The unloading of goods - in packages, in bulk or in liquid form - from ships, if not carried out with care, can lead to water pollution and in the worst case even to water contamination. In particular, washing water contaminated with cargo residues can pose a risk.
To avoid the risk of water pollution, the Federal Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML) in cooperation with the Federal Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) has published the guidelline "Washing water containing cargo residues - discharge standards for the Austrian waterway".
The guide applies to wash water contaminated with cargo residues (including rainwater that originates from these holds or comes into contact with cargo residues
arrived) and is aimed at the persons responsible for unloading.