Environmental Agreement Revised for Vaslui County Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project, with Over €160 Million Investment

At the end of September 2024, the environmental agreement for the “Regional Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Development Project in Vaslui County” was revised, with an investment exceeding €160 million

The project, led by SC Aquavas Vaslui, initially received approval on August 1, 2022, but it has since been updated to enhance its environmental impact assessments and ensure compliance with European standards.

The project will be implemented across 51 local administrative units (UATs) in Vaslui County and one UAT in Iași County, covering municipalities such as Vaslui, Bârlad, and Huși. Its main objective is to improve access to potable water and wastewater services, benefiting local communities and contributing to environmental protection.

Key Project Revisions

The Vaslui Environmental Protection Agency (APM) conducted a thorough environmental impact assessment, including a review of protected natural areas. The key revisions include:

• Enhanced environmental impact assessments – The revised project features more detailed analyses of potential environmental effects, ensuring better protection of local and regional ecosystems.
• Integration of renewable energy sources – The project proposes using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power the water and wastewater systems, reducing both environmental impact and operational costs.
• Compliance with European directives – The project aims to meet EU standards regarding drinking water quality and the collection and treatment of wastewater, particularly in urban areas with populations between 2,000 and 10,000.

Impact on Communities and the Environment

The project is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for Vaslui County residents by providing reliable access to clean water and expanded wastewater treatment services. It will also reduce pollution from untreated wastewater, contributing to environmental sustainability.

APM Vaslui officials emphasized the project’s importance: “The project aims to enhance the quality of life by providing access to sufficient and safe water, while also reducing environmental impact from wastewater and aligning with European directives.”

Areas Covered by the Project

The project will cover the following 51 UATs in Vaslui County: Vaslui, Bârlad, Perieni, Z

orleni, Fruntișeni, Murgeni, Fălciu, Berezeni, Vetrișoaia, Dodești, Bogdănești, Costești, Huși, Duda-Epureni, Stănilești, Lunca Banului, Pădureni, Dimitrie Cantemir, Hoceni, Muntenii de Jos, Lipovăț, Zăpodeni, Muntenii de Sus, Tanacu, Văleni, Ferești, Negrești, Todirești, Rafaila, Dumești, Băcești, Rebricea, Tăcuta, Codăești, Miclești, Ștefan cel Mare, Bălteni, Delești, Cozmești, Oșești, Pungești, Bogdana, Alexandru Vlahuță, Iana, Pogana, Băcani, Ivănești, Laza, Pușcași, Poienești, Grivița, and Dobrovăț in Iași County.

The project’s ultimate goal is to ensure compliance with European environmental standards while fostering the sustainable development of the communities involved.