Dutch knowledge of the Rhine Alarm System and the Rhine Alarm Model was transformed to the characteristics of the Danube River Basin. After initial start of the system for a first group of countries in 1997, the system is successfully in operation for the whole basin since 2000 and was in the alert state on several occasions, for instance during the pollution caused by the well-known Baia Mare disaster in Romania.

The Danube Accident Emergency Warning System (AEWS) aims to warn on accidental pollution that may occur in the basin and that may cause transboundary pollution. The system is based on international formalised warning and communication procedures and uses satellite communication for international transfer of information. Operational tools involve computerised manuals and procedures, hazardous substances databases and the Danube Basin Alarm Model for the simulation of pollutant propagation in the Danube and its major tributaries. The basic elements of the Danube AEWS are the National Centres (called Principal International Alert Centres: PIAC's) established in each riparian country: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Rumania, Moldova and Ukraine.

Each PIAC is equipped with an international satellite communication system to provide fast information exchange between the PIAC's. Another essential element of the system is the supporting institutional setting (at local and central level) in each country. The main principle of the set-up of the system is one PIAC for each participating country. The exception is Ukraine, which has two PIAC's because of its special geographical location in the river basin.

Delft Hydraulics, HKV Consultants