Copper and its Compounds

Alaska DEC Adopts Performance-Based Site-Specific Approach for Copper Effluent Limits (18 AAC 70 & 18 AAC 235)

Alaska DEC has adopted final amendments to 18 AAC 70 and related provisions creating a performance-based, site-specific framework for copper water quality criteria and effluent limits, effective 3 May 2026.[^1^](http://notice.alaska.gov/223322#:~:text=Effective%20on%20May%203%2C%202026.) This gives permit-holders with copper discharges a new route to tailor limits to local conditions—potentially easing or tightening requirements depending on site data, and raising the importance of robust water quality monitoring and technical justification for any site-specific criteria requests.[^2^](https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/Attachment.aspx?id=161067)

10 Apr 2026, 10:50aws.state.ak.usUnited States

Washington State Board Of Health Final Agenda Sets Delegated Rulemaking Item On Lead And Copper Rule Improvements (Chapter 246-290 WAC)

Washington state is initiating rulemaking to align state drinking water standards with the 2024 federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Regulated entities should anticipate more stringent monitoring, service line inventory mandates, and lower lead action levels as state-level implementation begins.

9 Apr 2026, 09:56sboh.wa.govUnited States

ECHA Opens Call for Evidence on Occupational Exposure Limits for Copper and Its Inorganic Compounds

ECHA has launched a call for evidence to evaluate new occupational exposure limits (OELs) for copper and its inorganic compounds, with submissions due by July 1, 2026. This initiative signals a tightening of workplace safety standards for copper-intensive industries, requiring manufacturers to review exposure data and prepare for potential operational compliance shifts.

8 Apr 2026, 16:49echa.europa.euEuropean Union

New York Senate Bill S9698 Proposes Ban on Vessel Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

New York Senate Bill S9698 proposes a comprehensive ban on the sale and operation of vessel exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) within state waters. Maritime operators and equipment manufacturers must prepare for strict discharge prohibitions and potential liability for environmental cleanup, signaling a shift toward low-sulfur fuels over abatement technology in the region.

6 Apr 2026, 16:52nysenate.govUnited States

ECHA Starts OEL Dossier Preparation For Bisphenols, Copper, Lithium, Naphthalene And Toluene

ECHA has initiated the preparation of scientific dossiers to establish or update Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for bisphenols, copper, lithium, naphthalene, and toluene. Businesses should prepare for potential new binding limit values by reviewing current workplace monitoring data and assessing the feasibility of stricter exposure controls.

6 Apr 2026, 16:10echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Uzbekistan Cabinet Amends Copper Deep-Processing Enterprise Register Rules

Uzbekistan has updated the registration and reporting requirements for enterprises engaged in the deep processing of copper raw materials, effective March 10, 2026. Access to copper cathode and wire rod via the national commodity exchange is now strictly contingent on maintaining a minimum technical score and adhering to rigorous quarterly reporting.

5 Apr 2026, 19:40lex.uzUzbekistan

EU ECHA Opens OEL Consultation on Lithium Salts and Call for Evidence on Multiple Substances

ECHA has launched consultations on new or revised occupational exposure limits (OELs) for lithium salts, bisphenols, and copper, alongside a review of endocrine disruptors under worker protection rules. Impacted industries should prepare for stricter workplace exposure controls and potential shifts in the scope of the CMRD, which may increase operational compliance burdens.

5 Apr 2026, 06:18echa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Amends Nitrates Directive To Allow Extra Nitrogen From Processed Manure Fertilisers

EU Directive 2026/288, effective March 2026, permits Member States to increase nitrogen application limits for specific processed manure fertilisers (RENURE) beyond the standard 170 kg/ha threshold. This shift supports circular economy goals but mandates strict quality-control, heavy metal, and pathogen standards, requiring producers to implement rigorous testing and documentation to access the expanded market.

4 Apr 2026, 11:53eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Wisconsin DNR Sets Hearing on Proposed Aquatic Plant Management Rule WY-20-23

Wisconsin is modernizing its aquatic plant management framework (WY-20-23), introducing stricter application limits and integrated pest management requirements by January 2028. Impacted operators must budget for increased permit fees and adapt to new operational constraints, including a 10 lb/acre cap on copper sulfate applications.

31 Mar 2026, 18:37dnr.wisconsin.govUnited States

France Adopts Arrêté AGRG2608132A Granting Temporary Derogation For Unmanned Aerial Spraying In Aude, Gard, Hérault And Pyrénées-Orientales

France has authorized a temporary derogation for drone-based fungicide application in flood-impacted regions, effective until April 30, 2026. This highlights a shift toward technology-enabled emergency response in agriculture, necessitating strict adherence to operational drift controls and safety buffer zones.

29 Mar 2026, 06:22legifrance.gouv.frFrance

Washington State Board Of Health Draft Agenda For 8 April 2026 Meeting Highlights Possible Actions On Newborn Screening, Notifiable Conditions And Lead And Copper Rule Improvements

The Washington State Board of Health will meet on April 8, 2026, to consider new rulemaking for drinking water lead and copper standards and updates to public health reporting and screening protocols. Regulated entities should monitor for delegated rulemaking that may tighten heavy metal compliance for water systems and alter reporting obligations for communicable diseases.

27 Mar 2026, 20:34sboh.wa.govUnited States

Switzerland FSVO General Order Authorises Temporary Import of Treated Oilseed Pumpkin Seeds

Switzerland has authorized the temporary import of oilseed pumpkin seeds treated with specific fungicides, effective until December 31, 2026. Importers must strictly adhere to mandated labeling, PPE, and soil-incorporation requirements to ensure compliance during this derogation period.

27 Mar 2026, 20:02fedlex.admin.chSwitzerland

Chile – Antofagasta Court of Appeals Temporarily Reinstates Dominga Project Environmental Permit

Chile’s Antofagasta Court of Appeals has temporarily reinstated the environmental permit for the $2.5B Dominga mining project, pending a final Supreme Court ruling. The decision highlights the ongoing legal and ESG risks for large-scale extractive projects in Chile, where judicial challenges can significantly delay or disrupt operational certainty.

26 Mar 2026, 19:04mining.comChile

Great Britain Updates Designated Standards for Pressure Equipment

Great Britain updated the list of designated standards for pressure equipment in March 2026, introducing new editions for valves, tubes, and flanges. Manufacturers must transition to these revised standards by July 2026 or July 2027 to maintain the presumption of conformity and ensure uninterrupted market access.

26 Mar 2026, 12:14assets.publishing.service.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

California Water Board Seeks Comment On Metropolitan Water District Aquatic Pesticide Plan Under Order 2016-0041-DWQ

California is seeking public comment on the Metropolitan Water District's plan to use copper, sodium hypochlorite, and biopesticides for invasive species control in major water infrastructure. Operators and pesticide suppliers should monitor these approvals as they define the operational limits and monitoring requirements for chemical discharges into California's primary water conveyance systems.

26 Mar 2026, 12:13waterboards.ca.govUnited States

European Commission Delivers Comments on German TRIS Notification 2025/0232/DE on Metal Materials in Contact With Drinking Water

Germany is expanding its approved list of metal alloys for drinking water contact, following European Commission review of the proposed technical update. This expansion provides broader market access for specific copper-alloy grades in construction products while signaling ongoing EU-level scrutiny of national material standards.

25 Mar 2026, 21:28technical-regulation-information-system.ec.europa.euEuropean UnionGermany

OECD Publishes Report on Governance of Critical Raw Materials in Central Asia

The OECD has released a comprehensive report outlining governance and transparency expectations for critical raw material supply chains in Central Asia. Companies sourcing materials like copper and antimony from the region should anticipate increased due diligence pressure and potential regulatory shifts regarding labor rights and environmental management.

EU Extends Copper (II) Oxide Approval for Biocidal Product-Type 8 Until 31 July 2029

The EU has extended the approval of copper (II) oxide for use in wood preservatives (PT 8) until 31 July 2029. This procedural postponement maintains market access for existing biocidal products while the formal renewal assessment is finalized.

22 Mar 2026, 10:11eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany Updates Assessment Basis for Metallic Materials in Contact With Drinking Water (7th Amendment)

Germany has implemented the seventh amendment to its assessment basis for metallic materials in contact with drinking water, effective March 12, 2026. Manufacturers must immediately validate alloy compositions against revised limits for lead, nickel, and other metals to maintain compliance for plumbing and water-supply components.

20 Mar 2026, 13:36umweltbundesamt.deGermany

Idaho DEQ Opens FY2027 Agricultural BMP Grant and Drinking Water Trainings on PFAS, LCRI and CCR3

Idaho is launching implementation support and funding for upcoming federal drinking water standards, including PFAS and Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. Stakeholders should leverage these resources to prepare for 2027 compliance deadlines and the associated infrastructure and reporting obligations.

19 Mar 2026, 19:23deq.idaho.govUnited States