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Measures under the WFD also aim at reducing water abstraction related to mining which is commonly used to control quantitative impacts from quarrying activities but could also be of use for deep mining (underground mining). Measures controlling substances are specific to individual substances, diffuse pollution or point source pollution. For example, to reduce diffuse discharge from saline waters into groundwater, K&S company in Germany covers the salt tailing piles and uses chemical transformation processes to treat the waste water. It is estimated, that this will reduce the proportion of saline wastewater by 20 % ([7]).

Data on implemented measures under the WFD and under the EWD are rare. In the context of the WFD, information on mining is part of different reporting obligations, e.g. WFD emissions inventory, pressures characterisation of water bodies or the failing of Environmental Quality Standards for e.g. heavy metals caused by mining activities for chemical (priority substances) or ecological status assessment (river basin specific pollutants). If mining activities cause significant pressures putting at risk the achievement of WFD objectives for surface water or groundwater, measures need to be included in the RBMPs. In the context of the EWD, mining operators have to draw up an extractive management plan (EWMP) as part of permit applications. Among other issues, EMWPs should cover the monitoring of surface and groundwater quantity and quality and the management of excavated material as well as mining waste (EC 2019f). Due to the relevance of both Directives to the assessment and management of water risks due to mining, a more synergistic way of gathering information and developing management strategies and measures for mining activities would be beneficial. 

([7]) Source: https://www.kpluss.com/en-us/sustainability/environment/water/

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