Cher réseau, Pour tous ceux concernés par la problématique des micropolluants dans les eaux usées urbaines, voilà une nouvelle proposition de directive qui vous concernera ou au moins vous intéressera. Quelques points clés dans la communication de Steven Brennan ci-dessous. Bon après-midi. Emmanuel
Micropollutants: A New Definition Rooted in REACH and CLP Regulations What Exactly Are Micropollutants? According to the proposed Urban Wastewater Treatment (Recast) Directive, micropollutants are chemical substances, as defined by the REACH Regulation, including their breakdown products, that are present in the aquatic environment, urban wastewater, or sludge. Even at low concentrations, these substances pose potential risks to both the environment and human health. They meet specific hazard criteria outlined in the CLP Regulation, affecting: 🔶 Human Health: Acute toxicity, skin irritation, serious eye damage, respiratory sensitization, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and more. 🔷 Environmental Health: Toxicity to aquatic life, potential harm to the ozone layer, persistence, bioaccumulation, and the formation of harmful degradation products. To effectively combat the challenges posed by micropollutants, the proposed recast of the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive introduces several pivotal measures for micropollutants: 🏭 Advanced Treatment Stage: Beyond primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments, quaternary treatment specifically targets the reduction of micropollutants, focusing initially on organic substances. 🌐 Scope and Timeline: Required for all urban wastewater treatment plants with a capacity of 150,000 population equivalents (p.e.) and above, with a phased implementation until 2045. ⚖️ Precautionary Principle: Application of quaternary treatment is based on precaution and thorough risk assessments. 🌊 Sensitive Areas: Mandatory for plants of 10,000 p.e. and above in regions vulnerable to micropollutant pollution—such as drinking water sources, bathing waters, and areas with low dilution ratios. 🔍 Regular Sampling: Mandatory monitoring at both the inlet and outlet of treatment plants to assess the effectiveness of quaternary treatment. 📊 Compliance Assurance: Ensures adherence to set parametric values and ongoing effectiveness. 💡 Cost Allocation: Producers of products contributing to micropollutants (like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics) are responsible for covering the costs of quaternary treatment and monitoring. 🌱 Polluter Pays Principle: Encourages producers to innovate and reduce environmental impacts through sustainable product development. Implications for Industry and the Environment. How will these new requirements impact your industry or environmental practices? #Micropollutants, #UrbanWastewaterTreatment, #WaterQuality, #EnvironmentalProtection, #Sustainability, #REACHRegulation, #CLPRegulation, #WastewaterManagement, #EnvironmentalPolicy, #PublicHealth, #SustainableDevelopment, #EURegulations, #PolluterPaysPrinciple, #ExtendedProducerResponsibility, #QuaternaryTreatment, #Innovation, #CircularEconomy, #EcoFriendly, #IndustryImpact, #CollaborateForChange
