.svg)
The list below is an extract from the French and European official gazettes concerning the environment, energy and health and safety at work for July and August 2023.
ENVIRONMENT
Procedure for the use of treated wastewater and rainwater
Code de l'environnement Articles R. 211-123 à R. 211-137 : Usages et conditions d'utilisation des eaux de pluie et des eaux usées traitées CREE PAR le décret n° 2023-835 du 29 août 2023 relatif aux usages et aux conditions d'utilisation des eaux de pluie et des eaux usées traitées [JORF du 30 août 2023].
This decree introduces into the Environment Code the provisions relating to the uses and conditions for reusing treated wastewater (previously contained in Decree no. 2022-336 of March 10, 2022), and defines the conditions for using rainwater for non-domestic purposes, without any authorization procedure. The decree also aims to simplify procedures for the reuse of treated wastewater.
New battery regulations
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 on batteries and waste batteries [OJEU 28 July 2023].
The aim of this new regulation is to update and strengthen European Union legislation on batteries and battery waste management, in particular by setting harmonized durability, safety, labeling, marking and information requirements for authorizing the placing on the market or putting into service of batteries within the Union, as well as minimum requirements for extended producer responsibility, the collection and treatment of battery waste, and the communication of information.
Reinforcement of legal brush clearance obligations (OLD)
PROVISIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENT CODE AND THE FORESTRY CODE AMENDED BY LAW NO. 2023-580 OF JULY 10, 2023 TO STRENGTHEN THE PREVENTION AND FIGHT AGAINST THE INCREASE AND EXPANSION OF THE RISK OF FIRE [JORF of July 11, 2023].
This law reinforces existing obligations in terms of brush clearance. ICPEs classified as SEVESO whose land is less than 200 meters from woods and forests are now mentioned. Also specified is the case of the sale or lease of land affected by an OLD, for which the transferee must be informed.
Modification of the "integrated" order of February 2, 1998
Arrêté du 2 juin 1998 relatif aux règles techniques auxquelles doivent satisfaire les installations soumises à autorisation au titre de la rubrique 2680-2 de la nomenclature des installations classées pour la protection de l'environnement MODIFIE PAR l'arrêté du 7 juillet 2023 modifiant l'arrêté du 2 février 1998 [JORF du 14 juillet 2023].
A number of provisions relating to emission limit values applicable to instantaneous sampling, pollutant concentrations and compatibility with the receiving environment, and rainwater from light vehicle parking areas have been clarified or amended.
SAFETY
Lower thresholds for certain occupational risk factors
Code du travail Articles D. 4161-1 et Articles R. 4163-1 à R. 4163-7 : Facteurs de risques professionnels - Compte professionnel de prévention : déclarations des expositions MODIFIE PAR le décret n° 2023-760 du 10 août 2023 portant application de l'article 17 de la loi n° 2023-270 du 14 avril 2023 de financement rectificative de la sécurité sociale pour 2023 [JORF du 11 août 2023].
The thresholds associated with certain occupational hazards have been lowered. They concern :
- Night work: from 120 to 100 nights per year;
- Alternating shifts: from 50 to 30 nights a year.
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid added to the list of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 20, 2019 on persistent organic pollutants AMENDED BY Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1608 of May 30, 2023 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council to include perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds [OJEU August 8, 2023].
This new substance has been added to the list of banned POPs (excluding exemptions).