Flemish Environment Agency

URL: http://www.vmm.be/homepage

The basic mission statement of VMM is as follows: "We, the Flemish Environment Agency, a public Flemish institution, are at the service of the population and the political authorities which represent it. We report on the quality of the environment and control the surface water quality.

"VMM is responsible for the compilation and publication of the Flanders Environment and Nature Report (MIRA), which deals with all aspects of the environment and nature. VMM investigates the surface water quality and registers of who discharges what, and publishes annual reports on these matters."

VMM monitors the quality of ambient air and the ozone levels through a network of air measuring stations. VMM also makes inventories of who discharges what into the atmosphere, makes annual reports on them and also gives advice concerning environmental permits with respect to the air.

VMM draws up the General Water Quality Plans (AWPs) and uses them as a basis when giving advice concerning environmental permits with respect to water. The AWPs also serve as a basis for the investment programmes drawn up by VMM for the construction of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as well for as the expansion of municipal sewerage systems. VMM collects the levy on water pollution and arises the population's awareness of its share in pollution.