What is the list of substances the UK is identifying as specific pollutants?

Specific polluting substances are listed in Annex V of the Water Framnework Directive as one of the physio-chemical quality elements that form part of the classification of "good ecological status". Annex VII list the generic groups of substances that should be considered as possible Specific Pollutants.

There are many substances that may be considered as potential specific pollutants. The UK Technical Advisory Group identified an initial list of 311 substances for consideration. This list was then prioritised using a scheme based upon that used under EU Existing Substances Regulations. This considers the hazard and exposure for each substance to provide a ranking between 1 and 5. Substances that attracted a ranking of 1 or 2 were then considered further as candidate specific pollutants.

This list includes some existing List II substances, controlled under the Dangerous Substances Directive, but not included in the Priority List, for which there are existing statutory standards; and other substances for which there is no UK standard but that are recognised on the basis of effect and level of exposure as posing a risk to UK waters. The latter brings in substances that are most frequently in need of control in permits, and therefore viewed as potentially having widespread risk and “discharged to water in significant quantities”.

In addition, the risk assessment process has identified some other substances such as cypermethrin, that are known to present a considerable threat to water quality where we believe urgent action is necessary. We will therefore take action to address such concerns where they are viewed as important across the UK.

The initial list of specific pollutants is as follows:

2,4-D (2,4-D DICHLOROPHENOXY ACETIC ACID AND ITS SALTS AND ESTERS)

Chromium (III and VI)

Cypermethrin

Diazinon

Dimethoate

Linuron

Mecoprop

Phenol

Toluene