Dinoterb found in surface water
Measurements by the Water Board show that the substance dinoterb has been found in several places in North Holland. This led to many questions recently. It is unknown how, when and why this substance ended up in the surface water. We are therefore investigating what a possible cause could be and whether follow-up actions are necessary. There is no concrete indication of a possible source or possible violation.
Research source
We are going to investigate exactly where the pollutants are coming from. That in itself is not an easy task. After all, the drug dinoterb has been banned since 1998. It cannot be ruled out that it comes from historical use when the drug was permitted. However, we are not ruling anything out. Part of this investigation includes checking the measurement data. Until it is clear how, when and where this pesticide ended up in the surface water, no statement can be made as to whether anyone is to blame. Jos Beemsterboer, Water Quality Board member responsible, said, "Any accusation to any address is premature."
Enforcement
Only when this investigation has been conducted and a possible polluter has come into the picture can we see whether enforcement can be carried out. Moreover, this can only be done if there is a demonstrable and concrete violation.
HHNK is very active in supervision and enforcement in the area of discharges of plant protection products into surface water. We inspect for the application of plant protection products, assessing issues such as the legal provisions for disinfection and spraying of crops. Particularly in those areas where we still find agents in surface water, we will deploy our monitoring and enforcement capacity. If violations are found, we will act according to the National Enforcement Strategy Omgevingswet (LHSO).
If unauthorized plant protection products are found, we coordinate with the competent authority for this purpose, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). The NVWA is responsible for ensuring that farmers do not use prohibited pesticides.
Water Framework Directive
HHNK monitors water quality for the use of plant protection products and substances covered by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). For this purpose, measurements are taken at various points in the management area throughout the year. We are currently investigating what more can be done to achieve the objectives of the WFD and improve water quality. This should lead to a new action plan in the course of this year.
HHNK encourages industry to take additional measures
We work with farmers through the Agricultural Portal, encouraging them to do more than the law requires and to work even cleaner. This is done within area processes, together with the agricultural sector and, for example, with the use of independent coaches and other subsidies for measures above the law. We also focus on education. We motivate the sector to use the right means for cultivation with the right legal conditions for use. The main goal here is to reduce the emission of crop protection agents into surface water.
Water quality joint task
Jos Beemsterboer: "Good quality surface and groundwater is vital for the health of people and nature. HHNK has invested a lot in improving water quality in recent years. We are working hard to meet the goals of the Water Framework Directive for surface water. The water quality has improved considerably in recent years but it really has to improve significantly for people and nature. As water board we are investing heavily in the coming years, but agriculture, industry, residents, the province and the state are also involved. It is a joint task." More information can be found on the page Healthy water.
About dinoterb
Dinoterb is a chemical that has been banned from use since 1998. Dinoterb is not included in the substances covered by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), nor is it part of the national substances list of the National Measuring Network for Plant Protection Products in Agriculture and Horticulture. Because dinoterb was a problem substance in our management area in the past, we have again included this substance in the measuring package for crop protection products starting in 2021.
Public Health
The water quality standard is based on adverse effects to aquatic organisms. Exceedances of the water quality standard say nothing about any risks to public health. The GGD is in charge of that. The province can make statements about the bathing water quality of open bathing waters. Advice on eating self-caught fish is given by the Nutrition Center.