Directive will require waste water to be collected and treated
A Waste Water Directive will protect the environment from the adverse effects of discharges of urban waste water from agglomerations and biodegradable industrial waste water from the agri-foodstuffs sector by requiring Member States to ensure that such water is collected and treated, according to a report the European Commission (EC) has just published. The EC Directive concerning urban waste water treatment is considered by the Commission to be the cornerstone of Community legislation on water. The Directive implements Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment, as amended by Commission Directive 98/15/EC of 27 February 1998. The report summarises the measures implemented by the Member States and assesses the information received in relation to Articles 17 and 13 of the Directive. Also included are a comparison of Member States' regulations on discharges of biodegradable industrial waste water and a description of the implementation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions required under the Directive. Only Belgium and Italy indicated they will be unable to respect the deadlines laid down by the Directive, the report said.