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The European Parliament, in agreement with EU member states, has added 12 new substances to the EU priority list of pollutants known to pose a risk to surface water. For the first time, three pharmaceuticals will also be included on a “watch list” of emerging pollutants that could one day be added to the priority list.
The updated directive on priority substances in water, approved on Tuesday (2 July), amends the 2000 Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the directive on environmental quality standards (EQS).
The effects of these new substances – two hormones and a painkiller – will be monitored, with a view to including them in the priority substances list if regular reviews show it is necessary.
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