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Gunver Heidemann from the Project Team opened the meeting presenting the status on the work with chemical consumption and the preparation of a chemical plan. The aim of the plan is to support the efforts made by citizens, enterprises and the municipality to reduce chemical consumption.
In the presentation focus was put on 2 chemicals where Neumünster and Siauliai could play a role in to survey the extent of the problem. The 2 chemicals were pesticides and cleaning agents and two eksamples on tests were send to Neumunster and Siauliai before the workshop and were presented on the workshop.
Pesticides are a threat to our groundwater and our nature. When pesticides are used it doesn’t only destroy the weeds but also affect animals and plants, which are food for other animals. The drinking water can be destroyed if the pesticides are leaking through the soil. The crops on the fields where the pesticides are used are eaten by people with the risk for small residues of pesticides still in the crops.
Cleaning agents together with washing agents are an essential source to water pollution. Most municipalities have a wide selection of cleaning agents for different use. Many of the agents cause an environmental hazard which is unnecessary.
Summary for the workshop
Neumünster:
Arne Lewandowski pointed out that in Germany no recognized stamp/brand for environmental friendliness exists. Therefore, to establish a picture of agents used, it would be necessary to study every declaration for chemical content. That is an impossible task for Neumünster, and Arne suggested seeking information (brand and amount) through supermarkets instead.
Neumünster do not have commission to deal with pesticides, and therefore no information. Pesticide consumption and ruling is covered by the regions. However, in Neumünster use of herbicides on public ground is banned.
Neumünster is positive to the idea of investigating chemical consumption, but do have a wish for alternative indicators.
Silauliai
Arimas Rutkauskus told that Silauliai has to registration of cleaning agents except that Silauliai always buy the cheapest agents.
In relation to pesticides there are rules to restrict the use of pesticides close to lakes and drinking water interests. In general the use of pesticides in Lithuania is limited because they are too expensive for general use. Perhaps there is a use confined to private enterprises. Silauliai will look into this.
Conclusions:
There is a need for different indicator before a testing in Neumünster and Silauliai is possible. This issue is handed to the project management and the Chemical Project Team, so that the project team can have it in mind when finishing the catalog containing tools and indicators for reducing the chemical pressure. No deal about testing was made with the two cities.
Meeting participants:
Arne Lewandowski, municipality of Neumünster
Arimas Rutkauskus, municipality of Silauliai
Gunver Heidemann, municipality of Copenhagen
Monica Klitgaard Hansen, municipality of Herning
Lars Bertholdt, municipality of Albertslund
Søren Birch, municipality of Albertslund
Carl Åge Gregersen, municipality of Fredericia | 
