Brussels, 23/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The Council has adopted a directive laying down new environmental quality standards for EU surface waters. On 20 October, the Environment Council formally adopted, without debate, the text which sets limit values for more than 30 pollutants, including pesticides, heavy metals and biocidal products. Member states will be required to meet these values so all dangerous chemical substances are virtually eliminated from the rivers, lakes and coastal waters of the EU by 2018. The directive requires member states not only to monitor river pollution and establish long-term trends but also to analyse its origin and draw up an inventory. Member states will have 18 months to incorporate the directive (which will abrogate five existing directives - 82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC, 84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC - and amend Directive 2000/60/EC) into national law. (A.N./transl.rt)