COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0MC90) 85 final 
Brussels, 27 March 1990 
Amendments to the Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
amending, in respect of chromium, Directive 86/278/EEC on the 
protection of the environment, and in particular of soil, 
when sewage sludge is used in agriculture 
(presented by the Commission in accordance with 
Article 149(3) of the EEC Treaty) 
Explanatory Memorandum 
On 26 May 1989, the European Parliament examined the proposal of the Commission 
for a Council Directive amending, in respect of chromium, Directive 86/278/EEC on the 
protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil, when sewage sludge is 
used in agriculture. The Parliament adopted the report established by the Commission 
on Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection, including amendments to 
the text of the Commission. 
The amendments aim at setting slightly stricter limit values for chromium than those 
proposed by the Commission and similar to values already applied by most Member 
States. 
The Commission has followed the invitation by the Parliament to amend its proposal 
and has according to Article 149, paragraph 3 of the EEC Treaty, integrated three 
amendments into a modified proposal. 
Indeed, the Commission has recognized in the explanatory memorandum of its 
proposal, that the proposed values were the maximum which could be allowed and 
should in no case be exceeded. Since it is the objective of the directive to ensure safe 
use of sewage sludge in agriculture, the Commission considers it justified to follow the 
Parliaments opinion. 
Z 
AMENDED PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE AMENDING. IN RESPECT OF 
CHROMIUM, DIRECTIVE 86/278/EEC ON THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT. AND 
IN PARTICULAR OF SOIL. WHEN SEWAGE SLUDGE IS USED IN AGRICULTURE 
(submitted by the Commission to the Council 
in accordance with Article 149(3) of the EEC Treaty) 
Text of the original proposal Amended proposal 
Preamble and recitals 
unchanged 
Article 1 
Annex I to Directive 86/278/EEC is 
hereby amended as follows : 
1) In Annex I A, 
the dash in the last line of the 
second column of the table is 
replaced by'100 to 200' 
Footnote (3) to the table is 
deleted 
2) In Annex IB, 
the dash in the last line of the 
second column of the table is 
replaced by" 1000to 1750* 
Footnote (1) to the table is 
deleted 
3) In Annex I C, 
the dash in the last line of the 
second column of the table is 
replaced by'4.5* 
Footnote (2) to the table is 
deleted. 1) In Annex I A, 
the dash in the last line of the 
second column of the table is 
replaced by '100 to 150' 
Footnote (3) to the table is 
deleted 
2) In Annex IB, 
the dash in the last line of the 
second column of the table is 
replaced by '1000 to 1500' 
Footnote (1) to the table is 
deleted 
3) In Annex I C, 
the dash in the last line of the 
second column of the table is 
replaced by '3' 
Footnote (2) to the table is 
deleted. 
Articles 2 and 3 unchanged 
I 
ANNEX to the amended proposal for a Council Directive amending, in respect of 
Chromium, directive 86/278/EEC on the protection of the environment, and in 
particular of soil, when sewage sludge is used in agriculture 
(The statement is not amended following the amended proposal) 
COMPETITIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT 
I. What is the main reason for introducing the measure ? 
Limitation of chromium in agricultural soils and sludge from municipal 
waste water treatment plants in application of Directive 86/278/EEC 
II. Features of the businesses in question. In particular : 
(a) Are there many SM Es? 
No, only agricultural enterprises concerned 
(b) Are they concentrated in regions which are : 
i. eligible for regional aid in the Member States ? 
No. 
ii. eligible under the ERDF? 
No. 
III. What direct obligations does this measure impose on businesses ? 
None 
IV. What indirect obligations are local authorities likely to impose on 
businesses ? 
Limitation of chromium discharges into waste water. This is also covered by 
a proposal for a Council Directive transmitted by the Commission 
(COM(85)733 final) 
V. Are there any special measures in respect of SMEs ? Please specify. 
No. 
VI. What is the likely effect on : 
(a) the competitiveness of businesses ? 
None 
(b) employment? 
None 
VII. Have both sides of industry been consulted ? 
Please indicate their opinions. 
No 
A 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(90) 85 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 03 15 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-90-109-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-58288-X 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg