A push for cleaner industrial production - EEB

WATER
The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC aims to achieve both good chemical status and
good ecological status in Europe’s surface waters and groundwater. Environmental quality
standards have been established for 33 priority substances with these thresholds intended to act
as a trigger for additional point source controls under IPPC, should they be transgressed.
• Many small waterways and some large rivers remain severely polluted
(EEA, 2007a)
IPPC is the key tool for controlling point source pollution to European waters by requiring the
application of BAT to reduce the levels of contaminants in waste waters. Should environmental
quality standards for priority substances be jeopardised, stricter controls are required.
The Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC stipulates that nitrate concentrations in drinking water
shall not exceed 50 mg/l. With groundwater serving a crucial source of drinking water in many
Member States, the contamination of groundwater with nitrate is of high concern.
Europe’s waters are contaminated with high levels of nitrates
• Nitrate concentration limits are exceeded in 1/3 of groundwater bodies tested.
No substantial improvement has resulted from current practice
SOIL
(EEA, 2008c)
The Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection 4 sets a framework for actions to protect further degradation
of Europe’s soils, and includes a proposed Framework Directive on Soil.
In terms of soil contamination at industrial sites, both the numbers of sites and the hazardous
chemicals involved generate cause for concern.
• 3.5 million sites potentially contaminated
• Industrial production and commercial service responsible for 41.4% of contamination
• 0.5 million sites seriously contaminated and in need of remediation
(EEA, 2007)
Europe’s soils are not adequately protected and are continuing to degrade.
4
COM (2006) 23;1Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection
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