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High Phosphorus Load Found in North-West Russia
For background and updates, please visit:
http://www.helcom.fi/projects/on_going/balthazar/en_GB/river_Luga/
The investigation continues on the exact source of the high phosphorus load, found late last year in Kingisepp, North-West Russia by 'Luga Pilot' within the framework of HELCOM's BALTHAZAR project. The Russian data from 2008–2010 had indicated an increase in the pollution load from the area, and which was followed up through the samplings in October–December 2011 by a Finnish-Russian research team within BALTHAZAR.
The samplings were taken nearby an industrial area which incorporates a fertilizer plant, former phosphorus mines and large waste deposits. The filed report of the findings were discussed in a BALTHAZAR Steering Group meeting on 18 January 2012. Since January, the plant has been involved in discussions and on 7 February 2012, its representatives met with the BALTHAZAR representatives, Finnish and Russian experts and authorities.
Further investigation and samplings in the area are required and a joint sampling programme is under discussions. The process is being closely followed up and the progress will be reviewed at the next annual HELCOM meeting on 6–7 March 2012.
Media coverage -first few days
