Modernization of Water/Wastewater Infrastructure and Flood Risk Prevention through SOP Environment 2007 – 2013

  • Codruța Violeta Simule USAMV-CN, IPM
  • Marilena Rozenberg
Keywords: SOP Environment, priority axis, water, wastewater, flood prevention

Abstract

The Sectoral Operational Programme Environment (SOP ENV) is the most important financing program for environmental infrastructure. The SOP ENV continues and builds for the future, on national environmental infrastructure development programmes initiated in the pre-accession period, particularly with PHARE and ISPA support. The SOP is fully based on the goals and priorities of the European Union’s environment and infrastructure policies and reflects Romania’s international obligations as well as its specific national interests. The SOP’s total budget for the 2007 - 2013 programming period amounts to about Euro 5.6 billion. SOP ENV is regarded as a tool to complete efficient management structures for environmentally relevant services (water and wastewater, waste management). As well, the SOP design addresses non-traditional fields of interventions like efficient urban heating systems, risk prevention and nature protection. In line with the assessment of the environmental needs in Romania, water/wastewater systems are the main target area, requiring the largest investments. The proposed allocation for Priority Axes 1 (3,266 million Euros) allows financing of a total of 42 projects at national level. In the North-West Region is implementing 5 water/wastewater projects (in counties Bihor, Bistrita Nasaud, Cluj, Satu Mare, Salaj) and one is in preparation (Maramures). Also in North-West Region has been implementing two projects for flood risk prevention, in the Somes-Tisa and Crisuri river basins. Investments are designed to ensure progress with the environmental acquis compliance and to reduce gaps between Romania and other EU member states in the two fields.