Within the scope of the environmental management system ISO: 14000, monitoring of air, groundwater, waterfowl and soil disposal site is performed in the port territory.

The up-to-date digital technologies - modern air monitoring stations and surveillance cameras operating online provide new possibilities for comprehensive environmental monitoring and timely risk prevention. 5G technology advantages foster development of solutions in the field of environmental monitoring at the Freeport of Riga. One of the great examples - a pilot project is being implemented in cooperation with the leading telecommunications company LMT with the aim to use an AI-powered drone for water pollution detection.


Air monitoring

The main sources of air pollution risk in the territory of the Port of Riga are processes related to transshipment of bulk cargo and liquid cargo and storage of dry bulk cargo in open areas. Due to these activities particulate matter (dust) might be emitted into the atmosphere, as well as various chemical compounds producing odors.

All companies operating in the port area shall comply with the requirements of Latvian legislation on air quality. The compliance of the companies’ activities with these requirements is controlled by the State Environmental Service, while the merchant is responsible for the use of technologies and technological processes that comply with air quality requirements. The Freeport of Riga Authority’s responsible units organize additional inspections at the port terminals to check compliance of technological processes with environmental quality requirements both according to a regular schedule and with reference to complaints about air quality in the neighbourhoods. 

The Freeport of Riga Authority has established 5 air monitoring stations and 2 portable air quality monitors to oversee the air quality situation within the port's territory. By mid-2023, measurements of volatile organic compounds (odors) were conducted at 3 monitoring stations. Additionally, measurements of particulate matter (dust) are carried out at 3 locations, including 2 monitoring stations and using 2 portable particulate monitors.

Air monitoring stations operate in real-time mode, ensuring continuous transmission of measurement data. The data collected at the monitoring stations are available online for the Freeport of Riga Authority units and, following mutual agreements, also to the State Environmental Service.

For the purpose of monitoring, the Freeport of Riga Authority has installed surveillance cameras at the most active coal transshipment locations in the port of Riga - in front of Krievu Island dry bulk cargo terminals, so that everyone can follow the loading processes and air quality indices online.


Groundwater monitoring


The objective of groundwater monitoring is to identify possible pollution sources before it’s too late, as well as to assess changes in the degree of pollution in historically polluted port territories. Historical pollution is currently the largest source of groundwater pollution risk in the port of Riga. It developed during the Soviet regime through the improper storage of hazardous and oil products, as well as due to ruthless use of the port territory by the Soviet army.

Currently, the groundwater monitoring network in the port area includes about 300 wells. 


Excavated soil /Disposal site monitoring


With the aim to provide safe entry to the port of Riga, the Freeport of Riga Authority regularly cleans and dredges the Daugava riverbed. The soil excavated during the dredging works is transferred to a special disposal site located in the Gulf of Riga.

 Before transfer to the disposal site the excavated soil quality is being tested.


Waterfowl monitoring

Since 2007, nesting waterfowl monitoring has been performed in specially protected areas of the Freeport of Riga - Mīlestības Island and Krēmeri Nature Reserve with the aim to assess and analyze changes in waterfowl nesting.



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