Water Framework Directive

1. Water Framework Directive Implementation and Risk Analysis John Sadlier Water Quality Section

2. WFD Implementation Deadlines All implementation deadlines have been met to date • 22 December 2003 • Directive transposed by Water Policy Regulations (SI 722 of 2003) • RBDs established • Competent authorities identified • 22 June 2004 • Report above to EU Commission in prescribed electronic format

3. WFD Implementation Deadlines • 22 December 2004 • Finalise characterisation reports for RBDs • Establish register of protected areas • 22 March 2005 • Send summary of characterisation reports for RBDs • Establish register of protected areas • 2006 • Monitoring programmes to be established and operational • Work programme for production of RBMPs to be published

4. Purpose of Characterisation and Risk Assessment • To provide comprehensive baseline information for purposes of management of each RBD • To prioritise future actions in relation to monitoring, investigations and measures

5. Characterisation Reports • Comprehensive description of each river basin district including – • An analysis of its characteristics • Mapping the location and boundaries of all waters by type • Identification of pressure and impacts on water bodies • Identification of reference conditions for water status • An economic analysis of water use • A risk assessment of waters [Article 5 of WFD]

6. Waters at Risk • A water body will be identified as being “at risk” where the pressure and impact analysis shows there is a likelihood a water body will fail to meet the environmental objectives of the Directive unless management intervention is undertaken • Environmental objectives are • No deterioration in status of any waters • All waters to have at least “good status” by 2015 • Special objectives for “protected areas”

7. Assessment of Risk • Assessment is based on available data in 2004 • It is a predicted risk for 2015 • Further characterisation / investigation could alter the assessment • Process must be transparent and all data available to the public • RA is not for classifying water status • RA is not a water status report

8. “At Risk” Categories • Not at risk • Water body not at risk and available data is comprehensive and conclusive • Water body probably not at significant risk but available information needs to be improved • At risk • Water body probably at significant risk but further monitoring and characterisation could alter position • Water body at significant risk

9. Actions • Not at risk • Watch for changes in pressures • Probably not at risk • Improve data and review results • Probably at risk • Undertake monitoring and further characterisation • At risk • Begin operational monitoring, plan measures to be taken

10. “At Risk” Likely to be a High % • Standards are high and extensive • Waters will be “at risk” if they are identified as being at risk due to- • Pressures (actual / potential) • Impacts (actual / potential) • Wide range of parameters • Chemical • Biological • Morphological • Abstraction and flow regulation

11. Assessment Results for Northern Ireland (4 October 2004) Summary % numbers of water bodies

12. Current Activities • Refining of assessments by RBDs and EPA • Review of cross-border analysis • Finalisation of assessments by 22 December 2004