Mots clé clean cars; standards and regulations; sustainable transport

Transport significantly contributes to water pollution mainly through air pollution fallout, marine vessel discharges and spills, and construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure. The air pollution fallout, such as sulphuric and nitric acid depositions, are concentrated by rainy conditions resulting in so-called acid rains. Acid rains lead to an increase in the acidity in particular of lakes and other still water pools, thus disrupting their ecosystem balance. Marine life is affected through polluted water as a result of marine vessels discharges and spills. After transporting oil, coal and other mineral products, vessels require cleaning. Such cleaning is usually done in international waters, as most of the ports and coastal waters restrict it, causing considerable pollution and disrupting marine life. In addition, accidents of oil-carrying vessels lead to major pollution of seawaters and coastal zones.

Transport infrastructure, its construction and maintenance, play a considerable role in polluting waters. Transport infrastructure (roads, bridges, harbours, parking facilities, etc.) uses considerable land surfaces and contributes to water pollution especially when built over or near hydrological bodies. Through runoff, harmful substances from de-icing of transport infrastructure, car leakages, car component parts and air pollution fallout, pollute waters and aquatic ecosystems.

The framework for water pollution policy, including from transport, is provided by the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) and by the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and other EU directives and policy instruments.