Required by the IPPC Directive, the EPER is intended to provide a coherent system for reporting from all significant point sources to air, water and soil, every three years, and to be available to both decision-makers and the public.

Under the Swedish proposal, the EPER would be introduced in three phases. Phase one would cover known greenhouse gases, as well as sulphur dioxide, ammonia and certain chemicals linked with water emissions; phase two would bring in some metals, e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium, as well as CFCs, benzene, ethylene, particulates and volatile organic compounds; the final phase could incorporate persistent organic substances and certain other metals which are to be phased out according to the Esbjerg Declaration.

Our intention is not to develop a completely new system, but to propose a model which can be added to existing national inventories and which can be introduced quickly“, said Margareta Stackerud of the Swedish EPA.

We have also looked for ‘common denominators’ in the various countries, which can facilitate the implementation at EU level. The Netherlands and the United Kingdom currently have the best registers. Ireland and France have partially developed registers, and some other countries are ready to start.”

The proposals will be presented to the committee for the implementation of the IPPC Directive in November.

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