Surface waters: three pharmaceuticals placed on watch list
A new European Union law acknowledges the risks posed by two hormones and a painkiller
For the first time, three pharmaceuticals – two hormones and a painkiller – will be included in a ‘watch list’ of emerging pollutants.
In total 15 new substances have been added to the EU priority list of those known to pose a pollution risk to surface waters under rules endorsed by MEPs.
The new law acknowledges the risks posed by three widely used pharmaceuticals (the hormonal preparations 17alphaethinylestradiol and 17beta-estradiol and the painkiller Diclofenac) and asks the European Commission to develop a strategic approach to the risks posed by pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment.
‘Water policy is a long-term policy. Our citizens should have access to clean water in every form. Unfortunately, studies show that we have some way to go to achieve good environmental status for chemicals, particularly in surface waters,’ said rapporteur Richard Seeber (EPP, AT), who steered the legislation through the European Parliament.
‘The environmental quality standards in this new directive apply to 15 new substances, painstakingly defined with stakeholders.’
The agreement was endorsed by 646 votes in favour, 51 against and 14 abstentions.
Our citizens should have access to clean water in every form. Unfortunately, studies show that we have some way to go to achieve good environmental status for chemicals, particularly in surface waters
For newly identified substances, the maximum permitted concentrations in water set in the EQS will take effect in 2018, with the aim of achieving good chemical status for these substances by 2027.
To this end, EU member states are required to submit supplementary programmes of measures and monitoring programmes to the Commission by 2018.
Revised EQS for existing substances are to be included in River Basin Management Plans in 2015, with the aim of achieving good surface water chemical status for these substances by 2021.
These new rules amend the 2000 Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its ‘daughter’ directive on the environmental quality standards. The WFD has been the EU's main water policy instrument for setting anti-pollution strategies, including measures progressively to reduce or phase out emissions of chemicals listed as priority substances.
EQS determine the maximum concentration of a particular pollutant or group of pollutants in water, sediment (any material which is carried by water and settles to the bottom) or biota (all living organisms in an area), which should not be exceeded in order to protect human health and the environment.