EMPEREST – Improving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances Monitoring and Water Treatment

Energy and Climate

Status: Ongoing projects

EMPEREST – Improving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances Monitoring and Water Treatment

The Riga Energy Agency, in cooperation with SIA “Rīgas Ūdens,” is participating in the international EMPEREST project to enhance water quality and reduce PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution. The project aims to develop solutions for PFAS monitoring and elimination, including testing new technologies at the Daugavgrīva wastewater treatment plant.

Why is this project important for Riga?
PFAS are human-made chemicals widely used in industry and consumer products, such as food packaging and fire-resistant materials. These substances are resistant to degradation and can accumulate in the environment and human bodies, posing health and environmental risks. EU directives set stricter requirements for monitoring and reducing these pollutants. EMPEREST will help Riga establish a safer and more sustainable water management system.

Project Objective
To establish an early response system for monitoring and mitigating PFAS pollution, including developing new methodologies and testing innovative technologies at the Daugavgrīva wastewater treatment plant.

Benefits for Citizens
✔ Safer and cleaner water by reducing pollution risks in drinking water and the environment.
✔ Improved public health by minimizing PFAS accumulation risks.
✔ More efficient and sustainable water management through modernized treatment technologies.

Project Activities
✔ Develop a methodology for PFAS monitoring and establish a pollution and risk register.
✔ Test energy-efficient equipment at the Daugavgrīva wastewater treatment plant.
✔ Conduct training for water management companies and service providers.
✔ Prepare a PFAS risk assessment plan for Riga’s water environment.

Area in Riga where the project is being tested
The pilot project will be implemented at the Daugavgrīva wastewater treatment plant.

Project Results
✔ Established and implemented an early warning system for detecting PFAS pollution.
✔ New solutions for reducing PFAS contamination in Riga’s water systems.
✔ Improved water quality management supporting sustainable development.

Funding, Duration, and Partners
Funding source: Interreg Baltic Sea Region Program
Total project budget: € 249,883 EUR
Riga’s total budget:
EU funding for Riga: € 199,906 (80%)
Riga’s co-financing: € 49,977 (20%)
Project duration: 01.01.2023 – 31.12.2025
Project partners: Tartu City Municipality (Estonia) and the Union of Baltic Cities (UBC) are the lead partners of the project, along with the Gdańsk City Municipality (Poland), Szczecin City Municipality (Poland), Kaunas City (Lithuania), Tallinn City Municipality (Estonia), Turku City Municipality (Finland), Växjö City Municipality (Sweden), Grevesmühlen Municipality (Germany), and the Riga City Municipality (Latvia).

Associated partners of the project include municipal water management companies, such as SIA “Rīgas Ūdens,” NGOs, and others.

Contact Information
Māra Reča
Project Coordinator
Riga energy agency
mara.reca@riga.lv

Links to Further Resources
Interreg Baltic Sea Region EMPEREST