COUNTRY REPORT

Jan,2007

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL ECONOMYاالقتصــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــاد وزارة

الوطنـــــــــــــــــــــــــــيRISK ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS

Ministry of National Economy

Prepared by: MARWAN O.A. JALAMBOA food technician in the food chemical product laboratories

The rural areas in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are subjected to serious environmental threats. A steadily growing rural population has resulted in increasing demands for land, water, energy and natural resources. These demands have in many areas surpassed the natural carrying capacities.

Increasing water demands have resulted in water scarcity and drought problems. In some areas, water scarcity has been the reason farmers have abandoned their lands, therefore leading to more erosion problems. Extensive usage of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural areas has polluted soil and groundwater resources. In the vicinity, water logging and irrigation has also increased the salinity of the topsoil.

This report focuses on addressing several of the urgent environmental problems in the West Bank and Gaza rural areas.

INTRODUCTION

General

Background DataGeography

Palestine is situated in a strategic location, as the gate between Africa and Asia. It is situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea,in the transitional zone between the arid desert climate of the Sinai Peninsula and the semi humid Mediterranean climate. The total area of historic Palestine is about 27,000 km².After the first Israeli-Arab war in 1948, Israel occupied morethan 80% of Palestinian land and left two separate segmentsunder the Jordanian and the Egyptian administrations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip respectively, with a total area of 6,020 km².

DemographyDemographyAccording toAccording to Palestinian Central Bureau of StatisticsPalestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (2002)(2002) it was estimated thatit was estimated that Palestine has a total population of Palestine has a total population of 3,549,523 living in the two geographical areas, 2,253,733 3,549,523 living in the two geographical areas, 2,253,733 persons (64%) in the West Bank including Jerusalem and persons (64%) in the West Bank including Jerusalem and 1,295,790 persons (36%) in the Gaza Strip. Today Palestine 1,295,790 persons (36%) in the Gaza Strip. Today Palestine has a very young population in comparison with other has a very young population in comparison with other countries. Notably 47% of the population is under the age of countries. Notably 47% of the population is under the age of 15, and 18% is under the age of 5. In addition, an average 15, and 18% is under the age of 5. In addition, an average Palestinian family consists of approximately 6.4 persons per Palestinian family consists of approximately 6.4 persons per household. household.

Climate ConditionsClimate ConditionsThe climate in the Mediterranean consists of four months of The climate in the Mediterranean consists of four months of hot dry summer and a short winter, with rainfall in the hot dry summer and a short winter, with rainfall in the months from November to March..months from November to March..

THE RURAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS Natural Resources of Rural Areas:Natural Resources of Rural Areas:The natural resources in the Palestinianrural areas are defined as living and non-living resources. In practice, this includes the water resources, soil, stone, sand, air quality, vegetation and biodiversity, and culture heritage. The main sources is water resources , and describe as follow:

Water Resources

The main source of water in the Gaza Strip is groundwater from the The main source of water in the Gaza Strip is groundwater from the coastal aquifer. The total existing Palestinian consumption is about 125 coastal aquifer. The total existing Palestinian consumption is about 125 MCM/year, whereas the total renewable amount from rainfall, return MCM/year, whereas the total renewable amount from rainfall, return flow and lateral inflow is estimated at about 85 MCM/year. The deficit in flow and lateral inflow is estimated at about 85 MCM/year. The deficit in the water balance has led to depletion and saline of the available the water balance has led to depletion and saline of the available groundwater resources as a result of seawater intrusion into the coastal groundwater resources as a result of seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifer system. The area as well as the quantity of both fresh water and aquifer system. The area as well as the quantity of both fresh water and brackish water has decreased rapidly.brackish water has decreased rapidly. The water demand for different purposes is expected to rise from the The water demand for different purposes is expected to rise from the current level of 125 MCM/year to about 230 MCM/year by the year current level of 125 MCM/year to about 230 MCM/year by the year 2020. Growing domestic water demands mainly causes this increase in 2020. Growing domestic water demands mainly causes this increase in water demand. Groundwater pumping is expected to increase at the water demand. Groundwater pumping is expected to increase at the same rate, the fresh water resources will be ultimately completely same rate, the fresh water resources will be ultimately completely exhausted, while the brackish water resources will become exhausted, while the brackish water resources will become increasingly salineincreasingly saline..

IndustryIndustry Industrial wastewater Industrial wastewater is largely discharged without any treatment into the environment causing soil and groundwater pollution as well as seawater pollution. It also poses a risk on public health as a result of direct exposure. Industrial wastewater contains different types of pollutants, most of which are hazardous to the environment. Industrial wastewater from the electroplating industry normally contains heavy metals such as chromium, copper and zinc, whereas the wastewater from tanneries contains high concentrations of chromium. Pharmaceutical industries normally discharge wastewater with active organic compounds, which are mostly toxic and hazardous. Inorganic industrial pollution is difficult to control and potentially very hazardous. Heavy metals are known to be carcinogenic. Industrial wastewater requires on-site pre-treatment before it can be disposed into the municipal sewage network to guarantee the stability of the domestic wastewater treatment plant. Finally, the olive oil industry West Bank discharges wastewater with very high (Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand) BOD content.

Sources of Pollution / Degradation to Rural areasSources of Pollution / Degradation to Rural areasWastewaterWastewaterBoth the West Bank and the Gaza Strip face a series of wastewater and sanitation related problems. These are large-scale discharge of untreated wastewater, leakage of collected wastewater from sewerage systems, cesspits, and uncontrolled reuse of untreated wastewater by the irrigation sector.

SOIL AND GROUNDWATER POLLUTION IN THE COASTAL AQUIFERSOIL AND GROUNDWATER POLLUTION IN THE COASTAL AQUIFER

Increased groundwater salinity has been attributed to the combined effect of several factors , including, seawater intrusion, and possible upcoming of deep brines due to over-pumping of fresh water. Sewage discharges , leach ate from waste deposits , and industrial effluent may also contribute significantly to the elevated chloride concentrations recorded.

Some 123 different pesticides are used in the region, including many illegally ported and obsolete substances. Pesticides detected in well-water samples include DDT, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, methoxychlor, and heptachlorepoxide. While these were found in levels below the WHO guideline values for drinking water, the technical complexity and expense of comprehensive pesticide monitoring mean that the problem is likely to be more serious than currently available data suggest.

Nitrate is a major groundwater contaminant throughout Gaza. There are numerous sources of nitrate contamination , including agricultural fertilizers waste dumping. Nitrate concentrations have been shown to exceed WHO guideline values in 50 % of the samples collected from domestic municipal wells in Gaza.

Industrial WasteIndustrial Waste Samples taken from industrial wastewater show relatively high concentrations of metals such as cyanide (CN), and of heavy metals such as chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) . According to information from the Environmental Quality Authority there are three paint factories in Gaza, which use substantial quantities of toxic and hazardous materials. Although production of wastewater is low, it is highly contaminated and discharged to the municipal sewerage system without treatment and is an important component of overall industrial pollution. To reduce this problem, each factory should be required to carry out pre-treatment before discharge to the municipal sewerage network. However, because the overall volume of industrial wastewater in the region is low heavy metals and other pollutants are sufficiently diluted for treatment processes to continue functioning and for effluent to be re-used for crop irrigation or groundwater recharge. If the overall volume of industrial wastewater were to grow, this would cause major problems in terms of further groundwater contamination.

Seawater IntrusionSeawater IntrusionGroundwater is the major source of water in Palestine. Depletion of the current water due to the resources in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is a serious problem. Inefficient use of the scarce water resources, due to the over exploitation of the coastal aquifers and seawater intrusion, very low water availability rates per capita, and the complex Israeli-Palestinian political water issues. The total amount available to the Palestinians amounts to only 269 MCM, (135 MCM in the Gaza Strip and 134 MCM in the West Bank). Almost 70% of this is allocated for agriculture in rural areas, leaving only 93 MCM for domestic use. This averages at 103 cubic meters per capita annually, in comparison with 1,700 cubic meters, as a world average, the seriousness of the situation transpires.

Ecological ImpactDegradation of Water Quality Excluding some areas where saline groundwater is encountered, the groundwater quality in the West Bank rural areas is still considered adequate. However, the shallow and unconfined aquifers are susceptible to wastewater pollution. Such situation can, be found near built-up areas, where untreated domestic and industrial wastewater is discharged into wadis. Also, discharge of untreated wastewater and dumping of solid and hazardous waste by the Israeli settlements pose serious risks on the quality of groundwater resources. It is estimated that about 34% of the

Israeli settlements' wastewater is discharged without treatment in the rural areas of the West Bank wadi systems.

Leakage from dumping sites comprises another large and uncontrolled risk of contamination, especially when solid waste is mixed with hazardous waste from industrial sources. Also, the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides poses a serious threat on the water quality of quifers and springs. Information on these sources of pollution is very scarce indeed, however, the large number and uncontrolled sitting of waste dump- sites make it likely that some sites will be located near a susceptible aquifer.

Pollution of groundwater is a major problem in Gaza. Not only there are numerous sources of pollution, but also the Gaza Strip aquifer is highly vulnerable to pollution. The increasing nitrate content of the groundwater illustrates the pollution problem. The chloride and nitrate concentrations of the water exceed the WHO standards in most of the area.

Domestic water is becoming more saline every year and average chloride concentrations of 500 mg/l or more are no longer an exception. The permissible limits for nitrate exceed a factor of 8 for a number of public wells; most of the public water supply wells don't comply with drinking water quality standards. With limited rainfall and high evapotranspiration in the Gaza Strip, it may take hundreds of years to restore fresh water conditions in the aquifer.

Depletion of Water ResourcesThe total existing Palestinian consumption is about 125 MCM/year, whereas the total renewable amount from rainfall, return flow and lateral inflow is estimated at about 85 MCM/year. The deficit in the water balance has led to depletion and saline of the available groundwater resources as a result of seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifer system. The water demand for different purposes is expected to rise from the current level of 125 MCM/year to about 230 MCM/year by the year 2020. Growing domestic water demands mainly causes this increase in water demand. Groundwater pumping is expected to increase at the same rate, the fresh water resources will be ultimately completely exhausted, while the brackish water resources will become increasingly saline.

Soil PollutionContamination of soil often causes groundwater pollution. At sites, both the in West Bank and Gaza Strip rural areas were solid and hazardous waste is dumped without sanitary measures, the risks of soil pollution are high. Even after the waste has been removed, the inherited polluted soil may cause human health problems because of direct exposure to the polluted soil, or may result in further groundwater pollution. Furthermore, discharge or reuse of untreated wastewater leads to soil contamination and so does extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides. This also includes disposal of unused pesticide into the soil. There are indications that irrigation areas in the West Bank have been affected by salinity build up because of excessive irrigation and water logging.

Large areas in the eastern part of the Gaza Strip are currently under-utilized due to the vanishing agricultural activities there. Soil Salinity, water scarcity and marketing problems eradicate any profitable agriculture on these soils. Subsequently, change in cultivation patterns occurred in Gaza Strip, for example, citrus fruits, which used to be one of the most profitable crops in the past are hardly cultivated any more.

Soil and groundwater pollution is caused mainly by agricultural practices (notably the use of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides), localized industrial activities (organic pollutants, heavy metals), and inadequate or improper disposal of wastewater and solid waste (including

hazardous materials).

pesticides and herbicides are used in large quantities in rural areas of the West Bank, these include chemicals that are imported and used illegally in the Palestinian Territories, in spite of long-standing international bans. For example, sterilizing soil with methyl bromide is officially banned, yet still practiced extensively in the West Bank.

Pesticide contamination of both soil and groundwater is considered a major environmental issue in the West Bank, but data is scarce, given that resources and laboratory capacity is limited. Nitrate contamination of groundwater is caused by infiltration of fertilizers and raw sewage, and elevated concentrations are found throughout the West Bank.

Optimal Use of Fertilizers and PesticidesFertilizers and pesticides have a negative effect on the environment, where nitrates contaminate ground water, ammonia and toxic compounds hazardous to human health. Alternatives regarding pesticides must start with the prevention of using pesticides banned by (WHO), such as DDT. Also the following guidelines must be executed: registration, legislation, personal protection, labeling, storage, stock control and tender procedures for the procurement of pesticides.

Pest ControlPest control is a very important step in integrated environmental rural protection. In the Palestinian rural areas, farmers are suffering from pests, but are also suffering from the absence of knowledge regarding the dangers and risks which could occur from the use of wrong pesticides. Dangers and risks include; bioaccumulation of toxic compounds in the cells of plants, and the insects' capability of building up resistance against the various types of pesticides.

Safe Collection, Disposal and Treatment of Hazardous and

Medical Waste Medical waste is defined as all wastes generated from health care or health related facilities. It is characteristically heterogeneous, consisting of objects of many different sizes and composed of many different materials. These wastes can be handled with municipal solid waste stream in these areas. The special wastes, including the biological, contiguous and sharp object wastes, are hazardous and are generated either in solid or liquid forms. Special wastes require special handling, treatment and disposal methods to protect the people from potential health, safety or environmental hazards. The generated hazardous medical wastes are considered a major thereat to human health in rural areas in the West Bank. Most of the medical waste in rural areas is disposed of in municipal containers. There are no special management policies for these wastes. Approximately all biological medical wastes are directly dumped and mixed with the municipal garbage with no pre- treatment to guarantee the absence of any microbial or viral contamination. Most of the blood samples, urine samples, stool samples and operational wastes are disposed of in the municipal waste. Proper disposal of hazardous waste is one of today’s major environmental issues. Of all the available treatment technologies is incineration.

Treatment for Industrial Facilities Industrial wastewater contains both organic and inorganic waste. The organic waste is equal in polluting potential to the untreated domestic wastewater while inorganic industrial waste, which contains heavy metals and hazardous materials, is much more difficult to control and potentially more hazardous. Most of the industrial waste in rural areas is currently discharged into cesspits or the adjacent wadis without treatment. The problem with the industrial discharge resulted from various industries that are spreading in rural areas in the West Bank (stone quarrying, olive mills, tanning industries and settlements industrial activities ) is the high Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Suspended Solids (SS) as well as the presence of toxic materials. Most factories discharge their wastewater without proper treatment or even without any treatment. Laboratory analysis of wastewater of some of these industries showed that it contains some heavy metals with concentrations exceeding the permissible limits. In addition, it has a high COD/BOD ratio that indicates that these contaminants are hardly biodegradable. Besides the above pollutants, the highly colored wastewater complicates the problem. The hazardous chemicals may disturb the biological treatment, if any, and damage the ecosystem.. Also the gaseous emission from some industries is not monitored and no treatment is used which endangers the public health of the workers and the people living at close proximity to these industries .

Public Awareness and Education The mission of (public awareness) towards rural environment would be to work with rural community members to increase the community awareness regarding issues facing environment and to provide resources and information to professionals and experts working on those environmental issues. So they can be more effective and supportive to protect environment from further deterioration.

Women and Children

The Palestinian rural women and children is mainly the mean to achieve a clean environment, yet they still remain a largely un-served or under served category. By helping and supporting women and children in building their environmental protection awareness, a protected environment can be achieved. In rural areas; public awareness mechanism for protecting the environment from pollution and to provide healthy conditions for the rural community are presented hereafter:• Encourage women to be educated beyond the 12 grade. • Setting up seminars and workshops that assist communities in identifying the issues faced by women and children, then directing women to already available resources. • Work to increase personal income through initiating economic opportunities for women. • Organizing and helping to provide information, especially in rural affairs, to increase public awareness about the women and children education regarding environmental issues.

FarmersIn order to achieve environmentally sound social and economic development in rural areas, farmers must be involved in public awareness programs, such as the agriculture practices as well as irrigation and water resources management .The governmental and non-governmental institutions are responsible for providing farmers with ongoing educational presentations of various environmental issues, particularly agricultural and to supply them with needed alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides.

Capacity and Institution BuildingPalestinian Institutions with regard to present and future environment issues have put a great emphasis on capacity building of Palestinian institutions dealing with rural environment; this can be summarized as follows: Organizational Structures To optimize the involvement of different stakeholders in rural environment, locally and internationally. It is vital to have a flexible organizational structure capable of absorbing the different interventions, co-ordinations and implementations of rural environment protection.

Conclusions: Conclusions: It has been concluded throughout this country report presentation that serious steps have to be taken to protect the rural environment. The main purpose of this report was to diagnose the rural environment and possible ways of improving such environment.

THANKSTHANKS