Water Framework Directive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD, Directive 2000/60/EC) requires the establishment of a regularly updated list of priority substances and a procedure for the identification of priority substances/priority hazardous substances as well as the adoption of the specific measures against pollution from these substances. The WFD has to be adopted into national legislation. 

The Priority Substances Quality Standards was adopted in December 2008.  The Directive establishes environmental quality standards (EQS) for 33 priority substances (DCM & CFM are listed) likely to be found in rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Of these priority substances 11 have been identified as priority hazardous substances (no chlorinated solvents listed) which will be subject to cessation or phasing out of discharges, emissions and losses within an appropriate timetable that shall not exceed 20 years.ECSA is monitoring the WFD and any potential prioritisation of chlorinated solvents as priority hazardous substances.

ECSA will continue to contribute to a science-based and workable implementation of the WFD.

Read more about The Water Framework Directive on europa.eu
Read more about The Priority substances Quality Standards on europa.eu
See the Marine risk assessments page