The European Union Water Framework Directive's impact on industry and its implementation in member states quickly grabbed the attention of attendees during the Opening Session of the 1st Water & Wastewater Europe when Mr. Brian Monteith MSP, a conservative member of the Scottish Parliament, explained how the directive could result in the closure of many whisky distilleries in Scotland, which supply an estimated 80% of the world's whisky.
The 1st Water & Wastewater Europe was held in Nice, France from 4-6 March 2003.
Helmut Bloech, head of the Water Protection Sector of the European Commission, however, contested this forecast, using the opportunity to clarify the objectives of the new policy. The Framework aims to protect groundwater, rivers, lakes and coastal waters, but the process must involve citizens and all stakeholders, while remaining flexible on the ways in which member states meet water quality standards.
Water & Wastewater Europe brought together experts from major companies active in the regional market, such as Masons, Mott MacDonald (UAE), Osmonics, Pall Corporation, Ondeo Services, Tractebel, Va Tech Wabag, and Vivendi/US Filter, in addition to representatives from the European Commission, financial institutions, EU member governments and international organisations.
The annual event included strategic and technical sessions on key water issues in Europe, such as Policy and Practice of the EU Water Framework Directive; EU Framework Impact on the Sector; Water Management; Water Production Alternatives; Privatisation Issues; Policy Regulation and Cross Border Issues; Wastewater Plant Operations and Efficiency; and Waste Management.
WWE 2004 will take place in Barcelona, Spain.
