It is actually logical: if there is a ban on discharges, then this can also be implemented by sealing the culvert, as it must not be used anyway. So much for the Dutch parliament's idea. The sealing could not be checked on its own, as officials are not allowed to go on boats without further ado to check such sealing. This was to be regulated in the so-called Omgevingswet, a general law, and come into force at the beginning of 2021. "This has now been postponed to 2023, and then there is still a transitional period," says Jeroen van den Heuvel from the industry association Hiswa Recron. In addition, it is not yet known exactly how and by whom such a seal should be applied. That too can now be clarified in peace.
What is new is that toilet wastewater may indeed be discharged in the Netherlands if it fulfils certain limit values. This regulation came into force last year. Now, however, firstly, these limit values are known and secondly, bodies have been appointed that can test wastewater treatment appliances for compliance with these limit values and then approve them for sale. According to reports, five to six devices are currently in the approval phase. The results are expected in the coming weeks. The aim is to have a device about the size of a rechargeable battery that produces dischargeable wastewater with moderate power consumption, installation dimensions suitable for on-board use and at an affordable price. We will report as soon as the first devices have been approved.
