Increase coherence, cooperation and cross-compliance of regulations on chemicals and water quality

Abstract

An analysis of existing regulatory frameworks for chemicals reveals a fragmented situation with a number of regulatory frameworks designed for specific groups of chemicals; for protection of different end-points and covering different parts of the chemicals´ life cycle stages. Lack of-and fragmented information on chemicals (properties, use, emissions as well as fate, occurrence and effects in the environment) limit the ability for assessment and early action, and existing legislation would benefit from more transparency and openness of information and knowledge. To achieve harmonisation of existing legislation and an efficient control of chemical contamination of European waters, a solution-focused approach is proposed including increased ambitions (in monitoring, modelling, and risk assessment), cooperation and dialogue. More holistic and efficient development and implementation of existing legislation can be achieved by better cooperation, harmonisation and information exchange between different regulatory frameworks and by improved science-policy interactions. The introduction of an organisational structure and incentives for cooperation are proposed. Cooperation should focus on harmonisation of advanced monitoring activities, modelling, prioritisation, risk assessment and assessment of risk prevention ('safe by design') and minimisation options. A process for dialogue and information exchange between existing policy frameworks and with stakeholders (industry, NGO´s, etc.) should be included to identify feasible options for mitigation as well as regulatory gaps-on local and EU-scales. There is also a need to increase international cooperation and strengthen global agreements to cover the full life cycle of chemicals (produced and consumed globally) and for exchanging knowledge and experiences to allow early action. This recommended action would also provide knowledge and a framework for a shift towards a sustainable chemistry approach for chemical safety based on a "safe by design" concept.

Screening‐Level Estimates of Environmental Release Rates, Predicted Exposures, and Toxic Pressures of Currently Used Chemicals

“…This is far higher than the toxic pressure threshold value utilized in chemical safety assessment/chemical, which is defined as msPAF‐no‐observed‐effect concentration = 5% and is used as a science‐based threshold to define the PNEC. Studies by Malaj et al (2014) and Posthuma et al (2019b) confirm that water body‐ or area‐specific exposures of single chemicals and mixtures indeed suggest that a nontoxic environment (European Commission 2014; Munthe et al 2019) or toxic‐free environment (European Commission 2019) seems far away. Thus, the comprehensive assessment of emissions, fate, and mixture impacts serves to provide the kinds of outputs needed to provide a basis for prospective decision support and prioritization of actions to forward the goal of the zero‐pollution policy ambition.…”

Solutions for present and future emerging pollutants in land and water resources management. Policy briefs summarizing scientific project results for decision makers

“…A better protection of water quality from mixture risks requires not only conceptual and technical innovation in monitoring and assessment but may also demand for changes to the WFD and a better coordination across the pieces of European chemical legislation [19] as well as an increase in coherence, cooperation and cross-compliance of chemicals and water regulations [20]. To finally meet the European policy goals for achieving a sustainable, nontoxic environment, European collaborative environmental research should be strengthened to mobilize the extensive European research capacities and competences required to address the enormous challenges we are facing to reduce modern society's footprints in general and toxic risks in particular [21].…”

Getting in control of persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) and very persistent and very mobile (vPvM) substances to protect water resources: strategies from diverse perspectives

“…However, as the chemical industry continuously innovates, currently developed tools for environmental risk assessment struggle to keep up with the diversity of chemicals and their uses [2]. Pollution occurs across the whole life cycle of a product from its production until its final disposal, whilst regulation typically only addresses the point at which products are placed on the market, which is only a small part of that lifecycle [3]. The increasing amount and diversity of emerging chemicals on the EU market that can enter water resources, means it is important to consider whether changes to chemical and water resources management need to be made in order to inexpensively safeguard water resources in their natural state.…”