the Wastewater purification Cities should be wider and reach more people, according to the legal reform that has just received approval from the European Parliament. The plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday approved new rules to improve processing and reuse Urban wastewater.
The text, among other things, expands the scope of application of the current Directive to Covering a larger concentration of population It includes, in addition to environmental protection, human health and Includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The rule received broad support from members of the European Parliament. With 481 votes in favor, 79 against and 26 abstentions, the European Parliament supported the agreement reached in January with the Council – which has not yet approved the text – on the review of EU rules on water management and wastewater treatment in Urban areas to improve urban wastewater treatment. Protecting public health and the environment.
Of 1000 people
By 2035, urban wastewater will undergo secondary treatment, that is, the removal of biodegradable organic matter, before being discharged into the environment. In all those communities that are 1,000 people in size (PE), which is the standard unit of measurement that describes the average pollution emitted by one person per day.
Wastewater treatment plant /Pinterest
In 2039, European Union countries will have to ensure implementation Tertiary treatment – removal of nitrogen and phosphorus – In all plants covering 150,000 people or more, and by 2045 in plants covering 10,000 people. Additional treatment that eliminates a wide range of micropollutants (quaternary treatment) will be mandatory for all plants containing more than 10,000 PE in 2045, Europa Press reports.
The new rules require Member States to promote the reuse of treated wastewater from all urban wastewater treatment plants where appropriate, especially in areas experiencing water scarcity. Measures related to reuse should be considered in national water resilience strategies.
Improve monitoring and reduce emissions
In addition, Monitoring of various public health parameters will be strengthened (such as SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, polio and influenza viruses and emerging pathogens), as well as chemical pollutants, including so-called “forever chemicals” and microplastics. Antimicrobial resistance in urban wastewater from clusters of 100,000 PE or more will also be monitored.
Moreover, the urban wastewater treatment sector should play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping the EU achieve the goal of climate neutrality. The goal of energy neutrality was introduced.
Wastewater discharge / Wikimedia
In this way, urban wastewater treatment plants will have to do this Gradual increase in the proportion of renewable energy Used every year: 20% in 2030; 40% in 2035; 70% in 2040 and 100% in 2045.
Economic sanctions on pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers
In accordance with the “polluter pays” principle, the Rules provide expanded liability to producers for medicinal products for human use and cosmetic products, To cover the costs of additional treatment (Quadruple treatment) to remove micropollutants from urban wastewater.
Furthermore, producers are expected to cover at least 80% of the costs, and this will be supplemented by national funding to avoid unintended consequences on the availability, affordability and accessibility of bioproducts, especially medicines.
(Tags for translation)Green light from the European Parliament for new requirements for urban wastewater treatment
