Appendix for Groundwater (GAEC 3)

Applicable from 01/01/2014

Annex from European Directives 2000/60/EC - establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (Water Framework Directive), and 2006/118/EC - on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration (Groundwater Daughter Directive).

A hazardous substance is any substance or group of substances that are toxic, persistent and liable to bio-accumulate.

(1) This includes in particular the following (when they are toxic, persistent and liable to bio-accumulate)

(a) organohalogen compounds and substances which may form such compounds in the aquatic environment,

(b) organophosphorous compounds,

(c) organotin compounds,

(d) substances and preparations, or the breakdown products of such, which have been proved to possess carcinogenic or mutagenic properties or properties which may affect steroidogenic, thyroid, reproduction or other endocrine -related functions in or via the aquatic environment,

(e) persistent hydrocarbons and persistent and bioaccumulable organic toxic substances,

(f) cyanides,

(g) metals (in particular, cadmium and mercury) and their compounds,

(h) arsenic and its compounds,

(i) biocides and plant protection products.

In accordance with Schedule 22 to the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010, the Environment Agency publishes a list of those substances that it considers to be hazardous for the purposes of these regulations on its website together with the criteria for determining toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation. Alternatively you may also request this information by telephoning the National Customer Contact Centre enquiry line on 03708 506506.

A non-hazardous pollutant, as defined in the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010, means any pollutant

that is not a hazardous substance. (A pollutant is any substance that is liable to cause pollution).