STANAG 6001 Level 3 – Writing Task (Memo): River Contamination Detected in Dniester
Examination task
Write a minimum of 120 words on the topic below.
During a routine monitoring of the Dniester River in your area of responsibility, your unit observed a significant contamination of the river that posed a threat to local water supplies. You have been asked to write a memo to your commanding officer in which you:
- Describe how the contamination was discovered and why it posed a threat to civilians and the environment.
- Explain what immediate actions were taken by your team and how these measures affected normal operations.
- Suggest what further measures should be implemented to contain the contamination and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sample Answer
Memo
Subject: River Contamination Detected in Dniester
- The purpose of this memorandum is to report a recent environmental incident observed during Dniester River monitoring within our area of responsibility. The contamination reportedly resulted from a strike on the Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant in Ukraine on 7 March, which caused a fuel spill into the Dniester River, posing a significant threat to water supplies and civilian access to safe drinking water.
- Immediate actions included notifying environmental authorities and deploying response teams. Military personnel and response teams installed absorbent booms on the Dniester River to contain the contamination, and certain water supply points were temporarily suspended until water quality could be verified. In addition, a 15-day environmental alert was issued by authorities. These measures temporarily affected routine monitoring and operational activities in the area.
- It is recommended to install additional anti-pollution barriers and pollutant-capture systems at strategic points along the river. These measures will help prevent the spread of pollution and protect both the environment and the population. It is also necessary to monitor water quality and ensure a water supply for residents. Ongoing coordination with environmental agencies, as well as the use of EU satellite imagery for spill tracking, is also advised.
Photo: Moldavan military personnel deploying absorbent booms on the Dniester River to contain oil contamination caused by Russia’s strike on the Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant in Ukraine, March 2026 © Moldpres