DRAFT FINAL REPORT

European Commission Directorate General XI

Verification of vulnerable Zones Identified under the Nitrate Directive and Sensitive Areas Identified under the Urban Waste water Treatment Directive

Belgium

July 1999

Environmental Resources Management 8 Cavendish Square, London W1M 0ER Telephone 0171 465 7200 Facsimile 0171 465 7272 Email [email protected] http://www.ermuk.com DRAFT FINAL REPORT

European Commission Directorate General XI

Verification of vulnerable Zones Identified under the Nitrate Directive and Sensitive Areas Identified under the Urban Waste water Treatment Directive: Belgium

July 1999

Reference 5004

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In line with our company environmental policy we purchase paper for our documents only from ISO 14001 certified or EMAS verified manufacturers. This includes paper with the Nordic Environmental Label. CONTENTS

1 THE OBJECTIVES OF THE DIRECTIVES 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.2 NITRATES DIRECTIVE 1 1.3 THE URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE 2 1.4 SCOPE 5

2 BELGIUM - THE CONTEXT 7

2.1 THE PHYSICAL CONTEXT 7 2.2 THE DESIGNATION PROCESS IN BELGIUM 11

3 FLANDERS 20

3.1 INTRODUCTION 20 3.2 SENSITIVE AREAS IDENTIFIED UNDER THE URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE 20 3.3 VULNERABLE ZONES IDENTIFIED UNDER THE NITRATE DIRECTIVE 20 3.4 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 25 3.5 MARINE AND COASTAL WATERS 34 3.6 NITRATES IN GROUNDWATER - AN OVERVIEW 38 3.7 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN WEST-FLANDERS 41 3.8 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN EAST-FLANDERS 44 3.9 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN LIMBURG 45 3.10 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN BRABANT 49 3.11 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN ANTWERP 53 3.12 CONCLUSIONS - SHOULD OTHER AREAS BE DESIGNATED AS VULNERABLE ZONES?56

4 BRUSSELS-CAPITAL 59

4.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE REGION 59 4.2 WATER QUALITY MONITORING 63 4.3 THE URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE 66 4.4 THE NITRATE DIRECTIVE 66

5 WALLONIA 69

5.1 WATER RESOURCES IN WALLONIA - CHARACTERISTICS 69 5.2 VULNERABLE ZONES - THE DESIGNATION PROCESS 74 5.3 SENSITIVE AREAS - THE DESIGNATION PROCESS 77

6 REFERENCES 79 1 THE OBJECTIVES OF THE DIRECTIVES

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The objectives of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD)1 and the Nitrates Directive2 are to reduce and prevent “pollution”, from urban waste water treatment plants and from agricultural nitrates respectively. Some aspects of the Directives are closely defined, others are – to some degree – left open to interpretation by Member States, individually or collectively. The waters that must be studied and identified under both the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) and the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) are similar. Consequently, the examination of the identification of these waters has taken place concurrently during this study.

This first part of the report reviews the objectives of the two Directives (including how they relate to estuarine and coastal sites) and examines Belgium’s interpretation of them.

1.2 NITRATES DIRECTIVE

The Nitrates Directive deals explicitly and exclusively with pollution resulting from agricultural activities. The Directive defines pollution as direct or indirect discharges of “nitrogen compounds from an agricultural source into the aquatic environment” which, (among possibilities irrelevant to estuarine and coastal waters) causes “harm to living resources and to aquatic ecosystems.” The definition of eutrophication is identical to that of the UWWTD except that it is restricted to nitrogen compounds from agriculture. The Directive has a similar dual objective – the reduction of water “pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources”, and “preventing further such pollution”. Article 3.1 requires the identification of polluted waters, and those which “could” be affected if action is not taken, according to the criteria set out in Annex I. This Annex simply states that “Waters referred to in Article 3 (1) shall be identified making use, inter alia, of the following criteria.” Three criteria are set out:

1. Whether surface freshwaters, in particular those used for the abstraction of drinking water, contain or could contain, if action pursuant to Article 5 is not taken, more than the concentration of nitrate laid down in accordance with Directive 75/440/EEC;

1Council Directive of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment (91/271/EEC).

2 Council Directive of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (91/6765/EEC)

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 1 2. Whether groundwaters contain more than 50 mg/l nitrate or could contain more than 50 mg/l nitrate if action pursuant to Article 5 is not taken;

3. Whether natural freshwater lakes, other freshwater bodies, estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters are to be eutrophic or in the near future may become eutrophic if action pursuant to Article 5 is not taken.

1.3 THE URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE

There are a number objectives and requirements of the UWWTD that relate to the estuarine and coastal environment. The main elements are:

• First, the stated objective, “to protect the environment from the adverse effects” of waste water discharges and “pollution” arising from waste water (Article 1);

• In order to achieve this secondary treatment shall generally be required (Article 4);

• However within ‘Sensitive Areas’ additional action is required, throughout the catchment area, for those treatment plants that contribute to “pollution” (Article 5.5). For estuaries and coastal waters the current or future potential for eutrophication is a criteria that results in their prescription as a Sensitive Area (Annex II). While Annex II allows some flexibility for “small agglomerations”, the requirement for “large agglomerations” is absolute: phosphorus and/or nitrogen should be removed unless it can be demonstrated that removal will have “no effect” on the “level” of eutrophication – a claim that a contribution will be ‘insignificant’ does not provide a defence for failure to implement.

• In addition an estuarine or coastal water “must be identified” as a Sensitive Area where further treatment than that set out in the UWWT Directive is “necessary to fulfil [other] Council Directives”.

• The Directive also allows for the creation of ‘Less Sensitive Areas’, LSAs, providing “comprehensive studies” demonstrate that discharges “will not adversely affect the environment” (Article 6.2). Such discharges must receive at least primary treatment. In estuaries this stipulation applies to discharges from “agglomerations” of between 2,000 and a maximum of 10,000 person equivalents, p.e.. Above this size LSA status is not allowed and the provisions of Article 4 regarding secondary treatment apply. In coastal waters the equivalent limit is 150,000 p.e.

• Estuarine discharges under 2,000 in estuaries or under 10,000 p.e. in coastal waters must, by 2005, receive “appropriate” treatment – that necessary to meet the “relevant” aspects of this and other Directives.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 2 • Other Directives relevant to estuaries and coastal waters included those relating to hazardous substances, bathing water, shellfish, and habitats and species protection.

1.3.1 Criteria for identification of sensitive and less sensitive areas

(a) Sensitive areas

A water body must be identified as a sensitive area if it falls into one of the following groups:

• natural freshwater lakes, other freshwater bodies, estuaries and coastal waters which are found to be eutrophic or which in the near future may become eutrophic if protective action is not taken.

The following elements might be taken into account when considering which nutrient should be reduced by further treatment:

• lakes and streams reaching lakes/reservoirs/closed bays which are found to have a poor water exchange, whereby accumulation may take place. In these areas, the removal of phosphorus should be included unless it can be demonstrated that the removal will have no effect on the level of eutrophication. Where discharges from large agglomerations are made, the removal of nitrogen may also be considered;

• estuaries, bays and other coastal waters which are found to have a poor water exchange, or which receive large quantities of nutrients. Discharges from small agglomerations are usually of minor importance in those areas, but for large agglomerations, the removal of phosphorus and/or nitrogen should be included unless it can be demonstrated that the removal will have no effect on the level of eutrophication;

• surface freshwaters intended for the abstraction of drinking water which could contain more than the concentration of nitrate laid down under the relevant provisions of Council Directive 75/440/EEC of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States if action is not taken;

Areas where further treatment than that prescribed in Article 4 of this Directive is necessary to fulfil Council Directives.

(b) Less sensitive areas

A marine water body or area can be identified as a less sensitive area if the discharge of waste water does not adversely affect the environment as a result of morphology, hydrology or specific hydraulic conditions which exist in that area.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 3 When identifying less sensitive areas, Member States shall take into account the risk that the discharged load may be transferred to adjacent areas where it can cause detrimental environmental effects. Member States shall recognize the presence of sensitive areas outside their national jurisdiction.

The following elements shall be taken into consideration when identifying less sensitive areas: open bays, estuaries and other coastal waters with a good water exchange and not subject to eutrophication or oxygen depletion or which are considered unlikely to become eutrophic or develop oxygen depletion due to the discharge of urban waste water.

1.3.2 UWWTD: Biochemical oxygen demand and eutrophication

Having allowed for the requirements of other Directives, two aspects of pollution specifically dealt with by the UWWTD are the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the decomposing sewage effluent, and eutrophication. BOD, with quantitative criteria set out in the Directive’s annex, is relatively straight-forward, at least in its definition. However the definition of eutrophication is more complex.

The Directive states (2.11) that “‘eutrophication’ means the enrichment of water by nutrients, especially compounds of nitrogen and/or phosphorus, causing an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life to produce an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water and to the quality of the water concerned.”

With the exception of the insertion of the value judgement “undesirable” this is fairly close to the standard scientific definition of eutrophication. One significant difference is that, in scientific terms, the organic (carbon) burden can also result in eutrophication, entering the food chain via bacteria and certain facultative or obligate heterotrophic microplankton, rather than via ‘plants’, although in taxonomic and functional terms the distinction can become rather indistinct. Although allowed for in the Directive definition, the emphasis is on nitrogen and phosphorus. Another distinction is that ‘eutrophication’, as a process, might be said to have ceased – scientifically speaking – once the situation has stabilised at a new, higher level, although that state would be more eutrophic. Of course, the site would be still be affected by ‘pollution’.

In practice eutrophication has come to be interpreted in a narrower sense than that allowed for in the Directive. Water bodies vary significantly in their natural, background, nutrient concentrations. Anthropogenic nutrient inputs result in a shift along this continuum. Relatively speaking a small input into a nutrient poor (oligotrophic) estuary may have a greater impact on its biodiversity than a larger input to a naturally rich (eutrophic or, in extreme cases, hypertrophic) site. Yet the policy concern, (including other fora such as PARCOM, its successor, OSPAR, and the North Sea Ministerial Conferences) has been almost exclusively at the (more visible) extreme hypertrophic end of the scale – massive algal blooms, algal weed mats and deoxygenationi.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 4 While understandable politically, this represents a major flaw in the implementation of this Directive. Arguably, as sites shift ‘up’ the scale, it is the oligotrophic sites that are at greatest risk of elimination. Certainly the impact upon them should not be ignored, and indeed the Directive does not allow this.

For an estuarine or coastal site, if the Directive definition of eutrophication is met, or it has “poor water exchange” (undefined), then it automatically qualifies as a Sensitive Area. ‘Standard’ Article 4 or LSA sites must not, by definition, be eutrophic, or under threat of eutrophication if preventative action is not taken. On this the Directive is absolutely clear. The wording in the annex is that, for those estuaries, bays and other coastal waters “which are found to have a poor water exchange, or which receive large quantities of nutrients, then the removal of phosphorus and/or nitrogen should be included unless it can be demonstrated that the removal will have no effect on the level of eutrophication”.

Thus a high standard of proof is required for lack of action. It is also a stringent requirement – especially so once it is appreciated that eutrophication is a continuum, not just gross effects such as algal mats or exceptional blooms. It also applies to areas which in the “near future” may become eutrophic if protective action is not taken.

1.4 SCOPE

‘Verification of Vulnerable Zones identified under the Nitrate Directive and Sensitive Areas under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in Belgium’.

The analysis of the parameters/criteria enables the identification of the waters, which should have been identified under either or both Directives and have not been identified. As required by the Commission, the following information, where available, has been provided for all these areas:

• location of waters concerned; • detailed assessment of relevant parameters and criteria indicating that the area in question should be identified under either or both Directives; • assessment, identification (agricultural area, agglomeration or others), description (qualitative and quantitative) and characterisation (significance) of all nutrient sources for all relevant areas; • assessment of the transboundary coherence of identified waters; and • information regarding any methodological inconsistencies.

Regarding the Nitrates Directive, where it is considered that areas should be designated as vulnerable zones and have not been, the following information, where available, is provided:

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 5 • nature of catchment; • nature of land-use; • assessment of potential nitrate sources other than agriculture – e.g. urban waste water treatment, industrial sources, atmospheric deposition – and their relative significance; and • identification and assessment of the justification for transboundary incoherence between designations.

During this study, the differences between both Directives (e.g. definition of eutrophication), as well as the possible links between the Directives, have been taken account of.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 6 2 BELGIUM - THE CONTEXT

2.1 THE PHYSICAL CONTEXT

Almost the entire Country lies in the basins of the two main rivers: The Scheldt and the Meuse. Both rivers enter Belgium at the French border and then flow north-easterly in the direction of the Dutch border.

Three main geographical zones can be distinguished in Belgium:

1. ‘Lower Belgium’ (up to 100 m above sea level) which stretches from the flat polders in the west of the country to the poor sandy soils of the Kempen in the East;

2. ‘Central Belgium’ (100-200 m above sea level) which rises to the Sambre and Meuse valleys. This part comprises the densely urbanised areas of Brabant and the farmlands of Hainaut in the West and Hesbaye in the East;

3. ‘Upper Belgium’ (>200 m above sea level) which is the most sparsely populated part. It is also densely wooded.

With regard to land cover, arable and permanent crop land occupies about 28.8% of the total land area, permanent grassland 17.6% and forests 20.1%. The amount of land dedicated to agriculture is just under half of the total land area (46.4%). Built-up land occupies about 17% of the country i.

Figure 2.1 Selected Indicators

Population (1996) use of N-fertilisers (1995)

OECD OECD

Nl Nl

Fr Fr

Au Au

Bel Bel

0 100 200 300 400 0 10203040

inhabitants/km 2 Tonnes/km2

Source: OECD, 1998

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 7 Figure 2.2 The Meuse and the Scheldt Basins

Source: ENCARTA, 1999

2.1.1 The Institutional Context

Belgium is a federal state made up of three regions:

• Flanders • Wallonia • Brussels-Capital

The application and implementation of the European directives is carried out at regional level. Wallonia, the Region of Brussels Capital and Flanders each have their own political and legislative framework and implementation of the European directives is consequently done according to local regional rules and regulations.

Thus, the implementation of both the UWWT Directive and Nitrate Directive is the responsibility of the regional Authorities. In Flanders, the administration in charge of water quality issues is the Administration for Environment, Nature, Land and Water Management (AMINAL). In addition, there are a series of public agencies. The main ones of relevance in the context of this project are the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) which is

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 8 responsible for the monitoring of water quality, the Flemish Water Suply Agency (VMW) which is responsible for the production and distribution of drinking water and the Flemish Land Agency (VLM) which is responsible for rural development and the operation of the region’s manure bank. In Wallonia, the main environmental administration responsible for water management is the Ministry of the Walloon region which includes the Directorate General of Natural Resources and the Environment (DGRNE). In the Brussels-Capital region, almost all environmental issues are the responsibility of the Brussels Institute for Environmental Management (IBGE/BIM). The Brussels Administration for Infrastructure and Transport is responsible for the issues of waste water management and groundwater resources.

2.1.2 Water Policies in Belgium

The Context

Generally, it seems that a considerable effort has been made to put in place a coherent water management framework of legislation, institutions, policies and plans. However, in highly developed areas the water quality has remained poor over the last few years and, although the situation is slightly more favourable in less densely populated areas, it appears that aquatic biotopes are impoverished, with a shift from long-lived to short-lived fish species and a loss of diversity among vegetationii.

As mentioned in the OECD Environmental Review, “it will be necessary to keep up as large financial effort for quite some time if surface and groundwater quality is to be restored and aquatic ecosystems brought back to health across the country”. The report also mentions that the level of urban waste water treatment, at about 28%, is amongst the lowest in the OECD. The deadlines set by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) will not be met by Belgium.

Due to intensive agriculture, the pressure with regards discharges of nitrogen from manure and chemical fertilisers is high. Consequently, problems with drinking water supplies, water quality and nature conservation remain a concern. Similarly, groundwaters are generally threatened by high nitrate concentrations.

Belgium is also facing pressure from transfrontier pollution originating in neighbouring countries and is itself a source of transfrontier pollution. Bilateral co-operation is underway and several local action programmes have been put together, notably with regards to the quality of the Meuse and the Scheldt.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 9 Freshwater Resources and Quality

As mentioned in Section 2.1, most of the country lies within the basins of the Meuse and the Scheldt, both of which have their source in France and flow through Belgium before entering the Netherlands. The Yser in the West of the country also originates in France and flows directly to the North Sea in Belgium (Nieuwpoort). A small area along the German border lies in the Moselle-Rhine catchment and a small area in the province of Hainaut, close to the French border lies in the Oise-Seine Basin.

In the heavily developed areas of Belgium, the quality of surface water is generally poor. In other words, to the west, in the valleys of the Sambre and Scheldt and their tributaries, chemical water quality is often poor to very poor. However, in the main course of the Meuse and its eastern tributaries, the average water quality is considered to be good to very good i. It is also considered that the biological quality is generally one or two classification levels below that of chemical quality. With regards to groundwater, a national survey carried out in 1994 showed that 29% of wells exceed the limit concentration of 50mg/l nitrates. In Flanders, the quality of groundwater used for abstraction (deeper aquifers) of drinking water is generally good as opposed to shallower aquifers which are generally affected by nitrates. A study of nitrates sources in the Hesbaye limestone aquifer showed that 80% of the nitrates originate from diffuse agricultural sources.

In coastal waters, all coastal discharges have been halted, and hence bacterial pollution has significantly diminished. Trends in monitored coastal water quality carried out over the last decade show that eutrophication is rising in association with nitrate pollution.

In general, it can be said that households are the major contributor of organic compounds and phosporus, and agriculture is the main source of nitrogen. This is illustrated in Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3 Nutrient Discharges to Surface Waters (1985-1995)

Nitrogen Phosphorus

100 20 90 18 80 16 70 14 60 12 50 10 40 8

Tonnes/year 30 Tonnes/year 6 20 4 10 2 0 0 1985 1995 1985 1995

Domestic Industry Agriculture Domestic Industry Agriculture

Source: modified from OECD 1998

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 10 Standards and Classification of Surface Waters

In Flanders, The VLAREM1 defines the basic water quality standards applying to all surface waters which also incorporate the EU standards applying to water bodies designated for various type of use. Wallonia has incorporated EU standards in its legislation and has also defined the basic quality standards applying to designated water bodies (eg. River Meuse). Under the UWWT Directive, all Flanders has been clasified as a Sensitive Area. Brussels- Capital can also be considered as classified as a Sensitive area. In Wallonia, specific catchments and/or water bodies have been designated as Sensitive Areas.

Under the Nitrate Directive several areas have been designated as Vulnerable Zones in Flanders and two areas were designated in Wallonia. No designation has been made in Brussels-Capital. The main concern for the whole country remains the safe disposal of the large excess of manure produced by intensive livestock breeding.

In the Meuse (Wallonia), upstream of its confluence with the Sambre, some reaches have been assigned fishing water/drinking water objectives which are generally met satifactorily . In the rest of the region, the situation is less favourable. In Flanders, the basic regional standard is met at only one in six monitoring stations (for both physical and biological parameters). In Brussels-Capital, the Senne (the main river forming the regions’s catchment) receives the region’s raw sewage. As a result, measurements show that downstream of Brussels, the quality of the river is similar to that of sewage i.

2.2 THE DESIGNATION PROCESS IN BELGIUM

2.2.1 Flanders

The Flemish region is characterised by a very high population density, high levels of agricultural activity, as well as major industrial activities. The presence of a coastal area is a unique feature within the Belgium and this has led the Flemish government to take some additional measures to protect their natural resources. Pressure on the natural environment and especially surface and groundwater resources, is therefore very important in this region. Many policies have been put into place, in which the European Directives play a major role (particularly Directives EEC/91/271 and EEC/91/676).

Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive

The regulatory framework for the application of directive 91/271 has been dealt with by the regulation Vlarem II (Flemish regulation on permitting). On the 1st of June 1995 the Flemish government has adopted this regulation in which all surface waters in the Flemish region have been defined as “Sensitive

1 Flemish environmental regulations

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 11 Areas” (based on surface- and groundwater quality analysis of the different hydrological elements iii iv. Furthermore, Vlarem II states that all public wastewater treatment plants must satisfy a minimum reduction percentage of total phosphorous (75%) and nitrogen (75%) content. Municipalities with more than 10.000 Population Equivalents (PE) must be equipped before the 31st December 1998 with proper waste water collecting infrastructure. For settlements with less than 10.000 PE, this date has been set at the 31st December 2005.

Moreover, Flanders has signed a number of international treaties in which commitments are made with a view to minimising pollution risks due to excessive nutrient losses (Treaty of Paris of the 22nd of September 1992; the North Sea Conference).

According to the general philosophy of considering all surface waters as “Sensitive Areas”, the implementation of Directive EEC/91/271 has resulted in the development of an infrastructure that will ensure the collection and treatment of all municipal waste waters. In principle, the implementation of this measure for municipalities with more then 10.000 PE was meant to be done before 1998.

As all surface waters in the region of Flanders are considered as “Sensitive Areas”, it has been concluded that the whole of Flanders is a “Sensitive Area”. This entails a global reduction of nitrogen and phosphorous content of 75%. Nevertheless the Flemish government defined stricter quality standards, since an individual reduction of 75% for both nitrogen and phosphorous should be satisfied. Some waste water treatment plants will thus be equipped with the necessary infrastructure for nutrient elimination according to their location and the importance of the treatment plant. Practically all plants should be provided with nitrogen and phosphorous reduction equipment.

A report produced by Aquafin IV, provides an overview of all existing treatment plants as well as future treatment plants. This study was carried out in the light of the need to implement the directive and in the framework of the Vlarem II regulations. The most important conclusions of the report can be summarised as follows :

• the timing for implementation of Vlarem and the EU-requirements will not be met; • to meet the objectives as described in Vlarem and the EU-Directives, new financial resources will have to be allocated. It is expected that the resources will be finalised and approved by 2002; • according to the Directive, it is sufficient for Sensitive Areas, in this case the whole of Flanders, to obtain a global nutrient reduction of nitrogen and phosphorous by 75 %. In the Vlarem, this principle has been transcribed into individual restrictions on nitrogen and phosphorous and applied to all treatment installations with more than 11,111 p.e. This measure is in fact a stricter interpretation of the Directive.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 12 Nitrate directive

An evaluation of the implementation of the Nitrate Directive in Flanders can mainly be based on reports drafted by the VMM and the RUGv. Both institutions came to the same conclusions concerning the designation of Vulnerable Zones in this region although none of their conclusions seem to have been taken into account by the Flemish government. The actual designation of ‘Vulnerable Zones’ in Flanders has, according to VMM and RUG, not been implemented correctly according to the results obtained through several groundwater analyses carried out by different organisations. The results of the measurement campaigns are presented in full in Section 2.4 of this report. Special attention was given to the leaching of nitrogen in the form of nitrates and phosphorous, run-off and erosion losses of phosphorous originating from agricultural sources as well as from households IV.

According to the conclusions of the VMM and RUG reports which are based on the monitoring campaign, the entire territory of Flanders should be designated as a “Vulnerable Zone”. However, the zones defined by the Flemish government as ‘Vulnerable Zones’, form only a small part of Flanders. More specifically, three different types of areas were taken into consideration, namely :

• catchment areas; • nitrate Sensitive Areas and • ‘protection zones’.

In the framework of the application of the Flemish “Manure Decree - Mestdecreet”, only these catchment areas are defined as vulnerable on condition that the area can defined as a source of drinking-water collection.

The designated zones are :

• the basin of the ‘Yser’; • the different basins forming the ‘Kluizen’; • the ‘Kortrijk-Bossuit’ canal.

Some catchment areas, although also defined as source areas for drinking water, have not been considered for designation as ‘Vulnerable Zones’. Analysis shows nevertheless that the measured nitrate concentrations in these areas exceeded the standards set out by the Directive by some reasonable margin. Furthermore, in Flanders, many additional areas can be categorised as sources of potable water than those defined by the “Manure Decree”.

The Flemish government also defined “nitrate sensitive” areas. These areas are characterised by geological formations and their sensibility and vulnerability to nitrate infiltration. The areas in question are :

• the groundwater of the ‘Brussels sand layers’; • the groundwater of ‘Lincent’;

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 13 • the groundwater of the ‘Heersiaan’; • the groundwater of ‘Krijt’; • the groundwater of the ‘Maasgrinden’.

Finally, the “Manure Decree” defines the so called ‘Protection zones type I and II around groundwater catchment areas , as ‘vulnerable zones’. Several of these groundwater catchments are present in Flanders.

These three classes of vulnerable zones, as defined by the Flemish government, form only a very small part of the whole territory of Flanders. The designation of these areas is insufficient to prevent nutrient pollution of all other hydrological elements present in this region. The low overall quality of the water system has nevertheless been recognised.

From the above mentioned Vulnerable Zones, only a few specific areas are effectively submitted to stricter standards. In the framework of the “Manure Decree”, the Vulnerable Zones are subdivided into three smaller zones, namely zones A, B and C. Only for zone A, are stricter standards taken into consideration. This subdivision is also applied to the “nitrate sensitive “areas, where A-zones designate zones with stricter regulations concerning the level of permissible nitrate concentrations.

Given the situation in Flanders, as described in the above mentioned reports, the overall poor quality of water resources, the European context and finally international agreements (such as the North Sea Conferences), it appears evident that the whole of Flanders should be designated as “Vulnerable Zone”.

Conclusions

By designating all surface waters of Flanders as Sensitive Areas according to the Urban Waste Water Directive, the best possible measures have been taken to ensure the implementation of the basic quality standards for the water resources in that region. Nevertheless this measure may entail other problems of a technical and especially a financial nature. The deadlines for the implementation of the Directive will not be met by the Flemish government due to the investment in time and infrastructure required.

Concerning the implementation of the Nitrate Directive, it seems that the Flemish government, in designating “Vulnerable Zones”, considered only catchment areas used for drinking-water supply. Furthermore only a small part of those areas which have been identified were also effectively categorised. The regulations set out by the Directive have consequently not been implemented correctly as all water resources where eutrophication can occur should be taken into consideration and not only specific catchment areas. It must be mentioned that the extent of nitrate pollution/eutrophicaton is recognised and has been reported (eg. Article 10 report submitted by the Flemish authorities).

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 14 2.2.2 Wallonia

Deterioration in groundwater resources, excessive abstraction of water for drinking purposes, industrial and household discharges into surface waters (severely disturbing the ecological balance), significant agricultural activities as well as conflicts concerning the distribution of water resources between the three regions have been the main factors for the region to start implementing policies aimed at the protection of water resources. The implementation of the European Directives is therefore an important tool which led to a certain level of awareness within the Walloon government. Important actions have consequently been put into place to bring about an overall amelioration of the surface - and groundwater resources in this region. The implementation of Directives EEC/91/271 and EEC/91/676 is thus considered an important step towards attaining this goal.

Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive

Obtaining relevant information has been rather difficult in the case of Wallonia due to the reluctance of the regional authorities to supply data. The implementation of the Directive EEC/91/271 was realised via transposition into local Ministerial Decisions-MD (arrêtés). These are:

• MD of 24/05/1995; • MD of 08/12/1994 and • MD of 23/03/1995.

The designation of Sensitive Areas was done entirely on the prescriptions and regulations mentioned in the Directive. The Sensitive Areas which have been defined in Wallonia are :

• the lakes of the dam Eau d’Heure and its catchment area; • the Ry de Rome and tributaries from its source to the dam of the Ry de Rome at Couvin; • l’Ourthe and its tributaries from its source to the dam of Nisramont at Houffalize; • the Warche and its tributaries from its source to the dam of Robertsville at Waimes; • the Vesdre and its tributaries from its source to the Eupen dam at Eupen; • the Gileppe and its tributaries from its source to the Gileppe dam at Jalhay; • the Meuse from the French border to Tailfer; • the Homme and its tributaries from its source to the Bras at Libramont- Chevigny. • the Haine and its tributaries from its source to the French border; • the Espierres and its tributaries from the French border to the regional border with Flanders; • the Scheldt from the French border until the regional border with Flanders; • the Semois and its tributaries from its sources to the French border;

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 15 • the Sambre from the French border to its confluence with the Meuse • the Vesdre from the Eupen dam to its confluence with the Ourthe.

According to the Dutch organisation “Reinwater” (as well as two other Dutch environmental organisations, “Stichting Natuur en Milieu” and “Stichting Milieufederatie Limburg”) some questions should be raised concerning the designation of Sensitive Areas in Wallonia, especially with regards to the river “Meuse”. As this river shows signs of eutrophication (according to measurements taken from 1993 until 1995) the whole river should be designated as a Sensitive Area and not only the part “Meuse” - “Tailfer”. A written response was given by Minister Lutgen in which this argument of “Stichting Reinwater” is apparently not considered to be completely correct and their comments can therefore not be taken into consideration by the Walloon Government vi vii. Furthermore, after a conversation with Mr.Paulus (DGRNE) the source of nutrient pollution originates essentially from France where massive concentrations of phosphorous are discharged into the river Meuse. If this statement is correct the purification plant on the river Sambre could be part of the solution in minimising the nutrient concentrations in the river Meuse. This would confirm the statement of the Minister in his letter addressed to “Stichting Reinwater” in reply to their complaint.

Nevertheless the zones closer to the Dutch border are not taken into consideration. Mr. Paulus’ reply to this issue was that, in the near future, the Walloon government will review again the zones which were designated as “Sensitive Areas” and eventual modifications and/or adjustments will be made. The question of whether the river Meuse should be defined as a Sensitive Area could be discussed again between the different Member States, as stated by Mr. Paulus at that time.

With regards to the treatment of waste waters in the Walloon Region, according to an article of the Walloon government published in the “L’Ecomanager”viii, only 35 % of the waste water which is discharged to surface waters is actually treated by a treatment plant. Nevertheless this figure should be treated with some caution. Most of these treatment plants work only at 60%, 40% and even 30% of their nominal capacity. This is the result of the fact that not all of the necessary wastewater collection infrastructure has been developed as well as the fact that not all the necessary connections to existing treatment plants have yet been made yet. The planned treatment plant at “Montignies-sur-Sambre” should bring about a major change in these figures once it is in operation.

Nitrate directive

Although this directive seems to have been implemented (the two vulnerable zones in Wallonia are : the zone “Hesbaylle” and “Brussels Sand Layer”), this study has not obtained any collaboration from the relevant authorities and institutions with regard to obtaining any relevant information on the defined vulnerable zones and the procedures which have been used to implement the

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 16 Directive. All inquiries seem to have been centralised at the Ministry of Environment. Minister Lutgen, of the Walloon government, ordered the relevant governmental institution (D.G.R.N.E.) not to give any reports on this issue to a third party. All inquiries should be addressed to the European Commission directly, as Mrs. Delvaux of the cabinet of Minister Lutgen has confirmed to ERM. All other external organisations in Wallonia which have been contacted in the course of this study refer back to the D.G.R.N.E. for any information concerning the implementation of Directive 91/676.

Conclusions

Although the Walloon government has implemented the two directives, more research work is apparently needed. As already mentioned, the Walloon government still intends to redefine some areas as Sensitive Areas. Although the time frame of the European Commission will consequently not be respected, this would theoretically allow an improvement in water resources in Wallonia. Furthermore, this should give the opportunity to analyse, for each individual Member State which is within the basin of the Meuse, the different working methods used in implementing the Directive and the resulting implications for correct implementation of the Directive in Belgium.

2.2.3 Brussels-Capital

The Region of Brussels Capitale is characterised by the presence of the river “Senne”, which flows through Brussels and into which the waste water of almost the whole region is, to date, discharged. Another characteristic of the Brussels region is the low degree of agricultural activity compared to neighbouring regions. On the other hand the region is characterised by a very high population density. With regards to the application of the two Directives in the Region of Brussels Capitale, it seems to be a very complex and particular situation. According to Mr. Thirion (IBGE), the person responsible for the application of the European directives in the Region of Brussels Capitale, not much information can be made available to this study since few concrete actions have been carried out yet. Only some specific Directives have been addressed via transcription into local regulations.

Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive

No Sensitive Areas have been defined as yet under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Nevertheless, in a draft of the executive order of the government of the Region of Brussels Capitale, the following statement was formulated :

“… In December 1990, the Brussels Environmental Institute (BIM/IBGE) concluded concerning the quality of the water of the Senne as follows : (…) The physico-chemical analysis of the Institute for Hygiene and Epideomology (IHE) concludes that the low quality is essentially due to a massive concentration of organic material, high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous (…). This entails that the member state, in accordance with the previous mentioned conditions concerning the recognition of

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 17 “sensible areas”, should consider the Senne which flows through Brussels, to be taken into consideration for designation as “sensible area”.

The main practical action ensuring compliance with the Directive is the construction of the ‘Water Treatment unit of Brussels North’. This treatment plant will be operational by 2003 and will treat, from 2004, the waste water fraction of about 1,1 million inhabitants (note that the “Brussels South” treatment plant is actually treating 360.000 PE) .

The Nitrate directive

The ‘Nitrate directive’ is, according to Mr. Thirion (IBGE) not applicable to Brussels as agricultural activities in the region are almost non-existent. Their potential influence can thus be considered to be ‘negligible’.

This point of view is nevertheless not fully shared by the other regional governments as well as the European Commission. According to analysis done in the Region of Brussels-Capital, groundwater pollution caused by excessive concentrations of nitrates has been identified. Although these observations were confirmed by a report sent as an annex to a letter (reference P11/91/550/62.095 and dated on the 15th July) to the Commission, no actions have been undertaken to implement this particular directive. It should be noted that the Walloon Region as well as the Flemish Region categorised the “Brussels sand layer” as a “Vulnerable Zone” (see Section 1.5.2.). The Brussels Government has for that same reason not defined the “sand layer” present on its territory as “vulnerable zone”!

Political implications at a national level have to be taken into consideration which makes the situation of Brussels even more complex. This situation has been confirmed verbally to ERM by Mr.Thirion.

Furthermore, according to the level of agricultural activities in the Brussels region (156 hectares of pasture, 96 sheep and 543 cattle), an eventual risk of pollution due to agricultural activities is, according to the Commission, not to be discounted. The point of view of the Brussels government concerning these matters was presented to the Commission in a letter (reference P11/55064.927, 22nd of January 1997). It is our view that the opinions contained in that letter should not to be considered as relevant. It can thus be concluded that the Brussels Region is not respecting the regulations set out by Directive 91/676.

Conclusions

As we were able to observe, Brussels has not yet fully implemented the directive. Several reasons for this can be given, although political implications seem to have played a major role in the implementation of the legislation. Nevertheless these aspects do not fall under the scope of this study and are not relevant to the European Commission. Although the final date of 31/12/1998 to implement the directive 91/271 has not been respected, it is worth mentioning the following remark made by Minister Gosuin :

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 18 ‘… From its creation in 1989, the Region of Brussels Capital never had any infrastructure to collect the waste water and thus certainly not to treat that water. All investments made before this date were destined for Flanders or Wallonia. Brussels was never seriously taken into consideration for this kind of investments.’

2.2.4 Conclusion

As discussed above, an analysis of the implementation of both the Nitrates Directive and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in Belgium indicates a few shortcomings. Although Belgium is considered by the European Commission as a federal state, the implementation of the Directives is the responsibility of the regional authorities. This situation has led to a range of internal problems which should certainly to be taken into consideration if one wants fully to understand the actual situation in Belgium.

Firstly, each region has its own environmental policies which are translated in different approaches to the practical implementation of some European directives. Secondly there was no or almost no co-operation relating to implementation between the regions. The Region of Brussels Capital represents a special case in Belgium. The Region was only established in 1989 after major political changes. This situation has had a very significant impact on environmental management within the region. As we have indicated in this study, this situation has led Brussels to be far behind as far as the implementation of these European directives is concerned when compared to the other two regions.

The government of Wallonia on the other hand, has tried to follow the regulations strictly, as defined in the directives. However, these measures seem to be insufficient as there are still zones which ought to be defined as “sensitive or vulnerable”, and which did not appear to have been classified as such up until now. The status of the river Meuse is perhaps the best example of this.

The Flemish government went even further in the implementation of the UWWT Directive by defining even stricter requirements. On the other hand, the implementation of Directive 91/676/EEC still has to be developed further according to some institutions in the region (and on the basis of monitoring data).

We can conclude that although significant work has been carried out by all three regions towards implementing the directives, a lot of work remains to be done and, consequently, that all of the regions are currently in non- compliance with the requirements of the directives.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 19 3 FLANDERS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This section provides a review and assessment of surface water quality in Flanders and groundwater quality in all Provinces.

3.2 SENSITIVE AREAS IDENTIFIED UNDER THE URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE

As discussed in Section 2.5.1, the entire region of Flanders was designated as Sensitive Area under the Urban Waste Water treatment Directive. Therefore, within the scope of this report, no further analysis has been carried out in relation to the Designation of Sensitive Areas and no additional data was analysed.

3.3 VULNERABLE ZONES IDENTIFIED UNDER THE NITRATE DIRECTIVE

3.3.1 The designation Procedure

Areas which were taken into consideration for designation under the Nitrate Directive are those areas in the Flemish region where more stringent requirements regarding quantities and spreading of fertilisers are imposed. These areas are:

• Groundwater Abstraction areas: such areas “are located in the immediate vicinity of places where drinking water is abstracted. These areas are designated under the Decision of the Flemish Government regulating and authorising the use of groundwater and designating water abstraction areas and protection zones ”.

• Subhydrographic basins of surface waters for the production of drinking water. “The law on the protection of surface waters designated surface waters which are intended for drinking water. In some case, entire basins are designated for the production of drinking water. This resulted in the designation of the following basin: the Yser basin, the various sub-basins which form the ‘Kluisen’ and the Kortrijk-Bossuit canal.

• Nitrate Sensitive Areas. The vulnerability of groundwater has been assessed for the whole of the Flanders region. A vulnerability scale was drawn up ranging from exceptionally vulnerable to not very vulnerable. Highly vulnerable zones were identified more particularly in the Flemish-Brabant and Limburg region. This resulted in the identification of the following areas: the groundwater of the ‘Brussels sand layers’, the groundwater of ‘Lincent’, the groundwater of the ‘Heersiaan’, the groundwater of ‘Krijt’, and the groundwater of the ‘Maasgrinden’.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 20 Figure 3.1 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Belgium

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 21 Figure 3.2 Monitoring Points in Flanders (surface water)

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 22 It clearly appears that the waters taken into consideration for designation under the Nitrates Directive are only from a small part of all waters in the territory of Flanders. The designation has therefore not been carried out in accordance with the terms of the Directive. This will be discussed in more detail in Section 3.3.2.

Monitoring of Nitrate Concentrations in Surface Waters and Groundwaters

A report provided to the European Commission by the Flemish Authorities ix discusses the result of the monitoring campaigns carried out in 1995 in Flanders. A total of 2,500 monitoring points covering the entire region were monitored (see Figure 3.2).

For surface water, the basic parameters assessed at each monitoring point were: temperature, concentration of dissolved oxygen, degree of acidity, chemical oxygen consumption, ammoniacal consumption, nitrate, nitrite, total phosphorous, chloride and conductivity.

The average and median nitrate concentrations of surface waters in Flanders for the period 1990-1996 are illustrated in Figure 3.3.

Figure 3.3 Average and median nitrate concentrations of surface waters

40

20 mg N/L mg

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Average

Average Median

With regards to groundwater, measurements were made in three provinces. Several sites presented high nitrate concentrations. These sites are:

(a) Province of Antwerp

Brecht (58 mg N/l), Oud-Turnhout (111 mg N/l), Ravels (84 mg N/l), Olen (94 mg N/l), Stabroek (85 and 61 mg N/l), Vorselaar (147 mg N/l), Laakdal (134 mg N/l), Balen (89 and 88 mg N/l).

(b) Province of Limburg

It appears that only a few small areas have nitrate concentrations below 10 mg

N/l. On the whole, it appears that for the whole aquifer there is clear NO3 enrichment. The worst cases are located in the municipalities of Peer, Bocholt,

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 23 Diest, Bolderberg, Helchteren-Peer, Maasheik, Meeuwen, Lomel, Maaseik, Opglabeek-As, Zonhoven, Genk and Zutendaal, Riest (Jeker valley). It was reported that leaching of fertilisers is the main cause for nitrate pollution in the region. These results show a severe increase in nitrate concentration when compared to measurements taken in 1982/83.

(c) Province of Flemish Brabant

High nitrate concentrations have been recorded in a number of places: Steenokkerzeel (132.9 mg N/l), Kessel-Lo (70.4 mg N/l), Boortmeerbeek (85.5 mg N/l), Gooik (6.9 mg N/l), Machelen (53.7 mg N/l), Halle (46.5 mg N/l), Sint-Joris-Winge (97.7 mg N/l), Londerzeel (118 mg N/l). It was reported that “the Diest sand is an important aquifer which however has no natural protection. The high permeability of the aquifer and the thin Quaternary covering layer which consist of sand and loam do little to prevent the migration of pollutants”. Similarly, it has been shown that the Ledo-Brusselian deposits are very nitrate sensitive. It is reported that farming activities do contribute to the nitrate pollution in this area. It is also reported that the Zenne valley is extremely vulnerable to nitrate pollution and concentrations above 40 mg N/l were reported.

Groundwater monitoring was also carried out by drinking water companies at abstraction points. In the province of Flemish Brabant, high nitrate concentrations were recorded at Heverlee, Leefdal and Overijse. In the province of Limburg, the only cause of concern seemed to have been recorded at Aalst-St-Truiden. It was reported that high nitrate concentrations (> 50 mg N/l) were reported in the region of Oudenaarde and Hoeilaart.

3.3.2 Apparent Flaws in the Designation Process

As mentioned in Section 2.3.1, the waters that were taken into consideration for designation under the Nitrate Directives were those being part of the “water group” which are those groundwaters used for the abstraction of drinking water. All designated groundwaters refer to the designation under Decree of 24 January 1984 related to the protection of groundwaters intended for the abstraction of drinking water.

All criteria, as defined in Annex I of the Directive, do not seem to been taken into account. These criteria can be summarised as follows:

(a) Common Criteria for Sensitive Areas and Vulnerable Zones

• Surface waters intended for the abstraction of drinking water that contain >50 mg nitrate/l as a maximum or average winter value, or more than 40 mg/l and increasing values; • Surface freshwater lakes, other freshwater bodies, estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters considered to be or to become eutrophic if action is not taken.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 24 (b) Criteria Specific to Vulnerable Zones

• Surface waters not intended for the abstraction of drinking water that contain or could contain nitrate concentrations >50 mg/l if protective action is not taken; • Groundwaters with nitrate concentrations >50 mg/l or >40 mg/l and increasing; • Risks of surface waters and groundwaters not fulfilling the requirements (regarding nitrates) of other Directives if measures are not taken;

Furthermore, Article 3 prescribes Member States to designate as Vulnerable Zones, all waters which flow into the waters defined in paragraph 1 of Article 3 and which contribute to pollution.

Although the report mentions that the all surface waters and groundwaters in Flanders were monitored, it seems that only three provinces were taken into consideration for groundwater monitoring. Indeed, no mention is made of the provinces of Western Flanders and Eastern Flanders, and thus they do not seem to have been taken into consideration. It must be mentioned, as can be seen from Figure 3.1, that some areas in these provinces were actually designated as vulnerable zones, but these appear to be have been those classified as abstraction points or protection areas I, II or III (Decree of 24 January 1984).

Therefore, it appears evident that the designation of Vulnerable Zones in Flanders has been carried out only for those groundwaters intended for the abstraction of drinking water. This also applies to surface waters.

3.4 SURFACE WATER QUALITY

3.4.1 The main monitoring campaigns

Two major monitoring campaigns have been carried out in Flanders, and the main conclusion was that the surface waters in Flanders are of very poor quality and consequently the whole territory should be designated as vulnerable area.

A report presented by VMM provides a good overview of surface water quality in Flanders. The report presents:

• an analysis of surface water quality in the framework of the evaluation of the "Manure Decree"; • a quantification of the impact of nutrient losses; • an analysis of specific measures defined in the Manure Decree using the SENTWA model.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 25 a) At first, data from monitoring campaigns carried out by the VMM and the VMW were used. These data were analysed to assess the general eutrophication status and the nitrate status of the surface waters in Flanders. The design of the monitoring campaign was based on data collected since 1990. In 1996-1997, the VMM monitored 78 selected measurement points in Flanders. This campaign was meant to analyse the presence of nutrients and (especially nitrate and phosphorus) and their relation to the drainage from agricultural plots. The measurement points were chosen in such a way that the influences of household or industrial sources are insignificant or not quantifiable. This measuring campaign had two goals:

• Description of the nutrient status in agricultural zones; • To examine the number of times that the authorised quality standards were exceeded.

In 1996, 43 so called "MAP"-measurement points (Manure Action Plan), were added to the monitoring campaign of the VMM. These points were analysed twice on a seasonal basis. In 1997 additional measurements points were added while others were removed. In total 55 points were used from which 44 were analysed on a weekly basis from mid-February to April. The other 11 points were analysed on a monthly basis. In 1998, an additional 30 measurement points were added which were monitored once a month.

In addition, a study to quantify seasonal influences has also been carried out. This study (1996) was based on a monitoring campaign during which 900 to 1000 points were sampled for the whole of Flanders and analysed for nutrient concentrations. From December ’95 until April ’96, 450 to 750 points were analysed, as compared to 195 in May 1996. b) In a second part of the VMM report, two studies are described which were carried out with a view to quantifying the impact of nutrient losses to surface waters due to agricultural activities. These studies launched by the VMM in 1997 were carried out by ISO-IRC. In a first phase of the study a deductive mathematical model was developed to characterise nutrient streams, the so-called SENTWA-model. This mathematical model calculates (via available statistical data) the agricultural nutrient losses to surface waters per commune, hydrographical zone or agricultural area. Results are given on an annual or monthly basis. The model is calibrated and validated for agricultural zones with sandy- and clayey soils. Modelling has also been carried out based on actual statistical agricultural data collected over the years 1993, 1994 and 1995. c) In a second phase of the study, specific measures defined in the framework of the Manure Decree (MAP) were analysed using the SENTWA-model (for example the role of buffer strips alongside riverbanks).

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 26 In the SENTWA-model the nutrient stream is divided into 7 sub-streams or 'sources of losses’ which can classified as follows:

• Atmospheric losses : contribution of nutrients via atmospheric depositions; • Direct losses : contribution of nutrients without intermediary transport, subdivided in :

Ø Direct losses through the use of fertilisers; Ø Direct losses of organic manure via animal grazing; Ø Direct losses of organic manure via stabling of animals; Ø Direct losses of nutrients via manure- and silo liquids.

• Drainage losses : contribution of nutrients via drainage water during normal agricultural activities; • Groundwater losses : contribution of nutrients via groundwater during normal agricultural activities; • Excess losses : contribution of nutrients via groundwater or drainage water through excessive organic manuring; • Erosion losses : contribution of nutrients via erosion of soil particles and erosive rainwater action; • Run-off losses : contribution of nutrients via drainage from agricultural roads and via losses while spreading liquid animal manure.

Results

(a) Nitrates

Nitrate contamination of soil and water is the main issue of concern. In 1996, 77% of the measurements exceeded 10 mg N/l. In the first half of 1997 these measurements showed variations of between 35 % and 75,9 % exceedance. As the influences of households and the industry were not taken into account, it has been concluded that the influence of agricultural activities was the major source of nitrate pollution.

With regards to ortho-phosphate, the measurements also showed high concentrations. The study concludes that this situation is primarily due to the capacity of phosphate retention in the soil. Once the soil is saturated, the phosphate is washed away.

The study which assessed the seasonal influences concluded that there is a seasonal influence for all nutrient concentrations. Concerning nitrate and phosphate concentrations the following observations were made:

• There is a period of low concentrations from June until October and a period with high concentrations during the winter months. The values of nitrate + nitrite are especially high and exceed the authorised standard value for 12% to 26 % of the measurements.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 27 • The phosphate concentrations show a period with high average concentrations from May until September, in the winter months these average values are much lower.

(b) Calculation results of nutrient losses on annual basis:

• Nitrates - Based on the calculations per river basin it seems that the total nitrate losses for 1993 to 1995 to surface waters show very small variations. Fluctuations are generally the result of the yearly rainfall pattern. The most important factor is drainage loss, which represent over 50% of the total losses. Direct losses (15%), excess losses (15%) and groundwater losses (11%) also play a major role.

As far as the effects of the special measures defined in the MAP for 1993, 1994 and 1995 are concerned, it seems impossible (or very difficult) to quantify the impact as the period of study is too short to identify possible trends.

• Phosphorus - The general trend for total phosphorus losses over the 3 years is a status quo. The major losses are, in contradiction with the nitrate losses, due to direct losses (46,5%), run off (30%) and erosion losses (14%). These observations can be explained through the fact that phosphorus is bound to the soil particles and is thus not washed away to surface waters. Very low drainage losses (3%) confirm this fact.

(c) Calculation of results of nutrient losses on monthly base:

• Nitrate - The monthly nitrate losses are highest during the winter months and in the spring period. This can be explained by very low absorption of nitrate by the crops during this period and by rainfall intensity. It is essentially the drainage and excess losses which play a major role during these months.

• Phosphorus - For phosphorus the opposite process is taking place. The total phosphorus losses are the highest during the summer months and the autumn period. It is essentially the run-off losses which are responsible for this trend. The erosion losses are significantly smaller during the winter months.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 28 General Conclusions

Twe main conclusions are as follows:

• In the framework of the protection of public health and the usage of surface water as a source of potable water, the standards of directive 75/440/EU are used. The quality standard of 50 mg nitrate/l is not met at several measuring points in the water-catchment areas of the “De Blankaart” and “Kluizen” (see Annex B of this Report). The designation of these catchment area as "vulnerable zones" is therefore necessary.

• In the framework of the ecological goals of the Nitrate Directive, namely the protection of water bodies against eutrophication, the quality of the Flemish surface waters were compared to the "eutrophication standard"

(orthophosphate: 90%< 0,3 mg PO4-P/l). Since 1990 a negative trend has been identified. More then 80% of the measuring points in Flanders, show that this specific standard is exceeded. In other words this means that about 80% of the waters in Flanders are at risk from eutrophication. In this sense, the majority of Flemish surface waters do qualify for designation under Directive 91/676/EEC.

As the Nitrate Directive is directly related to the nitrate concentrations, Flemish water quality was also compared to the Dutch quality standards, which ought to prevent eutrophication (total nitrate < 2,2 mg N/l as an average summer value). Since 1990 no trend has been identified. The water quality for approximately 90% of all measuring points in Flanders exceeds the Dutch nitrate limit value. For the "Yzerbekken" this exceedance equals 100%. Here again, the majority of surface waters in Flanders do qualify for identification under Directive 91/676/EEC.

Based on both analyses, it can be concluded that a high proportion of waters in Flanders (80% - 90%) show clear nutrient enrichment (P and N) and appear to be at risk from eutrophication. This means that all areas draining in these waters and which contributes to the pollution should be identified as Vulnerable Zones. This means that the whole of Flanders would qualify for designation as Vulnerable Zone.

3.4.2 Surface Water Quality Data

Other data on surface water quality in Flanders were provided to ERM. Map 2.2 shows the distribution of monitoring points where data were collected. The data provided covered the years 1995-1997.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 29 Figure 3.4 Nitrate Concentration in Surface Waters Intended for the Production of Drinking Water

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 30 Although the majority of monitoring points do not show high nitrate concentrations, there are several areas for which nitrate concentration are consistently above 50 mg/l. These include Herselt (102.38 mg N/l), Rotselaar (56 mg N/l), Huldenberg (64 mg N/l), Diksmuide (64 mg N/l), Houthulst (78 mg N/l), Langemark-Popkapelle (93 mg N/l), St Katelijne-Waver (75 mg N/l), Osstniewkerke (93 mg N/l).

However, maps prepared by the Vlaamse Milieumaatschapij (VMM) show average and maximum nitrate concentrations in all communes in Flanders for the year 1990, 1994 and 1996. These are shown in Annex C of this report. The average concentration map shows that significant parts of the provinces of West-Vlaanderen, Antwerpen and Limburg have average concentrations above 50 mg NO3/l. The trend was on the increase between 1990 and 1996 for the Provinces of Antwerpen and West-Vlaanderen. When looking at the maximum concentrations map, it can be noticed that the great majority of

Flanders has maximum concentrations above 50 mg NO3/l.

Another VMM map (See Figure 3.4) shows nitrate concentrations in waters intended for the production of drinking water. It shows that, on the whole, most points in Western Flanders have concentrations above 50 mg NO3/l. Other areas with nitrate concentrations above 50 mg/l include the Marke, the Ijse, the Poekebeek and the Kleine A.

With regards to the Scheldt, figures show that the whole section passing through Flanders can be classified as polluted to very polluted, according to the basic Belgian biological and oxygen criteria (see Annex E of this report). The main criteria posing problems are: dissolved oxygen, , ammonium, phosphorous, COD and biotic index. The same situation is observed for the waters intended for drinking water. Here again, large proportions of the Scheldt show signs of eutrophication (although they are not eutrophic as such). This means that most of the Scheldt basin does qualify for identification under the Nitrate Directive.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 31 Figure 3.5 The Scheldt Basin

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 32 Figure 3.6 Quality of the Scheldt in 1994

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 33 3.5 MARINE AND COASTAL WATERS

The general quality (hydrographical parameters, nutrients and heavy metals) of the North Sea and Scheldt estuary have been routinely monitored since 1977. Organic contaminants have been measured on a more limited time scale. There are about 25 sampling stations at sea and about 7 in the estuary (see Figure 3.7), each being visited about ten times a year.

The data summarised below are based on reports submitted by Belgium for ICES and PARCOMx.

3.5.1 Hydrographic Conditions

The sea off the Belgian coast is subject to relatively strong tidal currents, the circulation being oriented SW-NE. The northern part of the Scheldt estuary is also strongly affected by tidal currents which extends approximately up the confluence with the Rupel, the main source of freshwater in the estuary. Although the flow of the Rupel is only about 100 m3/s, it has an influence on the salinity distribution off the Belgian coast.

At ebb tide, the plume of the Scheldt river extends to the south-west, along the coast. Important silt depositions occur there at slack water. The pattern of salinity isolines confirm this situation. In the western part of the estuary (at the confluence with the Rupel), the salinity gradient is quite strong between the river mouth and the area of Antwerp.

3.5.2 Data Analysis - Summary

The Western Scheldt is quite turbid with mean values approaching 100 mg/l suspended matter. Maxima reach 230 mg/l between a salinity of 5-15 psu. At sea, this turbidity falls quickly to a level of about 10 mg/l. The coastal zones, with shallow waters and intense traffic are characterised by high turbidity.

For total dissolved inorganioc nitrogen, (ie. nitrite + nitrate + ammonium), a quite important spread of values seem to have been observed during the period 1977-1995. This spread of value is partly due to the dynamic situation prevailing in front of the coast. However it shows a linear relationship to salinity during winter cruises. Lower concentrations far upstream the estuary reflect still incomplete mineralisation and/or denitrification.

The relation of orthophosphate to salinity is less season-dependant than that of nitrogen. The dilution profile is often characterise by a peak situated well before the freshwater boundary. Lower concentrations are observed upstream.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 34 Figure 3.7 Monitoring of the Belgian Coast

Source: MUMM (1998)

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 35 The nitrate profile for 1996 shows an important increase in nitrate concentrations in May between a salinity of 5 and 15 psu. This suggests an important process of nitrification occurring in the Scheldt estuary in this salinity range. This process has also been observed in January/February, but at a lower level. The curve also suggests no net uptake of nitrogen by phytoplankton in the estuary, probably due to light limitations in the estuary. In seawater, however, nutrient uptake by phytoplankton does occur.

With regards to chlorophyll -a, the 1996 results show that a phytoplankton development in the estuary occurs in May. The chlorophyll -a concentrations measured in the upper estuary in April are extremely high. Measurements in seawater also show that a spring bloom occurs sooner than in the estuary. At sea, in 1996, a spring bloom was recorded at the end of March reaching a maximum chlorophyll -a concentration of 18 µg/l. The period of spring blooms was reported to be 56 days in 1996 and 97 days in 1995. The bloom was a succession of diatoms followed by a Phaeocytis explosion. At sea, the spring bloom may results in concentrations up to 50 µg/l (1997). In summer some moderate phytoplankton developments were observed. The spatial distribution of the chlorophyll -a concentrations shows that the highest biomass concentrations are in the lower estuary and in the coastal zone near the estuary.

Oxygen depletion is also observed in the surface layers of the western Scheldt. In 1997, the levels in July and November were lower than 1mg/l in the upper estuary. Due to the significant input of organic matter, the levels of oxygen are usually depressed during summer.

Some of the data are presented in Annex E of this report.

3.5.3 Conclusion

From the above observations, it not unreasonable to conclude that there are severe eutrophication conditions in both the coastal waters and the Scheldt estuary from April onwards. Figure 3.8 indicates that the Belgian coastal waters of Belgium have also been identified as a “eutrophication problem area” by the Oslo and Paris Commission.

As stated in the Nitrates Directive, all areas of land which drain in into the waters identified in Article 3 -Paragraph 1 of the Directive must be designated as a Vulnerable Zone. This means that the whole of Flanders does qualify for designation as a Vulnerable Zone. Furthermore, Large areas in Flanders drain into rivers which terminate in the Netherlands, the whole territory of which has been designated as a Vulnerable Zone. As these areas contribute to the pollution of these rivers entering the Netherlands from Belgium, all such areas should be designated as Vulnerable Zones.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 36 Figure 3.8 Integrated administrative map on areas identified by the contracting parties as eutrophication problem areas in the convention waters

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 37 3.6 NITRATES IN GROUNDWATER - AN OVERVIEW

3.6.1 Introduction

A study carried out by the University of Gent analysed the quality of groundwaters (nitrates) in Flanders. Their analysis was based on data collected from different sources, namely:

• The water supply companies : VWM, PIDPA; • Data from private companies and the ground water monitoring campaigns realised in order to draft the so called "groundwater vulnerability maps" for the communes of Limburg, Antwerp and Flemish Brabant. • Data collected by the WWF.

Several groundwater wells of different types were sampled. In total some 12,000 measurements were collected.

The nitrate analyses were carried over a period of 15 years (from beginning of the 1980's until 1997). Most of the wells were sampled only once, with the exception of the wells of water companies which were monitored continuously.

With a view to obtaining a correct representation of nitrate dispersion in groundwaters, the available data were divided into groundwater wells with a depth < than 20 metres and wells with a depth > 20 metres. A second distinction was made based on data available before 01/01/1996 and data available after that date. This is a significant date since the "Manure Action Plan" (MAP) was implemented from this date.

With regards to the interpretation of the collected data, a distinction was made for severely polluted groundwater (> 50 mg NO3/l) and moderately polluted samples (> 25 mg NO3/l and < 50 mg NO3/l).

Results

(a) Groundwater wells < 20 metres

These wells can be considered as phreatic. The measurements from before January 1996 show very high nitrate concentrations in the province of "West- Flanders", and more particularly in the so-called "Gentse Kanaalzone" (canal area of Ghent), "Antwerpse Kempen", in the north and east of the province of "Limburg" and in the south of the province of Brabant. Measurements made after January 1996 show that the so-called "Oostvlaamse Heuvelland" , for which no data were available before 1996, should be added to the list.

On basis of the nitrate results from before and after 01/96, it is, however, impossible to evaluate the influence of the MAP. The number of analytical

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 38 results is not sufficient for this and furthermore the data show significant variations caused by influences such as climatic factors.

(b) Groundwater wells > 20 metres

The groundwater wells deeper then 20 metres are sometimes phreatic and, sometimes (partially) confined. No distinctions were made in the report.

The number of severely polluted measuring points is small. Before 01/96, very high concentrations of nitrate were found in the north of the province of Antwerp, in the north and east of the province of Limburg and the south of the province of Flemish-Brabant. These are areas with a thick phreatic layer, consisting of coarse sandy material, gravel or cretaceous material with a an unsaturated zone and low denitrification capacity. In the province of West- Flanders severely polluted measuring points were identified. Data after 01/'96 are very limited in number. The number of severely polluted measuring points is small.

Conclusions

The main conclusions are as follows :

• The high measured concentrations of nitrate cannot be put down to the results of natural processes, nor to the influence of household or industrial sources. Only agricultural practices (manure spreading in agricultural areas) can be responsible for the high, widely spread nitrate pollution in the groundwater and it’s increase in recent years. Figure 3.9 shows that most of Flanders is composed of arable land or heterogeneous agricultural areas.

• It is also very important that the deeper situated aquifers (> 20 m) should stay "nitrate free" (at least around the potable water areas). At depth > 20 m, concentrations of nitrates are not so high because of the reducing environment. Despite this, there are already a number of areas in Flanders showing high nitrate concentrations in deeper aquifers These areas coincide partially with the designated nitrate sensitive areas under the Manure Action Plan (MAP). An extension of these areas should thus be taken into consideration. Furthermore the "Neogene Sands" should also be designated as a vulnerable zone.

• Large areas in Flanders show high concentrations of nitrate in the upper 20-metre layer. The influence of the actions prescribed by the MAP is not quantifiable. The fact that in some areas less nitrates are present in groundwaters does not mean that no problems can be expected. It was also recommended that the designated Vulnerable Zones should be extended and additional Vulnerable Zones should be designated. In fact it is recommended that the whole of Flanders should be designated as a vulnerable zone because of the fact that throughout Flanders there is a

high potential for concentrations to be higher than 50 mg NO3/l.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 39 Figure 3.9 Land use in Flanders

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 40 • It is expected that when the concentration of reducing components will get exhausted and nitrate will still be released to groundwaters at the same rate, significant nitrate concentrations will build up at much deeper levels. A change in groundwater quality will be a direct result of this higher concentration of nitrates.

• A final point to take into account is the actual pressure put on the deeper aquifers, which in most cases are overexploited. This means that the tendency will increasingly be to use shallow groundwaters. At this moment in time, this is not a viable solution due to the nutrient content (including nitrates) of these shallow aquifers.

3.7 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN WEST-FLANDERS

3.7.1 Methodology

An assessment of the quality of aquifers was carried out in West-Flanders and illustrated on detailed maps (see Maps in Annex A). These maps, the so-called 'Groundwater Vulnerability maps', are meant to be very important government instruments, which are, and will be, used to define or influence future environmental, agricultural, and other political decisions. Several parameters were chosen to characterise groundwater quality (which are in direct relation to the usage of the extracted water). The parameters which were used, were: the conductivity, the pH, the hardness, the iron content, nitrate concentrations, chloride concentrations, sulphate concentrations and fluoride concentrations.

The data used for the 'Groundwater Vulnerability maps', are based on groundwater analyses carried out over the years by several institutions, including the Belgian Geological Service, the University of Ghent, the Flemish Water supply Company (VMW), the municipality of Bruges, private companies, etc.

A total of about 3093 analytical results were entered in the database. All these results were checked for reliability and a 'confidence-code' was attributed to each one. A number of criteria were used to subdivide the data in confidence- classes. These criteria are :

• The extracted water may not originate from different aquifers. If this is the case the results of the analyses provide a representation of the composition of mixed waters which is not allowed by this study; • The period between sampling and analysis may not exceed 3 months. This measure should prevent changes or alterations in the composition of the samples; • The ion balance difference may not be greater than 5%; • The analysis should fit the regional model, which means that a result can not show an abnormal deviation from other analytical results obtained after sampling neighbouring measuring points;

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 41 • The deviation between the measured and the calculated conductivity may not exceed 25%;

The first 3 criteria resulted in the elimination of a part of the collected data. From the original 3.093 data points only 2.852 were used.

Based on this data the major regional aquifers were analysed from the above mentioned parameters. These aquifers are: Cambro-Silurian, Carbon, Cretaceous, Ledo-Paniseliane and Quaternary.

3.7.2 Results (1)

Cambro-Silurian

The Cambro-Silurian can be found throughout the whole province of West- Flanders. Abstraction, on the other hand, is difficult as the aquifer is quite deep. The upper limit of the Cambro-Silurian lies at a depth varying from 50 metres below sea level in the south of the province to 450 m at the Dutch border. The depth of the groundwater wells analysed varies between 90 m and 400 m.

The presence of nitrates in groundwater is usually due to external factors such as human influences. Surface waters can contain large quantities due to pollution from different sources. In the deeper aquifers of the Cambro- Silurian, nitrates are not present. Only in a few groundwater wells has nitrate been identified and then in very small concentrations (< 4 mg/l). Only in two cases (the municipalities of "Waregem" and "Bavikhove"), were concentrations of 60 mg/ l and 78 mg/l respectively measured.

Carbon

The water of the Carbon is used in West-Flanders as a source of potable water. This water is extracted in the region of "Wervik", "Spiere" and "Avelgem". The depth of the wells varies between 130 m at "Spiere" and 210 to 230 m at "Wervik".

Only in the neighbourhood of the municipality of "Rekkem" in one specific well, were concentrations of 23,3 mg/l measured. In all other Carbon wells in West-Flanders no nitrates were detected.

Cretaceous

The Cretaceous layers are located beneath the whole of the province of West- Flanders. In the south, (Bellegem), the top of this layer can be found at a depth of 80 m below sea level. The layer at that point is about 20 m thick. In "Avelgem" water is extracted from this layer at a depth of 70 m. Only a part of the Cretaceous in West-Flanders can be considered to be an important aquifer.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 42 Only in a restricted number of wells were nitrates identified. The highest concentrations were measured in the west of the province, in the north of "Poperinge", t (4 mg/l). Some wells in the area of "Tielt", "Kortrijk", "Anzegem" and "Kortemark" contained nitrate concentrations varying between 0,3 and 3 mg/l.

Landenian

The oldest Tertiary deposits in West-Flanders belong to the Landenian. They rest on the cretaceous deposits. In the most southern part of the province the Landenian is located at a depth of approximately 50 m. In the north this figure can be as much as 300 m. The thickness of the layer is approximately 20 m. The sands of the Landenian form the most important aquifer of the southern part of West-Flanders. Many companies extract water from this layer, although the specific capacity is limited to 0,1 to 0,7 m³/h.

The groundwater from the Landenian normally contains no or almost no nitrates. The nitrate concentration is, in most cases, < 1 mg/l. Some observations of higher concentrations scattered over the region have nevertheless been identified (see Maps in Annex A)

Ledo-Paniselian

The depositions of the Paniselian rest on the Ieperian deposits. The Paniselian is composed partly of sand and partly of clayey sediments. The clayey sediments divide the sands of the Ieperian from the sands of the Paniselian. The sands of the Paniselian form an aquifer together with upper sand layers of the Landenian. This forms the so called Ledo-Paniselian. The total thickness of this layer is approximately 60 m and it is used by the Flemish Supply Company (VMW) to extract 3 million m³ of potable water per year.

The nitrate concentrations in this layer are in general very low. The quality standard for potable waters (50 mg/l) is not exceeded. The nitrate concentration is normally < 1 mg/l, although concentrations of several mg/l are not unknown.

Quaternary

This layer is found all over the Tertiary deposits. Its thickness is very variable (from less than 1 m -in the south of West-Flanders to more then 30 m- in coastal areas, such as Leie and Scheldt). The Quaternary sediments show a composition which varies greatly (sand, clay and peat). There is also partially natural salty groundwater present at a depth of less than 2 m. Only in dune areas, can significant amounts of potable water be extracted. At "Koksijde" and "De Panne", the "Intercommunale Waterleidingsmaatschappij Veurne- Ambacht" extracts 2,5 million m³/year.

(1) This report will only focus on nitrate concentrations

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 43 The nitrate concentrations in these deposits show significant variation without exhibiting any specific pattern. In general the concentrations are lower then 1 mg/l, but in several places concentrations of several mg's are measured. Nevertheless the standard for potable water of 50 mg/l is usually not exceeded. This is especially true for deeper water wells. In shallow wells, the number of observations with high concentrations of nitrate is quite significant. The trend which can be observed in the shallow water wells, is that the nitrate concentrations are rising significantly over time.

3.7.3 Conclusions

In the Cambro-Silurian, the Carbon, Cretaceous and the Landenian, nitrate is commonly absent. The Ledo-Paniselian in general contains relatively low concentrations of nitrate. In the Quaternary, low concentrations of nitrate have been observed too. However, in shallow water wells, higher concentrations of nitrate have been measured.

3.8 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN EAST-FLANDERS

3.8.1 Description

The Groundwater quality of East-Flanders, like West Flanders has been monitored and represented on 'Groundwater Vulnerability maps'. These maps have been made by the Laboratory of Applied Geological and Hydrological Sciences on request from the Flemish government (an initiative of AMINAL). These maps are based on a selection of available data, completed with analytical results of 50 water samples taken at locations for which no data was available. Different maps representing the aquifers of the Quaternary, Ledo-Panilesian, Landinian, Cretaceous and Cambro-Silurian were set up, based on several parameters (conductivity, pH, hardness, iron content, nitrate concentrations, chloride concentrations, sulphate concentrations, fluoride concentrations and phosphate).

3.8.2 Results

Quaternary

Very high concentrations of nitrate were observed. This has been confirmed by samples where the standard values (25 mg/l) as well as the maximum authorised concentration (50 mg/l) are exceeded. These high concentrations of nitrate are the result of antropogenic factors, in most cases resulting from agricultural activities.

With regards to ortho-phosphates, the higher concentrations should be assigned to agricultural activities. The peak values are situated between 0,50 mg/l and 0,70 mg/l, clearly above the standard value of 0,17 mg/l. Nevertheless these values never exceeded the maximum authorised value (1,5 mg/l).

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 44 Ledo-Paniselian

Very high concentrations are regularly observed. It is essentially the phreatic part of this layer (in the south) which is concerned. Exceedance of the standard value as well as the maximum authorised concentration are frequently observed.

High concentrations of ortho-phosphate are less frequent. Only around the municipality of Lebbeke have very high concentrations been observed. Exceedances of the standard value (0,17 mg/l) have been observed although the maximum standard was never exceeded.

Landenian

Nowhere have high concentrations of nitrate been observed.

The ortho-phosphate concentrations are quite low. Locally the standard value is exceeded. There are very high concentrations in the area of the Geological Institute of Ghent.

Cretaceous

The nitrate concentrations in the Cretaceous layer are in general very low (generally < 2 mg/l). High concentrations of ortho-phosphate were not observed. The standard value has been exceeded sporadically.

Cambro-Silurian

The observed nitrate concentrations are in general low to very low. Exceptionally, values higher then 2 mg/l have been observed.

3.8.3 Conclusions

In general the nitrate concentrations are low and do not exceed the maximum authorised standard value. Only in the case of the Ledo-Paniselian have higher concentrations been observed. Antropogenic factors should be taken into consideration as a likely source of this nitrate pollution.

3.9 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN LIMBURG

3.9.1 Methodology

33 monitoring wells of the primary groundwater-monitoring network and 108 existing water extraction wells were sampled and analysed.

Water extraction wells from which the sampled water originated from different layers or for which no correct sampling methodology was possible, were not taken into consideration. Also water wells which were not regularly

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 45 used (or had been out of use for a number of years) were not considered relevant. Freshwater was needed for the analysis.

Apart from the 108 extraction wells and the 33 monitoring wells, a number of existing analytical results were collected and tested for their reliability. 60 analytical results from the VMW were used and a few others from AMINAL and private companies. The following criteria were used to ascertain whether or not these data were representative:

• Location and depth of the sampled water well must be correctly known (the extracted water may not originate from different aquifers); • Only the most recent analytical results were taken into consideration, analytical results from before 1987 were not used as "relevant data"; • There was to be no doubt over whether the water had been treated or not; • The period between the sampling and the analysis must not exceed 3 months; • The analysis should fit the regional model, which means that a result can not show an abnormal deviation from other analyses obtained from sampling neighbouring measuring points.

The groundwater was analysed for the following parameters: pH,

conductivity, CO2, dissolved O2, Na, K, Ca, Mg, TAP/TAM, NH4, NO3, Cl,

SO4 and TOC. For some specific locations some parameters were added (eg. heavy metals, ortho-phosphate, etc)

3.9.2 Results

Pleistocene deposits

A total, of 54 water wells have been used. These shallow water wells had an average depth of 10 to 15 m. The deepest well was 27 m. Only for a few locations were the nitrate concentrations lower than 10 mg/l.

For almost the whole aquifer a significant increase in NO3 concentrations can be observed and more particularly at: "Peer", "Meeuwen", "Bocholt", "Bree", "Kinrooi" and "Maaseik". The maximum concentration was measured at Kinrooi (150 mg/l). These high concentrations of nitrate can be associated with discharges of industrial and household origin, but the most important factor seems to be agricultural influences.

With regards to ortho-phosphates, half of the sampled water wells showed concentrations lower than the detection limit (0,05 mg/l). Globally, the measured concentrations are < 0,2 mg/l. It is generally accepted that the total phosphate concentrations are 2 to 3 times higher than for ortho-phosphate. No

relationship has been observed to land use. The highest o-PO4 concentrations were measured at Kinrooi 1,1 mg/l) and at Maasmechelen (1 mg/l).

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 46 Plio-Pleistocene

A total 25 water wells were sampled and used in the monitoring campaign. Generally these wells are located in phreatic aquifers with a depth varying between 15 and 60 m. The aquifer coincides with the Sands of "Mol" and/of the Sands of "Kasterlee".

The nitrate concentrations in these layers are relatively high. Only about 60% of the wells have nitrate concentrations < 3,5 mg/l. In some areas nitrate pollution has been identified at very deep locations. At one pit at "Bocholt" an extremely high concentration of nitrate (168 mg/l) was observed at a depth of 50 m.

For 80% of the analysed wells, no detectable ortho-phosphate concentration was observed. Only at "Neerpelt" and "Kinrooi" higher phosphate concentrations were observed which are probably due to external factors.

Miocene Sands

A total 80 wells were sampled and analysed. The deepest wells (150 m - 300 m) are located in the north of the province (near "Lommel"-"Overpelt"- "Neerpelt"-"Hamont"). Water there is extracted from the Sands of Diest. From the deeper wells (150 m) in the area of "Houthalen"-"Helchteren" water is extracted from the Sands of Houthalen and the aquifer is phreatic. The other wells are less deep (< 100m) and are located in the Continental Sands of Bolderberg or in the marine Sands of Diest. All these wells are phreatic.

With regards to the nitrate concentrations in these layers, the observations showed that in two cases the potable standard value was exceeded (50 mg/l) and that for all the other wells the EU-standards are respected. In most of the wells the nitrate concentrations are very low. On the other hand, when the shallow water wells are considered, where water from the Sands of Diest or Bolderberg are extracted, a real nitrate threat has to be taken into consideration. In particular, the area of "Helchteren-Peer" seems to be very threatened by high nitrate concentrations. Values of 250 mg/l have been measured. Nitrate pollution seems to have spread to other adjacent areas.

The ortho-phosphate concentrations vary between 0,025 mg/l and 1,7 mg/l (average of 0,69 mg/l). The highest concentrations were measured at "Lommel" and "Neerpelt".

Oligocene depositions

Wells located in the Sand layers of "Berg" and "Tongeren" were considered for quality analysis. In total 24 wells were sampled. For 21 of the 24 water wells, the aquifers are protected by the "Clay of Boom", which prevents antropogenic influence. The most northerly-situated well had a depth of 300 m.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 47 The measured nitrate concentrations were very low. Except for one well, all measured nitrate concentrations were < 2,5 mg/l. A maximum measured concentration (9,9 mg/l) was observed at "Zonhoven" (probably caused by infiltration of nitrate polluted surface water).

In the case of ortho-phosphate, only 5 water wells were analysed. The highest measured concentration equals 0,1 mg/l (at "Munsterbilzen"). The oxidation of organic material is probably the source of this higher concentration. All other water wells show concentrations < 0,05 mg/l.

Cretaceous

A total 55 points were sampled and analysed. The maximum depth at which the groundwater was analysed was approximately 400 m.

The measured nitrate concentrations can be completely put down to the artesian and phreatic character of the aquifer. The maximum measured concentration (68 mg/l) was measured in a monitoring well of the primary monitoring network at "Riemst". There the aquifer becomes artesian, and the concentrations suddenly drop to concentrations < 1 mg/l.

Except for two wells where higher ortho-phosphate concentrations were measured, the global concentration was < 0,1 mg/l. Nevertheless only 25 wells were analysed for the presence of ortho-phosphate. The maximum concentration was measured at "Vechmaal" (0,7 mg/l).

3.9.3 Conclusions

As far as the presence of nitrate in the soil is concerned, it is generally accepted that the input of fertilisers is the major source of pollution in Limburg. Locally, due to direct or indirect discharges of household or industrial origin, nitrate concentrations can be greatly influenced.

The wells of the Pleistocene, the Plio-Pleistocene Sands and the shallow wells of the Miocene deposits in particular show high concentrations of nitrate. The concentrations in the Pleistocene exceed by several times the allowable potable water standard. These observations were made in the area of “Peer”, “Bocholt”, “Bree”, “Kinrooi” and “Maaseik”.

The highest nitrate concentration was measured in a well of “Diestiane” at “Helchteren” (250 mg/l). Taking into consideration the EU-standard for potable water (25 mg/l), it seems that the shallow groundwater of a large area in the north of Limburg is not in compliance with this standard.

For the southern part of Limburg, it was observed that the catchment area of the Cretaceous aquifer is highly charged with nitrate. Concentrations which exceed the potable water standard have been observed in the neighbourhood of the “Jekervalley”. The EU-standard is commonly exceeded where the Cretaceous aquifer becomes phreatic.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 48 As a conclusion it is important to emphasis that for only a small part of the studied area, is the shallow groundwater not contaminated with nitrates. If the usage of fertilisers does not change in the near future, it will lead to an

increase of NO3-concentrations in the aquifers. In the short term this will mean that the phreatic groundwater, will not respect the guidelines of the EU- directive.

Concerning ortho-phosphate, the study shows that for the major part of the studied wells the ortho-phosphate concentrations are low and do not even attaining the detection limit of 0,05 mg/l.

No direct relation between the measured concentrations and the land use has been identified. The higher concentrations in the region of “Kinrooi”, “Maaseik”, “Neerpelt”, “Maasmechelen” and “Eisden” seem not to be systematically associated with high nitrate or potassium concentrations. Possible pollution caused by human activities should be taken into consideration although the presence of organic material in the aquifer could also be a source of phosphate.

Although it is generally accepted that the phosphate concentrations present in the groundwater are caused by agricultural activities, no clear relationship could be identified (as in the case of nitrate). This is probably a consequence of the fact that phosphate is almost immobile in the soil. It binds easily with iron and aluminium, two elements that are present in large concentrations in the soil. Phosphate that is not taken up by the crops will accumulate in the soil. Once the soil is saturated, additional phosphate will cause a phosphate front to migrate slowly downwards through the soil. Once this front has reached the water table significant concentrations can be washed away into the groundwater.

3.10 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN BRABANT

3.10.1 Background

The monitoring campaign of aquifers in Brabant, collected 1.312 analytical results which were then entered onto a database. The major part of this data originates from water authorities and private companies. Other information sources are the analytical results which were obtained from a monitoring campaign carried out in 1994 by LISEC for the Flemish Administration for Environment, Nature, and Land- and Water Management (AMINAL).

Taking into account the quality and distribution of the available data, 20 additional wells were added for sampling and analysis. Water extraction wells, where the sampled water originated from different layers or for which the sampling methodology was not correct, were not taken into consideration. Also water wells which were not regularly used (or had been out of use for a

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 49 number of years) were not considered relevant for this study. Fresh water was needed for analysis purposes.

The groundwater was analysed for the presence of the following parameters: pH, conductivity and temperature, total hardness, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, and

SO4. For some specific locations some parameters were added, such as the

concentration of NH4 and NO3, Cu, Atrazine, ortho-phosphate, …

A statistical analysis was carried out for each of the aquifers studied. For each chemical parameter, the number of results, the average concentration, the minimum- and maximum values were given and the standard deviation was calculated. Apart from this statistical analysis, a graphical representation of the collected data was also made.

3.10.2 Results

Quaternary

A total of 31 analyses from monitoring- and production wells were selected and used for setting up the groundwater quality maps. The wells were usually shallow phreatic wells (maximum depth 20m).

At different locations, the Belgian potable water standard for nitrate concentrations has been exceeded several times (at “Steenookerzeel” – 132,9 mg/l), “Kessel-Lo” – 70,4 mg/l, “Boortmeerbeek” - 85,5 mg/l, “Gooik” – 66,9 mg/l and “Machelen” – 53,7 mg/l). The water from a number of other catchments is in compliance with the Belgian standard but not with the European standard (25 mg/l). These observations were made at “Lot” – 36,6 mg/l, “Lembeek” – 41,6 mg/l, “Halle” – 46,5 mg/l and “Tienen” – 27 mg/l.

The quality of the shallow, phreatic groundwater is thus severely threatened by high nitrate concentrations. Depending on the local situation (permeability of the soil, land use,…) the problem can be latent or acute.

In the shallow wells where water from the Quaternary deposits is extracted, the EU-standard for potable water (0,17 mg/l total phosphorus) is often approached or even exceeded. The situation probably varies with local land use. In the area of “Boortmeerbeek” a regional problem seems to have been observed, which relates to the quality of surface water and phosphate- saturated soils.

Diestian-deposits

In comparison with the other aquifers which have been described in this study, the formation of Diest only extends over a very small area. The area is situated in the north-east of Flemish-Brabant. In total 12 analyses were carried out using different monitoring- and production wells.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 50 From the 8 available nitrate concentrations, only one exceeds the Belgian quality standard (79,7 mg/l in a production well of 8 m deep, “Sint-Joris- Winge”). Only 3 analyses were in compliance with the EU-standard.

In the VMW-extraction wells, an important observation was made: there seems to be a relation between the nitrate concentration and the presence of iron. Groundwater containing a lot of iron will in principle not cause major problems with nitrates. It is thought that the glauconite has a nitrate bonding capacity. Further studies concerning this observation are under way.

Irrespective of the presence of glauconite, the EU-standards are still exceeded. This situation confirms what has been observed a number of years ago: the Sands of Diest are an important aquifer which has no natural protection. The high permeability of this aquifer is insufficient to prevent the migration of pollutants.

With regards to ortho-phosphates, it is known that these are present in the Sands of Diest but it is not considered to be a major problem. The ortho- phosphate concentration was measured in only 6 wells. At “Scherpenheuvel” a concentration of 0,15 mg/l was measured. In a monitoring well at “Bekkevoort”, the Belgian quality standard has been approached (2,2 mg/l). The measured concentration (2,14 mg/l) indicates an excessive supply of phosphate.

Ledo-Paniselian

An significant number of analyses were carried out for this aquifer, which illustrates the importance of this ‘water reservoir’ for the extraction of potable water in Flemish-Brabant. The geographical extent of this aquifer is very large. The aquifer is absent only in the south-west of the province and in the east of the “Gete”.

In total 123 analytical results from the database were used for setting up the groundwater quality maps. The location of the analysed wells is in general not too deep (for a great number of wells the final depth is less then 50 m). The deepest wells are situated in the region of “Aarschot-Diest” (138 m). Almost 65% of the analysed wells are phreatic.

In the phreatic part of the Ledo-Paniselian layer, the nitrate concentration is quite high. The highest nitrate concentrations are observed in the most southern part of the phreatic area (valleys of the Dyle and of the Senne). These high nitrate concentrations which regularly exceed the EU-standard are observed over a very wide area. This observation shows that the Ledo- Brusellian-depositions are nitrate sensitive. An average concentration of 13,7 mg/l has been observed in the Brusselian Sands. Agricultural activities as well as a high population density and industrial activities are considered to be responsible for this nitrate pollution.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 51 The measured ortho-phosphate concentrations are in general very low. The highest concentration (1,99 mg/l) was observed in a monitoring well in the primary groundwater monitoring network at “Merchtem”. The oxidation of organic material can be considered to be a major source for the presence of ortho-phosphate in this instance.

Landenian

Analyses were carried out for a total of 37 wells. The depth of the wells varies considerably: from 13 m at “Geetbets” up to 160 m at “Boortmeerbeek”.

Generally the nitrate concentrations are quite low (< 2 mg/l). In the valleys of the “Grote and the Kleine Gete” on the other hand, the EU-standard is often approached or exceeded. This was found to be the case especially in the areas around the borders of the provinces (“Sint-Remy-Geest”, “Hélécine”, “Velm” and “Walshoutem”). A number of extraction wells of the VMW are affected (22 mg/l, 25 mg/l, 27 mg/l and 45 mg/l). The VMW systematically mixes this water with water from the Cretaceous aquifer and in this way protects the consumer.

Concerning ortho-phosphate, 20 measurements were available for analytical purposes. They originated from the VMW-extractions in the area of “Hoegaarden” and “Landen”. Some measurements indicate local problems. In an artesian well of 42 m depth at “Heverlee” a concentration of 0,13 mg/l was measured. Furthermore in a well (122 m) at “Kampenhout” the Belgian standard value was exceeded (2,2 mg/l).

Cretaceous- and Heersian depositions

In total 41 Cretaceous- and Heersian wells were monitored. It is remarkable that, except for one well located at “Beauvechain”, all phreatic wells show high nitrate concentrations. The Belgian quality standard (50 mg/l) is not exceeded at any site but the EU-standard (25 mg/l) is often approached. An artesian well in the “Dyle” valley also showed a high nitrate concentration (12 mg/l).

For almost all of the wells analysed, the ortho-phosphate concentrations remain under the detection limit. Only three wells seem to have a concentration above 0,1 mg/l. The maximum concentration was measured at “Heverlee” (0,4 mg/l).

Palaeozoic layer

24 wells were used for monitoring. Only two analyses are related to phreatic wells. In general the measured nitrate concentrations are very low. Only the analytical results of the phreatic monitoring wells at “Buizingen” and an artesian production well at “Pepingen” show higher concentrations (15 mg/l). Taking into account the artesian origin of the well, only direct contamination (discharges) can be the cause of this nitrate pollution.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 52 Only 15 wells were analysed for the presence of ortho-phosphate and the measured concentrations are almost always very low (< 0,15 mg/l).

3.11 GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN ANTWERP

3.11.1 Methodology

In view of the description of groundwater quality in the phreatic layers of the province of Antwerp, a monitoring network regrouping several measuring points was set up.

For this purpose, an existing network of monitoring wells set up in ’80 was used and enlarged by the Belgian Geological Service, the Centre for Nuclear Energy and AMINAL. Wells present at private companies and wells used for potable water extraction were subsequently included in the monitoring campaign. Furthermore, with a view to obtaining the most correct representation of groundwater quality (over a large area), monitoring wells located at municipal border areas (namely the municipal borders with the province of Limburg and the Province of North-Brabant, the Netherlands) were also added to the monitoring network.

The parameters analysed were pH, the conductivity, Na, K, Ca, total

hardness, Fe, Cl, SO4, NO3, o-PO4, As, Cd, Zn and atrazine.

Only recent data were used. Analytical results before 1991 were not taken into consideration. Groundwater quality maps were made for the following formations (see Annex A of this report):

• The Pleistocene formation; • The Pliocene formation; • The Miocene formations; and • The Eo-Oligocene formations.

The chemical composition of the groundwater was analysed based on sampling groundwater wells. These groundwater wells must be equipped with filters, which allow specific aquifers to be sampled.

Data originating from wells that are situated at less then 5 m were not used. Furthermore, if for one and the same well data were available from filter pits placed at a different depths within the same water layer, only the results from the deepest filter were used.

In total 389 wells were used for setting up the groundwater quality maps. Data obtained per water layer and per parameter were statistically analysed. In general the average value and the 95% confidence interval of the average value were calculated.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 53 3.11.2 Results

Pleistocene formations

In total 154 wells were analysed. The depth of these wells varies between 5 m and 65 m.

79% of the wells show a nitrate concentration < 1 mg/l. 3 wells in the province of Antwerp have a nitrate concentration > 50 mg/l (at “Brecht” – depth 11 m; 58 mg/l, “Oud-Turnhout – depth 9 m; 111 mg/l and “Ravels” – depth 19 m; 84 mg/l). The maps show that wells with high and low concentrations are located at very short distances from each other.

With regards to ortho-phosphates, data from 50 wells were available for setting up the groundwater quality map. 78% of the wells have an ortho- phosphate concentration < 0,2 mg/l.

Pliocene formations

For monitoring the quality of the Pliocene formations, 44 wells were used. Their depth varied between 5 m to 112 m.

93% of the wells have a nitrate concentration < 1 mg/l. A maximum value of 94 mg/l was measured at “Olen” (well 38) in a well of 5 m depth. The higher concentration is probably due to local antropogenic influences. Concentrations higher then 1 mg/l were observed in well 1 (depth 30 m) and well 4 (depth 12 m) at “Stabroek”.

The data from only 7 wells were presented on the maps, 5 of these wells show a concentration < 0,2 mg/l.

Miocene formations

In total 175 wells were monitored. The depth of these wells varied between 5 m and 275 m.

It was observed that for 82% of the wells the nitrate concentration was < than 1 mg/l. 6 wells show a concentration which is above 50 mg/l : well 9 and 10 at “Stabroek” (respectively 85 mg/l and 61 mg/l), well 60 at “Vorselaar” (147 mg/l), well 118 at “Laakdal” (134 mg/l) and wells 160 and 163 at “Balen” (89 and 88 mg/l). The high concentrations are in shallow wells. Nevertheless in wells with a depth of more then 100 m (at “Ravels”) high nitrate concentrations were also measured. This level is found all over the area and is found near wells with concentrations below 1 mg/l.

With regards to ortho-phosphate concentrations, it was observed that for 44% of the wells the measured concentration was lower then 0,2 mg/l. Especially in the south, the wells show higher concentrations. It is in this area that the wells are rather shallow. This zone corresponds with an unprotected phreatic groundwater layer. An important source of phosphate is associated with

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 54 lithological composition of this formation. The whole group of Neogene Sands is characterised by the presence of phosphate-containing concretions and gravel layers.

Eo-Oligocene formations

In total 16 wells were analysed. The depth of the wells varies between 24 m and 253 m.

In 12 of the 16 wells the nitrate concentration was below 1 mg/l. Two higher values were observed at “Sint-amands” (well 1: 2mg/l) and Willebroek (well 8: 25 mg/l). Both wells extract water from the phreatic groundwater layer. The wells are covered by 20-m thick Pleistocene sandy loam material. This layer is especially vulnerable to pollutants.

Concerning ortho-phosphate, 8 of the 15 wells show a concentration lower than 0,2 mg/l.

3.11.3 Conclusions

The quality of the groundwater (at significant depths) in the province of Antwerp is in the first place determined by the lithological composition of the aquifers and in the second place by the quality of the infiltrating water.

In the case of the Eo-Oligocene aquifers, anthropogenic influence has not been observed. Relatively high ortho-phosphate concentrations are leached from the clay layers. The shallow groundwater in the phreatic zones is locally enriched by specific nutrients (such as nitrate) due to human influences.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 55 3.12 CONCLUSIONS - SHOULD OTHER AREAS BE DESIGNATED AS VULNERABLE ZONES?

With regards to surface waters, the maps in Annex C of this report clearly show that a large proportion of the surface waters in Flanders have nitrate

concentrations above 50 mg NO3/l. It is also largely accepted that the sources of nutrient in surface waters are both urban waste waters and agriculture. In the Provinces of Oost-Vlaanderen and Limburg, agriculture is the main nutrient source.

Within the framework of the ecological goals of the Nitrate Directive, namely the protection of water bodies against eutrophication, the quality of the Flemish surface waters were compared to the "eutrophication standard"

(orthophosphate: 90%< 0,3 mg PO4-P/l). Since 1990 a negative trend has been identified. More then 80% of the measuring points in Flanders, show that this specific standard is not respected. As the Nitrate Directive is directly related to the nitrate concentrations, Flemish water quality was also compared to the Dutch quality standards, which ought to prevent eutrophication (total nitrate < 2,2 mg N/l as average summer value). Since 1990, no trend has been identified but the water quality for approximately 90% of all measuring points in Flanders exceed the Dutch nitrate limit value. For the "Yzerbekken" this percentage equals 100%.

This indicates that for 80% to 90% of all monitoring points throughout Flanders, surface waters show clear nutrient enrichment and a significant eutrophication risk. In some hydrographical zones this percentage is even 100%. This means that the majority of surface waters in Flanders are at risk from eutrophication and , hence, do qualify for designation under Directive 91/676/EEC.

With regards to groundwater, as described in Section 3, it appears evident that

concentrations above 50 mg NO3/l have been found in the upper aquifers (<30m) in all provinces and cover the whole region of Flanders and all the main river basins. Indeed, it was shown that high nitrate concentrations were found in shallow aquifers in West Flanders, Antwerpen, Kempen, Gentsekanaalzone, North and East Limburg and South Brabant.

High nitrate concentrations were also found in deeper aquifers in North Antwerpen, North and East Limburg and South Brabant. This is particularly alarming as deeper aquifers should remain ‘nitrate free’, especially as a reducing environment is usually found in deeper aquifers. This indicates that nitrate concentrations are building up even in deeper aquifers (together with the disappearance of the ‘reducing’ elements) and that there is an increasing risk of nitrate contamination.

In Section 3, the nitrate concentrations in all water layers in all Provinces were described. This information can be summarised as follows:

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 56 • West Flanders: high nitrate concentrations were found in the shallow aquifers and there is a rising trend over time. • East Flanders: high nitrate concentrations were found in shallow aquifers, the source being mainly agriculture. • Limburg: high nitrate concentrations were found in the pleistocene deposits, the main source being considered to be agriculture (1) . In the Plio Pleistocene, very high nitrate concentrations have been detected (168 mg/l, Boscholt). Nitrate also presents a threat for the shallow waters of the Sands of Diest or Bolderberg (eg. 250 mg/l in Helchteren-Peer). It is widely accepted that agriculture is the main source of nitrates in the region. As a conclusion it is important to emphasise that for only a small part of the studied area, is the shallow groundwater not contaminated with nitrates. If the usage of fertilisers does not change in the near future, it will lead to a

rise of the NO3-concentrations of the aquifers. • Vlaamse Brabant: High nitrate concentrations have been measured at several location in the quaternary layers (eg “Steenookerzeel” – 132,9 mg/l), “Kessel-Lo” – 70,4 mg/l, “Boortmeerbeek” - 85,5 mg/l, “Gooik” – 66,9 mg/l and “Machelen” – 53,7 mg/l). Overall, the quality of the phreatic water is severely threatened by high nitrate concentrations. • Antwerp: high nitrate concentrations were measured in both shallow and deeper groundwaters (eg. 100 mg/l - Ravels).

Thus, the various studies carried out clearly show that high nitrate concentrations are found in the shallow groundwaters over most of Flanders. It is also shown that the main source of these nitrates is agriculture -this can also be observed on Map 3.9 . As confirmed in a study by Gent University and AMINAL, “nitrate concentration could potentially by found almost anywhere in Flanders. Consequently, the whole of Flanders should be designated as Vulnerable Zones “.

It must be mentioned that the monitoring network used to designate Vulnerable Zones in Flanders was composed of boreholes used for the abstraction of drinking water. Although it is extensive and covers the entire region, it doesn’t take into account abandoned, private and closed boreholes, as well as boreholes which are not continuously in use. However, Map 3.4 shows nitrate concentrations in private boreholes and clearly indicates that a very high proportion of boreholes have a concentration above 50 mg/l, and this phenomenon is spread over the whole region.

It was also shown in Section 3.5 that the coastal waters of Belgium show clear signs of eutrophication during certain periods of the year. For the rest of the year it remains highly susceptible to eutrophication. In this respect, all surface waters in Flanders qualify for designation under the Nitrates Directive.

We can therefore reasonably conclude that both surface waters and groundwaters in Flanders are at risk from nitrate pollution (nitrate

(1) VMM, 1992

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 57 concentrations and eutrophication) and that the whole of the region should be designated as a Vulnerable Zone under Directive 91/676/EEC.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 58 4 BRUSSELS-CAPITAL

4.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE REGION

4.1.1 Characteristics

The Region of Brussels-Capital is a region essentially characterised by urban settlement. The total area is 16,138 ha which is composed of:

• households 25% • industry 6% • commerce 6% • Agriculture/horticulture 8% • Infrastructure (transport) 21% • green areas (including the Forest of Soignes) 23%

The total population of the region is about 970,000 which makes a density of about 60 inhabitants per hectare. The general trend is towards an increase in the population of the region.

The region is composed of 19 ‘communes’ and the regional authority is competent for environmental management within the region - including water policy.

4.1.2 Hydrography

The surface water bodies in the Brussels area include: • the river Senne and its tributaries; • the Charleroi-Brussels-Willebroek canal; • various basins, lakes and ponds.

The entire region lies within the Senne basin which covers an area of 1,160 km2 and can be subdivided into two sub-basins: the North basin and the South basin which both extend into the other regions of Belgium. The Basin thus covers the three regions:

• Walloon region Senette 340 km2 29.3% of the total Senne 240 km2 20.7% of the total • Flemish region 420 km2 36.2 % of the total • Brussels region 160 km2 13.8% of the total.

The Senne basin itself is part of the larger Scheldt Basin. The main tributaries are the Maelbeek and the Woluwe (right bank) and the Molenbeek, the Paruck, the Broech, the Pede, the Clez and the Zuen (left bank). Each of these tributaries are part of a sub-basin, some of which are entirely located within the Brussel-Capital area, others of which extend to the other regions.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 59 One of the main characteristics of the area’s hydrography is its coupling with the waste water collection network - the region’s urban waste water is discharge directly into the river Senne. Large sections of the Senne and it’s tributaries have been covered (put into conduit, etc).

Map 4.2 shows the Senne basin.

4.1.3 Water Quality

The results of several analyses clearly show that:

• the Senne is of a very bad biological and chemical quality - it further degrades as it goes through Brussels; • The Woluwe, Verrewinkelbeek, and locally, the Molenbeek are the only rivers in the Brussels area of average biological quality; • Other rivers/streams are of bad quality, even before entering the region.

The bad quality of the Senne is mainly caused by the high organic charge and high nitrate and phosphorus concentrations. In addition, there are high concentration of heavy metals, detergents, monocyclic and polycyclic hydrocarbons.

The Charleroi-Brussels-Willebroek canal also occasionally receives high charges of pollutants, either due to accidental spills or water transfers from the river to the canal.

The water quality in the Brussels region is assessed in more detail in Section 4.2 of this report.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 60 Map 4.1 Hydrography of the Brussels Region

Note: The aim of the “Maillage Bleu” is to re-establish the continuity of the river network in the Brussels region. Source: IBGE

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 61 Map 4.2 The Senne Bassin

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 62 4.2 WATER QUALITY MONITORING

4.2.1 Surface waters

As indicated in a report provided by the IBGE in January 1998, there is no systematic monitoring of nitrate concentrations throughout the region. Only partial data from previous years is available. However, it is indicated that since 1997 monitoring stations have been created throughout the hydrographic network of the region.

No data on surface water quality in the Brussels region has been provided to ERM. In this respect, it appears that the only available data on surface water quality is held by IBGE. On the other hand, there seems to be very little doubt about the quality of the Senne which, downstream from Brussels, seems to be of a quality approaching that of sewage.

4.2.2 Groundwater

The groundwater monitoring of the Brussels-Capital region is managed by the ‘Compagnie Intercommunale Bruxelloise des Eaux’ (CIBE). Until 1995, the frequency of sampling was decided by the water company. Since 1996, sampling is said to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Directive. There are 8 sampling points in the region which are classified as follows:

• 7 wells known as “Cambre” and classified C1, C2, C4, C5, C7, C8 and C9 • ‘galerie de la Foret de Soignes’

It appears evident that the monitoring points forming the network are located in the South of the region and not throughout the region. There is no evidence that the monitoring network covers all sources of groundwater.

Data were provided for the years 1995 and 1996. The results of the nitrate monitoring programme can be summarised as follows:

1995 1996 • number of samples taken 25 29 • maximum nitrate concentration (mg/l) 71 (C2) 66.4 (C4) • average nitrate concentration (mg/l) 34.8 34.3 • number of samples with concentrations between 917 25 and 50 mg/l • number of samples with a concentration >50 mg/l 85

The graphs presented in Figure 1.1 clearly show the inconsistency of the monitoring, as well as a slight increase in nitrate concentrations between 1995 and 1996. Three areas are of concern, namely C1, C2 and C4 (Bois de la

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 63 Cambre) which have nitrate concentrations above 50 mg/l or just under in the case of C1 (1996).

A study investigating nitrate pollution in the region of Brussels xi was carried out by VUB University in 1990. The results are shown in Map 3.3. Although the map shows nitrate concentrations above 50 mg/l for several monitoring points, the study concludes that there are no obvious signs of nitrate pollution in the groundwater of the region of Brussels. It recognises, however, that there are certain points for which high nitrate concentrations have been recorded. For these points, it could not be established with certainty whether or not the source was domestic waste water or more diffuse sources such a leaching from agricultural areas.

Figure 4.4.1 Groundwater quality (Nitrates - mg/l)

1995

80 70 60 50 40 30 Nitrates (mg/l) Nitrates 20 10 0 Foret de Soignes C2 C5 C8

February March April June August September October

1996

80 70 60 50 40 30 Nitrates (mg/l) Nitrates 20 10 0 Foret de Soignes C2 C5 C8

February March April June August September October

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 64 Map 4.3 Groundwater Quality - Nitrates

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 65 It has been reported that nitrate concentrations are continuously increasing. Although the exact sources are unknown, they are most likely to be point sources and diffuse pollution resulting from agricultural activities. Furthermore, it was reported that “the concentration of nitrates in the agricultural areas in the South of Brussels are between 20 and 50 ppm, with a continuous increase”. As, globally, the groundwater source flows from South to North, the hypothesis of diffuse pollution should not be underestimated.

As mentioned above, Map 3.3 shows 10 monitoring points scattered around the region which have nitrate concentrations 50-75 mg/l NO3 and one point with concentrations between 75-100 mg/l. It therefore shows that the aquifers are contaminated in specific areas throughout the region. Unfortunately it is difficult to identify with certainty the source of nitrates, but as mentioned above, diffuse agricultural pollution should not be underestimated.

The fact that Brussels is an area which is mainly urban and which may affect the natural behaviour of groundwaters should also be taken into account. Indeed urban structures may disturb groundwater flow and may, at the same time, favour new ‘communications’ between waters of different origins, which will influence the quality of groundwater. This is a characteristic of the aquifer of the ‘Sables Bruxelliens’ which partly lies within the Brussels- Capital region.

4.3 THE URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE

The Authorities of the region of Brussels-Capital have decided to designate the Senne basin as a Sensitive Area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. As the entire region lies within the Senne basin, the entire region can be considered as a Sensitive Area.

For the reasons mentioned above, the designation under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive will not be assessed in this report.

4.4 THE NITRATE DIRECTIVE

4.4.1 Transposition

To date, no Vulnerable Zones have been identified in the region of Brussels- Capital. The main reason for this, according to the authorities, is the insignificance of the pollution originating from agricultural practices in the region.

According to the IBGE, the total agricultural surface in the region in 1996 was 718 ha. The ‘Institut National de Statistique’ established in 1994 that the agricultural surface actually used was limited to 332 ha. It is argued that given the growing urbanisation of Brussels it is very unlikely that the agricultural areas have increased. According to figures provided by the

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 66 Commission, 157 ha are used as permanent pasture. With regards to cattle, there were a total of 541 in 1996, it can usually be assumed for each of these to be considered as a ‘Unité de Gros betail’ (UGB). This however, was contested by the Brussels authorities which believe that it can only be applied to adult cows and that a coefficient of 0 should be applied to animals of less than 6 months and 0.6 to animals between 6 months and 2 years. This would amount to 377 UGB, which over 332 ha give a ratio of 1,13 UGB/ha.

Furthermore, it is believed that, given the limited area of pasture in the region, many animals are actually pastured in the other regions. This implies that they must comply with the Code of Good Agricultural Practice implemented in that region. Therefore, it is assumed that the amount of manure spread on the land in the region in minimal. It is also assumed that, given its geographical position, the region is directly impacted by the upstream stretches of the Senne and its tributaries which are located in the other regions. According to a report prepared by the ‘Commission Technique Mer du Nord’ (1993), nitrate leaching in the region is negligible. The authorities assumed that the limited leaching would be, as for waste water, evacuated via the sewage collection system and directed to the waste water treatment plants (which are in construction - one of which will not be in operation before 2003 …).

Based on the above, the authorities have decided that there is no need for a Code of Good Agricultural practice to be prepared for the region of Brussels- Capital, as it would require “more effort than results”. As for the risk of contamination from external pollution, the report states that there is no contact between the groundwater used for drinking water in the Brussels region and surface water located in the Flanders region. Finally, it is argued that the entire region was designated as a Sensitive Area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and that this provides a better instrument to control nitrate pollution in surface water.

Although it is true that the area devoted to agriculture in the region of Brussel-Capital is small, the requirements prescribed by the Directive are still valid. Amongst other elements, there is a need to carry out water (groundwater and surface water) quality monitoring, in order to assess the level of pollution, even if this pollution originates in other regions. In this sense, any levels of pollution, even if small compared to the other regions, must be taken into consideration.

The various reasons, as stated above which were the basis for not designating any Vulnerable Zones in the region are often general assumptions which are not based on figures. In addition, when looking at the groundwater monitoring, it seems that most of the sampling stations are located in the south of the region and do not necessarily cover all groundwater sources. The Study by A. Taleb (1) clearly shows that some areas, especially in the southern agricultural areas, have high nitrate concentrations, the origin of which in likely to be agricultural sources.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 67 It must also be noted that both Flanders and Wallonia recognised the contamination by nitrates (as well as its sensitivity to nitrate pollution) of the groundwater source ‘des Sables Bruxelliens’ by designating it (or part of it) as a Vulnerable Zone. The region of Brussels, however, failed to recognised this. One study xii demonstrated the evidence of the nitrate pollution in the ‘Sables Bruxelliens’ and its increase over time. It is suggested in this study that the territories in which the ‘Sables Bruxelliens’ are found should be considered, in their entirety, as a Vulnerable Zone.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 68 5 WALLONIA

5.1 WATER RESOURCES IN WALLONIA - CHARACTERISTICS

5.1.1 Groundwaters

Introduction

The main aquifers in Wallonia are:

• Calcaire Carbonifaire; • Crétracé de la Haine; • Synclinorium du Condroz; • Crétracé de Hesbaye; • Sables Bruxelliens

As mentioned before, groundwaters provide about 80% of the water required in Wallonia. Their quality is controlled by DGRNE according to the measurements provided by both the water companies and DGRNE.

The main pollution sources (diffuse) are recognised to be:

• spreading of fertilisers; • use of pesticides and; • discharges of urban and industrial waste water.

An assessment of the influence of each of these sources in the different regions has not been carried out and, hence, is unknown.

Vulnerability

Nitrate measurements in groundwaters show either a stabilisation of the

situation or an increase in nitrate concentrations of about 1/2 mg NO3/l/year. In 1994, out of 400 abstraction points from the SWDE network (or about 60% of the water distributed in Wallonia), about 46 points had nitrate concentrations above 40 mg/l (1) .

The geographical distribution of aquifers is not uniform throughout Wallonia. Indeed, certain aquifers have significant storage capacities:

• Calcaires carbonifaires du Tournaisis; • Crétacé du bassin de la Haine et de Hesbaye; • Sablex Bruxelliens du bassin de la Dyle

(1) Societe Wallonne des Distributions d'Eau

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 69 Others, such as in the Ardennes, have a more limited capacity. Two aquifers seem to have been particularly threatened by over-exploitation. These are the Crétacé de Mons and Calcaire Carbonifère du Tournaisis.

There are a series of aquifers of which little is known (eg. Calcaires carbonifaires de l’Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, Crêtes gréseuses du Condroz). The aquifer of the Néblon basin is said to hold important resources but it is also known to be exposed to urban and agricultural contamination.

Nitrate Contamination

Generally it has been noticed that :

• contamination is more important in the free aquifers and the free zones of the semi-confined aquifers; • the existence of a concentration gradient decreasing with depth.

SWDE, who is closely monitoring all groundwaters with nitrate concentrations above 40mg/l, reported (1) that this concerns about 40 abstraction points (out of 270) which is equivalent to 8% of the total amount of water abstracted.

Overall for the region, 37.5% of abstraction points have minimum nitrate concentrations around 25 mg/l. The majority, however, have concentrations around 40mg/l. The trend in the points monitored for over 10 years is an (1) increase of 1 to 2 mg NO3/l per year .

It is stated in the Etat de l’Environnement 1992 (DGRNE) that the quality of groundwaters in Wallonia is generally good and that pollution sources are restricted to certain areas. However, some aquifers have been shown to have nitrate concentrations higher than those required for the production of drinking water:

• Crétacé de Hesbaye (private wells); • Crétacé du Pays de Herve; • Calcaire Carbonifère du Tournaisis; • Bassin du Néblon

Map 5.1 Shows average nitrate concentrations in groundwaters used for the abstraction of drinking water.

(1) DGRNE (1992), Etat de l’Environnement 1992, Ministere de la Region Wallonne

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 70 Map 5.1 Average Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwaters

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 71 5.1.2 Surface Water

Surface waters cover 0.7% of the Walloon region. Water courses are part of four main basins:

• Meuse (72.6%); • Scheldt (22.35%); • Rhine (4.6%); • Seine (0.45%).

The rivers of the Condroz, Lorraine and Hesbaye regions are characterised by water of significant hardness. This means, however, that they are less sensitive to pollution (as opposed to waters in the Ardennes which are usually slightly acid or neutral and are far more sensitive).

In general terms, there are two main geographical groups:

1. the Scheldt basin: the rivers of the Scheldt basin are reported to be of mediocre (sometimes reported as “catastrophic”) quality. This mainly concerns the Haine, canal du Centre, Rhosnes, Lys. The waters of the Espierre are reported to already be of the quality of raw sewage at its entrance in Belgium. Water quality is said to be good only in the regions of Honelles, Quiévrain and Quévy-le-Grand.

2. the Meuse basin. With the exception of the Meuse itself which is eutrophic along the majority of its course in Wallonia, water courses in the Meuse basin are reported to be of good to excellent quality, with the exception of certain areas on the Serpont, Warche, Pieton, Vesdre, Chiers, Vire and Semois (Vances). The quality of the Sambre starts to deteriorate after Charleroi. Although nitrate and phosphates concentrations are relatively

constant and below the limit-value of 50 mg NO3/l, eutrophication seem to intensify throughout the years.

Urban waste water is said to concentrate along rivers, and notably along the Sambre et Meuse valley (to its North and along the Haine, Scheldt, Senne and Dyle and to its South, according to season and tourism).

In addition to a network of about 12,000 water courses there are important dams/reservoirs. The main ones are: la Gileppe, Eupen, Nisramont, l’Eau d’Heure, Butenbach and Robertville.

The first quality monitoring network (physico-chemical) was set up by the Institut d’Hygiène et d’Epidémiologie (IHE) in 1975. Since 1988, DGRNE has progressively put a surface water quality network in place, which in 1991 was completed by a specific network for “the surveillance of quality objectives” and “Bathing water monitoring).

Overall, the quality of surface waters in Wallonia is said to be good (50% of surface waters) , although it is recognised that eutrophication is widespread.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 72 About 35% of surface waters are classified as bad/very bad quality. Trends show that:

• waters in the Scheldt basin are of mediocre quality; • The quality of waters in the Meuse basin are generally good.

The two main pressures are said to be eutrophication and bacterial contamination of surface waters.

Eutrophication of the Meuse River

The organic enrichment and eutrophication of the river have been reported to make considerable changes to its ecosystem. It is reported that the relative importance of certain species typical of eutrophic water has progressively increased in the composition of phytoplankton. It has been reported that since 1980, important blooms of planktonic algae have appeared upstream from the French border. In 1992 such blooms were reported to occur along the entire length of the Meuse river in Wallonia. This was confirmed by the Groupe de Microbiologie des Milieux Aquatiques de l’Universite Libres de Bruxelles.

Although no figures or measurements were provided at the time of writing, the Etat de l’Environnement 1992 (DGRNE) seems to confirm the significance and importance of the eutrophication of the Meuse river, the potential disaster it could cause to its ecosystem and the urgent need for action. Eutrophication also appear to be a common feature in stagnant waters linked to water courses in Wallonia. This phenomenon is reported to be significant in the cases of the Nisramont reservoir and Eau d’Heure complex (both designated as Sensitive Areas).

The Scheldt (Escaut) Basin

Out of a total area of 21,863 km2, 17% of the Scheldt basin is located in Wallonia. Both agriculture and untreated urban waste water are considered to be significant causes for the average low quality of the Scheldt. With regards to agriculture in particular, the largest proportion of arable land (>80%) is located in the sub-basin of the Scarpe and Haut-Escaut (northern France), Dyle (Wallonia) and on the Dutch section of the Scheldt. With regards to animal-rearing, the units with the highest polluting charge are on the Flemish sections of the Lyse basin, Haut-Escaut, Polders, Gent Canals, Nèthe and Démer. The most important source of total P and nitrates is said to be agricultural activities.

Overall, urbanisation is observed throughout the basin, with the largest centres being Lille, Lens, Brussels, Gent and Antwerp. Agricultural land is uniformly distributed on the whole basin.

From its source to Termonde, the average dissolved oxygen concentration varies between 3.4 and 10.1 mg/l (1994). From Kain, the influence of the Tournais agglomeration, the Espierre Noire, and the Grande Espierre result in

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 73 a decrease in the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO). Similarly the influence of the Espierre and the Haine basins result in an increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD). Overall, nitrate concentrations are reported to have steadily increased since 1992. With regards to total phosphorus and orthophosphate, obvious peaks are observed in the regions of Bléharies, Pottes and Destelbergen due to urban waste water discharges in the Scarpe, Espierre Noire, Canal de l’Espierre, Grande Espierre and the Ghent agglomeration.

5.2 VULNERABLE ZONES - THE DESIGNATION PROCESS

5.2.1 Introduction

About 400 million m3 of water are required every year in Wallonia and about 80% of it is abstracted from aquifers. Nitrate contamination is said to be a growing concern in areas of intensive agriculture - animal-rearing businesses have developed significantly in recent years. According to water companies in Wallonia, every step must be taken to reduce the pressure put on groundwater resources.

According the AQUAWAL (Association Regionale Wallonne de l’Eau), nitrate concentrations in groundwaters have constantly increased in recent years and this has resulted in the closing-down of several abstraction points.

According the Group II ‘nitrates’ of the water Commission “it would not be eutopic to designate the whole of Wallonia as Vulnerable Zone”. The designated Vulnerable Zones currently cover an area of 118,000 hectares which represents about 15% of the agricultural area in Wallonia (compared to 46% in France). It was also reported that a very high proportion of water courses in Wallonia show clear signs of eutrophication..

It would appear that the ‘problematic’ calcareous zones, the Hautes Fagnes region and several contaminated areas (such as Vesdre, Comines, Plateau de Herve and Nisramont) were not effectively taken into account during the first designation round. Studies in each of these areas are, however, being carried out in order to consider them for designation.

5.2.2 The Monitoring Network

The systematic monitoring of nitrates in waters started in 1993. Several nitrate monitoring networks were put together and covered the following water bodies:

• rivers: the network is composed of 97 monitoring stations located throughout the region where nitrate concentrations are monitored;

• fresh surface waters used for the production of drinking water: this network is composed of 9 sources of fresh surface water used for the

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 74 production of drinking water (for public distribution). Only 7 of the sources were visited during the monitoring carried out in 1994. These represented 99.3% of the total surface water abstracted;

• groundwaters - Regional administration: the regional administration undertook an assessment of all groundwater sources which are not used by the public distributors. It was composed of 491 sampling stations, most of which were only visited once. The sampling stations were selected in order to cover the whole territory. As an average, together with the public network (see below), there was a sampling station every 9 km2. A total of 594 nitrate analyses were carried out, 82 of which were below the detection limit.

• groundwater - public distribution: all groundwater sources used by public distributors were monitored and results collected by the regional administration.

The monitoring campaign only aimed at assessing the concentration of nitrates in both surface water and groundwater and is summarised in Table 5.1. All measurements were taken in 1994.

Table 5.1 Result of the monitoring campaign (nitrate measurements - 1994)

Rivers surface water groundwaters groundwaters (drinking water) (non-public) (public)

Average number of 5.41 15.9 1 (except for 14 17.1 samples per sampling stations: 7-9) station

Maximum concentration 49.1 17.9 334 99.4

(mg NO3/l)

Average concentration (mg 16.7 8.8 30.4 25.7

NO3/l)

No. of samples with a 74 (14%) - 160 (27.1%) 2732 (45.5%) concentration between 25-

50 mg NO3/l

No. of samples with a 0 (0%) - 93 (15.8%) 621 (10.3%) concentration >50 mg

NO3/l

5.2.3 The Selection Procedure

The results obtained during the campaign mentioned above were used to provide a global picture of nitrate pollution in all waters of Wallonia. This resulted in the subsequent selection of several areas which required a more detailed assessment, and eventually designation as Vulnerable Zones under the Nitrate Directive :

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 75 • Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse; • Basin of the Nisramont dam; • Pays de Herve; • Commune de Commines Warneton; • Condroz.

Two aquifers were designated as Vulnerable Zones in 1994:

• Crétacé de Hesbaye • Sables Bruxelliens

These two aquifers form a total area of about 1540 km2 from which about 55 million m3 are abstracted every year. This represents about 15% of the total volume of water abstracted in Wallonia every year.

One of the main areas considered for designation under the Nitrate Directive was the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse region. In this region (2,300 km2), several sources had nitrate concentrations above 50 mg/l. It was reported by the regional administration (DGRNE) that these concentrations were related to the discharge of domestic waste water or discharge of manure in specific areas (point sources). Direct discharge of animal effluents resulting in high nitrate concentrations in water forms a direct case for designation under the Nitrate Directive. Although the authorities recognised that point source pollution resulting from agricultural practices plays a significant role in the increasing levels of nitrate pollution in the Hesbaye region, it was decided that these areas did not require designation as Vulnerable Zones as they were already designated as ‘prevention zones’ (see Table 1) under the Arrêté of 14- 11-1991 in application of the Decree of 30 April 1990.

• Abstraction areas: areas around groundwater wells (10 m); • Close Prevention Zones: zones in which the pollution can reach the abstraction point within a day (ie. where there are no means of avoiding it entering the pumping area). Such zones are limited at 35m from surface water abstraction installations; • Distant Prevention Zones: zones for which the pollution can reach the well within 50 days. Such a zone is limited to 100-1000m, depending on the nature of the sub-soil. • Surveillance Zone: zones created for the protection of the resources which may be used in the future.

However, the designation of these zones as “prevention zones” does not exempt them from being designated under the Nitrates Directive. These zones should therefore be assessed in detail for designation under the Nitrate Directive. As no information could be obtained, a more detailed assessment of these zones could not be carried out within the context of this report.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 76 The DGRNE announced that other Vulnerable Zones will soon be designated in the regions of Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse, pays de Herve and District of Comines-Warneton.

5.2.4 Revision of the Designation of Vulnerable Zones

Although limited information was available at the time of writing, it seems that the following water bodies do qualify for designation under the Nitrate Directive:

Table 5.2 Potential Vulnerable Zones

Name Type Criteria

River Meuse surface freshwater eutrophication

Aquifer of the Neblon basin groundwater nitrate concentrations

Crétacé de Hesbaye groundwater nitrate concentrations

Crétacé du Pays de Herve groundwater nitrate concentrations

5.3 SENSITIVE AREAS - THE DESIGNATION PROCESS

5.3.1 Introduction

The designation of Sensitive Areas was done entirely on the prescriptions and regulations mentioned in the Directive. The Sensitive Areas which have been defined in Wallonia are :

• the lakes of the dam Eau d’Heure and its catchment area; • the Ry de Rome and tributaries from its source to the dam of the Ry de Rome at Couvin; • l’Ourthe and its tributaries from its source to the dam of Nisramont at Houffalize; • the Warche and its tributaries from its source to the dam of Robertsville at Waimes; • the Vesdre and its tributaries from its source to the Eupen dam at Eupen; • the Gileppe and its tributaries from its source to the Gileppe dam at Jalhay; • the Meuse from the French border to Tailfer; • the Homme and its tributaries from its source to the Bras at Libramont- Chevigny. • the Haine and its tributaries from its source to the French border; • the Espierres and its tributaries from the French border to the regional border with Flanders;

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 77 • the Scheldt from the French border until the regional border with Flanders; • the Semois and its tributaries from its sources to the French border; • the Sambre from the French border to its confluence with the Meuse • the Vesdre from the Eupen dam to its confluence with the Ourthe.

Unfortunately, very limited information on the designation of Sensitive Areas and water quality in Wallonia were available. Therefore a thorough review of the designation of Sensitive Areas in Wallonia could be not carried out.

However, the available literature seems to demonstrate that the following water bodies should be designated as Sensitive Areas:

Table 5.1 Water Bodies Qualifying for Designation under Directive 91/271/EEC

Water Body Type Criteria

Meuse - its entire basin in surface freshwater Eutrophication Wallonia

Scheldt - it’s entire basin in surface freshwater Overall poor quality (failing Wallonia the basic requirement for drinking water)

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DGXI 78 6 REFERENCES

i Anon. (1993). Eutrophication Symptoms and Problem Areas. Oslo & Paris Commissions. London. 26 pages plus maps;

ii OECD (1998), Environmental Performance Reviews - Belgium, OECD, Paris;

iii VMM (1998) Bijdrage VMM aan de ecologische evaluatie van het Mestactieplan m.b.t. de kwaliteit van het oppervlaktewater, 1998 - Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij;

iv Aquafin (!997), Implementatie Titel II van het VLAREM, Haalbaarheid en verwachte timing ;

v Universiteit van Gent (RUG) (1998), Nitraat in het grondwater, - laboratorium voor Toegepaste Geologie en Hydrogeologie/ AMINAL - Afdeling Water;

vi Letter of “Rheinwater” to the European Commission concerning the determination of “sensible areas” in Wallonia & Request for information on the implementation of directive 91/271, 1997;

vii Letter of “Rheinwater” to the Minister Lutgen concerning the non-respect of directive 91/271 & Response by Minister Lutgen;

viii L’Ecomanager (1998), L’Europe au pied du Mur, L’Ecomanager N0. 45 - 06/98;

ix D. Don et al. (1997), Four Year Report from the Flemish Region under Article 10 of the Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC);

x Data Management Group (1985-1995, 1996, 1997), National Comments to the Belgian Monitoring Data for Seawater, Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models, Data Management Group

xi A. Taleb (1990), Pollution par les Nitrates - Contribution a l’etude de la Contamination des Eaux Souterraines dans la Region Bruxelloise, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Laboratoire de Pollution et Traitment des Eaux;

xii J-M. Wattecamps(1993), Evolution de la teneur en nirates dans les eaux de l’aquifere des sables bruxelliens (Brabant-Hainaut-Namur), Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise; 1.1 6.2 ADDITTIONAL REFERENCES

1. I.C.B.S. (1994), Rapport: La Qualite de L’Escaut, Commission Internationale pour la Protection de l’Escaut

2. Avis du Groupe II de la Commission des Eaux, September 1998

3. Avis du Groupe II de la Commission des Eaux, November 1998

4. Aquawal (1998), “Nitrate agricole: Une Utilisation raisonnable pour une qualité d’eau durable “, Communiqué de Presse

5. MRW (1992), Etat de L’Environnement Wallon - Eaux, DGRNE 1992

6. MRW (1995), Etat de L’Environnement Wallon - Agriculture, DGRNE 1995

7. Various papers from the following internet site: http://envagri.wallonie.be

8. A. Guns (1998), Mise en Oeuvre de la Directive Nitrates en Région Wallonne, DGRNE

9. IBGE (1999), Bulletin Statistique 5 - Juin 1999)

10. Variety of Information provided by the Vlaamse Maatschapij voor Watervoorziening (VMW)

11. Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij - VMM (1991), Jaarverslag meetnet oppervlaktewater 1991, VMM Dienst Water

12. Various information obtained on VMM internet site (http://www.vmm.be)

13. Université Libre de Bruxelles (1990), Pollution par les Nitrates - Contribution à l’étude de la contamination des eaux soutteraines de la région Bruxelloise, ULB - Laboratoire de Pollution et Traitement des Eaux.

14. Stichting Reinwater (1998), Maas + Vervuilers - Onderzoekrapport

15. Bond Beter Leefmilieu Vlaanderen VZW, Official Complaint to the European Commission