Order of the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation No. 179-НК “On approval of the methodology for determining the volume of environmental flow”.

This Order primarily addresses the methodology for determining the volume of environmental waste, specifically focusing on ecological discharges related to the national waterbodies. The policy aims to ensure sustainable water management by defining terms such as environmental flow and river-sea flow rates, and by establishing procedures for calculating environmental discharges based on hydrological, hydrochemical, and hydrobiological data. Key measures outlined include the development of a structured methodology for calculating environmental discharges, which involves the collection and systematization of baseline hydrological data, and the application of specific calculation methods depending on data availability. The methodology prescribes calculations for different hydrological scenarios, including multi-year, average, and low-water years, and incorporates adjustments for seasonal variations, ecological needs, and the presence of glaciers. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the impact on aquatic bioresources, including fish migration and wintering, with specific correction factors and adjustment procedures detailed for various ecological and hydrological conditions. Implementation responsibilities are assigned to the Department of Water Policy and the responsible Vice-Minister of Water and Irrigation, with procedures for state registration and online publication of the Order. The methodology stipulates periodic review and adjustment of environmental discharge volumes, at least once every five years, to reflect changes in hydrological, economic, or environmental conditions. The document also addresses procedural aspects such as data collection, modeling, and expert estimates, ensuring compliance with established legal and policy standards, and highlights the importance of monitoring and institutional oversight in the implementation process.