D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 101057554. D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas November 2024 Uffe Linneberg Gangelhof (VCS) Laura Roed Bonde (VCS) Evdokia Bairampa (Three o’clock) Data driven implementation of hybrid nature-based solutions for preventing and managing diffuse pollution from urban water runoff Ref. Ares(2025)4357269 - 30/05/2025 D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 2 D6.7 Initial policy Work Package WP6 Deliverable lead VCS Author(s) Uffe Linneberg Gangelhof (VCS) Laura Roed Bonde (VCS) Evdokia Bairampa (Three o’clock) Contributors: Susan Rosendal Bennetzen (Odense Municipality), Rikke Hansen (VCS) Contact [email protected]u Grant Agreement number 101060638 Start date of the project / Duration 1 September 2022 / 42 months Type of deliverable (R, DEM, DEC, other) R Dissemination level (PU, SEN) PU Project website www.d4runoff.eu Document history Version Date Authors (organisation) 0.1 31.10.2024 Uffe Linneberg Gangelhof (VCS) 0.2 08.11.2024 Laura Roed Bonde (VCS) 0.3 11.11.2024 Susan Rosendal Bennetzen (Odense Municipality) 1.0 16.11.2024 Rikke Hansen (VCS) and Laura Roed Bonde (VCS) 2.0 26.05.2025 Evdokia Bairampa (Three o’clock) A new chapter has been added (Chapter 7) which presents the dissemination and communication strategy of the policy briefs 2.1 27.05.2025 Document sent to VCS for review 3.0 30.05.2025 3OC sent D6.7 to INCOTEC for resubmission D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 3 R=Document, report; DEM=Demonstrator, pilot, prototype; DEC=website, patent fillings, videos, etc.; OTHER=other PU=Public, SEN=Sensitive, limited under the conditions of the GA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101060638. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT The work described in this document has been conducted within the D4RUNOFF project. This document reflects only the D4RUNOFF Consortium views, and the European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. This document and its content are the property of the D4RUNOFF Consortium. All rights relevant to this document are determined by the applicable laws. Access to this document does not grant any right or license on the document or its contents. This document or its contents are not to be used or treated in any manner inconsistent with the rights or interests of the D4RUNOFF Consortium or the Partners detriment and are not to be disclosed externally without prior written consent from the D4RUNOFF Partners. Each D4RUNOFF Partner may use this document in conformity with the D4RUNOFF Consortium Grant Agreement provisions. D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 4 Executive Summary This initial policy brief addresses the growing challenge of diffuse pollution stemming from urban runoff in European cities. Urban runoff, which originates from impervious surfaces such as roads and rooftops, transports a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals, microplastics, and CECs, into natural water bodies. This document outlines initial policy recommendations to address these challenges by integrating advanced detection technologies, data-driven management frameworks, and nature-based solutions. The D4RUNOFF project provides scientific and technical insights that support these recommendations, aiming to reduce urban runoff pollution, protect public health, and support sustainable water resource management. D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 5 1. Table of Contents 1. Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 5 2. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Purpose of the document ......................................................................................... 6 2.1.1 Scope of the document ......................................................................................... 6 3. Current Policy Landscape on Urban Diffuse Pollution ............................................... 8 3.1 Overview of Relevant EU Policies and Directives .................................................... 8 3.2 The European Zero Pollution Action Plan ................................................................ 8 3.3 Challenges in Managing Diffuse Pollution in Urban Runoff ...................................... 9 3.3.1 Urban runoff and sources to pollution ................................................................... 9 4. Sources and Impacts of Urban Runoff Pollution ....................................................... 10 4.1 Key Sources of Urban Runoff Contaminants .......................................................... 10 4.2 Environmental and Health Impacts ......................................................................... 10 4.3 Case Study Overview ............................................................................................. 10 5. D4RUNOFF Framework for Addressing Urban Runoff Pollution ............................. 11 5.1 Novel Detection Methods for Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) ........... 11 5.1.1 Framework to prevent and reduce urban pollution ............................................. 11 5.2 Nature-Based Solutions as Mitigation Measures .................................................... 11 5.3 Case Study Implementations in Denmark, Spain and Italy .................................... 11 5.4 Frameworks from D6.5 ........................................................................................... 12 6. Policy Recommendations for Urban Runoff Management ........................................ 13 6.1 Prevention of Pollution at the Source ..................................................................... 13 6.1.1 Principles for potential policy and regulation ...................................................... 13 6.2 Pollution Retention and Reduction ......................................................................... 14 6.2.1 Pollution retention and reduction ........................................................................ 14 6.3 Regulation and Permission Structures ................................................................... 14 6.3.1 Authority permission to pollute ........................................................................... 14 7. Policy brief: dissemination and communication ....................................................... 16 7.1.1 Relevant stakeholders ........................................................................................ 16 7.1.2 Stakeholder engagement and partnerships ........................................................ 16 7.1.3 Planned dissemination actions ........................................................................... 16 8. Conclusion and Further Actions ................................................................................. 18 8.1 Impact of D6.7 ........................................................................................................ 18 8.2 Summary of Key Recommendations ...................................................................... 18 8.3 Future Research and Policy Development Needs .................................................. 19 9. References ..................................................................................................................... 19 D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 6 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1 Purpose of the document This document presents an initial policy framework aimed at addressing the currently increasing and hence pressing issue of diffuse pollution originating from urban runoff in European cities. Based on recent environmental assessments and legislative guidelines, this brief outlines strategic pathways for managing urban water pollution through a combination of preventive measures, regulatory policies, and nature-based solutions. Urban runoff, which carries contaminants from industrial, residential, and agricultural activities, represents a growing threat to water quality and ecosystem health. Recognizing this, the European Union has launched initiatives like the Zero Pollution Action Plan to promote a sustainable, pollution-free future. In alignment with such initiatives, this document highlights the role of European legislation - including the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive - in developing effective responses to urban runoff pollution. The purpose of this policy brief is to provide policymakers, municipal planners, and environmental stakeholders with actionable insights and guidance for implementing targeted strategies and action plans that improve water resilience, protect biodiversity, and promote public health. 2.1.1 Scope of the document This policy brief consolidates findings from the initial phase of the D4RUNOFF project, focusing on European Union policies and frameworks relevant to urban water pollution management. The document addresses the challenges of diffuse pollution from stormwater runoff and presents targeted actions designed to mitigate these impacts. Key policy areas covered include the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, each providing foundational guidance for urban water quality management. The scope of this document extends beyond policy overview; it includes an assessment of the primary sources of pollutants in urban runoff and explores innovative approaches such as nature-based solutions (NBS) to improve stormwater management. By connecting project insights with existing EU directives, this brief aims to support municipalities, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders in developing sustainable and effective strategies for reducing pollution impact and strengthening urban water resilience. 2.1.1.1 Structure of the document This document is organized into sections that address the current policy landscape, identify sources of pollution, innovative approaches, and provide specific policy recommendations for addressing urban runoff pollution. 2.1.1.1.1 Next step of the document The next steps outlined in this document build on the initial findings and recommendations for addressing diffuse pollution from urban runoff. Following this policy brief, the D4RUNOFF D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 7 project will focus on refining and testing proposed solutions, which include advanced pollutant detection methods and implementation of nature-based solutions in pilot urban areas. This progression will involve collaboration with local authorities, policymakers, and environmental organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommended strategies in real-world contexts. Additionally, further development will also integrate data-driven tools to monitor, analyze, and manage urban water quality dynamically. This phase aims to provide practical guidance for adapting European water management policies and regulatory frameworks to evolving environmental challenges, ensuring that urban areas are better equipped to mitigate pollution impacts and support ecological health. D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 8 3. Current Policy Landscape on Urban Diffuse Pollution 3.1 Overview of Relevant EU Policies and Directives The European Union has established a robust legislative framework to address water quality and pollution management, providing essential guidance for tackling challenges related to urban runoff. Key policies and directives relevant to the D4RUNOFF project include: 1. Water Framework Directive (WFD): This directive provides a comprehensive framework for managing surface and groundwater resources across the EU. It aims to achieve "good water status" for all European waters through integrated management and pollution control strategies, emphasizing the prevention and reduction of diffuse pollution. 2. Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): Focused on the protection of marine environments, this directive is critical for addressing the downstream effects of urban runoff pollution that enters rivers and ultimately flows into coastal and marine ecosystems. 3. REACH Regulation: This policy governs the production and use of chemical substances, placing a strong emphasis on controlling harmful compounds. It is especially relevant for addressing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) often found in urban runoff. 4. Revised Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD): Updated in 2024, the directive introduces new measures to address pollution from smaller urban areas, stormwater overflows, and micro-pollutants. It also emphasizes energy efficiency in wastewater treatment systems, aligning with D4RUNOFF's focus on innovative and sustainable urban water management. 5. Zero Pollution Action Plan: As a core component of the European Green Deal, this plan targets zero pollution in air, water, and soil by 2050. It highlights the importance of preventing pollution at the source and integrates nature-based solutions to reduce environmental harm. 6. European Green Deal: The overarching strategy for climate neutrality by 2050 emphasizes sustainable urban planning, biodiversity protection, and circular economy principles. Its alignment with pollution reduction goals provides a legislative foundation for implementing D4RUNOFF’s recommendations. By addressing these directives and initiatives, the D4RUNOFF project ensures alignment with EU priorities, while its findings contribute to the evolution of these policies to better manage the growing challenge of urban runoff pollution. 3.2 The European Zero Pollution Action Plan Launched as a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, the Zero Pollution Action Plan (ZPAP) envisions a pollution-free environment across Europe by 2050. ZPAP promotes a systemic approach to pollution reduction, encouraging changes in industrial processes, product life cycles, and waste management practices. In urban areas, the plan supports the implementation of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure to effectively manage stormwater, reduce runoff contamination, and enhance biodiversity. D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 9 3.3 Challenges in Managing Diffuse Pollution in Urban Runoff 3.3.1 Urban runoff and sources to pollution The industrialization period was the primary driver of urban growth in cities all over Europe. Sewers were introduced primarily for public health reasons, addressing issues related to bacteria, virus and chemicals. As cars entered the cities, we started to pave our streets and plazas. Today, approximately 2% of the total land within EU is sealed or impermeable. In the cities of Europe, the trend of urbanization continues to further increase the extent of impermeable surfaces. Urban runoff is generated by rainfall on imperviable surfaces. Since the water cannot infiltrate the ground, it flows on the surface towards lower lying areas, where it is typically collected by sewer systems in the cities. Depending on the type of sewer system, the urban rainfall induced runoff water will either be mixed with wastewater from the households and industries (combined sewer) and treated at the wastewater treatment plant, or it may be directed directly to the local natural water body (separate system), with or without treatment. D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 16 7. Policy brief: dissemination and communication 7.1.1 Relevant stakeholders This initial policy brief, along with the final version to be delivered towards the end of the project, will be disseminated across a wide range of stakeholders at European, national, and regional levels. More specifically, D4RUNOFF will target the following groups: European Stakeholders • European Commission DGs: DG Environment, DG Research and Innovation, and DG CLIMA • EU platforms and networks: Water Europe, ICLEI, European Environment Bureau, Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform, Network Nature • EU-funded projects and clusters: WATERUN, REWAISE, STOPUP, LIFE RESEAU, NBS NICE, MULTISOURCE, SPONGEWORKS, ICT4WATER, ZEROPOLLUTION4WATER, WATER4ALL National and Regional Stakeholders • Ministries of Environment, Ecological Transition, and Public Health • National and regional water agencies and environmental authorities • Urban planning and climate departments of major cities • National associations of municipalities and local authorities 7.1.2 Stakeholder engagement and partnerships D4RUNOFF has already established strong relationships with national and regional stakeholders, particularly in the pilot cities. For instance: • In Spain, AQUALIA and the University of Cantabria maintain ongoing collaboration with the Santander City Council, which is actively involved in the development of the Las Llamas Park pilot site. • In Denmark, VCS, GEUS, and the University of Copenhagen have strengthened ties with key national institutions such as the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Environment, and experts from the Statens Serum Institut (SSI), in collaboration with the EU Reference Laboratory for Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring. • Despite initial delays due to administrative constraints, ACQUE in Italy has initiated dialogue with the Municipalities of Pontedera and Pisa, as well as with local universities and water companies. 7.1.3 Planned dissemination actions From June 2025 until the end of the project (M42), the following actions will be implemented: Dissemination Activities • Featuring the policy briefs on the D4RUNOFF website under the “Results” section in downloadable format • Rolling out targeted social media campaigns highlighting key recommendations D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 17 • Sharing the brief on EU platforms, including Zenodo, and potentially on CORDIS, Horizon Magazine, and Network Nature • Participating in and co-organising webinars and roundtables with a focus on policy dialogue • Hosting a dedicated policy session during the final Open Day in Odense, where the policy briefs will be shared with stakeholders • Publishing a joint policy brief in collaboration with WATERUN and STOPUP Disseminating the brief across thematic EU clusters such as ICT4WATER, WATER4ALL, and ZEROPOLLUTION4WATER Communication Activities • Issuing a press release at the time of the final policy brief’s launch, featuring references and key recommendations from both policy documents • Providing translations of the final policy brief into Danish, Spanish, and Italian, if requested, to maximise outreach and engagement in pilot areas • Designing and publishing an infographic summarising the main policy recommendations in a concise and accessible format D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 18 8. Conclusion and Further Actions 8.1 Impact of D6.7 This deliverable, D6.7 Initial Policy Brief, provides a foundational framework for addressing diffuse pollution from urban runoff in European cities. By consolidating insights from the D4RUNOFF project, the deliverable has the potential to drive significant advancements in urban water management practices. Its key impacts include: • Enhanced Policy Integration: The deliverable bridges gaps between existing EU directives, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and the practical challenges of urban water management, enabling more cohesive and actionable policy frameworks. • Improved Urban Resilience: Through the promotion of nature-based solutions and data-driven strategies, this deliverable supports the development of resilient urban environments that are better equipped to handle the growing pressures of climate change and urbanization. • Stakeholder Engagement: The recommendations provide a roadmap for municipalities, regulators, and industry stakeholders to collaborate on innovative approaches to pollution management, ensuring shared accountability and effective implementation. • Support for Future Innovations: The deliverable lays the groundwork for future research and technological advancements, particularly in the fields of contaminant detection and AI-driven water quality management. Ultimately, D6.7 is a critical step toward achieving the EU’s ambition of zero pollution and ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations. 8.2 Summary of Key Recommendations D4RUNOFF recommendation Urban runoff is primarily regulated in the Urban Wastewater Directive (UWWD) and Water Framework Directive (WFD). In our work with the scientific results of the D4RUNOFF project, we acknowledge, that given the variety of sources to urban pollution, the required policies to regulate this field will have to integrate various legislations across multiple sectors, including industry, construction policies, chemical usage (REACH program), mobility (traffic, public transport etc.). These regulations will affect spatial planning and development of our cities in the future, as well as quality of life for the citizens of Europe. The D4RUNOFF project is primarily focusing on pollution of the surface runoff – when developing regulation, we recommend the EU commission to include the entire water circle, transport of chemicals as well as all land use - including farming, crosscountry infrastructure, atmospheric transport of pollutants and management of CECs in wastewater sludge, and other relevant pollution transport vectors. Since anthropogenic activity inevitably will create pollution, there is a need to implement an integrated system of regulation for the entire water circle and the land-use of the city, that include incentives not to pollute, encourage pollution reduction and in the end regulation of discharge of urban runoff to the natural environment. Our research on novel detection methods has provided lists of hundreds of chemical compounds detected in urban runoff, including both known and unknown compounds, and the lists calls for a risk-based methodology to evaluate the potential pollution from land-use. We D6.7 Initial policy brief to address diffuse pollution from runoff in urban areas 19 have demonstrated that sensors can provide target data to improve municipal urban pollution management. The D4RUNOFF consortia is currently processing our recommendations at an initial level. However, principles of preventing pollution are first priority, the potential of further reduction of pollution in the public treatment system domain by introducing nature-based solutions has been demonstrated, and we expect to be able to recommend concepts/outlines of a regulatory system, that can combine UWWD with WFD, as well as influence other regulations related to chemical approval etc. Finally, we expect to recommend the introduction of mandatory structural municipal pollution planning to be implemented in upper layers of the planning hierarchy in the European cities. This, however, must be in conjunction with overall regulation on prevention of pollution, otherwise the effect of the municipal urban pollution planning will be limited. We expect the final policy brief from the D4RUNOFF project to be published in the spring of 2025 (Gangelhof, 2024). 8.3 Future Research and Policy Development Needs Future research should focus on developing more robust and sensitive detection methods for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in urban runoff. Additionally, policy development should prioritize cross-sector collaboration to address the interconnected impacts of urban planning, chemical regulation, and water management. Expanding nature-based solutions, improving monitoring infrastructure, and integrating artificial intelligence in pollution prediction are key areas that warrant further investigation to enhance urban water resilience in response to climate change and urbanization pressures. 9. References Boteler, B., Cowan, E., Del Savio, L., Devriese, L., Hendriksen, A., Hulst Freddy, v., . . . Yeatman Omarsdottir, S. (2023). D2.2 The EU Governance Landscape for Zero Marine Pollution. SOS-ZEROPOL2030. European Environment Agency. (2024). Europe's state of water 2024. Copenhagen K: European Environment Agency. Gangelhof, U. L. (2024). Initial recommendations on policy - D4RUNOFF. Odense.