Objective zero pollution in 2050. The European Commission proposed Wednesday, October 26 in a statement of the rules “stricter” to achieve this goal and make the air and water cleaner by 2030. “The proposed revision of the ambient air quality guidelines will set interim EU air quality standards for 2030, more closely aligned with World Health Organization guidelines,” said the institution.
The plan notably aims to reduce by 75% by 2030 the number of premature deaths (currently 300,000 per year in the EU) caused by air pollution. It is due to particles of 2.5 microns (PM 2.5), the main pollutant and the most dangerous because they penetrate deep into the lungs.
The text “will guarantee people whose health is affected the right to be compensated in the event of a violation (by States) of European rules on air quality”. In particular, they may be represented by NGOs within the framework of“collective actions” to seek legal redress.
While States remain free to decide on specific measures to achieve these air quality standards, Brussels is proposing a reinforced monitoring system, with “effective penalties” in case of shortcomings.
The Commission also aims “a more efficient and more profitable treatment of urban waste water”by imposing the recovery of “nutrients” (nitrogen, phosphate, chemical components, etc.) and by extending the water treatment obligation to small towns of 1,000 inhabitants (compared to 2,000 inhabitants currently).
“Given that 92% of toxic micropollutants found in wastewater come from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, a new extended liability system will require these producers to pay the cost of their disposal”according to “polluter pays principle”underlines the European executive.
Finally, Brussels wants to add to the lists of water pollutants to “control more strictly”via binding thresholds, 24 substances “problematic” for nature and human health.