Under a European Commission recommendation, 15 new chemicals would be added to the list of 33 pollutants for which surface waters must be monitored by member states. The new chemicals consist of six plant protection substances, three chemicals used in biocidal products, two industrial chemicals, one combustion by-product and, for the first time, three pharmaceutical substances. Six of the new chemicals are classified as priority hazardous substances, which are to be phased out of use over 20 years. The additions are part of an update of the EU’s “Directive on priority substances in the field of water quality.” In addition to the new chemicals, three chemicals currently on the list would be subject to stricter regulations and two others would be reclassified as priority hazardous substances. The revision also includes new monitoring and reporting requirements. The proposal will undergo review by the European Council and the European Parliament. EU countries’ Second River Basin Management Plans, which could include the changes, are scheduled for adoption in 2015, with Environmental Quality Standards set for adoption by 2021.

Source: European Commission