Addressing the root cause

PFAS do not belong in water and soil

PFAS substances end up in the environment via waste streams during production and use. This includes soil and water. This is a cause for concern, as PFAS substances are toxic and do not break down, or hardly break down at all.

Tackling the root cause

Every year, millions of new chemical substances appear worldwide. Many of these substances sooner or later end up in the water or soil and later prove to be harmful. Many of these new non-natural substances are highly concerning. This development is worrying and poses a threat to the good quality of surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Water authorities are therefore calling for a source-based approach and stricter admission policies: prevent high-risk substances from ending up in water and soil.

Support for proposal to ban PFAS

PFAS are toxic and end up in the environment through use and waste streams. This includes soil and water. This must stop. That is why HHNK supports the water sector's proposal to completely ban the production and use of PFAS. And as soon as possible and without exceptions.

What does HHNK do?

As long as PFAS is legally permitted for use, it will remain necessary to tackle the sources. HHNK can grant permits for discharge into surface water. For discharges into the sewer system, we advise the competent authority, the municipality, or the province. To investigate and tackle the source, we make use of the options available to us in terms of licensing, supervision enforcement. It has been agreed at the national level that permits will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary. 

If it appears that substances of very high concern are being used or released during industrial processes, we can tighten up discharge permits. From January 1, 2024, there will be a legal reporting obligation for substances of very high concern (SVHC). Permits are already being tightened up in this regard. Through supervision enforcement, we can check whether companies are complying with the permit conditions. The environmental services, municipalities, and the province also make use of the possibilities surrounding permit granting, supervision enforcement.