Enforcement
The Minister for the Environment has launched a number of initiatives for the enforcement area to ensure effective enforcement of environment legislation. For example, a cooperation forum has been established in which important authorities can exchange experience on dealing with environmental criminal cases. A report examining management of criminal cases related to the environment area, with its conclusions was presented at a conference in October 2005 to which the Parliament's Environment and Regional Planning Committee was invited. The report will be discussed within the new cooperation forum. Further to this, a catalogues of fines will be prepared. Moreover, the Minister will initiate revision of a number of enforcement guidelines and preparation of new guidelines.
One billion DKK for the environment
In the Finance Act 2006-2009, the Danish government earmarked DKK 1 billion for enhanced efforts for the environment and nature. The Danish government's goal is to lead an active and ambitious environment policy so that future generations can enjoy the same way of life and countryside as we do today.
The 2006 Finance Act released DKK 96.5 million of the 'environment billion'. Of this amount, DKK 60 million was earmarked to finance the Danish government's chemical action plan and DKK 10 million went to environmental investigations and planning of a remediation project for pollution at Kærgård Klitplantage.
In connection with the Finance Act for the fiscal year 2007, a framework agreement to release DKK 837 million for specific nature and environment projects was made. Of this amount, DKK 505 million will be released in the 2007 Finance Act.
DKK 558 million has been appropriated for enhanced water and nature initiatives in 11 selected geographical focus areas from 2007-2009.
The Minister for the Environment has entered into an agreement on local green partnerships with the Local Government Denmark (LGDK), the Danish Outdoor Council and the Danish Society for the Conservation of Nature. DKK 50 million has been earmarked for the agreement in 2007-2009.
The Danish government has decided to present an action plan for promoting eco-efficient technology. It has been decided to earmark DKK 120 million of the 'environment billion' as part of the funding for the action plan to promote eco-efficient technologies. The action plan is a follow-up to the Danish government's report on environmentally friendly technologies presented in May 2006.
DKK 63.5 million has been allocated for an initiative against particle pollution. Of this amount, DKK 16 million will be spent in 2008 and 2009 on a scrapping scheme to accelerate the phase out of boilers with out-of-date incineration technology as well as DKK 1.5 million for an information campaign to stop people using wood-burning stoves incorrectly.
Finally, DKK 15 million will be spent in 2008 and 2009 on subsidies to fit particle filters in heavy vehicles.
DKK 15.5 million has been appropriated for the period 2007-2009 for the following initiatives. A climate campaign aimed at the public called 'one tonne less' aiming at reducing CO2 emissions from activities in households. Enhanced efforts for green procurement in the public sector as well as efforts to improve water quality in swimming pools by testing new technologies in 2007.
Eco-efficient technology
In May 2006 the Danish government presented a report on the promotion of eco-efficient technology containing nine specific initiatives which are to contribute to effectively solving prioritised environmental problems based on Danish strengths. In addition to an improved environment, the initiatives will also contribute to increasing exports and more jobs.
In connection with the Finance Act for 2007, DKK 120 million of the one billion DKK earmarked for improving the environment has been allocated for the financing of these initiatives.
DKK 45 million of the DKK 120 million goes to an initiative for promoting eco-efficient agricultural technology. This initiative is a part of an overall package with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the agricultural industry of DKK 255 million for promoting these technologies.
Targeted research and development supporting the development in environmental technology is a central initiative in this report. In connection with the implementation of the globalisation pool, a further total DKK 671 million has been allocated for strategic research supporting renewable energy, environment and transport; DKK 477 million has been earmarked for promoting environmentally friendly energy technologies, DKK 144 million for strategic research in eco-efficient technology and DKK 20 million for marine research.
In 2007 the Danish government will present an action plan for eco-efficient technology based on the its report and the political agreements entered into in connection with the Finance Act for 2007.
Environmental responsibility
In the autumn 2005, the Danish government launched a campaign on the individual's responsibility for the environment, where it was demonstrated through various activities how the individual citizen can contribute to improving the environment. With the campaign "Green responsibility - make a difference", the Minister for the Environment has put focus on the individual's responsibility for the environment. The focus of the campaign has been to make it clear that even by making small changes in your personal choices, you can contribute to a greener future.
As an extension of the campaign, the three largest municipalities in Denmark have committed themselves to setting an example within public procurement; they will demonstrate green public procurement in action. The idea for these three municipalities to inspire other municipalities in Denmark to include environmental considerations in public procurement.
The Structural Reform
In February 2005, the Minister for the Environment introduced eight bills implementing the structural reform for the environment. In June 2005, the Danish Parliament passed these bills. As a consequence of the new acts, the day-to-day management and the overall majority of the practical nature and environmental tasks - as well as spatial planning have become the responsibility of the new, larger municipalities. The central government is responsible for overall national and international interests as well as obligations are makes plans to ensure protection of water and nature. These plans must determine a binding target for municipalities on how to manage nature and the environment. In addition to this, some tasks will be too complicated for the individual municipality to carry out themselves, while others will only occur very rarely. These types of tasks will also be carried out by the central government. Finally special tasks have been delegated to the regions. As a result of the structural reform, the Minister for the Environment will amend about 140 statutory orders.
Seven new decentralised state environmental centres have been established with 700-750 employees transferred from the counties. Moreover a new uniform administrative basis has been established. Finally, monitoring of nature and the environment is being updated to support implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive and also to adapt these monitoring efforts to the new administrative structure.
Globalisation and the environment
The environmental impacts of globalisation will be on the agenda at the initiative of the Danish Minister for the Environment (Connie Hedegaard) at the annual meeting of world's Environment Ministers in the UN Environment Programme - UNEP - in February 2007. The Danish Minister for the Environment has through intensive consultations with UNEP's Executive Director, Achim Steiner, ensured that the issue will become one of the main themes when the Ministers meet. Furthermore the Danish Minister for the Environment has ensured that Denmark is to coordinate the EU's attitude to the theme together with the Commission. The Danish government finds that the environmental impacts of globalisation are of crucial importance with regard to sustainable and joint management of the world's resources. It is also important that this issue is treated successfully in order to contribute to strengthening the UNEP's role in international environmental administration.
Water and nature
Regulation of Danish Agriculture
On 26 October 2006 the Minister for the Environment proposed a bill for a new Act on environmental approval of livestock farms. According to the bill, all livestock farms with more than 75 animal units must be environmentally approved in connection with extensions of and changes to existing livestock farms and the establishment of new ones. New and clear requirements are being made to environmental protection, not least in relation to emissions of ammonia and odour. Furthermore, the bill contains requirements on the use of environmental technology in agriculture to the benefit of neighbours and the environment.
The bill is based on the political agreement entered into on 22 June 2006 by the Liberal Party, the Conservative Party, the Danish People's Party and the Social Liberal Party on the future environmental regulation of livestock farming in Denmark.
Certification of the Danish State Forests
The Minister for the Environment has decided that the state forests are to be certified and in 2006 a pilot project was completed on Fussinge and Kronborg districts which were certified according to the two certification schemes available on the Danish market - i.e. PEFC and FSC. The certification has now continued to all other state forest districts and is expected to be completed in the middle of 2007.
Promotion of sustainable forest management - enhanced focus on trade and consumption The Minister for the Environment has launched a 9-Point Plan for purchasing legal and sustainable timber. The previous policy for tropical timber is expanded to all kinds of timber, which is a huge step. The plan includes strengthened and more targeted advice for public purchasers, a project on detection of timber in Russia as well as a strengthened mobilisation of the private sector including tens of millions in subsidies to support certification of the Danish forests. Moreover, the Minister for the Environment has ensured a number of Danish key issues are included in the EU licensing scheme for import of timber, and has put pressure on the Commission for further initiatives, and contributes actively (through the Ministry of the Environment) to an international exchange of experience on public procurement policies for timber. The efforts made by Danish Minister for the Environment Connie Hedegaard have ensured that Denmark has got the reputation as a pioneer country in this field.
National parks
It is expected that the Minister for the Environment will present a bill on national parks in December 2006. The bill will determine the frames for operation and development of selected national parks.
Nature management
Several action plans have been prepared, for example on wild salmon, seals, harbour porpoise, endangered birds living on meadows and the red kite.
New natural areas
In the period 2001-2005 about 2800 hectares of new natural areas were installed.
Raised bogs
Nature projects for initiatives on raised bogs with significant EU co-financing have been prepared.
The houting
An action plan on greater efforts to save the houting (a salmon species) which has received substantial EU national co-funding.
New forests
Applications for state subsidies for private afforestation have been received which will include a state investment in new forests of more than DKK 100 million. In a combination of municipal and private investment, central government has cooperated with municipalities and water plants to plant new public forests close to urban areas, which has created the basis for afforestation of about 3,000 hectares.
Habitat areas and agriculture
In spring 2005 in relation to the NATURA 2000 sites, it was stressed to the Danish counties that in connection with dealing with cases on establishment or extensions of livestock farms, extra impacts may not take place on the internationally recognised nature conservation areas where the impact is already high.
Marine efforts
A project supported by the EU has been launched on the marine area in cooperation with 19 partners around the Baltic Sea with a total amount of DKK 35 million; in addition to this a Nordic cooperation project will be launched. The purpose of these projects is an improved management of the sea where various interests may be assessed.
Water and nature protection effort s
As part of the Finance Act agreements for 2005, DKK 200 million was earmarked for a new water and nature protection initiative in 2005-2008. About 50 new project proposals are currently being prepared in order to improve particularly needy nature areas and to promote outdoor recreation.
Framework conditions of forestry
Land tax on forestry has been decreased by DKK 29 million annually to improve forestry's financial framework conditions. Moreover, investigation and research efforts have been initiated in cooperation with this industry on alternative income opportunities for in this way to support innovation in forestry.
Nature guidance
Together with the Danish Outdoor Council, the Minister for the Environment has initiated an action plan for nature guidance in the 21st century with regard to improving public health and quality of life through good nature experiences, public involvement and a democratic process in nature management.
Environment and health
Chemicals action plan
In October 2005 the Danish government entered into agreement with all the parties in the Danish Parliament on a four-year action plan for enhanced initiatives to control chemicals. The agreement ensures a significant strengthening of the control and the preventive initiatives within the chemicals area. An extra DKK 62 million has been allocated in this period to implement new initiatives supplementing the existing chemicals initiatives. With this action plan a number of initiatives are being implemented under three central headings: More control of compliance with regulations, increased focus on consumer products , and better communication with enterprises. The agreement involves the establishment of a Multiple Chemical Sensitivity centre, the launch of three extra supervision campaigns this year, the establishment at the turn of the year of new helpdesks for enterprises on existing regulations and REACH (the new EU chemicals reform) , and launching an information campaign during the autumn called "Good chemistry for pregnant and breast-feeding women" with nine good habits in relation to chemicals in cosmetics, baby articles and toys.
The new EU chemicals reform (REACH)
The purpose of the new proposed EU chemicals reform (REACH) is to register about 30,000 chemicals and to control the most dangerous chemicals. The Danish government contributed to achieving a political agreement in the Council of the European Union in December 2005. Throughout the process the Danish government has been in close contact with the Danish members of the European Parliament and has actively supported them with regard to a settlement between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament on a final adoption of the reform as close to Danish viewpoints as possible before the end of the year.
Soil contamination
In December 2005 the Danish government came to a mutual understanding with all parties of the Danish Parliament, apart from the Unity List - Red-Green Alliance, regarding an increase of the quality criteria for PAHs (tar compounds) by a factor of three. The background for changing the quality criteria was the arise of new internationally recognised scientific principles to assess the danger of chemical substances. By doing so the administrative practice is ensured to reflect new internationally recognised knowledge and avoid unnecessary mapping of buildings as polluting.
Supported by a broad majority of parties of the Danish Parliament, the Danish government adopted an amendment to the Act on contaminated soil in May 2006. The legislative amendment means that 'slightly contaminated soil' no longer needs to be mapped. Instead less contaminated areas must be area classified, which will reduce inconvenience to the public caused by pollution mapping. The purpose of the amending bill is to concentrate and target efforts against the large sources of pollution that pose a risk to public health and to groundwater.
Tax exemption for particle filters on diesel-driven passenger cars and vans
Emissions of particles from diesel vehicles give rise to a significant health problem in larger towns, and in connection with the Finance Act for 2006, the Danish government has earmarked DKK 300 million for tax exemption of particle filters on new passenger cars and vans in the period 2006-2009, so choosing cars with particle filters will not be more expensive. The tax exemption applies for new cars sold from 2006.
Subsidies for installation of particle filters on old diesel-driven lorries and buses
In 2004 and 2005 the Danish government earmarked a total DKK 30 million to subsidies for installation of particle filters on old heavy lorries and buses to reduce emissions of particles from these types of vehicle. The Danish Finance Act 2007 allocates a further DKK 15 million to this purpose for each of the years 2008 and 2009.
Bill on environmental zones
In October 2006 the Danish government proposed a bill which is to allow the municipalities of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Odense, Aalborg and Aarhus to decide to implement environmental zones where particle filters are required on old lorries and buses as of 1 July 2008. With this bill the government has taken an important step towards reducing particle pollution in the largest towns in Denmark. If environmental zones are introduced in all the five towns covered by the bill, around one third of the emissions of particles from road transport in these towns will be removed and 15-20 fewer premature deaths each year are expected.
Initiatives against particle pollution from wood burning for heating
Wood burning for heating in private homes is a significant source of particle emissions. In particular particle emissions are caused by incorrect heating techniques, use of obsolete heating installations and poor chimney conditions.
With the Finance Act agreement for 2007 the Danish government has earmarked DKK 1.5 million for an information campaign in 2007 on correct heating techniques. A further DKK 16 million have been earmarked for each of the years 2008 and 2009 to support development and testing of technologies for reduction of particle pollution from wood burning for heating (wood stoves and boilers) as well as a phasing-out of old heavily polluting wood-burning installations.
The Kærgård Klitplantage and Harboøre Tange
An agreement has been made with Ringkjøbing county that pollution from the old Cheminova depot at Harboøre Tange now must be encapsulated. The Minister for the Environment has also made an agreement with Ribe county to initiate environmental assessments and planning a remediation project on the pollution in Kærgård Klitplantage.
Differentiated environmental supervision
Environmental guidelines for the supervisory authorities have been prepared on scheduling differentiated supervision. The purpose is to simplify public environmental inspection such that supervision of an enterprise will decrease as that enterprise increases its environmental initiatives. The resources will mainly be used on enterprises with the greatest need for inspection. This differentiated approach is to stimulate the enterprises' own environmental initiatives.
Air quality
With political agreement in the EU on a new directive which is to ensure cleaner air for EU citizens, the aim is to avoid 1000 premature deaths annually in Denmark as a consequence of air pollution. The Air Quality Directive is a follow-up to the EU thematic strategy for air quality, and it is a significant contribution to achieving specific results in reducing the contents of particles in the air until 2020. If the targets of the thematic strategy are satisfied, it will lead to 1000 fewer premature deaths and 250,000 less sick days and days with reduced activity annually in Denmark - a very useful and specific result to the benefit of public health. Almost 140,000 Europeans may avoid a premature death, because the EU's environment ministers have approved a new directive on air quality.
One of the measures that enable the EU to implement the targets in the thematic strategy and the directive is to introduce the Euro 5 standards for cars which are currently being negotiated by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. For drivers this will mean that when purchasing a diesel car or van, it will be fitted with a particle filter from 2010. This will reduce the emissions of particles by 80 per cent for cars and 90 per cent for vans.
Denmark is working with a number of other countries and the Commission towards ensuring that the forthcoming Euro 5 Norm, which is to be implemented by 2010, already now will be accompanied by a Euro 6 Norm applying from 2014 for emissions of nitrogen dioxides (NOx) from diesel-driven vehicles. In this way the automobile manufacturers will know which guidelines to follow. This may lead to a reduction of NOx emissions by 70 per cent from diesel-driven passenger cars and vans.
Groundwater
In October 2006 the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament agreed on a new Groundwater Directive which is expected to be formally adopted before the end of the year. This directive will subsequently enter into force during spring 2007. The directive is a follow-up to the Water Framework Directive and will ensure a coupling of "good status" of groundwater with groundwater's significance for surface water. The directive also determines common regulations for assessing groundwater's chemical status and procedures for identifying significant and upward trends in concentrations of pollutants in groundwater. From a Danish perspective, it is a satisfactory directive which will contribute to ensuring protection of groundwater.
More stringent regulations for quality of bathing water
In spring 2006 the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament agreed on more stringent provisions for the quality of bathing water. The associated directive will tighten requirements for the contents of bacteria in bathing water as well as tighten the municipalities' obligation to monitor the quality of bathing water and to take necessary mitigating action. The objective is to reduce the number of incidences of illness caused by bathing.
Help to sellers of polluted residential property
The Danish government has decided that the feasibility of implementing a compensation scheme must be examined during 2007 with a total framework of DKK 30 million distributed over the years 2008 and 2009. This scheme will partly compensate sellers of residential property which have problems selling their houses due to pollution of their properties.
Deposit on bottled water
The Danish government has decided to implement a deposit system on bottled water bottles in November 2007 corresponding to the regulations on deposit for regular soft drinks.
Strengthened environmental research
The National Environmental Research Institute of Denmark becomes a part of the University of Aarhus
On 1 January 2007 the National Environmental Research Institute of Denmark became part of the University of Aarhus. This means that the environmental research has been strengthened through closer cooperation between basic research and strategic research. In connection with the merger with the National Environmental Research Institute and the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, the University of Aarhus' strong faculty of natural and medical sciences will be supplemented with new competence within agriculture and environment.
More resources for strategic environmental and energy research
With the Finance Act for 2007 the Danish government will strengthen strategic environmental research. On a global level a rising demand for eco-efficient technology is expected in future years, for instance within areas such as climate , air pollution, water as well as chemicals harmful to health and the environment and soil contamination. Denmark has a stronghold within these areas which could be strengthened even further. This also applies within the environmental aspects of livestock farming and use as well as management of marine resources. In the Finance Act for 2007 the Danish government has earmarked DKK 144 million for eco-efficient technology and DKK 20 million for marine environment research. Furthermore DKK 477 million has been earmarked for energy research.
Golf
In June 2005 the Minister for the Environment entered into an agreement with the Danish Golf Association on reducing the use of pesticides on golf courses - with broad political support from the Social Democratic Party, the Socialist Peoples' Party, the Social Liberal Party of Denmark, Denmark's Liberal Party and the Danish People's Party. The organisation Local Government Denmark (LGDK) has also acceded to the agreement. At the same time, golf clubs which are members of the Danish Golf Association must keep green accounts and there will still be focus on the development of biological or other alternative methods of plant protection. The initiative has led to preparation of a government paper with guidelines for localisation of golf courses for future local planning.
Waste
New regulations on waste electrical and electronic equipment
In May 2005 the Danish Parliament passed an act stipulating that manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are liable for managing waste from the same products and must pay for any expenses in this relation. This act was followed up by a statutory order.
New regulations on scrapped vehicles
In May 2006 the Danish government's bill to introduce producer responsibility for scrapped vehicles was passed. The bill means that Danish importers must be financially responsible for taking back passenger cars and vans ready for scrapping.
Scrapping of ships
The Danish government was the main force behind the international agreement that new binding regulations for scrapping of ships must be prepared by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Negotiations on a new convention have been initiated. These regulations must be in accordance with requirements and targets from the Basel Convention and must ensure that ships are scrapped in a manner appropriate for the environment and health. The Danish government has proposed and adopted Council Conclusions on scrapping of ships in order to put pressure on the IMO from the EU.
The Danish Steel Works
The Danish government has decided to examine the case concerning the waste deposits left behind by the insolvent Steel Works in Frederiksværk. The Ministry of the Environment has promised to contribute with technical expertise and to cover some of the costs for an investigation which is to clarify what is going to happen with the waste.
Stricter legislation on waste batteries
In spring 2006 the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament came to an agreement on stricter provisions on waste management of used batteries. The Danish government has especially exerted influence on the ban against the use of cadmium in batteries. The new provisions mean that in future all types of batteries are to be collected. With this legislation producer responsibility is introduced to ensure collection and processing of used batteries in an environmentally responsible manner.
Other initiatives
Genetically modified organisms - GMO
In 2005 and 2006 the Minister for the Environment initiated a number of initiatives on the GMO area in order to focus on the beneficial use of gene technology to the benefit of the environment and society, including third world countries.
In December 2005 the Minister for the Environment initiated a broad debate in the European Council on beneficial use of GMOs. In the debate the Minister for the Environment emphasised that we look ahead and work to develop the GMO area so the technology may be used for the broader benefit of society and for third world countries.
The Minister for the Environment has also held a national conference on GMOs attended by, among others, the Danish Parliament's Environment and Regional Planning Committee, the European Committee of the Danish Parliament and the Danish Foreign Affairs Committee. The conference was held on 24 November 2005 at the Danish Parliament buildings, Christiansborg. Furthermore, the Minister for the Environment has contacted the Danish Council for Strategic Research, the Free Research Council and the Council for Development Research to encourage prioritisation of research within gene technology. At the request of the Minister for the Environment, the Danish Council of Ethics published a report in September 2006 on benefits, ethics and belief in connection with planting and use of genetically modified plants.
Higher fines for illegal emissions of oil into the sea
In May 2006 the Danish Parliament adopted an amendment to the Marine Environment Act and the Criminal Code stipulating that the recommended fines for illegal emissions of oil into the sea will be increased significantly. The higher fines are expected to have a deterrent effect and so prevent ships discharging oil illegally into Danish waters and marine areas.
Action Plan for the off-shore sector
In December 2005 the Danish government published an action plan for the protection of the environment in connection with the activities of oil and gas operators in the Danish sector of the North Sea. This action plan includes targets for reduction of permitted discharges of chemicals and oil in connection with production and exploration. The action plan means that all operators must prepare an annual environmental report and make it available to the public.
Holiday homes
In connection with a spatial planning directive in 2005 the Minister for the Environment designated about 5000 new holiday home sites located behind existing holiday home areas in 68 areas in 33 municipalities. In 2006 the Minister decided that a further 1500 holiday home sites (three lots of 500) will be designated in the Northern Jutland Region, the Zealand Region (especially on Lolland) and in Southern Jutland based on more detailed analyses of the development of industry and tourism. Spatial planning directives will be issued in this regard.
Retail trade
In September 2005 the Minister for the Environment set up a committee for planning and retail trade with former minister, Mr Jann Sjursen, as chairperson. The committee was to review the Planning Act's provisions on retail trade and look at how regulations for the sizes and location of shops are to be in the future. The committee completed its work in June 2006 and a bill was proposed in the beginning of 2007.
Oil tanks
An amendment to the regulations on oil tanks has been carried out. The purpose of the new regulations is to prevent new soil contamination as a consequence of discharges from oil tanks. In this connection an agreement has been made such that private purchasers of heating oil may have their installations checked to see if they are legal.
Mine clearing at Skallingen
With the proposal for the Finance Act for 2006 the Danish government decided to spend a total DKK 86 million in the period 2006-2008 to clear the heavily trafficked areas of Skallingen for mines, so it will be possible for local residents and tourists to use the beach and dune areas again.
Revised 10 December 2007