Study of Lasithi Plateau and Aposelemis hydrological basin, with emphasis on coastal zones

Country: Greece

Client: Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change

Start date (month/year): 09/2006
Completion date (month/year): 12/2006

Duration: 10 Months
Associated Consultants: Ydretme et al​
 

Detailed Project Description

The study relates to the project entitled “Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos Water Supply through Aposelemis Dam”
The Project’s goals are the following:​



• Creation of detailed management model and decision support system for the study area, in compatibility with that of the region of Crete, as well as an assessment of obtained results
• ​​Assessment and evaluation of surface and groundwater quality, especially of Aposelemis reservoir, both during its existing state, as well as during the reservoir’s operation phase.

• List of proposals to be given, relating to terms and requirements of securing the reservoir’s water quality
• Presidential decree drafting

Critical Issues:



• The dam’s water will be utilized for irrigation purposes, thus quality protection has been base on precautionary principles
• Emphasis was added on ecologically sensitive areas and their interaction with surface and groundwater
• Other issues of intensive focus included:

(a) Expected differences of water quantity distribution before and after the dam’s operation
(b) Systemic behavior within a typical, dry and average hydrological year
(c) Potential necessary interventions in the area before and after the dam’s construction​

Description of actual services provided by Enveco within the assignment:

The project has been carried out into four phases:

​

​Phase Α:

• Data collection and update-specialization of the management model in regards to the Lasithi Plateau-Aposelemis Basin area.
• Modification and update of the existing regional model of Crete

​Phase Β:

​

• Formation and assessment of alternative scenarios of Water Resources Management

​• Management models for future use

​

• ​Examining scenarios under various hydrological regimes, according to alternative proposals that have taken place till this study’s realization

Phase C:



• Assessment and evaluation of surface and groundwater quality during operation of Aposelemis dam
• Description of natural processes that take place in the river basin, upstream of the dam
• Identification and description of point and diffuse pollution sources, in order to utilize the management model’s results in relation to the water quality of the reservoir

​Phase D:

​

• Presidential decree drafting proposal in relation to reservoir water quality terms of protection

​• Outline of measures and regulations for the future reservoir water quality protection