EU Directive 2024/3019: compliance guide for WWTP operators

Context of the Directive

EU Directive 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 27 November 2024, updates the European framework on urban wastewater treatment (replacing Directive 91/271/EEC). Its goal is to protect human health and the environment from the effects of wastewater discharges, incorporating for the first time the treatment of micropollutants and microplastics.

If you're not yet familiar with the concept of quaternary treatment, we recommend starting with what is quaternary treatment and how it affects urban WWTPs.

Who it applies to

• Agglomerations > 1,000 p.e.: must have collection systems and secondary treatment.
• Agglomerations > 10,000 p.e.: must implement tertiary treatment (nitrogen and phosphorus removal).
• Agglomerations > 150,000 p.e.: must implement quaternary treatment for the removal of micropollutants, including microplastics.
• Sensitive areas: the quaternary threshold drops to 10,000 p.e.

Compliance timeline

Key deadlines for quaternary treatment:

• 31 December 2033: 20% of the load treated with quaternary.
• 31 December 2036: 60% of the load treated with quaternary.
• 31 December 2039: 80% of the load treated with quaternary.
• 31 December 2045: 100% of the load treated with quaternary.

For tertiary treatment (nitrogen and phosphorus), deadlines are shorter (2033 for 40%, 2039 for 100%).

Extended producer responsibility

One of the most disruptive novelties: producers of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products will have to bear at least 80% of the cost of quaternary treatment, with the rest funded by public sources or via tariffs. The goal is to enforce the "polluter pays" principle and incentivise cleaner product design.

Efficiency targets

The Directive sets that quaternary treatment must achieve a minimum reduction of 80% for a set of micropollutant indicators. It also introduces energy neutrality targets: all WWTPs > 10,000 p.e. must produce as much renewable energy as they consume at national level (100% by 2045).

Microplastic monitoring

For the first time, the Directive establishes the obligation to monitor microplastics at the inlet and outlet of WWTPs, as well as in sludge. Harmonised analytical methods will be published in the coming years through implementing acts.

Practical roadmap for operators

1. Diagnosis (2026-2027): audit current load, characterise microplastics and micropollutants.
2. Technology study (2027-2029): evaluate options. The comparison between activated carbon, ozone, membranes and magnetic capture is the starting point.
3. Pilot tests (2028-2031): small-scale plant validation with selected providers.
4. Engineering and tendering (2030-2032): construction project and public tender.
5. Construction and commissioning (2031-2033): to reach 20% of load treated by the end of 2033.

References

Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 on urban wastewater treatment (recast) — Official Journal of the European Union.