River Basin Management Plan for the Rhine, Meuse, Scheldt and Eems 2022 – 2027.

This Management Plan, made under the European Water Framework Directive, covers the Dutch part of the four river basins of the Rhine, Meuse, Scheldt and Eems, and provides for the assessment of surface water bodies; the general description of the area and the environment around the rivers; the analysis of biodiversity and biological elements, such as aquatic plants, fish; the adoption of targeted measures for groundwater management; control of release of chemical substances and discharge permits; water quality analysis, for drinking water preparation and for agricultural purposes; modernisation of sewage treatment facilities. The Management Plan is structured as follows: description of river basins; surface waters; groundwaters; designation of water bodies and protected areas; monitoring and status of the rivers and of the protected areas; damages and challenges, including: chemical substances, nutrients and their effects on rivers, emerging substances and micro plastics, climate change adverse effects; measures to implement the Plan; methods and progress from the previous years; measures for emerging substances and medicine residues; forecast of the effects of measures; economic analysis and situation; cost of water service recovery; competent authorities and public consultation process.
Targeted actions of the Management Plan concern: urban waste water treatment in the protected areas; water abstraction for domestic and industrial use; methods for analysing good chemical status of surface water bodies; compliance with biological targets based on National and European Legislation; biological status of aquatic plants and animals; ecological status of water bodies; investment to improve solutions against climate change impacts, above all on the quality of soil and surface waters; creation of innovative fish ladder; measures for the control of drinking water quality; adjusting and relocating water abstraction sources; recovery of sewers; remediation of contaminated soil and water; reducing emissions of nutrients and plant protection products; creation of special habitats for fish, water flora and fauna; fish and shellfish stock management; ban on the use of metals in sport fishing, in order to reduce their level in the water.