Focus on river discharges
Businesses discharge a wide range of substances, including Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), into surface waters. Some businesses hold permits to discharge SVHCs and other substances, some have outdated or inappropriate permits and still others have no permits whatsoever.
In compliance with international obligations, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W) conducts policy to prevent discharges of SVHCs into the environment in so far as possible. Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, RWS) is the competent authority responsible for issuing permits allowing businesses to discharge into national waters.
What are we investigating?
Our investigation focuses on industrial discharges into surface water. We are investigating whether RWS has an insight into the discharges: what substances are discharged where and by whom? Are the discharges consistent with the permits? How does RWS exercise oversight and how does it enforce the rules against non-compliant businesses?
Why are we carrying out this investigation?
Virtually no surface water in the Netherlands meets the quality standards laid down in the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The WFD’s aim is to protect and improve the quality of surface water and groundwater. Its objective is to achieve a good ecological and chemical balance of all bodies of water in the EU by 2027 at the latest. The latest progress report on the WFD reveals that not a single Dutch water is in good chemical condition and the Netherlands will not meet the WFD goals set for 2027.
Agriculture and manufacturing businesses are the biggest polluters of Dutch rivers. Manufacturing companies discharge wastewater from their various processes and many chemical substances, including SVHCs, end up directly in the rivers. They can be harmful to people and the environment, prevent reproduction, be carcinogenic and accumulate in the food chain. SVHCs include PFAS, heavy metals, lead, asbestos and benzene.
Various parties are concerned that permits, oversight and enforcement inadequately contribute to improving water quality.
Focus investigation
A focus investigation differs from an audit in that it is carried out in a considerably shorter period of time, looks at current events and answers specific, well-defined questions. A focus investigation culminates in a clear, concise report without opinions or recommendations.
Do you want to take part in this investigation?
The Court of Audit invites you to share any information you may have that would benefit our investigation. We appreciate all contributions, knowledge and experience you may care to share with us on this topic. Simply send an email to bijdrage@rekenkamer.nl.
We read all emails carefully and treat them in confidence. However, we are not able to reply to every contribution we receive.