Questions and Answers

- Does the project also deal with the potential damage and protection in case of hydroelectric power plant (HPP) emergencies?
The project “RIGA AGAINST FLOOD” studies the problems of flooding that are linked to climate change or coastal erosions, i.e., flooding that is connected with natural processes. For this reason, the project “RIGA AGAINST FLOOD” will not assess the potential damage and provide solutions in case of Riga HPP, major water conduit and similar emergencies. According to the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, on such occasions the managers of the respective facilities and communication holders are deemed responsible (in the case of Riga HPP, it is “Latvenergo” AS).

- Does the project also explore erosions in water beds and places near bridges and other engineering constructions?
The project “Integrated Strategy for Riga City to Adapt to the Hydrological Processes Intensified by Climate Change Phenomena”, implemented by Riga City council City Development department, aims at exploring those problems of flooding in Riga City that arise due to the climate change and that are linked to coastal erosion. This project does not study erosions in water beds that are connected with the impact of engineering constructions on the river (and vice versa – the impact of the river on buildings). The developed modelling system has a potential of dealing with such problems if necessary; however, it has not been planned within the framework of this project.

 
- What are the measures that are envisaged to protect water supply and sewerage systems, including system and treatment plants, against flood?
At the moment the project “Riga against flood” team is exploring the current situation and this stage will be completed in May 2011. Based on the research, recommendations for the necessary engineer technical solutions to forestall the flood threats in Riga city, as well as a flood management plan with a strategic evaluation of the impact on environment will be put forward. Therefore, at this stage it is difficult to anticipate the exact protective measures. We would like to explain that this project does not intend to provide specific solutions for water supply and sewerage system (including system and treatment plants) protection against flooding, but it aims at providing solutions against flooding for territories.

 
- Does the project take into consideration the movement of earth’s crust, caused by both cosmic and local processes, which is now a well-known phenomenon to all earth science specialists?
In the research of the project “Integrated Strategy for Riga City to Adapt to the Hydrological Processes Intensified by Climate Change Phenomena”, which uses also the data from Riga City relief model, such processes as vertical movement of earth’s crust and volcanic influence are not being taken into consideration because they are regarded as insignificant in this region in the selected period of time (until Year 2100). But the movement of earth’s crust caused by other, more local, factors is taken into account. Riga, for instance, has a tendency of ground level lowering, which is determined by a group of factors, the most significant of them being underground water pumping in order to obtain drinking water. This process has become more stable though. In the future global sea level rising will be the factor causing greater flooding if compared to the contemporary situation.

 
- Is the new Riga City relief model available to public? Where can it be found?
Riga City relief model was presented to the steering committee of the project “Riga against Flood” as well as to the mass media on September 2, 2010. The visualizations of the model can be found on the project’s homepage www.rigapretpludiem.lv/eng, section “Galleries” > “Maps”.
We would like to emphasize that the relief model is digital and the data have been obtained using aero laser scanning method (the whole territory of Riga City has been “scanned” from a plane). The obtained data (height point cloud) have been saved digitally and to use them very powerful high-tech specialist equipment is needed. The data of the relief model are already being used in the project’s research.
In the course of time it will be possible to complement and use the data and the model not only to explore the impact of hydrological processes, but also to create a model with buildings, streets and trees. It will also be possible to include new construction projects in the model and to evaluate them, thus facilitating the decision making process.
In case of further questions about the use of Riga City relief model data, please contact project specialists (see section “Contacts”).