Training 3
The third training session is connected with the report D.T3.2.5 COMMON METHODOLOGICAL GUIDANCE FOR DEEPWATER-CE MAR PILOT FEASIBILITY STUDIES prepared within DEEPWATER CE project.
The training lectures will be divided into 6 blocks, each containing presentation and a platform for discussion. The form of the training (online or in person) should determine the timeframe. In person form, when the presentations and discussion are expected to be more vivid, so the longer timeframe of the training might be predicted in participating countries.
- Each block can be led by different lecturers
- All five blocks will provide presentations and platform for Q&A
- After the second block there is planned 15 minutes break (the length of break will be specified by lecturers)
1st block – Introduction of feasibility study structure and desktop study of the pilot site
Content: The presentation will provide overview of feasibility study structure (DT3.2.5) and it will introduce in general the desktop study of the pilot site in relevant country (DT.3.X.1). Study summarised the data availability and their sources for pilot site characterisation, i.e. its geomorphology and surface topography, climatic conditions, hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, land use and related surface water and groundwater pollution, existing infrastructure and regulatory limitations.
2nd block – Site characterization
Content: This thematic block will address the characterization of the (pilot) site, which was chosen for intensive studying. Furthermore, geological and hydrogeological investigation and numerical modelling to collect data for feasibility study elaboration will be introduced. After desktop study elaboration, further investigation for the planning of the MAR scheme is carried out. In each pilot site, the project the partner will introduce the investigation work for the selected MAR scheme. Moreover, lecturer will inform about objectives and methods of site investigation for selected MAR scheme; like sampling (e.g. soil, groundwater, surface water, etc.), or measurements (geophysics, flow and water level measurements, etc.). Furthermore, the audience will be provided information on current and predicted water demand.
3rd block – Risk management
Content: The audience will get information on how to manage the potential risk related to MAR scheme and how this was applied at the pilot sites of the DEEPWATER-CE program. Hazards related risks from environmental and human health, technical, social and legislative viewpoints are assessed. Based on the risk assessment, risk treatment options will be identified. Moreover, MAR sensitivity to extreme climate events will be also evaluated. In required cases operational monitoring of the MAR site will be designed as part of risk treatment and preparedness.
4th block – Cost-benefit analysis
Content: The presentation will outline cost-benefit analysis, which is one of the most frequently used approaches for assessing the economic feasibility of natural resource projects, including MAR schemes. The audience will be informed about CBA, as a method for measuring the economic feasibility of the project by comparing all costs associated with it and resulting benefits (private and social, direct and indirect, tangible and intangible) . The criterion for MAR system's construction under CBA is that the total economic value of MAR site benefits exceeds its costs. The participants will be provided with information about the methodology of CBA, its data requirements, stakeholders´ identification, selection of economic indicators and ways to incorporate uncertainty in CBA. It is also important to account in CBA for non-use benefits of MAR system (for instance, improvement of environmental conditions), which can be done by applying contingent valuation techniques
5th block – Comparison of alternative solutions (OPTIONAL) and policy recommendations
Content: There will be presented comparison of “Zero solution” (no MAR, nothing in the locality) with “A solution” (MAR application) or any other available solution, e.g. water desalination plants, surface dams for water retention, etc. When comparing alternative scenarios, there will be taken into account technical, environmental, social and economic aspects.
The legislative overview related to MAR scheme construction at national level as a background knowledge for policy recommendations will be introduced.
6th block – Environmental impact assessment
Content: The national inputs to preliminary environmental impact assessment as the environmental setting of the proposed project location and potential impacts of MAR construction/operation on the environment will be presented.
During Q&A session stakeholders could provide their opinions on how MAR can affect various components of the environment.
Aim of the training
- Introduce the feasibility study structure and policy recommendation
- Inform about desktop study summarizing the overall information on the pilot site
- Provide an overview on site characterization
- Present the risk assessment and risk treatment
- Provide an information on cost-benefit analysis
- Compare the alternative solutions with MAR variant - optional
- Provide information on environmental impact assessment - optional
