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Water Utility Journal 16: 67-80, 2017. © 2017 E.W. Publications

The DPSIR approach to groundwater management for sustainable development in coastal areas: The case of Nea Peramos aquifer system, Kavala, Greece

K. Mimidis1, P. Andrikakou1, A. Kallioras2 and F. Pliakas1*

1 Engineering Geology Laboratory, Civil Engineering Department, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece 2 Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology Laboratory, School of Mining Engineering and Metallurgy, National Technical University of Athens, 157 80 Athens, Greece * e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The application of the DPSIR framework is presented in the coastal surface plain and aquifer system of Nea Peramos, Kavala. The procedure included the use of previous relevant hydrological, hydrogeological and management studies, regarding the study area. The development of the DPSIR framework, via the components that the methodology sets (drivers - D, pressures - P, states - S, impacts - I, responses - R), allowed the recognition and visualization of the cause and effect relationships between factors of local society and environment in a simplified manner. This proved particularly useful for the study area, as adverse data were identified, whilst proposals were compiled aiming to achieve, amongst others, rational water resource management to meet the water needs of the region.

Key words: Coastal aquifers, coastal hydrologic basins, groundwater management, river basin management, DPSIR framework, water resources

1. INTRODUCTION

The DPSIR (Driving forces - D, Pressures - P, States - S, Impacts - I, Responses - R) framework was developed in the late 1990s and was proposed by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2003) as a method for development and organization of indicators in an understandable manner during decision-making processes. Based on previous environmental frameworks, the DPSIR framework was adopted as a conceptual model by the European Environment Agency in 1995 (Gabrielson and Bosch, 2003). DPSIR was developed to illustrate the cause and effect relationship between environmental and human systems. After adoption by the European Environmental Agency, the DPSIR method became popular in research studies, including studies on the management of nutrients in marine environments (Turner et al., 1996; Newton et al., 2003; Scheren et al., 2004), integrated coastal management studies (Bowen and Riley, 2003), development in watersheds (Cave et al., 2003), and offshore wind power studies (Elliot, 2002), among others. Today, the DPSIR framework has been implemented around the world at both a national and global scale (Odermatt applications, 2004). Furthermore, research for the implementation of the DPSIR framework has been conducted at catchment scale (Karageorgis et al., 2005; Pirrone et al., 2005) or at a wider scale (Holman et al., 2005).

The DPSIR framework can be used as an analytical framework for the study of surface water and groundwater. The framework allows for a comprehensive assessment of issues, via the determination of causal links starting with Driving forces (D), through Pressures (P) to subsequent States (S) and Impacts (I), eventually leading to resolving Responses (R) to improve the current state of the environment (Kristensen, 2004). Related studies can be found in the international and Greek literature. Caeiro et al. (2004) described the application of the DPSIR indicators framework to an estuary in Portugal based on a Geographical Information System (GIS), focusing on preliminary identification and evaluation of social and economic pressures. Chung et al. (2011) used DPSIR approach to rank urban watershed management alternatives using multi-attribute

68 K. Mimidis et al.

decision making (MADM) techniques, an alternative evaluation index (AEI) and continuous urban runoff simulation results from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). This systematic decision support process was demonstrated by Chung et al. (2011) for a Korean urban watershed. Lin et al. (2007) analyzed data from coastal wetlands in Xiamen, China, during time period of 1950 - 2005 using a DPSIR model. Agyemang et al. (2007) state that the DPSIR environmental assessment framework is an efficient method of arranging composite environmental data to ease policy decision making after studying environmental degradation in northern Ghana.

According to Mateus and Campuzano (2008), the DPSIR framework has been used to confront problems at coastal marine environments such as coastal areas, coastal lagoons, deltaic systems, estuaries, river basins. Relevant applications in Greece are presented by Karakos et al. (2003) at the Nestos River Delta, Karageorgis et al. (2005) at the Axios River catchment and Thermaikos Gulf, Karageorgis et al. (2006) at the deltaic coastal zone of the inner Thermaikos Gulf, Ntislidou et al. (2012) at the Kosynthos River, Greece. More recently, Lyra et al. (2016) presented another implementation of DPSIR framework in the coastal part of the Almyros Basin, Magnesia Prefecture, Greece.

Kagalou et al. (2012) mention that the DPSIR model is regarded as an additional tool for both society and policy makers concerning water resources management (Giupponi, 2007; De Stefano, 2010) since it was used as an analytical approach for defining pressures and impacts under the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (European Communities, 2000; Borja et al., 2006; Pirrone et al., 2005). However, Fernandez et al. (2014) argue that the DPSIR approach does not take into account several factors while assessing a specific water management issue, such as conflicts for the definition of the issue, as well as social, political and spatial delimitation of that issue.

Wang et al. (2015) have used the DPSIR framework as a way to organize the assessment of the evolution of soil and water conservation policy in the Yellow River Basin, China, for the analysis of relevant problems such as rural poverty, severe soil erosion, great sediment loads and high flood risks, over the period of 1949 to present. A DPSIR approach was followed by Dolbeth et al. (2016) in order to achieve a decision support framework for the management of lagoon ecosystems using four study areas to formulate integrated management recommendations for European lagoons. Diaz and Yeh (2015) analysed the potential impacts to vulnerable urban water supply in Dunedin, USA, a highly urbanized coastal city by applying the DPSIR framework, resulting in strategic suggestions to manage these risks. Sun et al. (2016) established an indicator system for the evaluation of water resource sustainability based on the DPSIR model and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. They also conducted an assessment on water resource sustainability in the city of Bayannur, China, based on several social and economic factors. Skondras and Karavitis (2015) developed a decision support framework called CDSA (Combined SWOT–DPSIR Analysis), built on the DPSIR framework, where elements of the SWOT framework, the theory of Multicriteria Analysis and the concepts of resistances and vulnerabilities are integrated. Their approach aims to facilitate complex decision-making process regarding coupled human-environmental systems.

In this paper, the application of the DPSIR framework is presented in the coastal surface plain and aquifer system of Nea Peramos, Kavala. The procedure includes the use of previous relevant hydrological, hydrogeological and management studies, regarding the study area. The application of the DPSIR framework in the study area evaluates and uses data and information with regard to rational and sustainable water resources management approach.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

The study area is located at the Eleftheres hydrological basin, Municipality of Paggaion, Kavala Prefecture, Greece, almost 15 km southwest of Kavala City in the coastal area of the prefecture (Fig. 1). The settlement of Municipal Unit Eleftheres currently has approximately 9,000 permanent residents (census of 2011), whereas during the summer period there is a strong seasonal increase in

Water Utility Journal 16 (2017) 69

population driven by tourists. The total population in the summer peaks almost at 24,700 residents (the latest forecast, from the spatial planning study underway, mentions 15,550 residents in 2021).

The wider catchment area is surrounded by the Symvolo Mountain (northern, western and southern boundary), while the eastern boundary is formed by the Aegean Sea. The extent of the study area is approximately 20 km2, including the settlement of Nea Peramos. The geomorphology of the area is flat with elevations of up to about 20 m, while the Eleftheres stream is the main stream in the region flowing from NW to SE (Fig. 1). The study area is covered mainly by cultivated areas, while the settlement of Nea Peramos extends east of the basin. The area is under water resources pressure during the peak tourist season of the summer months, as well as due to intensive irrigation of crops (Pliakas et al., 2007).

Figure 1. The study area including the monitoring wells network (Google Earth background) (Mimidis et al., 2014).

The climate in this region is Mediterranean with characteristically dry and hot summers. Due to the topography, the eastern part of the study area is more vulnerable to flooding, while the area is classified as a potential high risk zone in accordance to historical floods observed.

3. GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROGEOLOGICAL SETTING

Regarding the Nea Peramos drainage basin (Eleftheres basin) of Kavala Prefecture (Fig. 1), the management plan of the drainage basins of East Macedonia water district (GG 2291/13-9-2013) refers to the alluvial AS (Aquifer System) GR1100140, which is characterized as a system of poor quantitative and qualitative status. The geological formations that prevail in the region are the following (Fig. 2) (Mimidis et al., 2014):

§ Quaternary deposits (depth of 0 - 60 m): loose conglomerate, gravels, clay-sandy material, and red silt.

§ Graniodorite of Symvolo Mountain, which is the base of the Quaternary deposits and is located, on the surface, around the drainage basin. The outer parts of the granite of Symvolo show strong schistosity or even mylonitization.

§ Locally, at different sites, gneiss and gneiss-schists are present, with colors varying from ashy to brown and texture from granular to schistose.

Str. Eleftheres

Eleftheres WWPT

Egnatia Motorway

1 km

Nea Peramos

Eleftheres Bay


Figure 2. (Α) geological map of the wider study area (IGME 1983, modified); (B) conceptual model of the study area.

In the study area, there is a dense network of dug and drilled wells (Fig. 1), which can be distinguished into the following categories depending on their depth, and therefore, depending on the exploitation of the specific aquifers at various depths, respectively (Mimidis et al., 2014):

§ dug wells up to 2-9 m depth, pumping from the unconfined aquifer (Quaternary deposits - alluvial)

§ drilled wells up to 30 m depth, pumping from the unconfined aquifer (Quaternary deposits - alluvial)

§ deep wells pumping from the underlying confined aquifer in granite § deep wells, which have open screens to both aquifer layers and exploit both geological

formations. In the past, in this basin, several hydrogeological investigations of the Laboratory of Engineering

Geology, Department of Civil Engineering, DUTH, Greece, have been carried out, and have resulted in interesting conclusions regarding the groundwater status of the study area (Pliakas et al., 2007; Evaggelou, 2008; Stergiou, 2009; Kaligeri, 2010; Katimada, 2011; Pliakas et al., 2011; Mpouzios, 2013; Andrikakou, 2014; Mimidis, 2014).

Seasonal hydraulic communication and recharge procedure between the two aquifers are issues

Α

SW NE

Eleftheres stream

ΒΑ


that are being investigated. Overall, it is observed that there is a recharge groundwater axis of the unconfined aquifer with NW-SE direction coming from the mountain area through Eleftheres stream, while artesian phenomenon is also observed (most prominent at spring time). There are strong indications that the confined aquifer of granodiorite recharges the overlying alluvial aquifer. Both aquifers are under exploitation.

4. LAND USE, NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECTED AREAS

Nea Peramos is classified under the Natura 2000 network as a protected area. Regarding land uses, the cultivation of vineyards is prominent, whilst olive, kiwi and cherry trees are also grown in the wider study area. The local economy is mainly based on the primary sector, while limited secondary sector activity is also present through several family businesses. Finally, the tertiary sector is also represented via the development of tourist services.

5. MATERIALS AND METHODS

5.1 Recent research activities

The research activity in the area for the assessment of groundwater resources is divided into three distinct phases (Pliakas et al., 2007, Mimidis et al., 2014):

§ Assessment of the granodiorite aquifer characteristics § Assessment of the characteristics of the alluvial aquifer of the western side § Assessment of the characteristics of the alluvial aquifer of the eastern side (either side of the

Egnatia Motorway).

In the recent past, in the eastern area, the exploitation of the alluvial aquifer system was performed through dug wells. The deep wells of the alluvial aquifer system in the area are limited and only two of them are pumped today. Nowadays, the irrigation needs are covered mainly by shallow dug wells (3-4 m, for small area field) and from deep wells. Water is pumped from the granite and transferred through an extensive pipelines network. The alluvial deposits, which consist of clay-sandy materials and gravels, can be characterized as permeable to semi-permeable formations. Permeability decreases with increasing clay fraction. Hydraulic conductivity (K) values vary from 0.14 to 8 m/day, estimated from slug tests performed into the alluvial aquifer system at depth up to 5 - 25 m, corresponding to fine to medium sand (Katimada, 2011; Mpouzios, 2013).

The piezometric map of Figure 3 shows that the groundwater level (m a.s.l) is higher than the sea level, which excludes the possibility of passive seawater intrusion (Mimidis et al., 2014).

The map in Figure 4 shows the spatial distribution of values of the ratio SO42-/Cl-. The ratio

SO42-/Cl- has been used by many researchers to investigate the hydrochemical conditions of coastal

aquifers (Vengosh and Rosenthal, 1994; Giménez and Morell, 1997). For values of the ratio lower than 0.2, groundwater is characterized as chloride (suggesting marine origin), while for values greater than 5, is characterized as sulfide. Intermediate values characterize the groundwater as chlorosulfonated (0.2-1) and sulfide-chloride (1-5) (Lambrakis, 1994; Kallergis, 2000). It is observed that the groundwater in the region can be classified as chlorosulfonated in the central part of the study area and sulfide-chloride to the SW and NE. It should be noted that the presence of increased concentration values of SO4

-2 SW is of geological nature as there are influences through the cracked granodiorite background of the Akropotamos geothermal field. Based on the piezometric map and the distribution of electrical conductivity (EC) values (Fig. 5), it is understood that there is a gradual replacement of brackish water by freshwater. Comparison of the maps of the electrical conductivity values with the corresponding map of SO4

2-/Cl- values shows an increase of


EC values at the NW-SE axis, indicating regression of salinization, a situation reflected in the SO4

2-/Cl- ratio (Mimidis et al., 2014).

Figure 3. Piezometric map (m a.s.l.) of the alluvial aquifer system of the study area (February 2013) (Mimidis, 2014).

Increased levels of SO42- values are observed in those wells that are abandoned. Instead,

increased levels of Cl- concentrations are observed along the axis of the Eleftheres stream, especially at the south side. This is due to the fact that the Eleftheres stream (Mimidis et al., 2014):

§ is the only surface pathway of seawater intrusion, and § is the final recipient of the effluent coming from the WWTP of Eleftheres Municipal Unity,

which shows particularly high conductivity values. The water in the wells, which are not pumped, is distinguished by the presence of a strong

characteristic smell caused by hydrogen sulfite compounds. From analysis performed in wells of this category, soluble divalent iron at high concentration, as well as lack of NO3

- was noticed. The wells are covered by green algae, whose decomposition feeds the system with the necessary organic material. Pumped wells exhibit a completely different behavior in water chemistry with the clear absence of hydrogen sulfide smell accompanied by reduction of the electrical conductivity values. In these wells, chemical analysis showed the presence of NO3

- (Mimidis et al., 2014). The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in Nea Peramos serves the permanent and

seasonal population of the area (Figure 1). The design of this plant provides a high degree of removal of organic matter, ammonia, nitrate and phosphate, so that pollution problems are limited (Markantonakis and Papavasilopoulos, 2003a, 2003b).

Southwest of the study area, in the region of Akropotamos, there is a confirmed medium enthalpy geothermal field, which contains geothermal fluid of marine origin (IGME, 2007). Given the tectonics of the region and the strongly fractured granodiorite background (water-rifts channels), it has been observed that there is limited mixing of water from the geothermal field of Akropotamos appearing in the southern part of the basin of Eleftheres. The geothermal field has influence both on the quality of irrigation water, and on the water quality of the alluvial aquifer, rendering the water unsuitable for vine growing due to high electrical conductivity.


Figure 4. Indicator SO42-/Cl- values (July 2012) (Mimidis et al., 2014).

Figure 5. Electrical Conductivity (EC) values (µS/cm) (July 2012) (Mimidis et al., 2014).

5.2 Application of the DSIR framework

Towards implementing the DPSIR framework in the study area, the sequence of pressures, states, impacts and responses engaged to each driver is presented (Table 1). The driving forces analyzed in this specific research area are:

§ protected areas, § land use, population (both permanent and seasonal),


§ geology as well as topography of the region, § climate, geothermal field, § wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) § legislative framework.

5.2.1 Protected areas

A major Driving Force for the study area of Nea Peramos is considered the protected area located in Eleftheres Bay, which is included in the Natura 2000 network. It should be noted that the protected area is a constraint (Pressure) for the tourism sector, in contrast to the agricultural sector, where there are no limitations for the above activity. The existence of the protected area in the Bay of Eleftheres, creates conditions (State) for environmental protection as it limits the use of the stream of Eleftheres (which ends up in Eleftheres Bay - Figure 1) as the final recipient of wastewater derived from the WWTP. In that way, it contributes (Impact) to preventing groundwater quality degradation of the alluvial aquifer. Reduced economic growth and limited jobs in the tertiary sector constitute the Impact of protected areas. According to the DPSIR method, the restriction of employment of local residents in the tourism sector could be considered as a Response, resulting in the fact that the majority of job opportunities focus on the agricultural sector.

5.2.2 Land use

Another Driving Force is land use in the region of Nea Peramos, which applies Pressure to the groundwater resources affecting the annual water consumption and water quality. Regarding the water quantity, it should be noted that both aquifer systems (granodiorite and alluvial aquifer systems) are affected. The alluvial aquifer system was used in the past mainly for meeting irrigation needs. Nowadays, the majority of irrigation water and 100% of potable water is derived from the granodiorite aquifer system. The intensification of cultivations and particularly the increase in kiwi cultivation, results in additional water demand. In addition, over-pumping in the coastal zone enhances the phenomenon of groundwater salinization. Direct Impact occurs on the alluvial aquifer system due to the use of nitrate and phosphate fertilizers and pesticides, which also impact on soil quality. In particular, phosphate ions create complex compounds with the clay contents of soil and do not end up to the alluvial aquifer system. On the other hand, the use of nitrate fertilizers has contributed to the degradation of alluvial aquifer as the observed concentrations of NO3

- are in many cases above the potable limits (50 mg/L). The effect of Pressure can be considered as the State, which refers to the quantity and quality of the alluvial aquifer system. The rapid depletion of the alluvial aquifer system, as well as the increased demands in water for kiwi cultivations, results in the extraction of water from the granodiorite aquifer system. The Impact, which derives from the aforementioned State, causes the rapid depletion of the shallow dug-wells (2 m up to 7 m deep, meeting initial needs until water runs out and then water is supplied from the deep drilling - depth 60 - 120 m - in the granodiorite aquifer system), due to the increasing quantitative degradation of the alluvial aquifer system. Response is the drilling of new wells throughout the depth of the alluvial aquifer and the granite background (depth up to 60 - 120 m). As a consequence, objective indicators that were set by law (Official Gazette 3322/B/30-12-2011: "Definition of maximum acceptable values for the concentrations of certain pollutants, groups of pollutants or indicators of pollution in groundwater") occasionally are not satisfied at the optimum level, with the major issue being NO3

- concentrations. According to Greek legislation (Official Gazette 2291/B/13-09-2013: "Approval of the River Basin Water District of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace management plan"), the alluvial aquifer system under investigation is considered as a system with poor quantitative and qualitative status and further investigation of the characteristics of the groundwater establishing an integrated management plan is recommended. It is also mentioned that it can be used only for drinking purposes.


Table 1. Summarized presentation of main findings resulting from the implementation of the DPSIR framework in the coastal area of Nea Peramos, Kavala Prefecture, Greece (modified from Andrikakou, 2014).

DRIVING FORCE PRESSURE STATE IMPACT RESPONSE

Protected areas (Natura 2000)

• Limitations in the tourism sector

• Environment non-susceptible to pollutants

• Ensured qualitative status of groundwater aquifer systems

• Limited economic growth

• Reduced job opportunities

• Limited employment in the tourism sector

• Growth of primary sector employment

Land uses • Quantity of water: over-

pumping, contributing to salinization

• Quality of water: use of fertilizers and pesticides

• Extraction of water from the granodiorite aquifer system due to depletion of the alluvial one

• Deterioration of alluvial aquifer system

• Abandonment of shallow wells due to the rapid depletion of the alluvial aquifer system

• Quantity of water: drilling of new wells

• Quality of water: water network needs not

met at an optimal level

Population (permanent – seasonal)

• Increase in population that affects both the quality and the quantity of water resources

• Rapid depletion of underground aquifer systems

• Deterioration of groundwater aquifer quality

• Increase of pollutants from human activities

• Increase in jobs for permanent population

• Improvement of seasonal tourism infrastructure

Geology of the coastal area of Nea Peramos

• Hydrological balance (runoff, infiltration)

• Quality of water • Type and efficiency of

crops • Infiltration into the

alluvial aquifer of nitrogen compounds

• Drilling of deep wells within the granodiorite to satisfy irrigation and other needs

• Deterioration of soil quality from a salinity perspective at the eastern segment of the alluvial plane

• Reduced agricultural efficiency

• Deeper drilling of wells • Development of

pipelines

Topography • Torrents resulting in evident erosion and sediment deposition

• Disruption of the erosion-deposition equilibrium

• Limitation of flooding • No influence on the environment and the primary sector of the economy

Climate • Quality of crops • Quantity of water • Flooding

• Impact on environment • Alteration of

groundwater characteristics

• Destruction of produced products

• Financial difficulties of the producers and generally local residents

• Alteration in the groundwater table level

• Adoption of measures to address extreme events

Geothermal field

• Reduced number of drillings

• Mixing of water with high and low electrical conductivity (EC)

• Water with electrical conductivity (EC) >1000 µS/cm in 24 οC

• Wells in alluvial aquifer systems with electrical conductivity EC >3000 µS/cm

• Deterioration of the quality of drinking water

• Supply of brackish water to the area

WWTP • Eleftheres stream as a sewage recipient

• Deterioration of the eastern alluvial aquifer system quality

• Exceeding nitrate concentration limits

• Wastewater conductivity >2000 µS/cm

• Increased concentrations of N, P

• Eutrophication and recharge of the aquifer system

• Unsightly setup • Unpleasant odors • Increase of EC and

chlorine (Cl) ions along the Eleftheres stream

Legislative framework

• Protecting groundwater from pollution and deterioration

• Poor status of the groundwater system

• Shortage of water to meet agricultural needs

• Measures for water quality improvement

• Definition of indicators to monitor pollutants concentration


5.2.3 Population

Τhe population of Nea Peramos region constitutes a strong Driving Force. The Driving Force is both the permanent population, which shows a rising trend (from 2001 until today, according to the latest census), and the seasonal population (especially during summer), increasing the need for facilities. The increase of the resident population, acts as a Pressure to water resources (both quality and quantity). The Pressure is more intense during the summer season due to the presence of tourists. As a result, the alluvial aquifer water quality deteriorates, as additionally residents are increasingly engaged in land cultivation. Increasing concentrations of pollutants from anthropogenic interventions (pesticides, fertilizers) in agriculture can be considered an Impact on quality of the alluvial aquifer. Nonetheless, water quality of the granodiorite aquifer is not affected. Regarding the water quantity, a gradual reduction of the reserves of the two-aquifer systems (alluvial, granodiorite) is noted. Finally, Response is provided in the form of the new Development Plan for the wide region of Eleftheres which envisages the establishment of new processing units in the food sector. Also, an improvement of infrastructure to meet the seasonal tourism needs is necessary.

5.2.4 Geology

Τhe geology of the region can be considered a Driving Force and, in turn, has an Impact on hydrological balance of the Eleftheres basin (runoff, infiltration), as well as on the quality of groundwater deriving from both aquifer systems, granodiorite and alluvial. Higher amounts and higher quality of water is provided from the granodiorite aquifer when compared to the alluvial. Pressures are constituted by the type and efficiency of the cultivated crops as well as related infiltration of nitrates into the alluvial aquifer system. Furthermore, the current State, which is prevalent (considering geology as Driving Force) in the study area of Nea Peramos, consists of the presence of deep wells that are drilled down to the granodiorite bedrock, in order to meet irrigation and other needs. The granodiorite bedrock is rich with cracks as a result of intense tectonic activity in the past, resulting in significant groundwater storage capacity. However, it should also be noted (Impact) that in the eastern part of the study area (east of the Egnatia Motorway), the top-soil (Quaternary deposits) is relatively degraded in terms of salinity, resulting in decreased performance of the crops (Response). Finally, the strongly fractured granodiorite bedrock (State), exerts an Impact on alluvial aquifer as hydraulic communication mechanism is established throughout the basin. Αs a Response, the alluvial aquifer system provides limited groundwater quantities during the summer months.

5.2.5 Topography

A particularly important Driving Force for the coastal part of Nea Peramos is the topography of the region, which is characterized by a variety of mountainous and lowland terrain. This Driving Force causes Pressure, as the streams of the region result in erosion and deposition of sediments. The resulting State and related Impact is the existence of damaging floods during heavy rain periods. As a Response, the entire eastern part of the Eleftheres bay faces serious problems when heavy rain occurs. Fortunately, this Response has no effects to croplands since this part of the region has few hectares of farmland.

5.2.6 Climate

According to the DPSIR framework, the climatic conditions of the area are considered as a Driving Force. Abrupt temperature alterations and other weather variations affect the quality of cultivated crops and also the quantity of water resources, resulting in a Pressure. A further significant pressure manifests itself in the occurrence of frequent flooding, as demonstrated by Nea


Peramos’s characterisation as a potentially high flood risk zone (Official Gazette 2291/B/ 13.09.2013: "Approval of the River Basin Water District of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace management plan"). Depending on prevailing weather conditions (mild or severe), both the environment (State) and the groundwater characteristics (quantity, quality) are affected. It should be also noted that damages to crops (Impact) due to abnormal weather conditions, as well as the resulting economic difficulties for the population of the study area are considered significant effects (Response).

5.2.7 Geothermal field

The low enthalpy geothermal field (as a direct influence of a confirmed geothermal field of Akropotamos stream south of the study area) is a Driving force for the coastal segment of Νea Peramos. The effect of this Driving Force (Pressure) is the reduced number of wells for water supply, especially in the eastern side of the study area, whilst such limitation is less prominent in the western side. As a resulting Impact, water temperature reaches 25°C (constant throughout the year), while high electrical conductivity (ΕC) values above 2000 µS/m and traces of Arsenic ions are observed when relevant samples are compared with other water samples derived from granodiorite bodies (Official Gazette 3322/B/ 30.12.2011): "Definition of maximum acceptable values for the concentrations of certain pollutants, groups of pollutants or indicators of pollution in groundwater"). Furthermore, Li+ is also present. Regarding the S-SW side of granodiorite, mixing of high electrical conductivity water with low conductivity freshwater coming from the northern massif is observed. Additionally, Impacts within the geothermal field acting as Driving Forces, include the degradation of the drinking water, as there are deposits in the existing water supply network and increasing concentrations of trace elements (Arsenic ions above the potable limit, as well as presence of Li+). Finally, some parts of the region of Nea Peramos are supplied with water from the aforementioned wells, which is characterized as brackish, while other settlements located in the wider area have freshwater (with low EC) derived from wells located in the western part of the granodiorite aquifer, a phenomenon which could be classified as a Response according to the DPSIR method.

5.2.8 Wastewater Treatment Plant

An additional Driving Force for the study area of Nea Peramos is the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located on a hill at the center of the basin. The final wastewater recipient (after the treatment procedure) is the Eleftheres stream, which ends up in the Gulf of Eleftheres, and can be characterized as a Pressure according to the DPSIR method. The State, which is prevalent due to the biological purification, consists of wastewater with conductivity values above 2000 µS/cm (sometimes reaching up to 4000 µS/m due to seawater intrusion inside the sewage pumping stations located along the coast in areas not used for recreational bathing). Additionally, in periods where the tertiary treatment is suspended due to malfunctions, increased nutrient concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus components are recorded in the Eleftheres stream resulting in a strange odour especially during the summer (Response). Τhe Impact on the alluvial aquifer system is not significant as it is limited to the southeast region along the Eleftheres stream, accompanied by respective increase in electrical conductivity values and chloride ions (Cl-). Finally, it should be noted that an initiative is in place (Response) to utilize the discharge of treated sewage from the Wastewater Treatment Plant to cover part of the area’s irrigation needs.

5.2.9 Legislative framework

The final Driving Force, which is analyzed for the coastal part of Nea Peramos is the current legal framework, namely legislation concerning potable water, river basin management plan, spatial planning and protected areas. The legislative framework exerts Pressure for the protection of the


aquifer system against pollution and deterioration, and overall acts as pressure to ensure the desired water quality. Regarding the quantitative status (State) of the aquifer system of the area (based on the actual consumptions), the estimated annual renewable reserves are characterized as inadequate. This leads to a significant Impact in lack of necessary water resources to meet the needs of local residents, and for the growth of crops, since the water amount that is pumped from the aquifer system is unsatisfactory. Finally, according to the new Spatial Plan for the Region of Eastern Macedonia, productive units (in food sector) will be established. This is a Response leading to new jobs, but will, however, increase (Impact) the demand for water and wastewater treatment.

6. CONCLUSIONS

The application of the DPSIR framework in the study area of Nea Peramos, and especially in its basin, proved to be highly fruitful, as it accurately described and evaluated the local environment, especially with regard to the management of water resources. The DPSIR model application proved particularly useful for the study area, as adverse elements were identified, and mitigating proposals were formulated, especially around the rationalization of water resource management to meet the water needs of the region.

The uses and benefits of DPSIR in decision support systems (DSS) have been demonstrated in numerous studies. DPSIR allows for the comparative evaluation of alternative proposals, and ultimately for the identification of an optimal solution. DPSIR can constitute the core approach in a decision making process, however, when conducting analysis of complex systems, it must be supplemented with other auxiliary tools such as sensitivity analysis, multi-criteria analysis (MCA), and visualization of digitalized data sets via GIS assisted-software.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

An initial shorter version of the paper has been presented in Greek at the 3rd Common Conference (13th of Hellenic Hydrotechnical Association, 9th of Hellenic Committee on Water Resources Management and 1st of the Hellenic Water Association) “Integrated Water Resources Management in the New Era”, Athens, Greece, December 10-12, 2015.

REFERENCES

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