EU ministers back ‘polluter pays’ principle on wastewater treatment
EU ministers back 'polluter pays' principle on wastewater treatment Euronews
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EU Environmental Ministers Agree on ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle for Micro-Pollutant Removal
The EU Council has agreed on an opening negotiating stance to update the 1991 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. The approach, adopted by EU environmental ministers in Luxembourg on October 16, emphasizes that pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies should bear the costs of removing micro-pollutants from wastewater. This decision will form the basis for negotiations with the European Parliament (EP) to address increased pollution levels and utilize improved technology in wastewater treatment.
Stronger Stance on ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle
The EU Council’s opening stance aligns with the European Commission’s original proposal and takes a stronger position on the ‘polluter pays’ principle compared to the stance adopted by EP lawmakers. The Commission’s proposal, introduced in October last year, addresses the additional costs associated with monitoring and advanced equipment required for the removal of micro-pollutants from urban wastewater treatment plants.
The European Commission identifies pharmaceutical and cosmetic residues as the main sources of micro-pollutants found in wastewater. To address this issue, the Commission calls for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for these two product groups, shifting the costs of removing pollutants to the producers.
MEPs Seek National Contributions to Complement Producer Responsibility
However, MEPs have suggested a more tempered approach to producer responsibility in their report on the proposed directive update, adopted by the parliament on October 5. The report states that while producers should contribute to covering the costs of additional treatment of micro-pollutants in urban wastewater, national funding should also be provided, accounting for up to 20% of the total cost.
Teresa Ribera Rodriguez, acting minister for the ecological transition and demographic challenge of Spain, welcomed the Council’s stance during a press conference. She emphasized the need for change in the original directive, which dates back thirty years, and highlighted the importance of properly treating micro-contaminants that are more prevalent today. Ribera Rodriguez stated that the principle of ‘polluter pays’ and producer liability is a common provision in waste treatment legislation.
Wopka Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate Action, expressed his support for the Council’s approach during his first council meeting. He stated that this approach will help bring pollution down in line with the zero pollution ambition of the European Green Deal.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- Indicator: The article discusses the need to remove micro-pollutants from wastewater, which is a form of water pollution. This aligns with the target of improving water quality and reducing pollution.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Indicator: The article mentions the need for pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies to take responsibility for the removal of micro-pollutants from wastewater. This aligns with the target of achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | The article discusses the need to remove micro-pollutants from wastewater, which is a form of water pollution. This aligns with the target of improving water quality and reducing pollution. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | The article mentions the need for pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies to take responsibility for the removal of micro-pollutants from wastewater. This aligns with the target of achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes. |
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Source: euronews.com
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