Convention on the International Commission for the Protection of the Elbe.

The contracting parties shall cooperate in the International Commission for the Protection of the Elbe, to prevent the pollution of the Elbe and its drainage area. They shall in particular endeavour: (a) to enable use to be made of the river, in particular the obtaining of supplies of drinking water from bank-filtered waters and the agricultural use of the waters and sediments; (b) to achieve an ecosystem with a healthy diversity of species; (c) to reduce substantially the pollution of the North Sea from the Elbe area. In order to attain these objectives step-by-step, the contracting parties within the framework of the Commission shall determine the tasks to be carried out as a priority in the form of work programmes with timetables. This Convention does not cover matters relating to the fishing industry and shipping but does not exclude the consideration of matters relating to the protection of the waters against pollution caused by these activities. The Commission shall carry out tasks specified in article 2, including: (a) prepare surveys on discharges of harmful materials and estimate water pollution; (b) propose limit values for the discharge of effluent; (c) propose specific quality objectives taking account of the requirements with regard to the use of the waters, the particular conditions for the protection of the North Sea and the natural aquatic communities; (d) propose and coordinate the implementation of joint programmes of measurements and investigations; (e) propose specific action for the reduction of discharges of harmful materials; (f) propose protective measures to prevent water pollution resulting from accidents; (g) propose a uniform warning and alert system for the drainage area; (h) describe the hydrological situation in the Elbe area. The Commission shall furthermore be responsible for all other matters assigned to it by the contracting parties by joint agreement. Remaining articles concern the functioning of the Commission. (19 articles)