ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF WATER PUMPING FROM DEPRESSION AREAS ON THE WATER CONDITIONS OF NATURA 2000 PEATBOG “UROCZYSKA W LASACH STEPNICKICH” BASED ON HYDRODYNAMIC MODELLING

Abstract

Both the lack of a continuously functioning drainage system and the neglect of the drainage infrastructure result in restoration of natural sinking processes in depression areas on the eastern side of the Odra River estuary and the Szczecin Lagoon. Persistent restoration of natural habitats can be observed in these areas. The impact of water pumping at depression areas on the dynamics of the first (shallow) aquifer was analysed in the Natura 2000 site called “Uroczyska w Lasach Stepnickich PLH320033”. Simulation of the impact of water pumping on lowering of groundwater levels based on hydrodynamic modelling shows that the minimum groundwater level variations in the depression range occur only in a small southern part of the area, and the impact is of short-term nature. The basic factor affecting shallow groundwater in the analysed area is the water table level in the Odra River. The threat to natural habitats, especially in the “Uroczysko Święta” reserve, is associated with their progressive flooding, which occurs as a result of a systematic decrease in the amount of water being pumped.