Background
In Finland, groundwater comprises 65 % of the household water distributed by waterworks. Groundwater is typically covered only with thin soil layers; this enables the migration of harmful substances downwards to groundwater. Remediation of contaminated groundwater is difficult and costly and therefore, its contamination should primarily be prevented. If the groundwater is already contaminated it is important to prevent the distribution of contaminants and exposure for example via household water. The state of groundwater and the assessment of the contamination risk are regulated by the quality standard as per the EU statutes and potential national groundwater guidelines, i.e., the highest concentration limits expected to be still safe.
Objective
The main objective of the ”LaatuNOPPA” research project is to produce information on how the groundwater protection should be considered in the national regulation in Finland and how the regulation should be interpreted in practice. The project is founded particularly on the legal practice adopted in the EU and in the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The project studies
• how the groundwater quality standards and national limit values for groundwater that are used in the assessment of its chemical state are interpreted in the EU member states and in Finland
• how the CJEU’s decision C-535/18 affects the assessment of groundwater contamination risk in Finland
• how the groundwater quality standards should be applied and does the abovementioned CJEU’s decision give rise to a need for revising the national legislation.
The project comprises three work packages (WP). WP1 studies the application procedures and interpretation of the groundwater quality standards and guidelines and any practical problems in this context. While WP2 compiles information on the judicial control related to groundwater protection and remediation and its starting points in the EU and in Finland. WP2 also analyses the interpretation and significance of CJEU’s decision nr. C-535/18 at the national level. WP3 focuses on the coordination of the activities and compiles the results and recommendations for the interpretation and development of legislation.
Beneficiaries
The results from LaatuNOPPA project will benefit future groundwater risk assessments and the determination of risk management actions at contaminated sites. Hence, the results will support the assessment of the implementation potential of both private and public projects at groundwater areas. The project can also improve the investment opportunities and increase the predictability of the operational environment regarding investments. Since the results enable to secure water supply and good quality of groundwater, citizens will also benefit.
The project belongs to the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities, coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Office. SYKE coordinates the project and carries it out in collaboration with the consultancy company ACTS and Aalto University.
Contact:
Leading research scientist Jaana Sorvari, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), forename.surname@syke.fi