Arcadis supports Hungary in nationwide ecological water survey

ARNHEM, The Netherlands, Nov. 4, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Arcadis, an international consultancy and engineering company, has been awarded a contract by the Hungarian Ministry of Environment and Water to conduct an ecological survey of all surface waters in Hungary and the formulation of a nationwide monitoring program in order to assist Hungary's accession to the EU by contributing to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The contract, to the value of EUR 1 million [1 euro = US$1.29], was awarded to the international consortium of Arcadis, Mott Macdonald (U.K.) and the Danish Hydrological Institute.

According to Water Framework Directive (WFD), which came in force in December 2000, good surface water status has to be reached before the end of year 2015 in all EU member states including Hungary. Biological quality is the major objective of the WFD. The Water Framework Directive establishes a new framework for the management and protection of Hungary's natural waters - its rivers, lakes and groundwater.

Mrs. Zs. Steindl, the project leader of the Ministry of Environment and Water, indicates the relevance and significance of this project to the people of Hungary. "The trans-boundary character of the Hungarian surface waters imposes additional demands on designing an appropriate biological monitoring and assessment system. Hungary still has to step up its efforts to meet the WFD requirements for biological monitoring and assessment, but it lacks methodological guidance and experience in various sampling- and assessment techniques. Many waters have not yet been sampled for biological quality elements. This is the first survey in the EU on a nation-wide scale in which the WFD's biological monitoring requirements will be implemented. The outcomes of the project will therefore be of major interest to other member states as well".

Michiel Jaski, member of the Arcadis Executive Board, stated, "This assignment confirms the strong position that Arcadis has in water management. It continues the extensive work previously performed in the region by Arcadis. This assignment will build upon the considerable track record of Arcadis with implementation of the Water Frame Directive. This new Directive provides a robust consultancy market for companies such as Arcadis ".

Arcadis (www.arcadis-global.com) is a leading, global, knowledge-driven consultancy and engineering company, active in the fields of infrastructure, buildings, environment and communications. With client success central to our total business approach, we fulfill project or program needs from concept to completion and beyond. Together, we generate EUR 850 million in annual revenues. There are 9,000 of us, results-oriented people, continually investing in our skills to maximize value while creating viable solutions.

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