In the process of the analysis the actual state became apparent differences as well as the commonalties between the warning and alarm systems of the Neman abutter countries. In all participating countries major accident prevention responsibilities are divided between the Environmental and the Emergency prevention (EMERCOM) authorities. The emergency centres usually assigned to EMERCOM. Functions like supervision of enterprises, monitoring of water courses and set off water pollution alarm are performed by environmental authorities.

Lithuania already transformed the European legislation into the national legislation. The Lithuanianian Ministry of Environment and the subordinated Environmental Inspections are responsible for the installation related protection of water bodies. The ministry dispose of an alarm centre enacting its own forces (i.e. laboratory capabilities). In case of alarm (major accident) the Ministry of Environment close interact with the Department of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Defence. The Civil Protection Department manage and co-ordinate the mitigation actions.

The Belarus system is similar. The monitor and alarm functions behove the Republican Centre of Radiation Control and Monitoring, which is subordinated to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Coordination of measures averting a danger and mitigation actions realise the Emergency Centre of EMERCOM.

The knowledge about the Russian system is unsatisfying yet ( Kaliningrad region integrating 3 % of the basin area). In principle the assignment of responsibilities is similar. The detailed analysis of placement responsibilities not finished as a result of drastic changes in the Russian environmental administration.

Wide differences were determined in relation to the alarm criteria and the r egistration of industrial activities possessing risk of major accidents.

Lithuania transforming the European legislation conncerning r egistration of industrial activities (establishments) possessing risk of major accidents into the Lithuanian legislation and built up a register of establishments where present dangerous to water substances equal to or excess of the quantities listed in Annex I, Parts 1/ 2, column 2 and 3 of the SEVESO- Directive resp. according the requirements of the ICCP- Directive. Considering the specific Lithuanian conditions a third category was established for small establishments.

In Belarus exist similar data, however it’s not available at present because of secrecy regulations.

Definite differences between three countries exist in relation to alarm criteria. In all three countries the alarm criteria base on the immission approach, i.e. excess of given concentration in water will cause alarm release.

In Russia and Belarus the alarm criteria base on so named PDK, i.e. thresholds an base of back ground concentration. For given PDK are established factors, leading to the alarm criteria. Lithuania use alarm criteria independent of PDK.

It’s a challenge to harmonize the different warning and alarm systems in the frame of an International Warning and Alarm Plan. The ongoing activities in relation to environmental information exchange between Belarus and Lithuania have to emphasise. Similar activities exist between Lithuania and Russia.

At the meeting was submitted a proposal to setup international task force targeting to monitor and control the International Warn and Alarm Plan for the Neman river (IWAN) in the future and prepare a draft of a mandate for the task force.

Actually is working out a trilateral agreement for the protection of the Neman/ Nemunas river (assisted by Swedish EPA). IWAN represents one break in the frame of the trilateral agreement. In future substantial mission of the taskforce must be coordination of simultaneous activities.

IWAN project

After meeting in Vilnius was developed first project of International Warning and Alarm- Plan Neman/Nemunas (IWAN) considering existing European Warning and Alarm Systems and the UNECE Notification System.

Next activities The following concrete project activities are planed: Study tour to several River commissions in Germany Tuning the warning and alarm plan for the Neman river Proposal for international early warning centres and the technical equipment Preparation of alarm and communication practices Pictures Workshops