Article 3 Prevention, control and reduction

1.

a)

The emission of pollutants is prevented, controlled and reduced at source through the application of, inter alia, low- and non-waste technology;

b)

Transboundary waters are protected against pollution from point sources through the prior licensing of waste-water discharges by the competent national authorities, and that the authorized discharges are monitored and controlled;

c)

Limits for waste-water discharges stated in permits are based on the best available technology for discharges of hazardous substances;

d)

Stricter requirements, even leading to prohibition in individual cases, are imposed when the quality of the receiving water or the ecosystem so requires;

e)

At least biological treatment or equivalent processes are applied to municipal waste water, where necessary in a step-by-step approach;

f)

Appropriate measures are taken, such as the application of the best available technology, in order to reduce nutrient inputs from industrial and municipal sources;

g)

Appropriate measures and best environmental practices are developed and implemented for the reduction of inputs of nutrients and hazardous substances from diffuse sources, especially where the main sources are from agriculture (guidelines for developing best environmental practices are given in annex II to this Convention);

h)

Environmental impact assessment and other means of assessment are applied;

i)

Sustainable water-resources management, including the application of the ecosystems approach, is promoted;

j)

Contingency planning is developed;

k)

Additonal specific measures are taken to prevent the pollution of groundwaters;

l)

The risk of accidental pollution is minimized.

2.

3.