Template for the 2023 NAPC report now available

On January 3 this year. The Polish Waterways published a template for the current report on the implementation of the National Urban Wastewater Treatment Program (KPOŚK) for the calendar year 2023. Designated agglomerations have until February 28, 2024 to submit the completed questionnaire to the relevant regional authorities. The last update of the NAPP anticipated investments of PLN 28.7 billion. What scope does the report cover?

Legal basis

The obligation to report on the implementation of the NAPP is based on the provisions of Art. 89 of the Water Law (Journal of Laws 2023.1478). The KPOŚK indicates the needs for cleaning up wastewater management in Poland. It was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2003. and is updated every four years in accordance with the regulations. Its goal is to protect the environment from inadequately treated wastewater in accordance with the provisions of the EU Wastewater Directive(91/271/EEC) in force in Poland. The national program identifies agglomerations that must be equipped with combined sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants by a specified date.

The latest, sixth update of the NAP was adopted in May 2022. and provides for investments amounting to PLN 28.7 billion. They are scheduled to be implemented by the end of 2027. Agglomerations can apply for funding for their projects from public funds, including EU funds earmarked for 2021-2027.

Recall that in Poland, Wody Polskie, specifically the Water Environment Management Division, is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Directive 91/271/EEC. PGW is also responsible for designating agglomerations within the framework of municipal wastewater management. There are eleven regional water management boards (RZGWs) across the country.

Agglomerations required to report and their plans

Appendix No. 2 to the VI ACP-EPA is a list of agglomerations required to submit annual reports on the implementation of the wastewater management program. There are a total of 1,529 of them in the document, and each corresponds to one lead municipality that is required to report. Recall that agglomerations within the meaning of the KPOŚK were established by relevant resolutions of municipal councils, shown in the appendix. The list takes into account the p.e., a parameter that determines the load of all wastewater generated in an agglomeration. In addition, the reporting obligation was extended to agglomerations established after the adoption of the last update.

The agglomerations listed in the appendix are collectively served by 1,653 municipal wastewater treatment plants, with a total p.e. of 37.1 million. It is worth mentioning that in 2022. 675 agglomerations did not meet the conditions of Directive 91/271/EEC. These include, in particular, the provision of municipal wastewater collection systems, the capacity of treatment plants and wastewater treatment standards (including enhanced nutrient removal). These agglomerations have been assigned priorities and courses of action to ensure that this compliance is achieved in the coming years.

As part of the sixth update of the NAP, the agglomerations have planned to build more than 8 thousand. km Sewerage network and upgrading more than 3,000. km of existing networks – the value of these investments was estimated at more than PLN 15 billion. It also pledged to build 60 new wastewater treatment plants and renovate those already in operation at a cost of more than PLN 13 billion. In addition, more than PLN 24 million has been earmarked for investment in domestic wastewater treatment plants.

What is included in the report on the implementation of the NAP?

This reporting questionnaire consists of five sheets and includes, among other things. A list of all wastewater treatment plants in the area with data on their capacity, p.e. and the amount of wastewater discharged without treatment. A list of investments completed in 2023 should also be provided for each plant. and how they are financed. In addition, the report includes a summary of all wastewater discharge points in the agglomeration area and their associated treatment plants. As part of the basic data, the leading municipalities are also required to provide information on the number of residents, accommodations, industrial wastewater and the length of the sewage network.

Practical information on submitting the NAP for 2023

Each of the agglomerations identified in the ACP-Environment 2022 is required to complete a reporting questionnaire and submit it by the end of February this year. At the territorially competent regional water management authority. The report can be submitted on paper or electronically, and in addition, it should also be sent by email in an editable electronic version.

Failure to comply with the reporting obligation by the deadline authorizes the Water Authority to impose financial penalties of up to $10,000 on individual agglomerations. PLN. A template of the report is available on the BIP website of the Water Authority.