Background Chemicals released into the environment can remain in the environment for very long time due to their persistence. If they are also bio-accumulative, they accumulate in the food chain. If toxic, they can harm living organisms. Emissions into the acquatic environment of certain target substances is subject to regulation, and limiting or stopping them is a European Union policy goal according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD 2008/56/EC). Reducing chemical pollution is also the goal of several international agreements, including the Helsinki Convention (HELCOM), the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR), and the Stockholm Convention. Objectives The BaltActHaz project's goal was to underpin joint action by Baltic countries on hazardous substances with regard to the implementation of the WFD, the IPPC Directive (industrial pollution prevention and control, 2008/1/EC), the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan. The project aimed to: Assemble data on the presence of priority substances under the WFD and HELCOM, and on some pollutants of national importance in wastewater, surface water and sediments, and propose future monitoring measures; Improve the quality of environmental permits (IPPC and non-IPPC) with regard to measures for reductions of hazardous substances in companies, and to use the permits more effectively as an enforcement tool; Study chemicals management at a number of pilot companies (detection, use and substitution programmes for certain substances), and to draw up investment strategies and potential applications for investment support; Build up stakeholder capacity by providing training and know-how by systematically generating and disseminating information related to the environmental risks posed by substances (in products), and safe-use conditions; Promote innovative chemicals management by enhancing dialogue between authorities, industry, academics and NGOs; Facilitate networking between Baltic stakeholders and international experts on new legislative developments relating to control of hazardous substances and their reduction in the Baltic states; Develop an awareness-raising concept for the general public. Results The BaltActHaz project gathered a new set of data and information on hazardous substances in the aquatic environment in and around the Baltic States. It demonstrated solutions for reducing the use of hazardous substances at different management levels. The project analysed sources of the target hazardous substances, addressed these through the development of optimised environmental permits, and drew up a set of methods by which pilot installations could reduce their use of hazardous substances, and consequently the level of pollution in the Baltic aquatic environment. For several companies, the project's activities led to a direct reduction in emissions of hazardous substances. The project also raised stakeholder awareness, involving them in the discussion about the better management of hazardous substances, and motivating them to take further action towards the reduction of emissions of substances into water. Finally, the project resulted in the new LIFE BaltInfoHaz project, funded under the Information and Communication strand. This project will build on the BaltActHaz project to promote demand in the three Baltic states for products that are free from hazardous substances, and to promote behavioural change so that society moves from environmental passivity to active participation in environment issues. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).