increased by 18% from 75 to 89 tonnes per person. However it fell by 7% in 2001. ■ Efficiency in the consumption of material resources increased by 21% from 1990 to 2001. For 2001 alone the figure was up 10% on the previous year.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Improve efficiency in the use of materials.
• To peg back per capita TMR to 1998 levels by 2006.
• Encourage the saving of materials. • Encourage the use of renewable materials.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: TMR PER CAPITA IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY (tonnes per capita) 120 89 t per capita
Tonnes per capita
100 80
Target for 2006: 80 t per capita
60 40 20 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Prelim. data
2006
MATERIAL EFFICIENCY, TMR & GDP 150 GDP +42%
140
TMR +18%
Índex 1990 = 100
130 120
Material efficiency +21%
110 100 90 80 0 1990
Prelim. data
1991
1992
1993
1994
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment; EUSTAT.
22
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
INDICATOR
8.
CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS
From 1990 to 2001 the TRM (Total Material Requirement) of the Basque Country increased by 18% from 75 to 89 tonnes per capita, due mainly to increased imports of metal ores and fossil fuels. The 89 tonnes per capita calculated as the TMR of the Basque Country for 2001 contrasts sharply with the figure calculated for Spain in 2000 and the EU in 1997 of around 50 tonnes. This is because of the markedly industrial nature of the Basque economy, where a particularly significant role is placed by heavy industry, which requires large quantities of materials. Efficiency in the consumption of resources – measured as GDP at constant prices divided by TMR – increased by 21% from 1990 to 2001. In 1990 each tonne of resources used by the Basque economy gave rise to 185 euros, while in 2001 the figure was 224 euros.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. TOTAL MATERIAL REQUIREMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY. TMR 2002 http://www.ihobe.net/publicaciones/descarga/materiales_capv.pdf
European Environment Agency. TOTAL MATERIAL REQUIREMENT IN THE EUROPEAN UNION http://reports.eea.eu.int/Technical_report_No_55/en/tech55.pdf
National Institute of Statistics. ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS. MATERIAL FLOW BALANCE SHEETS & ACCOUNTS. WORKING DOCUMENT http://www.ine.es/docutrab/flujos_mat/ balanceycuentasflujosmateriales.pdf
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD: QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia8_c.htm
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
23
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 9. Intensity of Artificialisation of Land ■ Between 1990 and 2000 a surface area of 53 km2 was artificialised, mainly at the expense of consumption of agricultural land. ■ From 1990 to 2000 the surface area occupied by industrial and commercial zones increased by 35% and that occupied by motorways, dual carriageways and associated land by 20%. ■ An area the size of 500 football pitches is artificialised each year.
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Gradually decrease the process of artificialisation and the rate at which land is being destroyed, and protect agricultural land. • Promote the adaptation of town planning systems to the objectives laid down in regional land-use regulations and to sustainability criteria.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY • Avoid land consumption through low-density development by introducing higher building density levels in the most appropriate areas through local land use regulations.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: ARTIFICIALISED LAND AREA BY USES 160
on land reclaimed from the sea. The population actually decreased slightly from 1990 to 2000, but land take increased substantially, so that there was around 127 m2 of built-up land area per inhabitant in 2000, compared with 100 m2 in 1990.
140 The land given over to urban areas in the Basque Country increased by 10% from 1990 to 2000, though urban land tends to be very loosely configured in valley towns and the suburbs surrounding the larger towns and cities. In the decade under study, an increase of 6% in continuous urban fabric was accompanied by a 25% increase in discontinuous urban fabric. This is due on the one hand to the dispersely urbanised areas associated with towns and cities, and on the other to first and second home developments not connected to town. Urban land has grown at the expense of meadow land and, to a lesser extent, of conifers and mixed woodland.
Surface area (km2)
120 100 80 60 40 20 0
1990
Urban areas
Industrial, Mining, landfill Artificial, non commercial & construction agricultural areas green areas & transport areas
2000
Source: European Environment Agency.
Analysis of changes in cover from 1990 to 2000 shows that the Basque Country is a highly complex area from the point of view of land take: there are many different land uses in a very small area. This is especially evident in the Atlantic-facing valleys. From 1990 to 2000, artificialised land areas in the Basque Country grew from 2.9 to 3.6% of the Community’s total surface area. This is a 24% increase, equivalent to 52 km2. In other words, the surface area built on over these ten years is greater than the whole of the municipality of Bilbao. Artificialisation has actually increased the total surface area of the Basque Autonomous Country by 1.5 km2 (from 7234 to 7235.5 km2) as a result of harbour construction
24
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
The biggest increase was in industrial and commercial areas, which occupied 35% more land in 2000 than in 1990. The land occupied by motorways, dual carriageways and associated land increased by around 20% during the same period, mainly at the expense of dry agricultural land, and to a lesser extent mixed woodland, scrub-land and meadow land. The land occupied by railway infrastructures remained practically unchanged from 1990 to 2000. The artificialised land used for harbour facilities increased with the construction of a new harbour in Zumaia and the extension of the fishing and commercial harbours of Bilbao, Pasajes, Fuenterrabía, Bermeo, Getaria, etc. Land occupied by airports increased by 15% as a result of the extension of Bilbao airport, at the expense of mixed woodland/ scrub-land and meadow land. Finally, the category of artificialised land also covers artificial, non agricultural green areas (parks, sports fields and recreational areas), which have also increased substantially. Urban green areas increased by 15% from 1990 to 2000. The increase in artificialised land from 1990 to 2000 was mainly at the expense of agricultural land. The surface area given over to
INDICATOR
9.
INTENSITY OF ARTIFICIALISATION OF LAND
agriculture dropped by 69 km2 to 31.74%. The biggest reduction was in dry arable land and meadow land, but the land occupied by woods and open spaces remained practically unchanged, bearing in mind the scale of work and the fact that tree felling and replanting is a highly active industry in the Basque Country. Also classed under this heading are beaches, sand banks and dunes, the total area of which dropped by 14% as a result of construction for harbours, roads and sports/ recreational facilities. These changes affect mainly the Bidasoa, Oria and Barbardún estuaries.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
European Environment Agency. CORINE LAND COVER 2000 http://terrestrial.eionet.eu.int/CLC2000
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★
Low
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia9_c.htm
Date from the European Corine Land Cover project are currently the only source of information available for assessing the rate of artificialisation of land in the Basque Country. Since this is a largescale European project, the assessment is approximate3.
3 The Corine Land Cover project involves a scale of 1:100.000. The minimum surface area represented is 25 hectares, and only changes affecting at least 5 hectares are recorded. This means that many changes in land use have gone unrecorded. Information is provided according to the categories of use defined for the Corine Land Cover project (artificialised surface areas, agricultural land, woodland & open spaces, etc.)
CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
25
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 10. Waste Production ■ Municipal waste increased by 30% from 1998 to 2002, to 533 kg per capita. The increase from 2001 to 2002 was 2 kg (0.37%). ■ Total hazardous waste production in 2001 was 320,127 tonnes, slightly down on the figure for 2000 but 10% up on that of 1994.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Prevent and minimise waste at source, thus reducing the amount and harmfulness of waste. • Reduce the production and hazardousness of final or ultimate waste requiring disposal.
• Stabilise the amount of municipal waste per capita at 2001 levels by 2012. • Stabilise hazardous waste production at 2000 levels by 2006.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS:
HAZARDOUS WASTE PRODUCTION (tonnes)
MUNICIPAL WASTE PRODUCTION PER CAPITA (kg.)
450,000 400,000
600
350,000 533 409
kg. per capita
290,888 Target for BC by 2012 531 Kg per cápita
400 300
Target for BC by 2006 322,790 Tm
250,000 200,000 150,000
200 0 1998
320,127
300,000 Tonnes
500
100,000 50,000 1999
2000
2001
2002
2012
NB: The graph for municipal waste includes domestic refuse and industrial, commercial & assimilatable waste. The latter is not included on the corresponding graph in the Environmental Indicators 2002 report.
0 1994
1998
1999
2000
2001
2006
NB: Hazardous waste from the remediation of contaminated soil is not included. Such waste amounted to a cumulative figure of 26,826 tonnes between 1998 and 2001. Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Municipal waste production in 2002 was 1,120,196 tonnes, almost unchanged from the 1,114,042 tonnes recorded in 2001. Per capital waste production increased from 409 kg in 1998 to 533 in 2002, a rise of around 30%. This rise has slowed in the past year, with an increase of just 0.37%. In the EU as a whole, municipal waste production is around 540 kg per annum per head of population. Hazardous waste production in 2001 totalled 320,127 tonnes, slightly down on the 322,790 tonnes recorded in 2000 but 10% up on the figure for 1994.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. INVENTORIES OF HAZARDOUS WASTE http://www.euskadi.net/vima_residuos/inventariorp_c.htm
26
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. WASTE http://www.euskadi.net/vima_residuos/indice_c.htm
European Environment Agency. WASTE INDICATORS http://themes.eea.eu.int/Environmental_issues/waste/indicators
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia10_c.htm
INDICATOR 11. Waste Management ■ MSW production in 2002 was 1,120,196 tonnes, very similar to the figure of 1,114,042 tonnes recorded in 2001. Per capita waste production rose from 409 kg in 1998 to 533 in 2002, an increase of 30%. However the rate of increase has slowed, with a rise of just 0.37% in the past year. Annual MSW production in the EU is around 540 kg. per capita. ■ Major progress has been made in hazardous waste management. In 2001 all hazardous waste inventoried was managed (compared to 72% in 1994), and 39% was valorised (compared to 28% in 1994 and 34% in 2000).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Foster re-use, recycling and any other form of revalorisation and closing of cycles.
• Reduce the amount of municipal waste sent for dumping to 75% of the total by 2006.
• Improve the waste collection and disposal infrastructure of the Basque Country.
• Increase the amount of hazardous waste valorised by 50% on 2000 levels by 2006.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: KERBSIDE SELECTIVE MUNICIPAL WASTE COLLECTION (tonnes)
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT (tonnes) 900,000
150,000
800,000 Dumping
700,000
125,000 100,000
500,000
Tonnes
Tonnes
600,000
400,000 300,000
70,524
Paper & card
75,000 50,000
Packaging
Glass
Valorisation
200,000
25,000
100,000 0
112,589
Total
1998
1999
Not managed
2000
2001
0
2002
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
100% 28%
80% 60%
32%
Target for BC by 2006: 51%
39%
28%
68%
0%
34%
Valorisation
40% 20%
31%
69%
66%
61% 49%
44%
Disposal
1994
1998
1999
2000
2001
2006
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
WASTE
27
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
★★★
In 2002 72% of the municipal waste produced was disposed of in landfills, while 27.5% was valorised (27% via recycling procedures). The proportion of municipal waste valorised has risen substantially since 1998, in both relative (15% in 1998 : 27.5% in 2002) and absolute terms (124,005 t in 1998 : 309,285 t in 2002).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
Progress has also been made in kerbside selective municipal waste collection for subsequent recycling: in 1998 70,524 tonnes of municipal waste was collected, and in 2002 the figure was 112,589 tonnes. Most of the municipal waste recycled in 2002 was from the selective collection of paper and cardboard (57,704 t) and glass (39,121 t). Selective collection of packaging increased 52fold from 1998 to 2002.
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. WASTE
In 1994, when the first inventory of hazardous waste in the Basque Country was drawn up, 72% of that waste was managed. From 1998 onwards the figure was 100%. In 2001 a total of 126,320 tonnes of this waste was valorised, i.e. 39% of the total (compared to 28% in 1994 and 34% in 2000).
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
28
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: http://www.euskadi.net/vima_residuos/indice_c.htm
European Environment Agency. WASTE INDICATORS http://themes.eea.eu.int/Environmental_issues/waste/indicators
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia11_c.htm
INDICATOR 12. Greenhouse Gas emissions ■ From 1990 to 2001 direct emissions of the main greenhouse gases in the Basque Country increased by 20%. ■ After three consecutive years of increases in GHG emissions, the figure fell by 4% from 2000 to 2001. However the preliminary data for the 2002 inventory show an upturn of 7.6%, taking the cumulative increase to 28.6% since 1990. ■ GHG emissions per capita in the Basque Country in 2001 were the same as the EU average (10.9 t of CO2 equivalent).
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Foster the supply of primary energy based on clean energy sources.
• Contribute by 2012 to the meeting of the objectives set for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Kyoto Agreement (Spain +15% of 1990 figure between 2008 & 2012).
• Promote improvements in energy efficiency in all sectors. • Encourage energy saving in all sectors. • Encourage the replacement of fossil fuels by fuel from renewable energy sources, and the use of those fossil fuels which emit least greenhouse gases.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: GHG EMISSIONS (millions of tonnes of CO2). 1990-2001
SECTORAL BREAKDOWN OF GHG EMISSIONS. 1990-2001
30
180
25
160
Transport +7%
Direct emissions
20 15
CO2
10
N2O 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Energy +59% Residential +28%
140
Waste +25%
120 100 Agriculture +13%
80
CH4
5 0
Índex 1990 = 100
Total
Industry –25%
60 0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
GHG EMISSIONS IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY, THE EU AND SPAIN. 1990 – 2001 140
Índex 1990 = 100
Millions of tonnes
Services +73%
Spain +33% Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in Spain: +15%
120 BC +20%
100 EU –2%
80 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in EU: -8%
2008
2012
Prelim. data 2002
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS & CLIMATE CHANGE
29
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
PER CAPITA GHG EMISSIONS IN THE EU. 2001
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent per capita
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment; European Environment Agency.
★★★
GHG emissions in 2001 totalled 17.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, i.e. 20% more than the 1990 base figure. Considering that the Basque Country imports electricity that produces emissions elsewhere, the sum total of emissions attributable to our socioeconomic activity is 22.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, an increase of 15% from 1990 to 20014. GHG emissions in the Basque Country decreased by 4% from 2000 to 2001, mainly due to a drop in electricity production and crude oil processing and an increase in electricity imports.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
Provisional data for 2002 show an upturn in emissions on the previous year of 7.6% taking the cumulative increase since 1990 to 28.6%.
INVENTORY OF EMISSIONS OF CO2 AND OTHER GREENHOUSE GASES IN THE BC (1990-2000) http://www.ihobe.net/Publicaciones/descarga/emisiones.pdf
By sectors, energy remained the biggest contributor in 2001 at 28%, with emissions 59% greater than in 1990. Industry accounted for 25%, though its levels had dropped by 25% since 1990. Transport accounted for 26% of GHG emissions in the Basque Country, with an increase of 71%. GHG emissions from the energy and residential sectors were down in 2001.
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. Inventory of GHG emissions in the Basque Country (1990-2001) http://www.ihobe.net/Publicaciones/descarga/PMA23.pdf
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
European Environment Agency. Annual European Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2000 and Inventory Report 2002. Technical report No 75 http://reports.eea.eu.int/technical_report_2002_75/en
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD: When imported electricity is taken into account, per capita GHG emissions in the Basque Country in 2001 were on a par with the EU average at 10.9 tonnes of CO2 equivalent)5.
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia12_c.htm
4 Progress towards the targets for reduction of emissions agreed at Kyoto is measured in terms of direct GHG emissions, i.e. not including those associated with energy imports. 5 There are major assymetries within the EU in terms of GHG emissions per capita. The differences can be attributed to various factors, including production system structures, per capita income, type of energy consumed, mean annual temperature, etc.
30
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
INDICATOR 13. Biodiversity & Landscape index ■ Reduction & fragmentation of coastal sand banks, wetlands, heath-land & scrub-land. ■ Intensive land use in valleys and on the Bay of Biscay side of the watershed have resulted in large-scale fragmentation and low levels of connectivity of autochthonous woodland. ■ Populations of endangered continental fish species have decreased, while allochthonous species have increased. ■ Nesting woodland, mountain, scrub-land and water birds are in general progressing favourably. The situation of species in coastal wetlands and agricultural systems is declining sharply.
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
• Appreciably reduce threats in order to sustain essential environmental systems and maintain the evolutionary potential of ecosystems.
• Set up ecological corridors in the Basque Country by 2006
• Place emphasis on natural and semi-natural ecosystems and on unique ecosystems and species.
• Draw up a catalogue of unique and outstanding landscapes in the Basque Country by 2003.
• Achieve landscapes of the highest possible quality.
• Map and review all habitats of EU interest (priority & special interest habitats) by 2003, plus all habitats of interest to the Basque Country which are not listed in the appendices to Directive 92/43.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: The biodiversity and landscape index is the aggregate of four variables: 1. Changes in the fragmentation of habitats 2. Changes in connectivity between habitats 3. Changes in the population of indicator species 4. Changes in the degree of alteration of indicator landscapes This report sets out a first approach to calculating this indicator on the basis of the data available. The fragmentation index is calcu-
lated for coastal sand banks, wetlands, heath and scrub-land, autochthonous woodland and land used for Mediterranean crops. The connectivity index is considered as applicable only to woodland. Since this is the first time these figures have been calculated, no quantitative assessment of changes in them can be made. Indicator species have yet to be selected: studies and discussions will be required first. Trends have been assessed in certain groups of fauna and flora for which comparative data on distribution and abundance are available. Indicator landscapes will be selected on the basis of the Catalogue of Singular and Outstanding Landscapes of the Basque Country, which is currently being drawn up.
BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE
31
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Fragmentation & Connectivity ENVIRONMENT
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT
PERIOD OF ANALYSIS
Coastal sand banks
Substantial reduction in surface area & functionality.
20th century
Wetlands
Substantial reduction in surface area & functionality of estuaries. Restoration of some interior wetlands & naturalisation of reservoirs & artificial pools.
20th century
Heath & scrub-land
Reduction of overall surface area of scrub-land. Estimated trend is for increasing fragmentation, but data are lacking.
1985-1996
Autochthonous woodland
Distribution area of autochthonous woodland is shrinking in valleys and the Bay of Biscay side of the watershed to small, disperse patches highly isolated by intensive land use – farming, urban development, industry or infrastructures. Surface area occupied by woodland has increased in general, but fragmentation is high and connectivity low.
1985-1996
Mediterranean crop land
Substantial reduction & fragmentation of formations & patches of spontaneous vegetation in rural landscapes.
20th century
Species a. Continental Fish
GROUP
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT
PERIOD OF ANALYSIS
Autochthonous fish
Overall population levels estimated to have been maintained, perhaps linked to some improvement in water quality.
1982-1984 to 1990-2000
Fish listed in the basque catalogue of endangered species
Continuing decline.
1982-1984 to 2000-2001
Allochthonous fish
Considerable increase in number and distribution in the region.
1982-1984 to 1990-2000
b. Nesting birds
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT
PERIOD OF ANALYSIS
GROUP
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS
Autochthonous water
Restoration of several wetland areas has benefited water birds, and numerous new species have established themselves. The trend is less positive for coastal wetland species.
1982-1984 to 1998-2001
Autochthonous woodland, mountain & scrub-land
Favourable trend. Natural succession & tree planting have favoured these species.
1982-1984 to 1998-2001
Autochthonous agricultural systems
Intensification of farming methods has resulted in sharp declines in birds associated with arable land.
1982-1984 to 1998-2001
Allochthonous
Some allochthonous species have been added, but less than those described elsewhere in Spain.
1982-1984 to 1998-2001
32
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
INDICATOR
13. BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE INDEX
c. Wintering Water Bird
GROUP
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT
PERIOD OF ANALYSIS
Grebes
Increased abundance.
1993-2001
Great cormorant
Increased abundance.
1993-2001
Sandpipers
Increased abundance.
1993-2001
Anatidae & coots
Decline in abundance.
1993-2001
The problem in interpreting this index is that the tendencies of wintering populations are related more closely to environmental conditions on a larger scale than the Basque Country (drought,
mild winters, flooding level of other wetlands, breeding success, etc.). For the period analyses, the trends found coincide with those found for Spain as a whole.
d. Flora on coastal sand banks & estuaries
GROUP
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT
PERIOD OF ANALYSIS
Vascular plants exclusive to coastal sand banks
Heavy loss of diversity of flora.
20th century
Vascular plants exclusive to estuaries
Heavy loss of diversity of flora.
20th century
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia13_c.htm
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. BIODIVERSITY http://www.euskadi.net/biodiversidad/indice_c.htm
BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE
33
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 14. Local Mobility ■ In 2003 mobility in the Basque Country continues to be dominated by the private car, which is used for 73% of all distances travelled. More environmentally friendly modes of transport (bus, train, bicycle, walking) account for only 25% of the total. ■ In terms of number of journeys, private cars account for 37%, while walking accounts for 41%.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Restructure the way in which the different means of transport are organised to promote public and non motorised transport.
• Get passengers to shift from private to public transport in line with the objectives of the forthcoming sustainable transport plan.
• Encourage intermodality in both passenger and goods transport to increase energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
• Increase the percentage of total passenger transport in the main urban areas of the Basque Country accounted for by public transport by 10% by 2006, from 2001 levels.
• Encourage modes of transport with less environmental impact through tax policies and/ or public fares.
• Achieve reductions in the use of road transport, diverting freight users to rail and shipping and passengers to public transport so that the percentage of transport accounted for by road transport in 2012 is no greater than in 2001.
• Prioritise investment in infrastructures for more environmentally friendly forms of transport.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: REASONS FOR JOURNEYS. 2003 5%
2% 36%
24% 4%
Work
Taking children to school
Others
Daily shopping
Weekly shopping
Studying
Recreation/leisure
9% 20%
BREAKDOWN OF JOURNEYS BY MODE OF TRANSPORT. 2003 1% 1% 2%
1%
37%
41%
10% 6%
34
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
Train or metro
Motor cycle
Bus
Bike
Private car
Combined
On foot
Others
INDICATOR
14. LOCAL MOBILITY
BREAKDOWN OF LOCAL MOBILITY BY MODES OF TRANSPORT (passenger-km). 2003 5% 6%
1% 1%
2%
12%
73% Private car
Motor cycle
Bus
Bike
Train or metro
Combined
On foot
Others
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
The average number of journeys per day made by the inhabitants of the Basque Country is 2.55. The average distance travelled is 26.4 km, and the time employed is 51 minutes. The main reasons for travelling are work (36%), leisure (24%), daily shopping (20%) and studying (9%). In other words, journeys people are obliged to make (to work and school/ college) account for 45% of all journeys. The commonest form of travelling is on foot (41%), and the average distance travelled on foot is 1.2 km. Private cars are used for 37% of journeys, with an average distance of 20.3 km per journey. Then come buses (10% of journeys, with an average distance of 12.5 km.), train or metro (6% & 9.8 km.), combined transport (2% & 9.2 km.) and motor cycles (1% & 11 km.).
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. SOCIAL ECOLOGY BAROMETER 2003
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia14_c.htm
In terms of kilometres travelled, in 2003 private cars accounted for 13,082 million passenger-km (73%), buses for 2,148 million (12%), trains for 1,061 million (6%), journeys on foot for 907 million (5%) and bikes for 100 million (0.6%).
URBAN ENVIRONMENT
35
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 15. Noise ■ No data on trends in this indicator are currently available, though work is ongoing. 17 municipalities are currently working on noise impact assessment plans. ■ 80% of the Basque population declare themselves to be concerned or very concerned at noise levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce harmful emissions of radiation and noise.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY • Draw up a diagnostic study by 2004 to determine how many people are exposed to high noise levels, and formulate a strategy for reducing those levels.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS The percentage of the population exposed to noise levels in excess of WHO recommendations is currently unknown. There are plans to carry out a diagnostic study by 2004 into the Basque population exposed to high noise levels.
The "Noise Map of Transport Networks and Industrial Areas" detects noise impacts of over 75 dB(A) on the A-8 and A-15 motorways and the N-1 highway. 167 industrial areas have been detected with noise impacts of more then 65 dB(A).
One noteworthy piece of data is the result from the 2003 Social Ecology Barometer study that points to noise as one of the main environmental problems perceived by Basques: 80% of the population declare themselves to be "concerned" or "very concerned" about noise.
The following municipalities either have drawn up or are drawing up noise impact assessment plans:
MUNICIPALITY
DIAGNOSIS ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Amurrio Andoain Arrasate Azkoitia Azpeitia Bermeo Bilbao Donostia-San Sebastián Durango Gernika Hernani Iurreta Lasarte Mungia Trapagaran Vitoria-Gasteiz Zarautz
These plans comprise an initial stage of drawing up the noise map and zoning (diagnosis) and a second stage involving a plan of action.
PLAN OF ACTION
ACTION ONGOING
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■
■ ■ ■
■
■
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. NOISE http://www.euskadi.net/vima_aire/ruido_c.htm
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★
Low
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia15_c.htm
36
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
INDICATOR 16. Urban Air quality ■ Urban air quality has improved over the past 5 years. Average annual concentrations of NO2 and SO2 have fallen at most sampling stations. At stations such as Bilbao and Santurtzi, however, concentrations of suspended particles (PM10) above the limit levels were detected in 2002.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce emissions of hazardous and pollutant substances.
• To meet EU targets for air quality (immission).
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: ANNUAL AVERAGE LEVELS OF NO2 80 70
Admissible level in 2002: 56 µg/Nm3
60 Limit levels in 2010: 40 µg/Nm3
µg/Nm3
50 40 30 20 10 0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Abanto
Arrasate
Basauri
Beasain
Bilbao
Donostia-San Sebastián
Durango
Erandio
Getxo
Llodio
Rentería
Vitoria-Gasteiz
2002
ANNUAL AVERAGE LEVELS OF SO2 50
µg/Nm3
40 Limit level as per Royal Decree 1073/2002: 20 µg/Nm3
30 20 10 0 1997
1998
1999
2000
Abanto
Arrasate
Basauri
Beasain
Bilbao
Durango
Erandio
Llodio
Rentería
Vitoria-Gasteiz
2001
2002
Donostia-San Sebastián
URBAN ENVIRONMENT
37
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
ANNUAL AVERAGE LEVELS OF SUSPENDED PARTICLES (PM10) 110 Abanto
100
Arrasate Barakaldo
90
Basauri
80
Admissible level in 2002: 44,8 µg/Nm3
µg/Nm3
70 Admissible level as from 2005: 40 µg/Nm3
60
Beasain Bilbao (Mazarredo) Bilbao (Zorroza) Donostia-San Sebastián Durango
50
Eibar Erandio
40
Getxo
30
Llodio Rentería
20
Santurtzi Vitoria-Gasteiz (Avda. Gasteiz)
10
Vitoria-Gasteiz (3 de Marzo)
0 2001
2002
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
POLLUTANT
LIMIT LEVEL
COMPLIANCE DATE
ADMISSIBLE LEVEL IN 2002
20 µg/Nm3
31st October 2002
20 µg/Nm3
40 µg/Nm3
1st January 2010
56 µg/Nm3
40 µg/Nm3
1st January 2005
44,8 µg/Nm3
SO2 Annual limit level for protection of ecosystems
NO2 Annual limit level for protection of human health
PM10 Annual limit level for protection of health
Annual average levels of NO2 fell at all sampling stations except Erandio and Renteria, where the annual average levels were above the limit level for the protection of human health to be attained by 2010 (40 µg/Nm3) as per Royal Decree 1073/2002, though they were below current legal limits. Over the past year the annual average levels of SO2 in urban areas decreased at almost all sampling stations. According to Royal Decree 1073/2002 the annual limit level of SO2 for the protection of ecosystems is 20 µg/Nm3. This level was not exceeded at any sampling station in 2002.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. AIR QUALITY SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING NETWORK http://www.euskadi.net/vima_aire/red_vigilancia_c.htm
European Environment Agency. AIR QUALITY INDICATORS http://themes.eea.eu.int/Environmental_issues/air_quality/indicators
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD: At stations such as Bilbao and Santurzi suspended particle levels (PM10) above the limit levels were detected in 2002.
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia16_c.htm
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
38
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
★★★
High
INDICATOR 17. Local Agenda 21 Schemes at Basque Municipalities ■ In all, 91 Basque municipalities are involved in Local Agenda 21 schemes, 16 of them already in the process of implementing action. ■ From 2001 to July 2003, the number of Basque municipalities starting Local Agenda 21 processes has trebled.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Promote the renovation and rehabilitation of consolidated cities. • Promote improvements in attractiveness of design and in quality of life in urban areas. • Promote the valorisation of rural and natural areas and local enjoyment of the benefits thus obtained. • Promote the adaptation of town planning systems to the objectives laid down in regional land-use regulations and to sustainability criteria.
• Ensure that by 2006 all 64 municipalities in the Basque Country with more than 5000 inhabitants have their own Local Agenda 21 designed, individually or on a district basis. • Ensure that all town halls governing more than 10,000 people have a technical staff member responsible for the environment by 2006. By 2012 such persons should be in place individually or on a shared basis at town halls governing more than 5,000 people.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: MUNICIPALITIES INVOLVED IN LOCAL AGENDA 21 PROCESSES 100
91
90 Signatories
Nº of municipalities
80
Target for 2006: 64 municipalities
70 60 50
Municipalities w/over 5000 inhab. with LA21 already designed
40 30 20
14
10 0
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
July 2003
2006 NB:Data for 2003 up to July.
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
Interest in sustainability matters at Basque municipalities increased strongly between 1998 and 2002. In 1998 just four Basque municipalities were involved in Local Agenda 21 processes. By 2002 the figure was 70, and by July 2003 it stood at 91 (8 in Araba, 58 in Bizkaia and 25 in Gipuzkoa). December 2001 saw the setting up of the Basque Network of Municipalities for Sustainability, Udalsarea 21 by the 16 municipalities that had completed the design of their Local Agenda 21 schemes and were at the implementation stage. 14 of these municipalities have over 5000 inhabitants.
URBAN ENVIRONMENT
39
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
BASQUE MUNICIPALITIES INVOLVED IN LOCAL AGENDA 21 SCHEMES (July 2003) ARABA
BIZKAIA
GIPUZKOA
Alegría-Dulantzi
Abanto Zierbana
Fruiz
Andoain
Legazpi
Amurrio
Alonsotegi
Igorre
Aretxabaleta
Mendaro
Asparrena
Arantzazu
Ispaster
Arrasate-Mondragón
Mutriku
Lantarón
Areatza
Lanestosa
Astigarraga
Oiartzun
Laudio
Arrieta
Larrabetzu
Azkoitia
Rentería
Salvatierra
Artea
Laukiz
Azpeitia
Soraluze-Placencia de las Armas
Valdegovía
Artzentales
Lekeitio
Deba
Tolosa
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Bakio
Lemoa
Donostia-San Sebastián
Urretxu
Balmaseda
Lemoiz
Eibar
Usurbil
Barakaldo
Lezama
Elgoibar
Villabona
Barrika
Loiu
Ezkio-Itsaso
Zarautz
Basauri
Mallabia
Hernani
Zumarraga
Berango
Markina-Xemein
Irun
Berriatua
Maruri-Jatabe
Bilbao
Meñaka
Derio
Mendexa
Dima
Mungia
Elorrio
Muskiz
Erandio
Ondarroa
Ermua
Plentzia
Gamiz-Fika
Santurtzi
Gatika
Sondika
Gernika-Lumo
Sopelana
Getxo
Sopuerta
Gizaburuaga
Trucios-Turtzioz
Gordexola
Urduliz
Gorliz
Zamudio
Güeñes
Zeanuri
Etxebarria
Zierbena
NB: Bold print denotes municipalities that have implemented Local Agenda 21 schemes and members of Udalsarea 21, the Basque Network of Municipalities for Sustainability. Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY http://www.ingurumena.net/udala
European Commission. SUSRAINABLE CITIES INFORMATION SYSTEM http://www.sustainable-cities.org/
European Commission. Database on Good Practice in Urban Management and Sustainability http://europa.eu.int/comm/urban/
40
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia17_c.htm
INDICATOR 18. Incidents with Environmental Repercussions ■ In 2002 the number of incidents was pegged back to 1995 levels (42 incidents). ■ Industrial accidents fell by 52% from 1999 to 2002, and incidents in transport by 15%.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce emissions and discharges of hazardous substances and pollutants.
• Implement an effective, co-ordinated monitoring plan to prevent and combat environmental offences. Programmes for 2003-2007/20072012.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: INCIDENTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REPERCUSSIONS 80 70
Nº of incidents
60
Total incidents
50 40
Industrial accidents
30
Natural disasters Transport accidents
20 10 0 1995
1996
1997
1998
TYPE OF INCIDENT
1999
2000
2001
2002
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Industrial accidents
2002
24
17
25
30
52
44
31
25
Malfunction ................................................................................
2
3
3
4
7
6
2
3
Spillage of liquids ................................................................
13
9
12
17
26
16
13
8
Explosion ........................................................................................
1
1
1
1
1
1
–
–
Gas leak ...........................................................................................
3
1
1
2
4
3
3
5
Fire .........................................................................................................
5
3
8
6
14
18
13
9
16
16
11
11
20
20
20
17
7
10
4
3
7
8
5
7
Transport accidents Hazardous freight by road
......................................
Conventional freight by road
..............................
7
3
4
8
9
8
11
6
........................................................................................
1
2
–
–
3
1
3
–
Rail ........................................................................................................
1
1
3
–
1
3
1
4
2
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
–
–
4
–
–
–
–
–
Shipping
Natural disasters Flooding ........................................................................................... Landslides ...................................................................................... TOTAL INCIDENTS
2
3
–
–
–
–
–
–
42
36
40
41
72
64
51
42
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
41
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
An analysis of the years from 1995 to 2002 shows that 1999 marked a turning point in terms of incidents with environmental repercussions in the Basque Country. In 1995 there were 42 such incidents, in 1999 there were 72 but by 2002 the number had dropped again to 42. Most incidents with environmental repercussions take place in industry. The most frequent are fires (9 in 2002) and spillages of liquid (8 in 2002). Transport accidents – especially those involving hazardous freight – also represent a major threat to the environment. In 2002 there were 17 transport accidents with environmental repercussions, 7 of which involved hazardous freight. Most environmental emergencies in recent years have been caused by industrial accidents, despite the fact that safety at industrial premises is tending to improve thanks to regulations and technological advances. An increase in hazardous freight carried by road (especially fuel) keeps the number of such accidents up. Also significant is the increase in monitoring by the authorities of activities with environmental repercussion, which has revealed previously unknown information. The sinking in 2002 of the oil tanker Prestige continues to have an impact on the Basque coastline. The first oil slicks reached our coast in December 2002. By August 2003 2,677 tonnes of oil had been cleared on land and 20,940 tonnes at sea. 63% of the oil collected at sea has been valorised in a treatment plant, and the remaining 37% has been dumped at a landfill authorised to take
42
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
such waste. Oil collected from beaches, coves and cliffs has been inertised and then deposited in suitable sealed chambers or landfills. This accident has also had a direct effect on wildlife: from December 2002 to February 2003 2,722 dead birds were recorded.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
High
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
European Environment Agency. Number of Notified Industrial Accidents http://dataservice.eea.eu.int/dataservice/metadetails.asp?id=2
European Commission. Civil Protection and Environmental Accidents http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/civil/index.htm
Basque Govt. PRESTIGE http://www.prestige.ej-gv.net/
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia18_c.htm
INDICATOR 19. Effects on Health related to Exposure to Environmental Factors ■ No samples containing more than the permitted tolerable intake of the four heavy metals analysed (lead, mercury, cadmium & arsenic) were collected in any year from 1990 to 2001. ■ 2002 saw an increase in outbreaks of food poisoning, though the number of people affected is down. Both the number of outbreaks and the number of people affected by water-based infections fell substantially.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Reduce harmful emissions of radiation and noise.
• Have a system for monitoring environmental risks to health in place by 2003 that indicates the intensity, distribution and development of those risks and assesses the specific health risks involved.
• Promote all-round management of health at work and the environment. • Ensure food safety.
• Have a system in place by 2003 for monitoring the adverse effects on health originating in the environment which can measure changes and trends in certain causes of morbidity and mortality which are particularly closely related to environmental risks.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: Intake of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury & arsenic) through diet
• Set up an integrated plan for the prevention and monitoring of the leading infections from foodstuffs by 2006, covering the process from primary production to end consumers.
LEAD INTAKE 300 250
Tolerable lead level 243 µg/day
µg/day
200 150 100
Lead intake
50 0
CADMIUM INTAKE
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
80 70
MERCURY INTAKE
60
50
50
µg/day
40 30
µg/day
60
Tolerable mercury level 49 µg/day Mercury intake
Tolerable cadmium level 69 µg/day
40 30 Cadmium intake
20
20
10
10
0
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
HEALTH & THE ENVIRONMENT
43
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INORGANIC ARSENIC INTAKE 180 160
Tolerable inorganic arsenic level: 145,7 µg/day
INORGANIC ARSENIC INTAKE 3 µg/day
140
µg/day
120 100
2
60
2.3
1.5
1.7
1.69
2000
2001
1 0 1996
80
2.1
2
1997
1998
1999
Inorganic arsenic intake
40 20 0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
The Basque Govt. Department of Health analyses the lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic (total and inorganic) content of the overall diet in the Basque Country. The intake figures calculated
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Health.
represent variable percentages of the reference levels, ranging from 1 to 40%. Levels in excess of the limits for tolerable intake have not been detected in any year for any of the four elements.
Infections originating from food and water OUTBREAKS PER YEAR OF FOOD POISONING & NUMBER OF PERSONS AFFECTED Nº affected
Nº of outbreaks
2,550 2,050
OUTBREAKS PER YEAR OF INFECTIONS ORIGINATING IN WATER & Nº OF PERSONS AFFECTED
Nº of outbreaks
Persons affected by food poisoning
80
3,550
70
3,050
60 1,550
Nº affected
50
Nº of outbreaks
18 16
Nº of outbreaks Persons affected by infections from water
2,550 2,050 1,550
8
1,050
6
30 550
20
50 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
10
550
5
50
0
0
4 2 1 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Health.
2002 saw an increase in the number of outbreaks of food poisoning but a decrease in the number of people affected in comparison with previous years. Only one outbreak or infection originating in water was detected.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Health. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH http://www.euskadi.net/sanidad/salud/indice4_c.htm
European Commission. ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/health/index_en.htm
Medium
Progress is expected to be bade in defining the indicator that links health and the environment by integrating such points as the effect on health of atmospheric pollution.
World Health Organisation. Environmental Health Indicators http://www.euro.who.int/EHindicators/Indicators/20030527_1
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia19_c.htm
44
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
12 10
40
1,050
14
INDICATOR 20. Environmental Management Systems at Companies ■ Over the past 5 years the number of Basque firms that hold environmental management certificates has increased by 22-fold. ■ In 2002 a 117 more companies (+46%) were certified, and a further 188 performed an Ekoscan.
UNDERTAKINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • Encourage monitoring of the application of legislation via the EMAS environmental management system.
• Have at least 50 Basque firms EMAS certified by 2006.
• Promote environmental management systems, environment reports, etc.
• Have 10 Basque companies draw up GRI sustainability reports by 2006, and 40 by 2012.
• Promote clean production systems.
• Reach 600 companies with certified environmental management systems (EMAS or ISO 14001) by 2006 and 1000 by 2012.
• Prevent and minimise waste at source, thus reducing the amount and harmfulness of waste.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: NUMBER OF COMPANIES WITH ISO 14001, EMAS & EKOSCAN 700 371 companies with ISO 14001/ EMAS certificates
600
Nº of companies
500
Target for the BC for 2006: 600 companies 330 Companies with Ekoscan
400 300
254
200 100 0 1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2006 Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment.
An ever increasing number of companies are introducing environmental management systems. In 2002 365 Basque companies held ISO 14001 certificates, and 6 held EMAS certificates, making a total of 371 certified companies. The means that the half-way point on the way to the target of 600 certified companies by 2006 has now been passed. Moreover, 330 Basque companies performed Ekoscans in 2002 (compared to 2 in 1998) as a preliminary step on the way to implementing an environmental management system.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★★
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
IHOBE. ISO 14001 http://www.ihobe.net/herramientas/iso14/iso14.htm Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. EMAS http://www.euskadi.net/medio_ambiente/emas_c.htm
European Commission. EMAS http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/emas/index_en.htm
High
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia20_c.htm
BUSINESS & THE ENVIRONMENT
45
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
INDICATOR 21. Public Sector Spending on Environmental Protection ■ From 1995 to 2002 there was a 61% increase in public sector spending on the environment. The increase in 2002 was 5%. ■ However, the percentage of total public spending represented by spending on the environment remained practically unchanged over that time, and in fact fell slightly from 2000 to 2001.
COMPROMISOS DE LA ESTRATEGIA AMBIENTAL DE DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • To reach the environmental goals laid down in the Environmental Framework Programme 2002-2006.
• Meet the commitments set forth in the Environmental Framework Programme 2002-2006.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: % of total public spending represented by public spending on the environment
PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 800
8% 6.38%
Millions of euros
5.82%
600 400
6.39% 5.82%
5.92%
5.71%
418
437
6.49% 377 286 372
329
391
200 0 1995
Public spending on the environment
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
6% 461 4%
2% 0% 2002
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment, EUSTAT.
From 1995 to 2002 public sector spending on the environment and natural resource management increased by 61% to 461 million euros. The share of total public spending represented by spending on the environment in 2001 was 5.7%, slightly lower than the 5.9% recorded in 2000.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:★
★★
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:
EUROSTAT. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION EXPENDITURE (EPE) http://europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat/Public/datashop/printproduct/EN?catalogue=Eurostat&product=env-pb-eiEN&mode=download
High
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia21_c.htm
46
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
INDICATOR 22. Overall & Sectoral Ecoefficiency ■ Economy in General: From 1990 to 2001 there was relative de-linking of the environment from economic growth, as the main pressures on the environment grew at a lower rate than GDP. Economic growth accompanied by a reduction in pressure on the environment (absolute de-linking) was observed for the first time in 2001. ■ Transport: The main pressures on the environment are increasing at more then the overall rate of economic growth. The upward trend in the main pressures on the environment exerted by transport was maintained in 2001. ■ Industry: Over the past ten years this sector has reduced the pressure it exerts on the environment and at the same time substantially increased output. Pressure on the environment remained practically unchanged in 2001. ■ Primary Sector: Pressure on the environment is increasing at a higher rate than the wealth generated by this sector. In 2001 pressure levels were unchanged from 2000 figures. ■ Residential Sector: Pressure on the environment has increased in recent years by a higher rate than private spending. In 2001 there were drops in energy consumption and GHG emissions, but municipal waste production and the number of cars continued to increase. ■ Energy Processing: Increases in energy production are being accompanied by higher increases in GHG emissions. However a downturn in GHG’s was observed in 2001.
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES • De-link economic growth from the negative impact it has on the environment.
ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION AND TRENDS: Ecoefficiency of the Basque Economy: ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE BASQUE ECONOMY 1990-2001 180 GDP +43%
160
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) Energy consumption +24%
Índex 1990 = 100
140
GHG’s +20%
120
TMR +18%
100
Final energy consumption GDP at market prices (constant prices) Total material requirement (TMR)
Acidifiers –8%
80 60
Emissions of acidifying substances
Unemployment rate –21%
Unemployment rate Prelim. data
40 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
ECO-EFFICIENCY INDICATORS
47
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE BASQUE ECONOMY 1997-2001 160 GHG’s +34% Energy consumption +31%
140 120 Índex 1997 = 100
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
MSW +30% TMR +25%
Emissions of acidifying substances Final energy consumption
Acidifiers +23%
GDP at market prices (constant prices)
GDP +20%
100
Total material requirement (TMR) Per capita municipal solid waste production (MSW)
80
Unemployment rate Unemployment rate –47%
60
Prelim. data
40 0 1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
NB: Base year for MSW = 1998. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
From 1990 to 2001 GDP in the Basque Country increased by a higher rate than the main pressures on the environment. The wealth generated by Basque society increased by 43%, while unemployment fell by 21%. Pressure on the environment grew by 20% in the case of GHG’s, 24% for energy consumption, and 18% for TMR. In some cases pressure actually decreased, e.g. emissions of acidifying substances dropped by 8%.
Between 1997 and 2000 all observed pressures on the environment grew by a higher rate than GDP, but a look at 2001 shows some progress towards greater ecoefficiency in the Basque economy. Output grew by almost 3%, while some of the main pressures on the environment decreased: GHG emissions were down by 4%, acidifiers by 9% and TMR by 7%. By contrast, MSW was up by 5% and energy consumption by 1%.
Transport ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE TRANSPORT SECTOR GHG +72%
180
Energy consumption +70%
160
GDP +43%
Índex 1990 = 100
140 120
km. of motorways & dual carriageways +37%
100
Acidifiers -17%
80 60 0 1990
TOP’s –26%
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Energy consumption
Emissions of acidifying substances
GDP at market prices (constant prices)
Emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors (TOP)
km of motorways & dual carriageways
1999
2000
2001
NB: All data refer solely to the transport sector except GDP, which refers to the economy as a whole. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
48
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
INDICATOR
22. OVERALL & SECTORAL ECOEFFICIENCY
The increase in GDP in the Basque economy from 1990 to 2001 was accompanied by an increase in some of the pressures on the environment exerted by transport. Thus, a 70% increase in energy consumption by the transport sector resulted in a 72% increase in the sector’s GHG emissions. At the same time the number of kilometres of motorway and dual carriageway increased by 37%. In
the same period acidifier emissions dropped by 17%, and TOP emissions by 26%. This was due largely to the removal of sulphur from vehicle fuel and the installation of catalytic converters in vehicles. In 2001 the main pressures on the environment exerted by the sector continued to increase, though drops were recorded in acidifier and TOP emissions.
Industry ECOEFFICIENCY OF INDUSTRY 160 IOI +41%
Índex 1990 = 100
140 120
Energy consumption –2%
100 HW –20%
80 GHG –25%
60 40 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Industrial output index (IOI)
Acidifier emissions
Hazardous waste production (HW)
1999
2000
2001
Energy consumption NB: All data refer to industry. The drop in hazardous waste from 1991 to 1994 resulted from the replacement of pyrite by refinery sulphur as a raw material in the production of sulphuric acid. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
From 1990 to 2001 the industrial output index (IOI) rose by 41%, while the pressures exerted by industry actually decreased. Energy consumption fell by 2%, GHG emissions by 25% and hazardous waste production by 20%. It must be stressed that from
1997 to 2000 the pressure exerted by industry on the environment grew by a higher rate than industrial output, but in 2001 pressure levels remained practically unchanged from their 2000 figures.
Primary sector ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE PRIMARY SECTOR 180
Fertilisers +45%
Índex 1990 = 100
160
Energy consumption +64%
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) Energy consumption Domestic biomass extraction
140
GDP at market prices (constant prices)
GHG +13%
120
Use of synthetic fertilisers (Fertilise
100
Use of animal manure (Manures)
GAV –3%
80 Biomass extraction –6%
60
Manures –23%
0 1990
1991
1992
1993
NB: All data refer to the primary sector.
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment; Basque Govt. Dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries; EUSTAT.
ECO-EFFICIENCY INDICATORS
49
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
From 1990 to 2001 the wealth generated by the primary sector fell by 3%, and domestic biomass extraction decreased by 6%. At the same time, energy consumption by the sector rose by 64%, and GHG emissions by 10%. Use of animal manures dropped by 23%
as they were replaced by synthetic fertilisers (up 45%). In 2001 pressure on the environment remained practically unchanged from 2000 levels.
Residential Sector ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR Energy consumption +35%
150
Nยบ of cars +39%
ร ndex 1990 = 100
140 MSW +29%
130
GHG +28%
120
Private spending +28%
110 100 90 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Nยบ of cars
Energy consumption
Municipal solid waste production (MSW)
1999
2000
2001
Private spending NB: All data refer to the residential sector. Base year for MSW = 1998. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
From 1990 to 2001 domestic spending increased by 28%. This increase is closely linked to an even higher increase in the pressure exerted on the environment by this sector. The number of private cars increased by 39% during the period, energy consumption by
50
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
35% and GHG emissions by 28%. Municipal solid waste increased by 30% from 1998 to 2001. In 2001 decreases were observed of 5% in energy consumption and 9% in GHG emissions. However, MSW rose by 5% and the number of cars by 3%.
INDICATOR
22. OVERALL & SECTORAL ECOEFFICIENCY
Energy Processing Sector ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE ENERGY PROCESSING SECTOR 200 GHG +59%
180
Índex 1990 = 100
160 Energy consumption +14%
140 120 100
Energy production +1%
80 60 40 0 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Greenhouse gas emissions Energy consumption Energy production NB: All data refer to the energy processing sector. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EVE, EUSTAT.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: From 1990 to 2001 energy production in the Basque Country increased by 1%. Pressures exerted on the environment increased by more than this: for instance GHG emissions rose by 59% and energy consumption within the sector by 14%. However, 2001 did see a drop in both pressure exerted on the environment by the energy sector and output by that sector. The decrease in pressure was greater than the drop in output.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION:
★★
Medium
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ECOEFFICIENCY 2003 http://www.ingurumena.net/Castellano/Doc/PMA/PMA_21.htm
INDICATOR CALCULATION METHOD:
Basque Govt. Dept. of Land Use and the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS http://www.euskadi.net/indicadores_ambientales/metodologia22_c.htm
ECO-EFFICIENCY INDICATORS
51
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Conclusions CONCLUSION 1. What is the trend in environmental matters in the Basque Country? Water. The water quality in our rivers and seas is improving River water quality has improved, with 55% of sampling stations recording good quality in 2002. There is also improvement, albeit less, in estuarine waters, though problems persists in the Nerbioi, Oria and Deba basins. The quality of coastal waters was good in 2002, with no stations detecting medium or high pollution levels. However the situation changed radically in December 2002 with the arrival of the first oil slicks from the Prestige.
WATER QUALITY: RIVERS
WATER QUALITY: ESTUARIES
% of sampling stations
% of sampling stations
100%
100%
58%
52%
54%
100% Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
Polluted, very polluted or heavily polluted
80% 60%
WATER QUALITY: COASTAL % of sampling stations
80% 60%
55%
80%
71%
65%
60%
53%
45%
40%
20% 0% 1998
30% 22%
1999
2000
30%
2001
20% 18%
23%
12%
20%
12%
8%
6%
Medium, heavily or extremely polluted
15% 8%
8%
8% 0%
0%
0% 1998
2002
46%
40% Non polluted
Clean or non polluted
15%
54% 46%
53%
40% 20%
Non polluted
65%
1999
2000
2001
0% 1998
2002
1999
2000
2001
2002
Air. Some improvements in emissions into the atmosphere but air quality targets are still far from being met 1990-2001 saw decreases in emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). However, air quality in the municipalities of Santurtzi, Erandio, Barakaldo, Bilbao, Basauri and Arrasate-Mondragón contained high levels of suspended particles (PM10) and ozone.
EMISSIONS OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS: NOx, SO2 and VOC’s 140 NOx +9%
Índex 1990 = 100
120 100
SO2 -28%
80 60
Target for Spain by 2010: -64%
40
VOC’s -30% Target for Spain by 2010: -65%
20 0 1990
52
Target for Spain by 2010: -27%
1991
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
1992
2003
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2010
CONCLUSION
1.
Consumption of environmental resources. Efficiency is improving, but with constant increases in resource consumption Consumption of water, energy and materials has increased substantially in recent years. In 2001 the figures were +8% for water, +0.8% for energy and –7% for materials. Land consumption is resulting in the artificialisation of an area equivalent to 500 football pitches per year. Energy efficiency increased by 15% from 1990 to 2001, and material efficiency by 21%. The downward trend in efficiency levels in recent years was broken in 2001: energy efficiency increased by 2% and material efficiency by 10%.
ENERGY & MATERIAL EFFICIENCY
NATURAL RESOURCE CONSUMPTION 150
Water consumption +39%
140
Material efficiency +21%
120
130 120 110
Energy consumption +26%
Índex 1990 = 100
Índex 1996 = 100
130
110 Energy efficiency +15%
100 90
100 Material consumption +21%
90 0 1996
1997
1998
80
1999
2000
2001
0 1990
……
1994
……
1998
……
2001
Prelim. data
Prelim. data
Waste. Hazardous and municipal waste production is stabilising, and selective collection of MSW is increasing MSW production increased by 30% from 409 to 533 kg per capita from 1998 to 2002, but in 2002 the figure stabilised with an increase of just 0.37% on 2001. Hazardous waste production dropped by 0.8% from 2000 to 2001. Waste management is improving. The amount of municipal waste valorised increased substantially from 15% in 1998 to 27.5% in 2002. The amount of hazardous waste valorised increased from 28% in 1998 to 39% in 2001.
PRODUCTION & VALORISATION OF MSW PER CAPITA (kg. per capita)
PRODUCTION & VALORISATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE (tonnes) 400.000
600 530
533
300.000
400 300 200 100 0
320,127
290,888
Tonnes
Kg. per capita
409
322,790
350.000
MSW production per capita
500
145
147
1998
2001
2002
250.000 200.000 100.000
MSW valorisation per capita
59
Hazardous waste production
110,514
126,320
80,285
Hazardous waste valorisation
50.000 0
1994
2000
2001
CONCLUSIONS
53
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Climate change. CO2 emissions are moving away from target levels From 1990 to 2001 direct emissions of the main greenhouse gases in the Basque Country increased by 20% from 14.8 to 17.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Following three consecutive years of increases in GHG emissions, the Basque Autonomous Community reduced its emissions by 4% from 2000 to 2001. However, provisional data for 2002 indicate an upturn of 7.6%, with which the cumulative increase since 1990 would be 28.6%.
GHG EMISSIONS IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY, THE EU AND SPAIN. 1990 – 2001
Índex 1990 = 100
140
Spain +33% Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in Spain: +15%
120 BC +20%
100 EU –2%
Kyoto target for 2008-2012 in EU: -8%
80 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
2008
2012
Prelim. data for 2002
CONCLUSION 2. How do the various sectors of the economy contribute to pressure on the environment? Ecoefficiency of the Basque economy: From 1990 to 2001 there was relative de-linking of the environment from economic growth, as the main pressures on the environment grew, but at a lower rate than GDP. Economic growth accompanied by a reduction in pressure on the environment (absolute de-linking) was observed for the first time in 2001. Pressure exerted on the environment by industry has decreased over the past ten years (GHG’s down by 25% and hazardous waste by 20%), while output has gone up (IOI +41%). The transport and residential sectors display the strongest links between growth and impact on the environment, with GHG from transport up by 72%, GHG from the residential sector up by 34% and MSW up by 30%.
ECOEFFICIENCY OF THE BASQUE ECONOMY 1990-2001 180 GDP +43%
160
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) Energy consumption +24%
Índex 1990 = 100
140
GHG’s +20%
120
TMR +18%
100 80 Unemployment rate –21%
40 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
Final energy consumption GDP at market prices (constant prices) Total material requirement (TMR)
Acidifiers –8%
60
54
Emissions of acidifying substances
2003
Unemployment rate Prelim. data
CONCLUSION
3.
CONCLUSION 3. Are we heading in the right direction? The table below summarises the trends in those environmental indicators for which there is a target laid based on the reference year in each case, in the Basque Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2002-2020 or in EU policies and directives.
TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS IN RELATION TO TARGETS INDICATOR 01. Water quality index
INDEX (reference year)
INDEX (latest year)
TARGET (year) or desired trend
20% (1998)
55% (2002)
80% (2012)
100 (2001) 100 (2001) 100 (2001) 100 (2001) 100 (2001)
18 (2002) 125 (2002) 141 (2002) 40 (2002) 147 (2002)
100 (2001) 100 (2001) 100 (2001) 100 (2001) 100 (2001)
17 (2002) 100 (2002) 100 (2002) 37 (2002) 550 (2002)
100 (1990) 100 (1990) 100 (1990) 100 (1990) 100 (1990)
92 (2001) 91 (2001) 72 (2001) 109 (2001) 70 (2001)
02. Pollutant loads in inland and coastal waters Nutrients: - Total P ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. - PO4P........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ - Total N .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. - Nitrates ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ - Ammonium ................................................................................................................................................................................................. Heavy metals: - Copper ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... - Mercury ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... - Cadmium ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... - Zinc ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... - Lead ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
50% reduction by 2006 on 2001 figures for total pollutant loads discharged
04. Emissions of atmospheric pollutants a. Emissions of acidifying substances ........................................................................................................................................ b. Emissions of tropospheric ozone ............................................................................................................................................. c. SO2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... d. NOx ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... e. VOC’s ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Reduction Reduction 36 (2010) 69 (2010) 42 (2010)
05. Contaminated soil - Remediation of publicly owned contaminated soil areas (in absolute terms) .............
18 (2001)
28 (2002)
34 (2006)
100 (1996)
139 (2000)
Reduction
100 (1990) 100 (1990)
124 (2001) 115 (2001)
Reduction Increase
100 (1998) 100 (1998)
112 (2001) 101 (2001)
100 (2006) Increase
100 (1990)
127 (2000)
No Increase
100 (2001) 100 (2000)
101 (2002) 99 (2001)
100 (2012) 100 (2006)
100 (1998) 85% (1998) 34% (2000)
160 (2002) 72% (2002) 39% (2001)
Increase 75% (2006) 51% (2006)
100 (1990)
128.6 (2002)
115 (2008-2012)
38% (2003) 16% (2003) 41% (2003) 1% (2003) 2% (2003)
38% (2003) 16% (2003) 41% (2003) 1% (2003) 2% (2003)
Reduction Increase Increase Increase Increase
17. Local Agenda 21 schemes at Basque municipalities with more than 5000 inhabitants (in absolute terms)
1 (1998)
14 (2003)
64 (2006)
20. Environmental management systems at companies (in absolute terms)
17 (1998)
371 (2002)
600 (2006)
100 (1995)
161 (2002)
Increase
100 (1995)
98 (2001)
Increase
06. Water consumption 07. Energy consumption a. Energy consumption .................................................................................................................................................................................... b. Energy efficiency..............................................................................................................................................................................................
08. Consumption of materials a. Total Material Requirement .............................................................................................................................................................. b. Material efficiency ......................................................................................................................................................................................
09. Intensity of artificialisation of land (land consumption) 10. Waste production a. MSW .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. b. Hazardous waste ..............................................................................................................................................................................................
11. Waste management a. Selective kerbside collection of MSW ................................................................................................................................ b. Percentage of waste sent to landfill .................................................................................................................................... c. Percentage of hazardous waste valorised .....................................................................................................................
12. GHG emissions 14. Local mobility - % of journeys by private car ............................................................................................................................................................. - % of journeys by public transport (bus, train, metro) ................................................................................... - % of journeys on foot................................................................................................................................................................................. - % of journeys by bike ................................................................................................................................................................................. - % of journeys by combination of modes .........................................................................................................................
21. Public sector spending on environmental protection a. Public sector spending on environmental protection ................................................................................... b. Share of total public spending represented by spending on environmental protection...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
NB:: Indicators 3, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 19 are not covered here, as no data in index form are available for them. Indicator 22 is already in index form, and indicator 17 dates from July 2003. All the target figures shown in the table are those appearing in the Basque Environmental Strategy except those for indicators 4 and 12, which are the targets set by the EU for Spain.
CONCLUSIONS
55
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS IN RELATION TO TARGETS SET
FEASIBLE 1. Water quality index 4a. Emissions of acidifying substances 4b. Emissions of tropospheric ozone precursors 4c. SO2 emissions
PROBABLE 2. Pollutant load in inland & coastal waters 8a. Total material requirement 8b. Material efficiency 10a. MSW production
4e. VOC emissions 5. Remediation of contaminated soil 7b. Energy intensity 10b. Hazardous waste production 11a. Selective kerbside MSW collection 11b. Percentage of MSW to landfill
DIFFICULT 4d. NOx emissions 6. Water consumption 7a. Energy consumption 9. Land consumption 12. GHG emissions
17. Local Agenda 21 schemes at Basque municipalities with more than 5000 inhabitants
14. Local mobility
20. Environmental management system certificates at companies 21b. Share of total public spending represented by spending on the environment
11c. Percentage of valorisation of hazardous waste 21a. Public sector spending on environmental protection
In summary, The biggest challenges for the future are those indicators in the middle column, i.e. targets which can probably be met, though more effort will be required in the coming years to move towards sustainability, and those in the right-hand column,
56
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
i.e. those which will be difficult to meet without major changes. We are moving away from sustainability in all indicators in the latter column.
Appendix 1: Acronyms BMWP’ BC CEPA CH4 CO CO2 NMVOC’s EMAS EUSTAT EVE GHG’s BI ISO 14001 N2O NH3 NO2 NOx TMR O3 OECD WHO NGO’s Pb GDP PM10 UNEP PO4-P TSP SO2 TSP HRT EU GAV mp
Biological Monitoring Working Party
dB(A) kg ktep µg/Nm3 µg/m3 µm m3
Decibels A
Basque Country Single European Classification of Environmental Protection Activities Methane Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide Non Methanic Volatile Organic Compounds European Environmental Management and Audit System Basque Office of Statistics Ente Vasco de la Energía (body in charge of energy) Greenhouse gases Biotic Index International Standards Organisation environmental management system Nitrous oxide Ammonia Nitrogen dioxide Nitrogen oxides Total Material Requirement Ozone Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development World Health Organisation Non Government Organisations Lead Gross Domestic Product Suspended particles less than 10 µm in diameter United Nations Environment Programme Orthophosphate - phosphorous Total Suspended Particles Sulphur dioxide Total Suspended Particles Hazardous Rail Transport European Union Gross Added Value at market prices
kilogram Kilotonnes of petroleum equivalent Microgrammes per cubic metre under normal conditions of pressure and temperature Microgrammes per cubic metre Micron (10-6 metres) Cubic metre
APPENDICES
57
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Appendix 2: Glossary Accessibility
A qualitative variable which indicates the ease with which a place can be reached by the members of a community.
Acidification
Effect of introducing acidifying substances into the environment through atmospheric deposition. The main atmospheric pollutants which contribute to acidification are sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3).
Agenda 21
A programme of action for sustainable development adopted at the Rio de Janeiro Conference of 1992. Local Agenda 21 schemes are programmes or strategic plans for sustainability adopted by local authorities.
Allochthonous species
A species that originated outside the area where it is now found.
Anthropogenic
Generated as a result of human activity.
Biodiversity (= biological diversity)
The range of living organisms of all types in land, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, including the complex ecological systems of which each forms part. Biodiversity may be measured within a species, between species and in ecosystems.
Biological connectivity
A measure of the possibilities of movement of organisms between habitat patches in the landscape. It depends on the makeup of the landscape, its configuration (layout of landscape elements) and on how well organisms adapt their behaviour to those variables.
Carbon sink
Any process, activity or mechanism which absorbs greenhouse gas, aerosol gas or a greenhouse gas precursor from the atmosphere.
Climate
A statistical description of the weather in terms of averages and variability in quantities of interest over periods of several decades. The quantities measured are almost always surface variables such as temperature, rainfall and wind.
Climate change
Change in climate directly or indirectly attributed to human activity which alters the composition of the world’s atmosphere and adds to the natural variability of climate observed over equivalent periods.
Contaminated soil
Soil whose chemical characteristics have been changed in a manner which renders it incompatible with its intended function on the grounds that unacceptable risks are entailed for public health or for the environment, and which has been declared to hold contaminated soil status by the environmental authorities of the Basque Country.
Defoliation
Untimely dropping of leaves from trees and plants due to disease or atmospheric factors.
De-linking (of the economy and the environment)
Breaking the link between economic growth and the increases in pressure on the environment associated with it. "Relative de-linking" takes place when the pressure increases, but at a lower rate than the increase of economic activity. "Absolute delinking" is when pressure on the environment decreases or remains constant when there is economic growth.
Direct emissions
Emissions from a process which occur on the site where that process takes place.
Domestic biomass extraction
The quantity (in tonnes) of material of animal and plant origin extracted by the primary sector, including organic materials from agriculture, timber and other forestry products (mainly the reaping & grazing of natural meadowland, grazing land, etc.), sea and freshwater fishing, hunting and agriculture. Livestock farming is not included, but the material grazed by cattle is.
Drainage basin
An area of land all of the surface runoff from which flows through streams, rivers or lakes and then into the sea via a single river mouth, estuary or delta.
Dump site
A disposal facility where waste is deposited on or below the ground.
Ecological corridors
Connecting corridors along which the main components of natural systems can move.
Ecological footprint
The surface area needed to produce the resources consumed by a given population, and the area needed to absorb the waste they generate, regardless of the locations of such areas.
Ecological status (of water)
An indication of the quality of the structure and operation of aquatic ecosystems associated with surface water, graded in accordance with the indicators in Appendix V to Directive 2000/60.
EMAS
The Community environmental management and audit system, which organisations may join on a voluntary basis, to assess and improve their environmental performance and the way in which they distribute the relevant information to the public and other interested parties.
Energy efficiency (opposite of "Energy Intensity")
Rational use of energy, incorporating the concepts of energy saving, energy innovation (in processes, systems and consumer equipment) and other areas concerned with the better or fuller use of energy, such as co-generation.
Energy intensity (opposite of Energy Efficiency)
The ratio of energy consumption to GDP in a country or region. The term may also refer to specific sectors or sub-sectors of activity. It measures the rational use of energy in production activities.
Energy Mix
Proportion of final energy consumption accounted for by each energy source.
Environmental certification
A voluntary system by which an independent body provides a written assurance that a product, process or service meets certain pre-set environmental requirements.
Environmental flow
The minimum flow rate of a river if it is to sustain life and thus conserve the diversity and dynamics of the biological communities in each stretch.
Erosion
A natural geological phenomenon caused by the dislodging of particles of soil and their subsequent shifting and depositing elsewhere through the action of water and wind. This process can be accelerated by human activities which expose soil stripped of its plant cover to wind or water impact, or which increase the amount and flow rate of runoff.
58
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
2003
APPENDIX
2.
Eutrophication
An increase of nutrients in water, especially of nitrogen and/or phosphorous compounds, resulting in rapid growth of algae and higher plant species and unwanted upsets in the balance of organisms present in the water and therefore in the quality of the water in question.
Final energy
Energy supplied to consumers and converted into useful energy.
Final energy consumption
The energy made available to end consumers after its transformation, transmission and distribution by the power industry.
Fragmentation
A dynamic process of reduction of surface area of a habitat and its break-up into fragments.
Greenhouse effect
Increase in surface temperature on a world due to the atmosphere’s acting like the roof of a greenhouse. On earth solar radiation penetrates the atmosphere, but infra-red rays are retained on the surface and in the lower levels of the atmosphere. This occurs spontaneously in nature, resulting in an average temperature on the earth’s surface of 15 ºC. Life as we currently know it on earth would not exist without the natural greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse gases (GHG)
Gases which absorb radiation on the infra-red wavelengths of the spectrum of radiation emitted by the earth’s surface and by clouds, and themselves emit infra-red radiation at a level at which the temperature is lower than on the surface. The net effect is that part of the energy absorbed is trapped locally and the surface tends to warm up. The chief greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere are water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ozone (O3).
Gross added value at the cost of factors
A macro-measurement obtained by deducting taxes on activity and adding subsidies for operation to gross added value ex works. It represents the contribution of capital and labour to the production process.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The value of all the goods and services produced (or consumed) within the frontiers of a country or region.
Habitat of a species
The medium, defined by specific abiotic and biotic factors, in which a species lives during a given phase of its biological cycle.
Habitat Patch
A landscape element defined on the basis of size, shape and type.
Hazardous substance
A substance or group of substances which is toxic, persistent and could cause bio-accumulation. Also used to refer to other substances which entail similar risks.
Hazardous waste
Waste classed as hazardous by the EWC (European Waste Catalogue).
Indirect emissions
Emissions which occur at processing sites due to the demand of the end consumers, distributed according to the final electricity consumption in each sector.
Industrial Output Index (IOI)
A circumstantial indicator that seeks to measure the movements in Gross Added Value to the cost of factors in industry.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The body responsible for making decisions on climate change, its consequences, the viability of adaptation and mitigation measures. It was set up jointly by the UN Environment Programme and the Meteorology Organisation in 1998, and can call on the co-operation of hundreds of expert scientists from all over the world who are researching, reporting on and supervising this problem.
Landscape Unit
A division of the land established on the basis of visual or general characteristics of those factors considered as defining the landscape.
Limit Value
The maximum tolerable amount of each pollutant in the atmosphere, set on the basis of scientific knowledge to prevent or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole, which must be complied with within a set time and thenceforth not exceeded.
Load capacity
The maximum level of use which can be made of a system without significantly altering its functioning.
Low water
The lowest water level and flow rate of river water, reached due to drought at certain times of the year
Market price gross added value (GAV mp)
This is the new value created in a production process over a given period. It works out as the difference between output at ex works prices and intermediate inputs, and is thus equivalent to the sum of the gross operational surplus and taxation on production minus subsidies on operation.
Material efficiency (=Material Productivity)
An indicator of output per unit of material.
Material Productivity (=Material Efficiency)
An indicator of output per unit of material.
Mobility
A quantitative variable which measures the number of journeys.
Municipal waste
Waste produced at private residences, shops, offices and services, and all other waste not classified as hazardous which by nature or composition may be dealt with together with waste from the aforesaid places or activities.
Pollution
Direct or indirect emission through human intervention of substances, vibrations, odours or noise into the atmosphere, water or soil with potentially harmful effects on human health or the quality of the environment, or with the potential to damage material objects or curtail enjoyment or other legitimate uses of the environment.
Prevention (in waste production)
The set of measures taken to prevent or reduce the production of waste or of the amount of hazardous or pollutant substances in waste.
Protected natural area
An area marked by the public authorities as devoted to the conservation of nature: this may involve preserving a unique area, a privileged section of nature or certain ecological processes.
Recycling
The processing of waste within a production process for re-use for its initial purpose or for others, including composting and bio-methane production, but not including incineration with energy recovery.
APPENDICES
59
THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Renewable energy sources
Energy sources found in nature which are continuously renewing themselves, and are therefore inexhaustible. Chief among them are biomass, geothermal, hydraulic, solar, wind and sea power (both tidal and wave power), landfill gas, bio-gas and gas from waste water treatment plants.
Re-use
The use of a product which has already been used, for the purpose for which it was originally used.
Runoff
Rainwater that runs over the surface of land.
Salinisation
The build-up of soluble sodium, magnesium and calcium salts in the soil, leading to major decreases in fertility.
Selective collection
A system of separate collection of fermentable organic materials and recyclable materials, and any other system of separate collection which enables valorisable materials contained in waste to be separated out.
Smog
Atmospheric pollution characterised by the formation of mists of substances harmful to health and the environment. The word was coined as a blend of "smoke" and "fog".
Soil
The solid part of the earth’s crust from the bedrock to the surface, including both liquid and gaseous phases and all organisms inhabiting the said part, which has natural functions and can be used for other purposes.
Soil compaction
A decrease in porosity between the particles of the soil caused by mechanical pressure from heavy machinery and overgrazing, especially when the soil is moist.
Soil sealing
The sealing off of the soil by the construction of houses, roads, etc.
Structural connectivity
A measure of the layout of landscape elements which takes into account the adjacency of elements of the same type. A cartographic measurement.
Surface water
All inland water other than ground water, transitional waters and coastal waters.
Surface water mass
A distinct, significant area of surface water such as a lake, a reservoir, a stream, rover or canal, transitional waters or a stretch of coastal waters.
Total Material Requirement (TMR)
An indicator of the total accumulated volume (in tonnes per capita per annum) of raw materials extracted from nature via economic activities.
Troposphere
The level of the atmosphere extending from the earth’s surface to an altitude of 10 km at medium latitudes, in which clouds and weather systems are formed.
Valorisation
Any procedure which enables resources contained in waste to be used without endangering human health and without using methods which could harm the environment.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
All the organic compounds originating from anthropogenic and biogenic sources other than methane which can produce photo-chemical oxidants by reaction with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight.
Waste
All substances and objects which are or must be disposed of. May also refer to any substance included on the EWC (European Waste Catalogue).
Waste collection
Any operation consisting of the collection, sorting, grouping or preparation of waste for transportation.
Waste disposal
Any procedure intended to store or hold waste in controlled dumps or destroy it wholly or in part which is carried out without endangering human health and without using methods which could harm the environment.
Waste management
The collection, storage, transportation and elimination of waste, the monitoring of same and the monitoring of dump sites or landfills after their closure.
Water stress
This occurs when the demand for water exceeds availability over a short period, or when poor quality restricts water use.
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2003