Water quality monitoring
By 2027, all EU member states must meet the goals of the Water Framework Directive. In our area, water quality is currently not everywhere in order. "The final steps require a great effort from all of us. Also from the water board in monitoring," says Richard van Diepen, enforcement consultant.
Van Diepen: "The first version of the Framework Directive dates from the year 2000. It stipulates that surface water must have a good chemical and ecological status. And although much progress has been made in recent years, we are far from there yet. Entrepreneurs will have to take the necessary measures and from HHNK this requires adequate supervision."
How does HHNK implement oversight?
Van Diepen: "As water manager, Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier (HHNK) supervises all discharges into surface water. Of course we are enforcers, but we also invest in communication and advice. In our opinion, this leads to more knowledge and understanding. This not only benefits water quality, but also the relationship between entrepreneur and water board. And this is more relevant than ever, now that we only have four years left to achieve the goal of clean surface water."
Society's call for stricter enforcement is increasing. Is HHNK now placing less emphasis on this?
"On the contrary. Enforcement is an indispensable tool in supervision. We deploy it when there is intent or when entrepreneurs are negligent. However, if you only play the policeman, you ignore what else you can do. In our view it is also an and-and story. That's why we also expressly invest in communication and advice. There is already a lot of national coverage around applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, we speak to entrepreneurs at the many information meetings in our area. Of course we use social media, the regional press and now also this newsletter with which we inform entrepreneurs about the tools available to improve water quality."
Aren't you afraid of a soft image?
"No definitely not. As I said, we enforce when we have to. In addition, we help entrepreneurs where we can. And they appreciate that. With this approach, we respond to their need to contribute to clean surface water and clean soil. For example, our enforcers point out to entrepreneurs what measures they can take if they have not yet complied with the laws and regulations. We also regularly refer to the Agriculture Portal. There the entrepreneur receives independent advice and the first time is free of charge. With this combination of enforcement, communication and advice, we expect to make the best use of our supervision for good water quality and achieving the WFD goals."