Ensuring secured supply of inorganic coagulants forurban wastewater treatment

INCOPA confidently reassures that there will be an adequate supply of inorganic coagulants to effectively meet the more demanding phosphorus discharge targets proposed in the UWWTD, currently under discussion at the European Parliament. This renders any relaxation of the thresholds, as well as any extended implementation timeline, unnecessary.

The members of the European Inorganic Coagulants Producers Association, INCOPA, support the
proposed new phosphorus discharge levels of the UWWTD, to reduce its significant environmental
impact. High phosphorus levels in wastewater contribute to eutrophication in water bodies, causing
excessive algae and plant growth, oxygen depletion, and ecological imbalance. By reducing
phosphorus discharge, the UWWTD aims to safeguard water quality, preserve biodiversity, and ensure
the long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

The European Commission and the European Parliament have expressed concerns regarding the
availability of inorganic coagulants, needed to achieve new phosphorus removal targets.

Despite the energy crisis in 2022, which significantly impacted the basic chemical industry and the
availability of inorganic coagulants in some European countries, INCOPA’s members have successfully
fulfilled the needs of water treatment operators, through their local, diversified, and flexible
production network in Europe.

Looking ahead, our industry is prepared to supply the expected growing demand of inorganic
coagulants to meet new phosphorus removal standards discussed in the UWWTD revision.

Besides, the cost of inorganic coagulants needed to meet the current phosphorus removal thresholds
constitutes maximum 1% of the overall operational expenses of a wastewater treatment plant.
Despite the introduction of lower phosphorus removal standards, the associated expenses will remain
marginal in the overall cost for treating wastewater, especially in light of the significant environmental
benefits achieved.

Therefore, INCOPA urges the members of the European Parliament to acknowledge the industry’s
commitment to assure the availability of inorganic coagulants, and emphasize that potential supply
concerns should not overshadow the substantial environmental benefits that will result from the
successful implementation of the UWWTD.