Given that management of contaminated land is one of Nicole’s main reason of being, it was a logical consequence that one of its working groups was to focus on this directive. Sustainable use and management of the soil is a priority for Nicole’s members. Nicole therefore welcomes the efforts put into developing a Thematic Strategy for the protection of soil. The Thematic Strategy underlines the importance of maintaining this valuable resource.

Nicole, however, has concerns as the scope of the directive overlaps with other European legislation and some of the proposed provisions - especially on soil contamination – require more guidance or clarification to avoid widely differing interpretations and approaches. The latter would go against the Strategy’s aims of providing a level playing field.

The working group’s objectives can be summarized as follows: 

Ø   To influence development of SPD by providing our insights and ideas to both Commission and Parliament

Ø   To keep NICOLE members informed of progress

Ø   To identify key players in the Commission that should be approached either by NICOLE or its members or member organisations

Ø   To provide analysis of the key issues in the proposed directive to allow members to approach Commission directly if they wish

Ø   To publish our views in a position paper that will be sent to major players in Europe , including the Commission, the Parliament and European trade associations

Ø   To have our voice heard at national trade associations and agencies