Project implementation status

Tasks completed in Q1 2024:

Under Activity No. 4 entitled: “Visualization and  making available atmospheric deposition data via the GIOŚ Air Quality website”, a new website operating within the Air Quality web portal and presenting data on atmospheric deposition was made available to the public in the second half of February 2024. The official promotion of the website took place on 5 March 2024 during the conference summing up the project outcomes.

Under Activity No. 5 entitled: “Procurement of deposition measurement instruments”, the last 2 of the 19 purchased collectors had been delivered by 31 January 2024. One of them was installed at the station of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute in Toruń, and the other one was installed in the National Reference Laboratory for Air Quality headquarters in Kraków, where it will for example be used for comparative research and testing of the implemented measurement procedures.

Under Activity No. 6 entitled: “Project management and promotional activities”, on 5 March 2024 a conference was held in Warsaw to summarize the project entitled “Strengthening of atmospheric deposition assessment in Poland based on Norwegian experience”. The event was the culmination of more than three years of work to establish a new system for measuring and assessing atmospheric deposition in Poland. Prior to the start of the project summary conference, a press conference was held on topics related to the implementation of the project. On 6 March, presentation of the project outcomes continued with a visit to one of the deposition measurement stations operating within the new measurement network. The presentation included a meeting with the media, during which experts from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ) answered questions about the station and the measurement system. In addition, the last project-related newsletter was prepared.

 

Tasks completed in the second half of 2023:

Under Activity No. 3 titled: “Developing the guidance document on assessment of atmospheric deposition, including a proposal of the most suitable deposition modeling technique”, guidelines for performing atmospheric deposition assessments were developed, and GIOŚ employees were trained in this area. The contractor of the study, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute, undertook a literature review of statistical interpolation methods for the assessment of atmospheric deposition and performed calculations to obtain the spatial distribution of selected indicators for the 2021 base year. The calculations were made for 3 different grid sizes: 4 x 4 km, 10 x 10 km, 50 x 50 km. Additionally, the uncertainty of selected interpolation methods was estimated. The base year was selected taking into account the thermal and precipitation conditions and wet deposition amounts from the period 2017–2022. The calculations for selecting the optimum grid size were based on the properties of the input data, which include the number of measurement points and the size of the interpolated area. The work resulted in a recommendation to use a 10 x 10 km grid. Following the tests, ordinary kriging was proposed as an appropriate statistical method to assess atmospheric deposition. This method is also currently being used by project partner – NILU to analyze precipitation chemistry in Norway. Following the literature review, the EMEP model was identified as the chemical transport model usable for assessing atmospheric deposition in Poland.

As part of the implementation of the work, an online training course was also conducted for the employees of the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, on 28-29 November 2023, with the participation of the Norwegian project partner – NILU. The scope of the training included a discussion of:

  • the legal regulations and national and international obligations to be met by Poland in the scope of annual atmospheric deposition assessments,
  • the experience of the Norwegian partner (NILU) in performing atmospheric deposition assessments,
  • the computational tests completed in the course of the work and their results, guidelines for performing deposition assessments, including the recommended dispersion modeling technique, and proposals for further conceptual work on performing atmospheric deposition assessment.

The results of the work completed under Activity No. 3 will be used as the starting point for planning and implementing new methods of assessing atmospheric precipitation chemistry in Poland.

Under Activity No. 4 titled: “Visualization and making available atmospheric deposition data via the GIOŚ “Air Quality” website”, the contract titled: “Concept for visualization and sharing of atmospheric deposition data via the GIOŚ “Air Quality” website, with its implementation” was completed. The initial stage of the work involved the development of a technical project with a concept for visualization and sharing of data, including, i.a., the technical, graphical and stylistic concept and the functional layout of the website. Subsequently, based on the developed project, a website for the presentation of atmospheric deposition data was implemented, operating as part of the “Air Quality” portal. The website will provide – in a clear and user-friendly form – comprehensive information on atmospheric precipitation chemistry monitoring in Poland and the assessment of pollutant deposition to the ground: research program and methods, information on the measurement network, a collection of publications, as well as research results in the form of measurement datasets and maps.

In parallel, the project’s Norwegian partner, NILU, was working on setting up a file repository for the website for presenting atmospheric deposition data.. The scope of work included the customization of selected tools and creation  of dedicated functionalities, as well as the development of mechanisms for transferring data between individual software components.

The new website presenting atmospheric deposition data will become publicly available in the second half of February 2024.

Under Activity No. 5 titled “Procurement of deposition measurement instruments”, further atmospheric deposition measurement equipment was delivered in accordance with the contract concluded with MLU Sp. z o.o. In Phase II of the order, with a completion date of 25 November 2023, 9 wet precipitation collectors were delivered and activated. The equipment was installed at the stations of:

  • the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection in Ustroń, Florianka and Borówiec,
  • the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Hel, Jarczew, Legnica and Wieluń,
  • the Integrated Monitoring of the Natural Environment in Karkonosze.

Also, under Activity No. 5, another tender procedure was concluded and a contract was awarded to MLU Sp. z o.o. on 20 July 2023, under which additional 5 atmospheric deposition measuring instruments were procured. The purchase of further wet precipitation collectors became possible as a result of an increase in the project budget. The delivery of the equipment was divided into two phases: Phase I with a completion date of 17 November 2023 and Phase II with a completion date of 31 January 2024.

In Phase I, i.e., by 17 November 2023, 3 wet precipitation collectors were delivered and activated at the stations of:

  • the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute in Racibórz and Białystok,
  • the Integrated Monitoring of the Natural Environment on Wolin island.

The remaining 2 collectors will be delivered as part of Phase II by 31 January 2024.

Under Activity No. 5, auxiliary equipment was also purchased, which was distributed to the branch establishments of the GIOŚ Central Research Laboratory. The laboratories received the following auxiliary equipment procured: 16 freezers, 16 temperature loggers, 14 precision scales and 2 multimeters.

Under Activity No. 6 titled “Project management and promotion activities”, an information bulletin was developed and produced, describing the activities implemented under the project in 2023, i.e.: purchase of atmospheric deposition measurement equipment, development of a concept of launching the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements, development of guidelines for performing atmospheric deposition assessments in Poland, and work related to visualization and sharing of atmospheric deposition data via the GIOŚ “Air Quality” portal.

Under Activity No. 6, promotional items for the project titled “Strengthening of atmospheric deposition assessment in Poland based on Norwegian experience” were designed and produced, i.e., cotton bags, notepads, office writing sets and folders. These items will be used to promote the project, i.a., during the project’s summary conference to be held in 2024.

 

Tasks completed in the first half of 2023:

Within the framework of Activity No. 2 titled “Developing the concept of launching the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements”, the work titled “Concept for the implementation of a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements, together with workshop of GIOŚ staff” was completed in April 2023. The final quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for deposition measurements were carried out, including:

  • methodology for sampling and handling samples in the field,
  • methodology for receiving samples at the laboratory,
  • methodologies for taking measurements:
    • methodology for performing pH measurements (conductivity method) in wet in situ deposition,
    • methodology for performing specific electrical conductivity (potentiometric method) in wet in situ deposition,
    • methodology for performing precipitation height and precipitation amount measurements for wet deposition,
  • validation methodologies:
    • validation/verification methodology and sampling uncertainty assessment,
    • validation/verification methodology and evaluation of uncertainties in quantitative pH measurements,
    • validation/verification methodology and evaluation of the quantitative uncertainty of specific electrical conductivity measurements.

On May 24-25, 2023, the “Training on the Implementation of the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements” was held with the participation of NILU representatives, which was organized by IOŚ-PIB. The workshop was devoted to a comprehensive discussion of the design of a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements. Tasks carried out during the workshop included discussion of the above methodologies.

Within the framework of Activity No. 3, a procurement procedure was carried out and on May 24, 2023, an agreement was concluded with the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB) for the implementation of the order titled “Guidelines for performing atmospheric deposition assessments, including a proposal for an appropriate deposition modeling technique together with training of GIOŚ employees”. The subject of the order is a review of methods for obtaining the spatial distribution of selected indicators subject to deposition in the area of Poland, then the selection of appropriate methods and performance of tests using them. On this basis, guidelines for performing atmospheric deposition assessments will be developed, which will enable the production of an annual report on atmospheric deposition assessment, along with the ability to track trends and changes over multi-year periods in this regard.

Within the framework of Activity No. 4 entitled “Visualisation and making available atmospheric deposition data via the GIOŚ ‘Air Quality’ website”, an agreement was concluded on May 5 with ONGEO AL7 A. Łabaj Sp.k. Sp.k. for the implementation of the contract entitled “Training in spatial analysis of precipitation chemistry and air quality monitoring using GIS techniques”. The aforementioned training in the use of QGIS software took place in June 2023 and was aimed at employees of the Department of Environmental Monitoring of the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection dealing with, among other things, collection and processing of spatial data, development of maps, reports, problem analyses, articles and preparation of information on precipitation chemistry and air quality monitoring. The training was attended by 20 GIOŚ employees.

Within the framework of Activity No. 4, a procurement procedure was also carried out and on June 22, 2023, an agreement was concluded with nFinity.pl Sp. z o.o. for the implementation of the order titled “Concept for visualization and sharing of atmospheric deposition data through the GIOŚ Air Quality website with its implementation.” The subject of the order is the development of the concept of visualization and sharing of atmospheric deposition data in Poland, followed by its implementation – the creation of a website for the presentation of atmospheric deposition data.

Within the framework of Activity No. 5 titled “Procurement of deposition measurement instruments”, the tender procedure for the contract titled “Purchase of atmospheric deposition measurement equipment” was awarded, and on March 14, 2023, a contract was concluded with MLU Sp. z.o.o. and implementation began. Under the contract, 14 atmospheric deposition measuring devices (wet deposition collectors) will be purchased. The delivery has been divided into two stages: Phase I with a completion date of June 30, 2023, and Phase II with a completion date of November 25, 2023.

In the first stage, i.e. until June 30, 2023, 5 units of wet deposition collectors were delivered and put into operation, which were installed at the following stations:

  • Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection station in Gołuchów,
  • Integrated Monitoring of the Natural Environment stations in Granica and Szymbark,
  • Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute station in Lesko and Łeba.

Within the second phase, another 9 wet deposition collectors will be delivered by November 25, 2023.

At the same time, a tender procedure for the purchase of an additional 5 wet deposition collectors was initiated in April 2023 with planned delivery dates:

  • by November 17, 2023 – 3 wet deposition collectors;
  • by January 31, 2024 – 2 wet deposition collectors.

The new atmospheric deposition measurement network will consist of 19 measurement sites and is scheduled to be operational in January 2024.

Tasks completed in the second half of 2022:

Within the framework of Activity No. 1 titled “Concept for modernization and optimization of deposition measurements in Poland”, from June 27 to July 1, 2022, employees of the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ) visited the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) in Kjeller. The participants also visited the comprehensive air quality monitoring station in Birkenes belonging to the EMEP network. The purpose of the study visit was to learn about the functioning of the atmospheric deposition measurement and assessment system in Norway, with a particular focus on the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements and the modelling of precipitation chemistry for its assessment. The visit to NILU allowed for an effective exchange of experience, providing a basis for further project activities.

Within the framework of Activity No. 2 titled “Developing the concept of launching the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements” a tender procedure was carried out and on October 10, 2022 an agreement was concluded with the Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute (IOŚ-PIB) for the implementation of the contract titled “Concept for the implementation of a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system for deposition measurements, together with workshop of GIOŚ staff.” In accordance with the provisions of the contract, preliminary versions of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for deposition measurements, including methodologies for collecting and handling samples in the field, receiving samples in the laboratory, methodologies for performing measurements, and validation methodologies, were executed in December 2022.

Within the framework of Activity No. 3 entitled “Developing the guidance document on assessment of atmospheric deposition, including a proposal of the most suitable deposition modeling technique” the project’s Norwegian partner, NILU, has prepared a report entitled. “Review of methods that can be used in the assessment of atmospheric deposition.” In accordance with the findings of the study visit to NILU in June 2022, for the purposes of the aforementioned report, the Norwegian partner of the project carried out the following activities:

  • reviewed statistical methods, chemical transport models, assimilation of measurement data with modeling data, available for use in performing atmospheric deposition assessments, and then described these methods,
  • tested selected statistical methods (Ordinary Kriging, Universal Kriging, Inverse Distance Weighting) for the selected year 2020 and selected parameters of wet atmospheric deposition,
  • analyzed atmospheric deposition results for Poland from chemical transport models: EMEP, WRF and WRF-EMEP combination,
  • analyzed the results of atmospheric deposition for Poland from assimilation of atmospheric deposition measurement data for Poland with the EMEP chemical transport model,
  • recommended methods that could be used in Polish conditions.

Within the framework of Activity No. 5 titled “Procurement of Deposition Measurement Instruments”, a description of the subject of the contract for the purchase of 14 pieces of atmospheric deposition measurement equipment was developed. In November 2022, the tender procedure for the purchase of the aforementioned equipment was initiated.

Tasks carried out in the first half of 2022:

As part of the implementation of the project "Strengthening of atmospheric deposition assessment in Poland based on the Norwegian experience", in the first half of 2022, within the framework of the task entitled "Concept for modernization and optimization of deposition measurements in Poland", reports were prepared on:

  1. analysis of Polish and foreign documents and studies, monitoring systems and data of the State Environmental Monitoring in order to design a new system of research and assessments of atmospheric deposition,
  2. the optimal range of substances and parameters that should be studied as part of precipitation chemistry (wet precipitation),
  3. the optimal number of measurement points in terms of the study of atmospheric precipitation chemistry on a national scale and their detailed locations, as well as the cost of operating the new monitoring system for atmospheric precipitation chemistry.

Under the developed “Concept for Modernization and Optimization of Deposition Measurements in Poland,” the process of preparing a description of the subject of the contract for the purchase and foundation of equipment for measuring precipitation deposition was initiated.