Legal provisions of COM(1976)639 - - Main contents
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| document | COM(1976)639  |
| date | December 1, 1976 |
COLLECTION RELIEE DES DOCUMENTS 'COM'
COM (76)639
Vol. 1976/0192
Disclaimer
Conformement au reglement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du ler fevrier 1983 concernant I’ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communaute economique europeenne et de la Communaute europeenne de I’energie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983, p. 1), tel que modifie par le reglement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003 (JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas echeant, les documents classifies presents dans ce dossier ont ete declassifies conformement a I’article 5 dudit reglement.
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983 concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243, 27.9.2003, p. 1), this file is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.
In Obereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom 1. Februar 1983 uber die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europaischen Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europaischen Atomgemeinschaft (ABI. L 43 vom 15.2.1983, S. 1), geandert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. September 2003 (ABI. L 243 vom 27.9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Offentlichkeit zuganglich. Soweit erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Obereinstimmung mit Artikel 5 der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
' COM(76) 639 final.
1 * ' ■ ,
■ • i * Brusselsf 2 December 1976.
* I ■
I >.
. ■' 1 i '
CCMMUNICATION FR£»T THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL __ /
concerning -the state of progress of the European Community's environment programme as at 15 November 197$ >
C0M(76) 639 final.
6NV/364/76-E
COMMUNICATION OF THE COMMISSION CONCERNING THE
STATE CP PROGRESS GP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY^ ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
AS AT 15 NOVEMBER 1976
As the Council is starting to discuss the draft resolution on the
continuation and implementation of a.European Community policy end
2
action programme on the environment for the next five years t the
Commission, in answer to the wish expressed by the Council Working Party on the Environment, will describe below the progress achieved in the work at Community level since 22 November 1973, both in the fiold of pollution oontrol and in that of the improvement of the • environment, 1
PARTJIh ^POhLOTIOlTjCOJITROL
I, Objective assessment of the dangers. _to_ htnan heJ^i^—and^the^ '
jenvirqnment presented ^jjollytion.. • '
Annexed hereto is a detailed account of the work carried out with a view to assessing objectively the dangers to human health and the environment presented by pollution. The work related primarily to lead and its compounds organohalogen and organophosphorus compounds, hydrocarbons with probable oaxoinogenio effects, sulphur compounds associated with suspended particles, oxides of nitrogop and carbon, photoohenical oxidants, asbestos, vanadium, inorganic micropollutants and noise. This work has led to the drafting of reports and, in some cases, of draft direotives which are discussed in detail in the Annex hereto.
^ see Council Declaration of 22 November 1973 (OJ No C 112,
20 December 1973), ’
2See OJ No C 115, 24 May 1976. • ‘
- .* 1
t. • .■«, •• «!•.* I—~ ■ -r—-*r —I'
ENV/364/76-ii
n. Prevention and Ro duct ion of water pollution.
1« Fresh water
Some very important work has been undertaken at Community level in relation to combatting fresh water pollution and some striking results have been achieved. The work was especially concerned with r
— the definition of quality objectives;
— the reduction of pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment;
- the reduction of pollution caused by certain industrial activities;
- the participation hy the Community in International Conventions.
A. Quality objectives
1. Directives adopted by the Council
On the Commission's proposal, the Council adopted two directives *
— a directive on the quality required of surface waters intended for the abstraction of drinking water, adopted on June 16,1975^
— a directive concerning the pollution of fresh and sea bathing
(o)
water, adopted on December 8, 1975' •
These two directives fix the parameters and values corresponding to the specific use and functions of these two types of water.
2. Proposals for directives and decisions forwarded to the Council by the Commission.
The Commission has forwarded to the Council on July 31, i975 a draft directive ■ relating to the quality of water for human consumption (3).
(1) O.J. L N* 194 of 25.7.1975
(2) O.J. L N° 31 of 5.2.2976
(3) O.J. L N° 214 of I8.9.I975.
On 2 August 1976 the Commission sent the Council a proposal for a directive on the quality requirements for waters oapable of supporting freshwater fish\ '
Finally, on 30 April 1976 the Commission sent the Council a proposal for a Council Decision establishing a uniform procedure for the exchange of information on the quality of surface fresh water in the Community^.
The latter proposal is aimed at organizing and developing exchanges of information between the pollution surveillance and monitoring networks so that a better insight oan be gained into the fresh water pollution situation in the Community, comparisons can be made and the effects of the application of national and Community legislation on pollution levels can be monitored. , -
A. Proposal.3 fo£ direct i v£3_bjg ing_pr ep ar ed and other, work-in progress^ ' wdjtliinjthe^Commis^s^on '
With the help of a panel of national experts set up by the Commission in 1972 (the panel has met about ten times since, then and has set up numerous ad hoc sub-groups), the departments of the Commission are currently drawing up proposals for directives relating to: . .
the quality of water for agricultural use, the protection of aquatic life in general., the quality of water for use in industry,
the methods of measurement and sampling frequencies in respect of surface waters for the human consumption.
Furthermore, in order to establish common methods of reaching and maintaining quality objectives, an analytical and critical study of experiments at national level in this field has been undertaken.
There was a preliminary exchange of views on the results of this study at the eight plenary meeting of the Working Party on Water Quality. •
The results showed that the use of mathematical models as management aids should be encouraged and that an effort must be made to develop overall decision-making models,that is to sey models concerning the qualitative and quantitative aapeots of water manr^genent.
Joj Wo C 202, 28 August 1976 OJ No C 133, 14 June 1976.
Among the measures on which only a preliminary exchange of views has been held attention should be drawn to the joint investigation and determination of the minimum satisfactory long-term quality requirements to be met by the different components of the Community’s environment,
No consensvis of opinion was reached on the direction and scope of such measures at this meeting. The Commission intends to draw up a basio document which will be submitted to the national experts at one of their next plenary meetings.
B. Reduction h'jti^on^cfused ^y„c<ertadn-idan^erouso>_substan£e£
discharged into the aquatic environment
1. Directive adopted by the Council
On 4 Mr«y 197« tlao Council adopted a Directive on pollution caused by oertain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment . „
Thi3 very important Directives .
introduces a system of prior autnori2ations ior the discharge of a
number of dangerous substances into the aquatic environment}
provides for the laying down of limit values and quality objectives for the substances on a 'black list';
also provides for the establishment of programmes designed to reduce . pollution caused by the discharge of substances on a 'grey list'.
2. No,rk£in ^rog^e^s^within the Cpraris>sion— '
With the help of national experts who met for the first time on 15 and 16 July 197^, the Commission is currently drawing up a proposal for a directive on the protection of underground water against pollution caused by the discharge of dangerous substances.
Furthermore, the work begun pursuant to the Directive of 4 May 1976, principally with a view to drawing up proposals for directives laying down limit values and quality objectives for the substances on the
^OJ No L 129, 18 May 1976.
"black list" has been started with the help of a panel of national experts. The principal result of the work has been to enable definitions to be drawn up of those substanoes which should be given priority treatment, i.e. mercury, oadmium, aldrin, dieldrin and endrin, ,
G, Action specific to £ertain industrial seotors
1. Direcrtives^ado^ted^t^ the Council,
The Council has not yet adopted any of the proposals for directives transmitted by the Commission and mentioned below concerning oertain .. industrial sectors.
On 3 March 1975* however,'it adopted a Resolution on energy and the environment^. , .
2. Proposals for dire^ives^transmHt^d^b^ the CotM^sjaion^to, the Council
The Commission has transmitted two proposals for directives in this field to the Councils . ■
the first, transmitted on 20 January 1975* concerns the reduction of
2
water pollution caused by wood pulp mills j
the second, transmitted on 13 July 1975* concerns waste from the titanium dioxide industry^. '
The Commission attaches great importance to these two proposals for Directives concerning branches of industry producing waste whioh, because of its volume, quantity and the nature of the pollutants which it contains, has serious effects on water quality and its possible self-purification capacity.
3. Work-in prpgregs_within the Commission
The Commission is studying pollution caused by the iron and steel industry, the petrochemical, industry, the food industry and tanneries.
Furthermore, in accordance with the Council Resolution on energy and the environment, the Commission, with the help of a panel of national experts, has started studies of the biological effects of cooling water and of the cooling systems in power stations. ,, r ^OJ no C 168, 25 July 1975.
20J ITo C 99, 2 Hay 1975.
~e.T ho C 222, 2? Ceptember 1575,
D» Partici pation J^n^intOTiifrtiwml^conventi^ons
1' Draft cprrvGniion^on the £pot£Cti£nj3f ijiternatiovp^ watercourses ns£
Negotiations on this draft have been in progress within the Counoil of Europe since 1967. The Permanent Representativec Committee agreed in principle to Community participation in this convention . ard on the texts of articles to be included in the draft convention to enable the Community to participate in it.
2a Convention^forjthe^proteotion £f—the^I^ine^ogalnrt^cj^era^al pollution
decision
On 20 September 1976 the Commissioji sent the Council a proposal for a on the conclusion by the Community of a Convention for the protection of tho Rhine against chemical pollution, and an additional agreement to the Borno Agreement, allowing participation by the Community in the work of the International Rhine Commission. 'It must be pointed out that the Commission has already booh participating in the work of the .International Rhine Commission as an observer sinoo 1973* • . .
Ho £>eja wat er ■
1. Directives... and Decisions the Council.
The Directive of A Hay 1976 concerning pollution oauaed by oertain dangerous substances discharged into tho aquatic environment also oonoerns sea water.
Furthermore, in a Decision of 3 March 1973p the Cotmcil agreed that the Community should participate as such in the Paris Convention on the prevention of marine pollution from land—based sources, which is applicable to the North-East Atlantic. That Convention was signed " Vnll' the'Stafe^~^rdc¥iBg'on tltht‘'^0a"and*^thtr Gomm»t,>ity on—n; 23 June'1975. • I • ' j-
' ’ '* f
Finally, on 19 July -1976 tho Council authorized the Community to sign the co~cailed'Barcelona Convention on tho protection of Hhe • Mediterranean Sea against pollution mid a Protocol on the prevention
Jj t'4
of the pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by dumping from chips and
1 ■ aircraft . ■
1976'
•4H • *•
ft «
.1 1
OJtfo C 122, 3 June
The Council has also named those authorized to sign the Convention on behalf of the Community. The Convention was signed on 13 September 1976.
2. Propo3alsijfoEmd1fgct1ycsmand_dgcjs1ons^$fansm1tted_tojthemCounc1l,by,the Commission.
On 6 May 1976 the Commission sent the Council a proposal for a decision on the conclusion of the Barcelona Convention and of a protocol referred to above.
,1).
On 12 January 1976 the Commission sent the Council a proposal for a directive on the dumping of wastes at sea.
Mention must also be made of the proposal for a Commission directive transmitted to the Council on 18 July 1975 concerning waste from the titanium dioxide Industry mentioned above.
Finally, on 3 November 1976 the Commission sent the Council a proposal for a directive on the qsallty requirements for waters capable of
. • —i
supporting freshwater fish.
3. Work_1n_groaress_w1thin_the_Cgmm1 sslon..
The Commission Is also participating In the work of various bodies responsible for administering International conventions :
(a) In the case of pollution from land-based sources, the Commission Is participating, on behalf of the Community, In all the committees and specialized.working parties set up under the Paris Convention. Within this framework It has made a study. Jointly with Belgium, designed to catalogue and analyse the control and monitoring systems used with regard to substances on the '"black list".
<b> In the case of marine pollution by the deliberate dumping of wastes, the Commission Is participating as an observer In the work of the Commission responsible for Implsmentfng the Oslo Convention.
4-
•* .1 ,fc V
H OJ C *0, P0 February *1976. ‘
(©) As regards marine pollution resulting from decp-soa
prospecting and mining* the Community is participating in the work of a Bpocial working party, set up under tho abovewnentioned Paris Convention, which is working out measures to be taken on pollution caused by drilling rign0 Tho Commission is oloo participating as an observer in tho work being carried out following the London Conference of 1973/75 on tho problems of safety and protection against pollution during prospection for and the production of mineral resources in tho sea in Northwest. Europe^ _ ona- working party is dealing with civil liability arising from this typo of pollution. Finally, the Commission is keeping a close watch on tho work in thic area carried out under tho Third Conference on the Law of the Sea. „ •
III. Atmonpheri£ £0Hut ion
1. e£t^v^s^end^iDec^sj^ons^f^ont^d^bjr the Council
The Council adopted} ■ . ' .
on 28 Hay 1974» a Directive relating to air pollution by exhaust gases from motor vchiole engines'*
on 24 November 1?75» & Directive rdating to tho approximation
of the laws of the Member States relating to tho sulphur ooptont
2 (*)
of certain liquid fuels
on 24 June 1975s a Decision establishing a common procedure for the exchange cf information collected by tho surveillance notworks which monitor atmospherlo pollution caused by certain sulphur compounds and by dust^.
. ' • . I
2. £or di^rodiv^s^tT^nne^it^t^ed^t^ the Council by .tho
Commission . ■ _ _
The Commission transmitted to tho Council*
on 25 April 1975, a Directive on. biological standards for lead and a Directive on dir quality for standards for lead^j
r—-M- :..... '........... Ill
20J Do L 159, 15 June 1974. ' '
-0J Do L 307, 27 Dovcnbcr 1975*
joj No L 194, 25 July 1975. • '
^OJ Ho C 151, 7 July 1975k '
<*) within the framework qf the general programme for the removal' hf technical barriers to trade. , 1 . . . ;; -• « ■
on 25 February 1976, a proposal for a Resolution on tho laying down of standards and a proposal for a Dirootivo' ooncorning hoalth protection standards for sulphur dioxide and suspondod particulate matter in urban atmospheres^ j
on 9 December 19751 2 a proposal for a Directive relating to the measures to bo takon agaihBt the omission of pollutants from diosol engines for use in wheeled agricultural or forestry tractoro2’;
on 30 December 19752 a proposal for a Direct ivo on tho uso of ' fuel—oils with tho aim of decreasing sulphurous emissions3.
Ctaoe the European Parliament has delivered its opinion on the proposal for a directive, tl^e Commission expects tho Mcmbor State2
■ to make a special effort to reconcile their points of viow on the quostion of the lead content of petrol, which was forwarded to th2
Council in December 19732 and anticipates that the Counoil will
4) .
act rapidly on this proposal for a directive .
. \
3. Work_in progress within thoConnlsBion ' '
In addition to tho work concerning tho objective acacssment of tho rio?:o referred to in tho Annex, tho Commiooion is also continuing with work, in accordance with tho Council Resolution on energy end tho environment, on tho development of methods of measurement for nitrogen oxides, on tho supply of low-pollution fuels, and on promoting the dovolopmont of desulphurization processes and of ary other process which would reduce atmospheric pollution by COg.
IV. I!oin_o
1. Proposals tor directives transmitted to the Council by the Commission
Within the framework nf the general programme for the removal of technical
barriers to trade,the Commission has sent the Council proposals for directives
concerning the permissible noise level of :
motor vohiclcs^ . ■ ; .
. 6 .
pneumatic concrote-breakers and jackhanmor® ■ ' , '
10
tower cranes ;
certain types of current generators for welding and power supply 1
purposes ; motorcycles^; and
The Commission has also proposed a method for the measurement of the sound level of constructional plant and equipment which could serve as a basis for all Community rules in this field. A rapid decision by the Council on this proposal would therefor® be an Important step In the realization of a noise control policy.
Finally, a proposal for a Council directive concerning the permissible noise level o4 5 3 6 7 8 sobsonlc aircrafts has been transmitted to the Council on 26 April 1976. *
2. W2r^„iD»2r20rSSS_yilMQ™Si3S-£222illi20
The Commission Is continuing Its work on the definition of criteria for measuring airborne noise emitted by domestic appliances, on permissible noise levels for lawn-mowers and on the limitation of noise nuisance caused by small propeller-driven aircraft. These drafts have been worked out following notification <?f draft legislation in the Member States, transmitted to the Commission In accordance with the Information agreement on the environment of 5 March 1973.
Finally, In accordance with the Resolution on energy and the environment, studies are in progress on noise pollution caused by the cooling tower# of power stations.
V, Waste
1. 5ilS£tives_ado£jted_b;^the_Counc1i
Three Directives have been adopted by the Council
4
on 16 June 1975 a Directive on the disposal of waste oils ;
on 15 July 1975 a Directive on wastes^;
------on 6 April -1976 a Directive on the disposal of polychlorinated felpbe'nytsnmd
polychlorinated terphenyls^.
Furthermore, on 26 June 1975 "the Counoil adopted a programme on the management and storage of radioactive waste^#
t
2, Pr^£sal—forja^dir^pve_transmlttecM;£ th£ Council^ by.„the
Conpassion ,
Ch 20 July 1976 the Commioeion sent the Counoil a proposal for a cUrpct^ve on toxio and dangerous waste. The draft provides for a system of pricy authorization for the disposal of such waste and for measures to ' promote their reoyoling and processing, .
3, Work-in £rofro£Si-iiwithin th<s £onmis8ion ,
V ' * *
As part of the work boing oarried out -by CREST, a panel of national < *
exports has boon set up to examine those areas viiere soiontifio and technical information about primary and seoondary raw materials is lacking and to draw up a multiannual reaearoh programme in those v ' two fields, ' ^
The Commission has oarried out numerous studies on the problems of reoyoling and disposing of waste, With a view to forming a panel of persons under the aegis of the Commission who are competent in this particularly important field of the Community*a eoonoraio activities and especially obtaining help in drawing up an overall polioy in this
field, the Commission set up a waste Management Committee on
2 ”
21 April 1976 , idiioh will meet shortly. The Committee will examine
the results of the studies referred to above, and in particular those. .
oonoerning bundled waste paper, discarded vehiolea and agricultural
wastes.
The Commission also plans to hold a meeting between the direotors . of the waste exchange already formed in certain Member States with a ’ view to exohanging information and comparing experience gained in this field, .
' . «
Finally, the Commission is continuing ” o .Implement the programme on the management and storage of radAoao-'.iv'j wasted • ■ ' ^ OJ No L 178, 9 July 1975, 2aj No L tJ^f 1. May
VI, Chemicals In the nnvirormont
1, o i r e c t iyes.adoBted.by_tne_Counc11 ' '
Several Directives have been adopted by the Council within the framework of the general programme for the removal of technical barriers to trade : .
• ' on 22 November 1973, on dotergants^ ' ’ '
— on 22 November 1973, on methods of testing the biodogradability of anionic surfactants^
® on 27 July 1976, on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
Furthermore, on 14 July 1976 the Commission adopted, by the prooedure . for adaptation to technical progress, an amendment to the Directive of 27 June 1967 concerning the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerms substanoos, *
2, Prop<oo;al£ for dixoot^vjjs^transmij^todjfc^ the Council^ by_the^C emission
The Commission has sent the Coxinoil several proposals for direotivos
concerning ■ 1
2
°» oeramio artiolcs intended to come into ©OTtnot with food ;
•*» the olassifioation, packaging and labelling of paints, varnishes, adhesives and similar products3;
-> tho olasaifioation, packaging and labelling of pesticides^;
5
— the placing of EEXJ-^.ocepted plant protection products on tho market ;
*» the prohibition of tho marketing and us© of certain pesticides^; .
« and omondment to tho Dirootive of 27 June 1967 concerning the •
7
olassif ioation, packaging and labelling of dangerous uubetane®« • •
^ No L347, 17 too amber 1973. 20J No 0 46, 27 February 1975. 30J No G 166, 23 July 1975.
40J No C 40, 20 February 1975. 5CQ<76)427, 29 July 1976.
60J No 0 200, 26 August 1976. 7CCF1(76)433, 8 September 1976.
- 13 -
I ' i
The last proposal requires -that a study be made of every new" substanoo before it is marketed in order to assess its effects on man and the environment. A file giving .the results of this Btudy would be compiled by the manufactiirer of the new substanoe or by whoever markets it, and a copy would be given to the Member State ooncemed and to the Commission, This proposal, whioh also lays down conditions for the examination of the file, is an important step in the prevention of pollution from oliemioal produots.
3, Work in progress within the Commission
Mi Mi M M> m m h cm cm om mi rmt .
Following the Seveso aooiderit, the Commission is currently studying the measures whioh should be taken in future to prevent suoh aooidents from recurring, with a view to dratving up suitable proposals.
VII* Solentifio aspects
A. • Re^Garoh^ , , .
1. Decisions adopted by the Council ■ '
MilnMneii’CcWi OiliMiti ijfi.tinner fnfrMMg'tuMpT Mi jiWlll Will i _ .
1
In Deoisions of 5 February and 14 May 1973 the Council adopted a number of Community research projects to be carried out at the JRC*sIspra ' ■ establishment. This programme, involving the sum of 15*85 m u.a., •
oovers the period from 1 January 1973 to 31 December 1976.
• . 2 ' ’ ■ '
In a Deoision df 18 June 1973 , the Counoil adopted a first research
programme for the protection of the environment (indirect project). ^ .■
This programme, involving the sum of, 6.3 m u.a», covered the period from 1 January 1973 to 31 December 1975*
In a Deoision of 15 March 197^, the Council adopted a new multiannual
research and development programme in the environmental field
(indirect action). The 'radioactive contamination' aspects of the environment fall within the multiannual programme on radiation protection adopted by the council on the same date. 9 10 11
This programme covers the period from 1 January 1976 to 31 December I98O0 A maximum to 16 m u.a. and of ten officials have been allocated to this project.. ,
2. Proposal transmitted, to the Council by the Commission
PM» MR ME* m OMt mb m (M» M M ■« One aao Me mb •»« mam Mr M# Me mo* M MO '
In May 1976 the Commission sent the Council a proposal for a multiannual researoh programme to be implemented by the JRG (l977~80)s providing for a project in the field of the environment and resources.
The Council, will shortly he asked to take a decision on this proposal®
3. Work in progress within the Commission ’
The Member States are informed regularly of the results of the work
carried out under the researoh programmes on environmental protection
conducted at both the JRG establishment in Ispra and under contracts
/
concluded with research organizations in the Member States, The
Advisory Committee on Programme Management (ACPM) meets regularly to
, \
direct these two programmes. As regards research contracted out, the ACPM has began an evaluation of the preliminary results obtained under the 1973—75 programme. It has also begun discussion of research projects submitted by research organizations in the Community in response to the call for tenders which appeared in OJ Mo C JS on 3 April 1976.
As indicated above, two multiannual research programmes are being drawn up as part of the work carried out by CREST, one concerning raw ■ materials, the other the development of large urban agglomerations.
B. Dissemination of information •
M> mao na mm MI am mm am mm mm am am am mat k
1. Decision adopted by the Council
am M. MB MS mm warn A* M AN MB am on pm am mm am ■
1
In a Decision of 8 Deoembor 1975 1 the Counoil established a oommen procedure for the setting up and constant updatingof an inventory of sources of information on the environment in the Community. ■
2, Work in progress within the Commission^
The sotting up of this inventory is proceeding satisfactorily#
The praotioal work is being carried out in olose collaboration with . the Member States and with representatives working on the International Referral System (IRS) whioh is being developed by UREP, According to ourrent expectations, this inventory should be avilable at the end of tho year. The Commission will shortly forward to the Counoil a proposal concerning participation by the Community as a regional fooal point in the operation of tho IRS.
Tho forthcoming completion of the European network, EUROMET, will . ’
necessitate the creation of a ooherent set of information services* Consequently' the Commission, with the help of two panels of experts provided for in the action programme, is studying data banks . specializing in environmental matters (legislation, analysis of
pollution control teohnology, information from oonferenoos).
• . ’ % • .
' • . • ' . a
VIII. Economic aspects
1, Recommendation'1 adopted by the Council . , ■' ! •
•M MM MB Oum MB MB MB MB OBt IBM* Mi M DM Mi DM WB BBi MB
1
On 3 March 1975 the Counoil adopted .a reoommendation-regarding cost allocation and action by publio authorities on environmental matters* .
2. Work in progress within the Commission
M* M O-i Mi dkjs «m Mi mb *M BJ» MB am MB P. O MB M MB am •
With the help of a panel of national experts set up by the Commission in 1972, the Commission is currently drawing up a draft Council . . .
reoommendation to the Member States concerning the assessment of pollution oontrol costs in industry* This proposal for a recommendation will shortly be transmitted to the Council,
. ■ 1. *
Tho panel has begun to discuss a Commission working document aimed at laying down conditions for the grant of state aids to industry in the environment field when the present aid arrangements end in I98O0
The panel has also discussed the operation of systems of charges imposed by some Member States to discharges of effluent into wateroourses.
Some aspects of the application of the polluter pays” principle have also been discussed, and in particular the incorporation of ecological considerations in other policies and the problem of pollution chains®
IX. Information agreement
WM IMI 'W« MM
The Commission regularly receives notification from the Member States of proposed laws, regulations and administrative provisions, under the Information Agreement on the environment of 5 March 1973®
As at 1 July 197& the Commission had received 147 notifications, broken down as follows;
| Member State | Planned measures | Measures in force | International Agreements | Miscell aneous | •'Total |
| Belgium | 1 | 3 | 1 . | ' «*• | 5 |
| Denmark | 1 | 24 | 4 | - | 29. |
| Germany | . 23 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 34 |
| Prance | 26 | 6 | 3 | 6 | . 41 |
| Ireland | 2 | ' - | ' - | - | 2 ' |
| Italy | 4 | - | 2 | - . | 6 .. |
| Netherlands | 6 | 17 | mm | 23 ■ | |
| Luxembourg | 1 | - | - | mm | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 6 | - | - ' | ' 6' / |
TOTAL
75 52 12
The measures notified concern water pollution (44), atmospheric pollution (24), waste (14), noise (1C), international agreements (12), and 35 concern plans for general or miscellaneous measures® '
- 17 -
i i =■
PART.II - IJffBOVEIEIST OP_'IHE_MV^RONME2TT
1. ProtMjtiari^of natural, spaces . ■
1 • Jh£ective adopted ]^—the—Council
On 28 April 1975 the Council adopted the Directive on mountain and hill
1
farming and farming in certain less-favoured areas •
At its meeting of 7 November 1974, the Council asked the Commission to begin work on the classification of Community territory on the basis of its environmental characteristics, in order to enable the objectives to be identified and defined. ' ‘
2. Proposal jfor a directive _tran£ndtted tojthe^Counoi^l^bjr the CpmmsjiJion^
On 21 February 1974 the Commission sent the Counoil a proposal for a
directive on the encouragement of forestry measures to improve
■ * . ... p ■ • ! ■ ,
agricultural structures . • .
3. Work-in £ro^ess_with.in the Commission .
The work involves*
- the development of a mapping system to present consolidated data on the
natural environment as an aid to planning the use of space; ,
- rural areas;
- urban spaces and coastal areas.'
(a) At the request of the Counoil, the Commission immediately began work on,the classification of Community territory on the basis of its environmental characteristics. This work is intended to follow a programme-spread, over several years, and will involve close collaboration
' * • t . '
between the Commission and the Member States. .
IOJ NO L 128, 19 May 1975.• • . .
OJ No C 44, 19 April 1974. , ' - ' '
The first stage of the work will involve the drawing up of an inventory . of the Member States* activities with regard tot
(i) the availability of data on environmental characteristics suitable for use in a method for classifying territory|
(ii) methods, processes and models so far tried out, whose objectives are in line with those of the Community programme. '
This work is contracted out by the Commission and the results are discussed by a panel of national experts.
(b) As regards measures relating to rural spaces, the Commission has drawn up an inventory of the knowledge obtained concerning the ecological effects of modern agricultural production methods with a view to ascertaining those aspects on which insufficient knoifledge has been obtained and to deciding on the measures which should be implemented at Community level. The measures to be implemented relate toi
— the miau.se of pesticides; ' *'
— the intensive use of certain fertilizers;
— intensive livestock fanning; .
— modern agricultural methods; ;
— the effects of land improvement.
As regards pesticides, the results of the study show that the use of persistent organochlorine insecticides and of organo-meroury fungicides should be forbidden, and that the use of the most dangerous pesticides should be subject to an approval system. This work has led to two draft directives being drawn up, which were presented to the Council in July and August. ,
As to the use of fertilizers, it has been found that the information available is incomplete and that supplementary studies will be necessary.
Several studies on intensive livestock farming are under way. They concern maximum environmentally permissible numbers per hectare, comparison of the laws of the Member States and health protection requirements for organic wastes returned to the soil.
Furthermore, a major research programme was adopted by the Council on . 27 July 1973. • . , . •
Two studios on modern agricultural methods are in progress* the first relates to the ecological implications of land improvement, the second to the consequences in terms of production of special constraints aimed at protecting tfye environment. ,
The Commission is also carrying out a study of the ecological
• ■ ' ' ’ •
consequences of the abandonment of oultivated land, which also included . , an inventory and classification by type of such land. .
In the field of quality foodstuffs, a study ha3 been carried out on the
. 4
feasibility of developing typical- high-quality agricultural products.
It has been backed up by a study on the development of a system of fruit-growing which meets the taste quality criteria. Studios of the -same type are in preparation for poultrymeat and pigmeat.
In the field of the development of production techniques to replace
' *» •
certain modern techniques and ensure better environmental protection, a preliminary study has been carried out on the feasibility of developing biological and integrated control methods of protecting crops to replace conventional control methods involving the massive use of pesticides.
This work has been backed up by a study on the development of a fruit- ‘ growing system under the heading of "integrated pest control”. '
(0) The study of the environmental problems of city centres is complete.
The conclusions will chortly be submitted to a panel of national experts,■ so that possible Community measures can be worked out. '* ' ‘ -
The results of the study of national urban development polioies are • expected by the 9nd of the year. Following the work carried out by CnEST in this field, the Commission will shortly present the Counoil with a oroposal for a decision on a research programme on the growth of large conurbations. The two-year programme will probably be implemented in ' the form of' concerted action, with the projects being financed and carried out’ in the Member States and coordinated at Community level.
Finally, studies on the planning and ecological management of coastal areas and on the protection of natural soaces and the countryside are almost
complete. ■ « • • " ' , ’' ■ ' ■ • •
’ ' . t '
II. Protection of animal life ' -
Work in prpgressv within^the. Commission '
Over the last two years the Commission has investigated a number of questions concerning the protection of migratory birds and of some endangered or disappearing species of animals. ' .. . • ■*’. '
interpretation of the results of this study, which took longer than was .
expected*, prevented the Commission from submitting proposals td the Council v as it had undertaken,to do. However, the preparation of these' proposals has reached ,an advanced stage and ft should be possible' to transmit them to the Counci11by the end of the year. , , ■■■ ,■ . : ' ’ v,.
The Washington Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild flora and falina came into force on 1 July 1975. By 1 July 1976 twenty-six states had ratified it, including one Member State'of the EEC. Ratification by the other Member States is expected in the coming' months. The Commission has participated as an observer atth§ roeetiria _.af‘ the -parties, who have ratified
the Convention,, which was held in..Berne, on November. 2. ......’
This Convention is largely concerned with trade> and as a result falls partly within Community competence®. Therefore the Community should Itself adhere to the Convention. Whlle awaiting this adhesion, the Commission wiLI propose the appropriate measures to ensure. In particular that certain provisions of -the Convention, when applied by.the Member States, will not create obstacles to trade twlthin the Community.. ; . .. .
As regards harmonization at Community level of measures taken to apply the Convention, discussions with national experts have made it possible to decide which areas should receive priority treatment; these are the Identification and possible marking of specimens. Import and export permits, the bringing In of marine species and the registration of permits issued. .
-21-
t!
Ill* Natural resources ' ' .
mm *—* «•* mm mm* M CM* CM*
WOTk^in progress within the, Commission . ,
The Commission’has received the final report of the study on the availability of Community water resources. The conclusions of the report which will be submitted to a panel of national experts for 12 their opinion in October, show that generally speaking sufficient water is available in the Community, except in drought years such as 1976, but that it is unevenly distributed between the different geographical regions of the Community* ■ ' "•
On 4 Novenbor 1974 the Council asked the Commission to begin work on the identification of a minimum of water resources and ioi the classification of territory on this basis. This is being done with the aid of national experts. The Commission will inform the Council at the appropriate moment of the results of this work.
A study of world resources, geochemistry and environmental pollution from mercury, and of production, consumption and future world and Community '• needs, is now being published* ■
Studies of global resources of metals in the platinum group, chromium, fluorine, phosphorus, tin and lead have been completed, as have those on ores containing fluorine and phosphates. .. ■ '
The results of these studies, after examination and evaluation, will be published in' the ,slkivir<a2nerit and Quality of Life” series, ' ‘
Pi European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working
«—* *r« ■>« mm mm «—» me mm me* mm M mm mm am am tee An tmm (HA amt am am mm m M am* ate m umBi mM>
Conditions . , .
1. hooisions adopted by the Council
mm mm «*A mm* am* amtr mb M UE mat *so tBut <£*a , ‘
On a proposal from the Commission, the Council has adopted three Regulations; >
on 26 May 1975* on the creation of a European Foundation for the
•j
imnrovonont of living and xrorking conditions ; •
on 1 Juno 1976, on tho financial provisiona applying to tho Foundation13j
on 29 Jvr.o 1976, laying down tho conditions of employment of staff of
2 ' tho Foundation ;
Tho Cornell has ontcrcd 2»6 in u.a. in tho draft "budget for 1977.
Tho Commission has appointod tho Director end Deputy Director of tho Foundation; those appointmonto took effect on 1 September®
On 2U September 1976 the Council has adopted a decision concerning the appointment of the members of the Committee of Experts of the Foundation.
2® Proposals tran^Ldtt^e^ to^thoJ3 OTjpiJl^b^ the ^■mnaipoi^n
The Commission has sent the Council for approval a proposal for a regulation on the rules of procedure of the Administrative Beard of the Foundation. *
Furthermore, to maintain a balance between the two aspects of the Foundation13s work, i.e® working and living conditions, the Commission hruj sent the Counoil a proposal for an amendment to the Regulation of 26 Ifr.y 1973 cn the oreation of the Foundation, providing for the oreatlon of a second post of Depizty Director®
3® V^rk^in progrep^s^witMn th^a Commi^ESijon^
The Administrative Board of the Foundation mot for the first time in Dublin on 6 and 7 Mey®
The first meeting enabled a discussion to be held on the direction vfeioh • the Foundations work should take and on the programme for 1977*
•the organization of work, end in particular measures relating to the humanization of working conditions;
problems peculiar to certain categories of workers, especially young school or university leavers, people of retiring age, and immigrants;
certain subjects common to both living and working, in particular the problem of times the relation between work and leisure time.
In accordance with the wishes of the Council, the Foundation’s work will
'i
be to keep abreast of and promote experiments in the field, rather than to carry out studies of a general nature.
The Commission believes that these arrangements should enable the . Foundation to become operational by the end of 1976•
4 o Public awareness and education . ’
Work-in progressjwithin the Commission >
. I • ' _
The Commission has continued"its efforts to bring about more active '
interest on the part of the population in environmental problems, adding its contribution to the effortb undertaken in the Member States. . .
It has also continued its cooperation with nor>-governmehtal organizations, in particular with the European Environmental Bureau.
As regards education, the Commission will shortly be meeting representatives of primary schools in the Member States with a view to sotting up a network for the exchange of experience acquired by the schools in environmental education (9 to 14 year-olds). This network would make it possible to test the first information booklets for teachers which are currently- being prepared-fcr some specific fields of environmental protection. The Commission has also contributed financially to the organization of summer schools running courses on basic environmental problems. Finally, the Commission is drawing up an'initial statement on the environmental • situation in the Community. - • ; . .
. - • • • • .i . • . - -1 ■ , ■ ■
ACTION ET THE CCMIUHITY AND THE MEMBER STATES IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS '
1. International organisations
The Member States and the Commission collaborate regularly on the preparation of various meetings planned by those international organizations dealing with environmental problems (UNEP, OECD, Council of Europe, IKE, WHO, UNESCO, IMCO^FAO). The Commission works in close collaboration with the secretariats of those organizations.
2. ^nter^na-ti^orifLl conventions .
As mentioned in the first pert of this document, the joint action by the Community and its Member States in certain international conferences and conventions dealing with water pollution has been successful. The ' Councils adoption of the Directive of 4 May 1976, concerning pollution caused by oertain dangerous substances discharged into the aquaiio environment of the Community, enabled decisive progress to be made in the
f
formulation of a draft Convention for the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution. Represented by "the Commission, the Community participated in this vrork, which culminated in the Ministerial Conference of 1 and 2 April 1976 in Paris and on 25 May 19?6 in Berne, and in the fortieth Plenary Session of the International Rhine Commission on 6 and 7 July in Luxembourg. During these negotiations it became clear that Community participation in the management body of the Convention, the International Commission, was indispensable. As mentioned in Part I, the Commission has sent the Council a draft decision on the conclusion by the Community of the Convention on the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution, and on a draft Additional Agreement to the Berne Agreement providing for participation by the Community in the work of the International Rhine Commission.
The Commission took part in the negotiations at the Barcelona intergovernmental meeting, which was held from 2 to 16 February 1976, and which adopted a Convention on the protection of 'the Mediterranean Sea against pollution and'a Protocol on the prevention of pollution of the Mediterranean Sea try dumping from ships and aircraft. The Council agreed'to the conclusion of this Convention, which was signed on 13 September 1976. .
As regards the implementation of the Helsinki Final Act, the Commission contributed to the formulation of the Community position at the final session of the Economic Commission for Europe.
The Commission took part as an observer at the conference on human settlements organized by the United Nations in Vancouver. It also participated in the preparatory work for the United Nations Conference on water which will be held in Argentina in March 1977*
3. Relations with non-member countries ■ ■ ’ '
9*0 «• nw maa «*• a** m om cm* CM* aw mm ms
Relations with non-member countries have developed slgnificantly during the last few months. Apart from the technical cooperation which has, existed betweon the Commission and the US Government since July 1974» similar cooperation was begun with the Canadian Government on 6 November 1975 and with the Swiss Government on 12 December 19T5* The Permanent Representatives Committee has been kept informed of the various . forms token by this cooperation. The principle of such a similar cooperation arrangement has recently been accepted by the Japanese ' Government. An exchange of letters setting out the form of such cooperation will take place before the end of the year.
In the context of the Euro—ArabLdialogue, the Commission Is chairing a specialized group from the European side on the marine environment and the development of coastal areas. The work of this group should in principle lead to the formulation of cooperation projects for implementation in the Arab countries.
Finally, under the information agreement on the environment of 5 March 1973$ tho Commission has been notified of agreements reached between certain Moraber States and non—member countries (see Part I, Chapter XX}»
' . PART IV
m om> 9mm .
CONCLUSIONS
It oan be seen from what has gone before that a.large amount of work has been carried out in the field of environmental protection at both national and Community levels some 130 laws have been drawn up in the Member States, fifty of which are already in force# '
At Community level, the Council has already taken favourable decisions on some twenty texts, whilst approximately twenty are still being discussed within the Council*
Apart from their political and legal value, the preparatory work carried out in collaboration with the national govei'nments, the thinking and discussions to which they lead and the implementing measures which follow them mean that these texts form a basis for a Community-wide programme of promotion and education, the importance of which is only now being realized. . •
The fact of becoming accustomed to working together, particularly within international organizations or conventions, also plays an important role in producing a oonsensus of opinion in favour of paying more attention to the environment when implementing economic development programmes. A ’’European awareness" of the environment is developing gradually in this way. ' '
There is no doubt that the forthcoming adoption by the Council of the programme of action for the period 1977—81 will enable the work undertaken during the past three years to be continued and stepped up for the benefit of present and future generations.
OBJECTIVE EVALUATION OP THE RISKS TO HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRDMEHT PR® POLLUTION : '
Work oarrxed out sinoo 1973 under Chapters 1 and 2 (Part II, Title I) of the Action Programme has produced the following results in respect of the various first category pollutants# •
Lead and lead compounds ' 1 ' ■
The dose/effeot relationship of these pollutants in respect of taman health has been evaluated.
As indicated in Chapter '3 of Part I, two proposals for Directives were submitted to the Council in 1975* o®® ^ biological standards for lead end the screening of the population for lead. Idle other on sir quality standards for lead. Those proposals, on which the European Parliament and the ESO expressed a favourable opinionj are now being discussed by the COKEFER Working Party on the Environment. ■ '
The Directive on biological standards proposes maximum blood lead levels for each individual and for a statistical distribution of population , groups. . . ,
Work to improve the comparability of the results of blood lead level analysis has been continued. ,
9
The Directive on air quality standards sets mean annual levels which are not to be exceeded in residential areas, and monthly median levels for rush-hours which are not to be exceeded in roads with heavy traffic.
Opgrnohalogen compounds
A report has been prepared on organochlorine compounds, i.e. pesticides and their metabolites, in particular the following compounds* DDT and its metabolites, aldrin, dieldrin and endrln, heptaohlor and heptaohlor epoxide, ohlordane, BCH (hermohlorouyclohexane) and lindane. s
■toner 1 (continued)
The results of this study show that it is impossible at present to lay down health protection oriteria for the following reasonss
~ lack of knowledge, , . . .
- human exposure levels,
- difficulties in interpreting data obtained from experiments on
animals, and ’ '
- lack of precise information on long-term effects* ,
The information obtained from the Member States shows that the use of persistent organochlorine pesticides is diminishing*
OJI 24 JUNE 1976, THE COMMISSION FORWARDED A COMMUNICATION ON THIS SUBJECT TO THE COUNCIL* '
Hie ecological consequences of the presence of persistent organohalogen compounds are being studied,
, *
Organophosphorus compounds
A report showing the available information on the environmental . contamination levels of these compounds, as measured in the Member States, is now being published. '
Tlia Commission will shortly be sending the Council a communication on the dose/offeet relationships of organophosphorus compounds* "
Hydracarbons with known or probable carclnogenio effects
A qualitative inventory has been produced on the pollutants with known carcinogenic effects present in the environment, ’ •
A quantitative study setting out the available information on the presence of phenols, hydrocarbons, detergents, nitrosamines, plasticizers and aromatic amines has been carried out. It became clear that there are . numerous gaps in knowledge of this field, which makes any evaluation of the risks involved extremely difficult*
/
- 1 - E1JV/3S4/76-E
!
. Annex 1 (oontinued) '
A programme for comparing systems of measuring cyanides, phenols and <
hydrocarbons in water has been carried out| the results of this study havo been published.
A study of the dose/effeot relationship of oaroinogenio polycyclic . . .
hydrocarbons is being prepared. ■ .
' . • \ . ‘ ■ .
Sulphur oompounds and suspended particles
A report on levels of these pollutants measured in the atmosphere of the Membor States is being published. . • •
A preliminary programme for oomparing methods of measuring sulphur dioxide contained in standard samples, simulating a sample of polluted airf produced satisfactory results using manual analytical techniques. .
The less satisfactory results which were obtained with mobile laboratories
have made it necessary to repeat the experiment; the.results are being .
•»nalysed• . ' ’ ‘
A oritioal examination of available data made it possible to draft specific propocols which have beon submitted to tho Council. Ao indicated in Chapter 3 of Port I, thooo ccmoom a.resolution on'eritoria for sulphur dioxido end suspended particles in urban srtneephoroo, end a’ drift directito on hoalth protection standard:; for sulphur dioxido end suspended pariiclasiIn thbourban^atnosphore. .
Oxides of nitrogen ... .
A oritioal examination of the available data is in progrooo and should enable fim proposals to 1;o dream up and forwarded to tho Council concerning health protection criteria for nitrogen oxides. ‘
’ • , ' * ' ’
Carbon monoxide . •
A oritioal examination of the available data is in progross and should. onhVlo fim proposals to bo drawn up and fcirvordod to the Council 'oohcptnjing health protection criteria for cor bon r«siwxide. ■
EfTV/364/76-E
Annex 1 (continued)
A programme for comparing methods of measurement for carboxyhaemoglobin has "been carried out, involving thirty-six laboratories, with a view to improving the comparability of these measurement results* .
Photochemical oxidants
A study is being made of the effects of photoohemioal oxidants on health and the environment*
Asbestos
A study of health protection criteria has been carried out*
It became clear that there ere still relatively few data on asbestos levels measured in the environment* Mora information is currently being sought on dose/effeot relationships and on exposure levels in the population*
A statement on this subject together with firm proposals will shortly be
• . . v
submitted to the Council in duo course.
Vanadium . '
A study of health protection criteria has been carried out. In view of the lack of sufficient data on dose/effect relationships, it proved impossible to work out criteria for vanadium. Existing data and experiments on , animals show that levels at present measured in the air, water and foodstuffs represent no risk to the population of the Community. '
A statement on this subject will shortly be submitted to the Council.
Poire .
A report has beon published on dose/offeot relationships.' A’communication on the criteria vail' be presented to the Council in due course. .
Inorganic micropollutants , .
A study of the levels of environmental pollution caused by these pollutants has been published.
MV/364/7&-E
Annex 1t(oontinued)
Mercury and oadmium .
Studies to establish health protection criteria for mercury and oadmium are at present being prepared._. .
4» Quality of water for human consumption '
A draft directive has- been forwarded by the Commission to the Council and is currently under discussion.(see Ch. 2 of Part I).
During the preparation of this Directive, problems raised by the effect
of the hardness of drinking water on publio health were discussed at a
specialized European symposium in Luxembourg in 1975* It was found that
in certain regions of the world an increase in the frequency of heart
disease oould be linked to the consumption of soft vrater and to the
excessive and uncontrolled use of water softeners* The Commission has •
consequently proposed a cautious policy on minimum concentrations required
for vrater hardness and certain minerals in the Community quality'
. ■ * ■ • standards for water intended for human consumption. . •
\ , ' " '■ ■
The oh end cal and microbiological analytical techniques for the various pollutants in drinking water were the subject of intra-laboratory • comparison programmes at European level, aimed at harmonizing methods of analysis. ' . ' ' . .
Ibis scientific comparison enabled a significant step to be made regarding the comparability of results of chemical and microbiological methods of measurement for drinking water.
Ecological criteria , '
A scientific symposium was held in 1975 on the principles and methods . governing the drawing up of ecological criteria for hydrobiocenoses.
The main objectives were the establishment of principles and methods for the evaluation of criteria for hydrobiocenosis, i.e., the scientific bases for evaluating the effects of surface water pollution. , There was also a proposal to define the biolo."i6Al. methods to be used to evaluate the extent of such pollutlpn. . ■
&1ES2JL continued
The discussions revealed the complexity of the matters in question, in view of the number of types of pollutants to he considered, the diversity of water ecosystems in the Community, and the problem of biotope accessibility. Proposals were put forward oonoeming the principles to be established and the methods to be followed and a large amount of information on dose/effect relationships was obtained*
1
40J Ho c C, 13 January 1972, exA 3 Morcli 19 2
2
3
OJ C 126, 9 June 1976
4
OJ C 54, 8 March 1976
5
Pj C 82, 14 Aoril 1975
6
OJ L 194, 25 July 1975
7
OJ L 194, 25 July 1975
8
OJ L 108, 26 April 1986
9
6j1&oI‘L1:T53,:9"Jurio119f3. ' , ■ .
10
OJ No L 189, 4 July 1973. * - .
11
OJ No h 74, 20 March I976. , • . . .
12
--—--
OJ No L 139, 30 May I975,
13
OJ ho L 164, 24 June 19?6.
, 20J NO L 214, 6 August 1976#