Unified Metrics Library - Emissions to water

Helper question

How many tonnes of "priority substances" did the company directly emit to water during the period?

Summary

Emissions to water refers to the release or discharge of substances, pollutants, or contaminants into bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater. These emissions can include various types of substances, both natural and anthropogenic (human-made), that can have environmental and ecological impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Unit

Tonnes

Description

Regulatory definition "Emissions to water" means direct emissions of priority substances as defined in Article 2(30) of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (16) and direct nitrates, direct phosphate emissions, direct pesticides emissions as referred to in that Directive, Council Directive of 12.

Here below, the list of priority substances in terms of water policy according to

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy - ANNEX V :

  • Alachlor
  • Anthracene
  • Atrazine
  • Benzene
  • Brominated diphenylethers
  • Cadmium and its compounds
  • Chloroalkanes, C10-13
  • Chlorfenvinphos
  • Chlorpyrifos (Chlorpyrifos-ethyl)
  • 1,2-dichloroethane
  • Dichloromethane
  • Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
  • Diuron
  • Endosulfan
  • Fluoranthene
  • Hexachlorobenzene
  • Hexachlorobutadiene
  • Hexachlorocyclohexane
  • Isoproturon
  • Lead and its compounds
  • Mercury and its compounds
  • Naphthalene
  • Nickel and its compounds
  • Nonylphenols
  • Octylphenols
  • Pentachlorobenzene
  • Pentachlorophenol
  • Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
  • Simazine
  • Tributyltin compounds
  • Trichlorobenzenes
  • Trichloromethane (chloroform)
  • Trifluralin
  • Dicofol
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (PFOS)
  • Quinoxyfen
  • Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds
  • Aclonifen
  • Bifenox
  • Cybutryne
  • Cypermethrin
  • Dichlorvos
  • Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDD)
  • Heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide
  • Terbutryn

Sources

Examples

Chemical Discharge: Chemical manufacturing plants may release hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into waterways.

Oil and Grease: Industries such as oil refineries can release oil and grease into water, leading to oil spills and contamination.

Agricultural Runoff: Agricultural activities can contribute to water pollution through the runoff of fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste.

Wastewater Discharge: Municipal wastewater treatment plants discharge treated sewage and wastewater into rivers or coastal areas. If not properly treated, this effluent can contain pathogens, organic matter, and chemicals that can contaminate water bodies.

Mining Activities: Mining operations can release heavy metals and other pollutants into nearby rivers and streams. Acid mine drainage is a common issue, resulting in the release of acidic water with high metal concentrations.

Construction Activities: Construction sites can generate sediment runoff, which can carry soil, debris, and construction-related chemicals into nearby waterways.