The European Parliament has approved the Commission’s proposal on the new Industrial Emissions Directive which is an important step in the protection of health and environment, but also in simplifying the implementation of procedures. “The Parliament’s vote is a significant step forward in carrying on the control of industrial pollution. The Parliament has voted for a system that is clearer, more effective and more efficient than the present legislative framework. It will have a major impact in reducing environmental problems and it will stimulate eco-innovation”, declared Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment.
It recasts and combines seven existing air pollution directives, notably the Large Combustion Plant Directive and the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive. Under the IPPC, around 52,000 industrial and agricultural installations are obliged to obtain environmental permits. To obtain an environmental permit, under the IPPC, the installations will have the best technologies available that can provide the best levels of environment protection. The measurement will consider air, soil and water emissions, as well as the noise and safety levels.
“After more than two years of difficult negotiations, we have reached a compromise that will help the Directive’s implementation. Compared to the present situation, this Directive is clearer and has more competition chances in Europe concerning the environment demands for industrial installations”, declared Holger Krahmer, EP Rapporteur during the Parliament’s reunion.
The new proposal aims to consolidate the BAT concept (Best Available Techniques) implemented to prevent and reduce pollution in a permanent effort of reaching the highest levels of environment protection. The key measure is implementing BAT or the most effective technologies that can provide high levels of environmental protection while balancing cost and benefit.
Member states will, however, be able to deviate from the standard. But, as insisted upon by MEPs, they will have to prove that for technical reasons or local circumstances, the costs of implementing the standards would be disproportionate compared to environmental benefits. An evaluation is also necessary to make sure that these regulations will not become too flexible without an appropriate reason.
The Directive also limits atmospheric pollution. Therefore, “nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and dust, which are responsible for acid rain and smog and cause serious health and environmental risks”. Installations will have until 2016 to comply with the stricter limits. MEPs ultimately agreed that Member States can use ‘transitional national plans’ to allow large combustion plants (including fossil fuel power stations) up to July 2020 to meet the rules. Some older plants may not have to meet the targets, as long as they close by the end of 2023 or 17,500 operating hours after 2016. Newer power stations must still meet the 2012 deadline that applies to them. The Directive will come into effect at the end of 2010. Then, member states will have to align their legislation so as to meet the provisions.
MEP João Ferreira:
“Crucially, this report acknowledges
the specifications for technological adaptation across various countries and regions. It also allows member states to maintain or adopt more stringent anti-pollution measures than those laid down in this text”.
by Pamela Luică
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