UTRECHT - Environment
A clean environment is an important issue
The region has some environmental problems through industrial development and agricultural activities. Manure surplus, phospahte saturation, nitrate, ammonia and dehydration of the soil cause some problems in parts of the province. However, these problems and the damage to the environment caused by the growth and spread of traffic are receiving special attention.
In view of the great importance of accessibility for business traffic and goods transport, the growing congestion is also an important factor in further economic development. The increase in commuter traffic is a burden on the infrastructure and the environment.
On both national and regional level, planning policy on locating new amenities, housing and infrastructure is also aimed at reconciling the conflicting demands of economic development and the environment. The western part of the province, which forms part of the 'green heart' and may be regarded as the lungs of the Randstad, is protected as much as possible.
Work is being done at international level on the pollution brought down by the Rhine, which is caused mainly by the chemical industry.
The amount of water distributed by the public network is about 200 litres a day per capita, somewhat below the Dutch average. The amount of municipal waste is about 672 kg per capita per year and is somewhat more than the Netherlands' figure. Around 63% is collected by municipal cleansing services or intermunicipal corporations and 37% by private collectors.
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