The regulation establishes stricter requirements for water treatment plants, which reduces the levels of nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, from reaching bodies of water. “The goal of the new requirements is to protect the Baltic Sea and other bodies of water, which are affected by water treatment plants. Lake Peipus, Keila River, Selja River and several other inland bodies of water are in a poor condition due to a high nutrient content, which causes, among other things, the proliferation of algae and the eutrophication of bodies of water. When the regulation enters into force, it will reduce the amount of phosphorus entering bodies of water by nearly one third next year," said Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus-Rosimannus. The regulation will also establish strict limits on the amount of heavy metals and other dangerous pollutants permitted in effluent, as a result of which less of these substances will end up in bodies of water in the future. “The ending up of hazardous substances in bodies of water must be reduced, since they not only damage aquatic biota, but also end up in the food supply of humans. As a result, the requirements also protect the health of people," stated the Minister. According to the Minster of the Environment, the new regulation will stimulate businesses to use more environmentally friendly solutions. Since the reduction in the content of hazardous substances in effluent brings with it additional costs, water undertakings will be given a period of 3-10 years to implement the required changes. The draft regulation is in accordance with European Union Water Policy Framework Directive, which sets the objective of achieving a good condition for bodies of water by 2015. In addition to the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the regulation takes into account the recommendations of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) which is responsible for coordinating marine environment protection in the Baltic Sea region. |
