Framework for Community action in the field of water policy. Water Framework Directive

The EP voted to endorse the heavily amended Commission proposals for an EU framework directive on water which aim to protect surface water, coastal and territorial water. Mr. Ian WHITE (UK, PES) was the Rapporteur. The following concerns of the Parliament were incorporated in the amendments : - The need to take account of the vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems located near coasts or estuaries or in gulfs or relatively closed seas, as their equilibrium is strongly influenced by the quality of the river basin water flowing into them. - Member States which have progressed further than the Community in limiting pollution through the discharge of all pollutants or groups of pollutants representing an unacceptable risk to the environment and/or to the population shall be allowed to have more stringent restrictions. - Goal to reduce the load of hazardous substances by 50% by 2010, by 75% by 2015 and by close to zero by 2020, taking 1995 as a reference year. - Where economic instruments are used properly as part of a programme of environmental protection measures, management can be improved and more rational use of resources encouraged. - The principle of sound water policy should not be permanently waived purely to promote the sustainable development of an economic region as a whole. - The need for a cost-benefit study : within five years from the date of implementation of this Directive, the Commission, with the assistance of the appropriate authorities in the Member States, shall carry out a cost-benefit study for the purpose of determining the amount of investment that has been required for the implementation of this Directive. - For each river basin district, an assessment of the impact of human activity on the adjoining maritime areas into which the waters of the river basin district flow should be completed within five years of the entry into force of this Directive. - The Member States shall present an action plan showing how they intend to achieve the status of each body of water identified under Article 8 (1), so that the treatment facilities can be minimised to meet the requirements of Directive 80/778/EEC. The action plan shall emphasise the measures required for pollution prevention at source and reduction of pollution from point sources and diffuse sources. - The Commission shall publish a report on the implementation of this Directive at the latest 12 years after the date mentioned in Art. 29, and every six years thereafter, and shal submit it to the European Parliament and to the Council.�