The European Commission published its proposed Industrial Emissions Directive (IED; 05.04.22), key legislation to help prevent and control pollution. Updated rules will help guide industrial investments necessary for Europe's transformation towards a zero-pollution, competitive, climate-neutral economy by 2050.

Reducing the release of potentially harmful contaminants into the environment benefits everyone, which is why we want an Industrial Emissions Directive that is robust to deal with pollutants. Both the IED and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive are strongly linked. Knowing which pollutants specifically we are dealing with will help WWTP operators better protect the environment.

Drinking and waste water plant operators would like more information about what is in the industrial water releases into sewers and other water bodies. Our members would also like to have a say in the permit process.

Using the Control at Source and Polluter Pays Principles will protect us and the environment for years to come.

You can read the Commission's full proposal here. Our position paper on the release of industrial waste water into sewers is here.