2. Regulations and best practices

2.1 Fundamental principles

The field of urban sewage sludge and its treatment, notably through agricultural spreading, is strictly regulated to protect the environment, public health and natural resources.

These regulations are based on a number of key texts, such as the French Environment Code and various European and national directives and decrees. Directive 86/278 EEC, as amended, and Directive 91/271 EEC require EU Member States to ensure that the management of sewage sludge from urban wastewater treatment does not harm the environment, and in particular that sludge reused in agriculture complies with strict standards to preserve soil and crop quality. Decree no. 93-742 and Decree no. 97-1133 set out the regulatory framework, imposing authorization and...