In this section, proposed mitigation measures will be evaluated from an economic perspective. Measures will be assessed based on their ability to deliver a net economic improvement to the health of the Dnieper River, as well as associated measures of energy efficiency and improved financial performance. As noted in previous sections, there is a range of projects for the refinery that have potential benefits. Project Technical Assessment 1. Sludge Dewatering Reduction in the rates of sludge generation could increase the productive life of the sludge ponds. 2. Rehabilitation of Oil Recovery System Concern regarding the condition of system and potential for a significant release to the environment. 3. Reconstruction of Aeration System for Denitrification Given the loadings of nitrogen compounds on the receiving wasters, any treatment for nitrogen compound removal is considered positive. Adjusting existing systems to create conditions for nitrification/denitrification processes is the most cost effective measure, however, may not be optimal (low efficiencies). Modification of existing facilities is worth examining. 4. Rehabilitation of Flotation Systems for 2nd Line Peaks of concentrations of petroleum products in the effluents and loadings in the waste streams are a concern. The final polishing of the wastewater before discharge in flotation units is an important system. High operational efficiency of the units would improve the effluent situation significant. 5* (old) Replacement of grit chamber and oil/water separator for Line 1 (same as Line 2) Improve the efficiency of removal of oil products as well as reduce the emissions of hydrocarbon in the atmosphere 5 (new) Conduct a study for the reduction in oil products from process waste streams at the refinery. Reduce the concentrations and loadings of oil products in the facility’s effluent. In Section 9, all projects were identified to have a “benefit to the general environment.” Projects 1, 3 and 4 were assessed to have an “direct benefit to the Dnieper Basin,” while the remainder would have a “indirect benefit.” It is evident that the goals of the Refinery are not always in alignment with the objectives of the Dnieper River SAP. Driven by product quality, increased sales and making a profit, Plant Management are focused primarily on the oil business. As noted in Section 4, the major investments are planned for the refinery. Plant Staff have adopted the principles of environmentally sound and sustainable processes as they indicated, “cleaner products and processes are good for business.” The municipal water treatment continues to be a conundrum – for a profit-driven facility, it would seem that they are responsible for a line of business destined to always make a loss. Personnel have acknowledged this through their desire to improve and automate processes as much as possible to reduce this cost burden. As noted in Section 9. “The sustainable element to this goal has many dimensions including a financially viable system that is affordable to the service population, a self-maintaining system that can rehabilitate or replace aging infrastructure and effective management that is efficient and can respond to changes demanded by the service population and industries.” Based on the preliminary investment program, the identified projects will almost $2 million USD1). At present, the treatment plant has the capacity to meet the needs of users. However, at peak usage, the facility is sometimes overloaded. Plant Staff have also indicated a buffer pond will be a valuable investment to regulate the intake of wastewater, and thus treat 100% of incoming water. Overall, not much assessment of the benefits of proposed investment has been undertaken at the plant level. The goal of the Dnieper River Basin SAP is to improve the water quality in the basin, encourage biodiversity and mitigate adverse impacts on trans-boundary systems. The following analysis has been undertaken with this in mind, and focuses exclusively on wastewater treatment. _________________________ 1) – In subsequent discussions with plant staff, it was suggested that the level of investment for these projects would likely be higher. It was noted that the completion of the Ultraviolet Disinfection Unit was a priority, however Unit was operational and the remaining investment was focused on refurbishing the building.