Strategies to prevent and control pollution of groundwater
Article 17
1
The European Parliament and the Council shall adopt specific measures to prevent and control groundwater pollution. Such measures shall be aimed at achieving the objective of good groundwater chemical status in accordance with Article 4(1)(b) and shall be adopted, acting on the proposal presented within two years after the entry into force of this Directive, by the Commission in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Treaty.
2
In proposing measures the Commission shall have regard to the analysis carried out according to Article 5 and Annex II. Such measures shall be proposed earlier if data are available and shall include:
a
criteria for assessing good groundwater chemical status, in accordance with Annex II.2.2 and Annex V 2.3.2 and 2.4.5;
b
criteria for the identification of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals to be used in accordance with Annex V 2.4.4.
3
Measures resulting from the application of paragraph 1 shall be included in the programmes of measures required under Article 11.
4
In the absence of criteria adopted under paragraph 2 at Community level, Member States shall establish appropriate criteria at the latest five years after the date of entry into force of this Directive.
5
In the absence of criteria adopted under paragraph 4 at national level, trend reversal shall take as its starting point a maximum of 75% of the level of the quality standards set out in existing Community legislation applicable to groundwater.