The Lake Snagov protected natural area is heavily affected by constructions in the area, domestic wastewater discharged including from the Snagov Palace of the State Protocol Heritage Administration (RA-APPS), the Snagov National Sports Complex, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Complex, Castel Film, and the Vila 23 hotel, as well as by motorboats used by various individuals.
Thus, government officials intend to identify and demolish illegal constructions, enter buildings to dismantle pipes through which water is discharged into the lake, prohibit the use of swimming pools not connected to the sewage network, and limit the traffic routes for all vessels, motorized or otherwise. They also plan to ban jet skis and flyboards and reduce the height of waves produced by boats.
The population of the Snagov locality increased from 5,713 people in 2004 to 7,370 residents in 2015, with the number of buildings registered in the area currently exceeding 3,000 units, of which 2,998 are residential buildings. The total number of dwellings has risen to 4,142.
In contrast, tourist accommodation structures decreased from 67 units in 1998 to only 3 units in 2014.
According to a document drafted at the Government level, it is shown that the Lake Snagov protected natural area is affected by motorized vessels, which stir up sediments, pollute with chemical substances, and infest the lake with invasive species of flora and fauna through transfer from one aquatic environment to another.
The solution would be to restrict navigation to two types of lanes: a navigation lane for non-motorized vessels, keeping traffic at a distance of 25-50 m from the shore, and a navigation lane for motorized vessels, limiting traffic only to the center of the lake, at a distance of at least 50 m from the shore. Simultaneously, the travel speed of vessels will be limited to a maximum of 20 km/h. Between the residents’ homes and the navigable lanes, the travel speed will be limited to 5 km/h.
The simultaneous movement of more than two motorized vessels in the same direction at a distance of less than 250 m between them will also be prohibited. Repeated travel (more than 4 times/hour) by the same motorized vessel through one or more zones of the protected area will be banned, as well as stationary stays longer than 15 minutes in places other than those mentioned in a special permit issued for this purpose.
Furthermore, the use of jet ski-type vessels, including for flyboard activities, as well as the towing of any inflatable objects by high-speed boats for recreational purposes, will be prohibited.
Background noise will be limited to 45 decibels within the perimeter of the protected area.
Fireworks and ad-hoc discos will no longer be accepted within the perimeter of the protected area, and visitors to the natural zone will be recommended to wear clothing in colors similar to the natural environment of that time of year. Picnics, parties, and sporting events will mandatorily require prior authorization.
Commercial fishing with nets and other equipment will only be allowed after the National Fisheries Agency develops a study to estimate the fish population per species and evolutionary trends.
Another factor affecting the natural area is related to constructions in the zone, where waste, sawdust, and other resulting materials lead to the disappearance of certain plant and animal species.
The Government will prohibit the discharge of treated water from swimming pools, including water used for periodic cleaning, imposing the obligation to connect swimming pools to the sewage network.
If there is no proof of connection to the sewage network, the use of the swimming pool will be prohibited until such proof can be presented, including the deactivation of all drainage pipes into the lake, an operation that will be verified by inspectors.
Source: Profit
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new navigation rules on Lake Snagov?
Speed is limited to 20 km/h in the center and 5 km/h near the shore, with specific lanes established for motorized and non-motorized vessels.
How will pollution from buildings be managed?
Authorities will verify sewage connections, dismantle illegal discharge pipes, and prohibit the use of non-compliant swimming pools.
Are recreational activities restricted?
Jet skis, flyboards, and fireworks are banned, while events such as picnics or sporting competitions require prior authorization.