Summary
The position paper addresses the European Commission’s proposed Soil Monitoring Law, which Cefic, representing the chemical industry, supports with considerations. The chemical industry prioritises soil and groundwater protection, mitigating impacts through advanced technologies and compliance with existing laws. Cefic stresses the importance of respecting the subsidiarity principle given Europe’s diverse soil types. Key concerns include the broad definition of ‘soil’, the lack of distinction between contaminated and potentially contaminated sites, and the need for a purpose-oriented, risk-based approach to soil health assessment. Cefic underscores the necessity of aligning new regulations with existing frameworks to avoid redundancy and unnecessary bureaucracy.
Key Takeaways
- Definition Clarity: Cefic calls for more precise definitions of ‘soil’, ‘contaminated sites’ and ‘healthy soil,’ emphasising alignment with established standards like ISO 11074.
- Risk-Based Approach: Support for a targeted, purpose-driven risk management method, considering soil’s land-use function and potential risks to human health and the environment.
- Regulatory Coherence: Emphasises the need to avoid duplicative regulations, advocating for the use of existing data from frameworks like the Industrial Emissions Directive to streamline soil monitoring efforts.