RISK ASSESSMENT IN ROMANIA: FROM LEGISLATION TO NEEDS AND POSSIBILITIES

Ecological risk assessment (ERA) is an integral part of the environmental policy assumed by the Romanian Government, according to the standards of the European Union, to which our country hopes to be admitted in 2007. Even though very difficult, the negotiations chapter on environment protection was closed not long ago, the norms the Government has passed, inspired by the Community ones, being quite convincing. The paper presents the general ERA national policy framework, as well as some cases of where human health and ERA have been or should be applied: Baia Mare cyanide spill; Copsa Mica area, where the old pollution with Pb and Cd encompasses more than 40 km 2 , with high risks for population, especially for children; Rosia Montana, where a Canadian company intends to mine gold and to process the ore with cyanide; Bystroe channel, constructed by Ukraine in the north-eastern part of the Danube Delta; and, Bulgarian nuclear power plant, to be built near the Romanian border, at Belene. The conclusion is that, even if the legal framework is according to the European standards, Romania still needs the will of the government and its people, as well as cooperation from neighbors on transboundary issues to make ERA a standard process that contributes to decision-making. In addition, the financial possibilities are quite limited, and it will take many years and many billions of Euros until Romanians can live in an environment that does not adversely impact human health or the environment.