Foreword

Over the past few decades, the level of safety at industrial facilities that produce, handle or store hazardous chemical substances has significantly improved in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) region. Under the auspices of UNECE instruments,1 frameworks and tools, many countries have stepped up their prevention, preparedness and emergency response measures regarding major accidents, in order to minimize the risks to people and the environment. However, preventing the release of contaminated firefighting water into the surrounding soil and water still presents a challenge, especially in the case of a major fire at an industrial facility. Extinguishing a blaze can take hours or even days, during which time a significant volume of contaminated firefighting water is produced and needs to be properly retained. If not, these discharges of polluted water can have devastating effects on humans and the environment, as demonstrated by several major accidents over the past 35 years.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health and Well-Being

Clean Water and Sanitation

Sustainable Cities and Communities