International cooperation of experts for the solution of the hexachlorcyclohexane and unwanted pesticides problems.
S. STOBIECKI
Click to download: Progress and Development on Unwanted Pesticides in Poland , Jan. 1996, 18K/6K, English
Unwanted pesticides stored in tombs, stores, other places of storage, small handy closets and specially assigned rooms on farms pose the greatest danger to the natural environment and people which is brought about by chemization of agriculture in Poland. The problem of unwanted and expired pesticides results from many years of errors in pesticide management and especially in their distribution. Mainly in 1950-70 low prices and central distribution of the supply led to gathering of large amounts of pesticides that could not be used later on. Historical changes in our country caused that together with the advent of market economy tile problem of storing expired pesticides ceased to exist. Nevertheless we still have not solve the problem of containers for chemicals classified as poisons and we do not know what to do with large amounts of pesticide waste. hi Poland there are no sites for dangerous materials that would accept pesticides neither are there incinerators in which pesticides could be safety burnt. Existing storage facilities, mainly so called tombs pose more and more danger to the environment due to progressing process of their untightening and still increasing emission of toxic substances. First of all, drinking water reservoirs are in danger. There are many places all over Poland where it is necessary to stop emission of pesticide from leaking tombs immediately.
The range of the problem in Poland is considerable. The amount of substances stored in the tombs is estimated at 10.000 tonnes, in storage facilities at 25.000 tonnes, at farms at 25.000 tonnes. This makes up a total of about 60.000 tonnes of unwanted pesticides.
In 1992 studies commenced in order to solve the problem on the scale of the whole country. It was pointed out that both the range of the issue and the high level of technical and organizational difficulties indicate that all activities should be
coordinated by the Main Inspectorate of Enviromnental Protection whereas executive coordination should lie within the responsibilities of one institution. This role is fulfilled by the Institute of Plant Protection. Polish experts made 'numerous studies, projects and programmes of recognitive and preparations character. In the second part of 1995 technical preparations were also made to stop the emission of toxic substances from two leaking storage sites: one in Sosnicowice, voivoidship of Katowice and the other one in Niedzwiady, voivoidship of Kalisz. The main studies carried out are the following:
1. Under the PHARE programme in 93 we performed the project ,,Acquisition of the output data concerililig the problem of disposal of concerning pesticides and empty containers". The project aimed at recognition of the issue and indication of methodology for future procedures.
2. The Main Inspectorate for Environmental Protection from the funds provided by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management ordered the Institute of Plant Protection to make the study ,,An analysis of identified hazards with development of a conception of activities for 1996-2000 and implementation recommendation for the facilities that underwent expertises and are planned to be disposed of tombs containing expired pesticides". This extensive and comprehensive study was completed in August 1995 and it included the following main parts:
Development of a factual and financial conception of work on the solution to the problem of unwanted pesticides in Poland for 1996-2000.
3. From the PHARE funds in 1995 three projects were started and they aim at technical and organizational preparation for remediation of two tombs and also at a pilot implementation of the developed method to stop spreading of toxic substances from leaking tombs by means of repacking the tomb contents to tight containers and storing them in special safe storage facilities located near the tombs. This pilot action, prepared according to the standards set out by EC countries, will be performed in spring in 1996.
4. At the preparatory stage are projects aiming at a definitive disposal of unwanted pesticides and decontamination of soil from around the untight tombs.
Future strategy of proceeding iii Poland will iii a great degree depend on the impact that the places of storage have on the environment. A theoretical ranking of the tombs to be disposed of will determine priorities of future remediation activities and also of detailed studies on contamination of the area around the tombs which will precede remediation. The choice of methods of disposal will depend on local conditions and the level of danger that a given tomb may pose to the environment.
It is planned to use mobile and semi-mobile installations for incineration and decontamination of soil. A possibility is being concerned to gradually dispose of the tombs within the chosen areas of the country. With appropriate financial support and good organization the process of cleaning up tile entire country should not last longer that 8 years.