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Slug pellet chemicals risk UK failing EU water directives The UK could risk failing the Drinking Water Directive and Water Framework Directive because of high levels of chemicals found in slug pellets. Water firms recently started monitoring Metaldehyde levels in drinking water supply catchments - and found in some areas the levels breach the EU drinking water limit for pesticides. The Environment Agency (EA) is urging farmers, the pesticides industry, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) to address the issue. Slug pellet manufacturers have formed an alliance in response, the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG), which aims to give advice to agriculture and find out just how the chemical is getting into water. The EA says there is no certainty the MSG will reduce contamination within the required timescale. It wants industry-led action and analysis of mitigation measures by key regulators, including the DWI and CRD, completed within the next 12 months to meet the WFD. Source: Utility Week © Faversham House Group Ltd 2010. News articles may be copied or forwarded
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