Operational monitoring according to the EU Water Framework Directive for Elkem Carbon AS and REC Solar Norway AS in the Kristiansandsfjord in 2018.

Summary

NIVA has carried out operational monitoring in Kristiansandsfjord in 2018, outside the company sites for Elkem Carbon AS and REC Solar. The monitoring program was in accordance to the water framework directive and was approved by the Norwegian Environmental Agency. The program was based on the composition of the companies’ discharges to the water body. The companies have discharge consents for arsenic (As), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), suspended matter and for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH-compounds). The monitoring program included sampling of mussels at five stations. Based on these analysis, chemical status at each sampling location was determined. For blue mussels from the Lumber location closest to Elkem, concentrations of benzo(a)pyren exceeded the environmental quality standard (EQS). Hence, the location was characterized as having “not good” chemical status. The other blue mussel locations were classified as having “good” chemical status. During 2017/2018 there has been a significant decrease in concentrations of PAHs in blue mussels.