Umweltbundesamt
The framework “Round table” brings together a wide range of groups interested in relevant trace substances. In the process, they seek to agree on voluntary measures to reduce the amounts of trace substances entering into water bodies.
From 2016 to 2021, the Federal Environment Ministry conducted a national dialogue in Germany with actors, affected parties and interest groups, such as industry associations, water suppliers/disposers, environmental associations and affected professional groups. The purpose of the dialogue was to exchange ideas on ways to reduce the polluting of water bodies with trace substances and to develop instruments for improving the quality of water bodies beyond the existing legal requirements. This “stakeholder dialogue” focused on the protection of both the water ecosystem as well as raw water for the treatment of drinking water.
It was agreed that the reduction of trace substances in water bodies needs to be identified and implemented through voluntary measures together with affected parties and actors. In the second phase of the dialogue (“Pilot Phase”), a working group on “producer responsibility” was composed of various associations and stakeholders. This working group developed a concept for “Producer Responsibility Round Tables”.
At the round tables, a manageable number of stakeholders are to jointly propose voluntary measures for one or a group of relevant trace substance(s) , also called micropollutants, and initiate the steps necessary for their implementation.
The round tables aim to achieve an understanding among all stakeholders with regard to measures for the realistically feasible reduction and avoidance of pollution from relevant trace substances. One particular goal is to identify suitable measures for this. It is also important to pass on information and knowledge to the organisations affected and any consumers.
Three round tables have been started so far – dealing with the drug diclofenac, with iodinated X-ray contrast agents and with the industrial chemical 1H-benzotriazole, respectively. Participants included chemical manufacturers and formulators, industry associations, wastewater and water associations, professional associations, environmental associations, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA).
Initial experience has shown that the “round table” concept can be a suitable instrument for reducing trace substances in water bodies through “extended producer responsibility”. This dialogue results in a common understanding of complex interests. In the best case, it also establishes a network between the actors. Due to the voluntary nature, it is important to combine these measures with chemical legislation and international initiatives such as the Zero Pollution Action Plan of the European Union.
Not every micropollutant (group) is suitable “round table” material. Micropollutants where the stakeholders have options for action at a national level and the number of stakeholders involved is manageable lend themselves particularly well to round tables. If this is not the case, the task of the German Centre for Micropollutants is to identify and initiate any other suitable management measures. A number of potential measures were already identified in the pilot phase. They now need to be reviewed for their applicability, effectiveness and efficiency.
The diclofenac and iodinated X-ray contrast agents round tables have been concluded, and final reports are available.
The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.
