INTERREG HAZGONE

There’s no doubt, that hazardous substances (HAZ) and micropollutants (MPs) are two sides of the same coin and a big issue in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). In practice however, these topics are divided into two categories: „upstream“ (prevention, substitution, disposal of HAZ) and „downstream“ (removal, monitoring, analysis of MPs). The HAZGONE platform aims to connect these, equipping local and national authorities, non-governmental organisations, business associations and others with a holistic understanding of the HAZ sources and pathways.

Strong outputs have been created in Interreg BSR projects such as NonHazCity 1-3, EMPEREST, ChemClimCircle1-2, APRIORA and many others, which the platform brings together using Baltic Smart Water HUB as a digital headquarters.

Using these collected materials, the project will: 1) establish a network of stakeholders providing three years of active exchange through public forums, online events, and other engagement tools; 2) bring tailored outreach materials to the target groups, enabling them to reach their communities; 3) assist national authorities and treatment plants with the adoption to the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive; 4) take the collected knowledge to the policy level and ensure an equal presence of both up- and downstream measures. The holistic approach to HAZ is vital for tackling the problem from both ends of the „pipe“ and ensuring a better state of the Baltic, both for the environment and our own health.