The potential of the EU Water Framework Directive for reducing emissions of pollutants is limited: a case study on river basin specific pollutants in Swedish environmental permitting processes

Abstract River basin specific pollutants (RBSPs) are supposedly a key tool to fulfil the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) goal of good ecological status in all European waterbodies. The RBSPs provide manage chemical pollution identified as national priority. An important question is if costly management related leads reduced emissions, an issue we investigated here using Sweden case. Swedish measures implemented under WFD mainly rely on environmental permitting and supervision. We, therefore, specifically assessed how have influenced permit proceedings Land Environment Court Appeal, where precedents for judgements lower courts authorities established, during 2010s. Despite permit-review being measure highlighted programs measures, cases appealed higher court were initiated by operators/permit holders. permissibility environmentally hazardous activities was not impacted any instance. Permit conditions addressing discussed ?1% cases, resulting demanding further inquiries regarding emissions concentrations limited number (i.e., metals nitrogen forms nitrate ammonia). Open-ended delegation allowing updating additional suggested but rejected these conflict with fundamental principles precision predictability stated law. We conclude that has little impact from requiring permits thereby water quality.