Water Framework Directive
Proposed Quality Standards
for
Surface Water Classification
A Discussion Document
For
Public Consultation
July 2007
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Contents
Glossary and Definitions ……………………………………………………………..v
1 Introduction ………….…………………………………………………………….1
The Water Framework Directive …………..……………………………………….. 1
Quality Elements for Determining Ecological
Status (and Ecological Potential) ……………………………….…………… 1
Quality Elements for Determining Chemical Status ……………………….. 2
Classification Systems and Environmental Quality Standards………………. 2
State of Progress……………………………………………………………… 2
Next Steps
………………………………………………………………..3
Regulatory Impact Analysis …………………………………………………. 3
Key Questions ………………………………………………………………... 3
2. The Need for Classification Schemes and Standards …………………………5
Background to Classification …………………………………………………………5
Monitoring Programme
…………………………………………………………5
The Role of Surface Water Classification Schemes and standards …………………6
Biological Assessment
………………………………………………... 6
Hydromorphological Assessment
…………………………………………7
Chemical and Physico-chemical Assessment …………………………………7
Existing Standards …………………………………………………………… 8
Revision of Standards …………………………………………………………8
3 How Will Ecological Status, Ecological potential and Chemical Status
of Surface waters be determined ? …………………………………………………9
Normative Definitions of Ecological Status …………………………………………9
Ecological Quality Ratios
…………………………………………………9
The Use of Hydromorphological Quality Elements ………………………..10
The Use of Physico-chemical Quality Elements
………………………..10
Calculating an Ecological Quality Ratio
………………………………………..13
The “one out all out” Principle
………………………………………………..15
4 Proposed Biological Classification Systems
………………………………..17
Intercalibration
………………………………………………………………..17
Biological Classification Systems
...……………………………………………...17
River Invertebrates ……………………………………………………… 18
Lake phytoplankton ……………………………………………………… 18
Lake macrophytes
……………………………………………………… 21
5 Developing Proposals for Physico-Chemical, Relevant Pollutants
and Chemical Standards ………………………………………………………. 23
General Components (Physico-Chemical) ………………………………………..23
Proposed Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)for the General Components
(Physico-Chemical) Elements………………………………………………………..25
Priority Substances ………………………………………………………………..27
Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) Standards for Priority Substances ………..27
Specific Relevant Pollutants ………………………………………………………..30
Proposed Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for Specific Relevant Pollutants.31
Appendix 1. The Q Scheme ………………………………………………………..33
Appendix 2. General Components (Physico-chemical) Existing Standards
In use in Ireland
………………………………………………. 37
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Glossary and Definitions
Anthropogenic - Effects or processes caused by human activities.
Artificial Water Body (AWB) - Body of surface water created by human activity e.g. a canal.
Biological Quality Elements - Four biological quality elements – phytoplankton, other aquatic flora,
benthic invertebrate fauna and fish have been specified by the WFD for inclusion in the assessment of
ecological status.
Chemical Status - Chemical Status describes whether waters contain safe levels of certain chemicals
that have been identified as of significant risk to or via the aquatic environment at an EU level.
Classification System - A technical procedure for assessing the status of a water body in accordance
with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Dangerous Substances Directive - (76/464/EEC) Council Directive of 4 May 1976 on pollution
caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community.
Ecological Potential - Is the status of a heavily modified or artificial waterbody.
Ecological Quality Ratio (EQR) - The relationship between the values of the biological parameters
observed for a given body of surface water and the values for those parameters in the reference
conditions applicable to that body. The ratio is to be expressed as a numerical value between zero and
one, with high ecological status represented by values close to one and bad ecological status by values
close to zero
Ecological Status - An expression of the quality of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems
associated with a surface water body. Biological as well as supporting hydromorphological and
physico-chemical quality elements are to be used in the assessment of ecological status .
Environmental Quality Standard (EQS)- Specifies the absolute compliance concentration or range
for a water quality element in the environment failure of which will be reported to the European
Commission.
General Components (physico-chemical) - Pollutants in groups 10-12 of WFD Annex VIII.
Good Ecological Potential - Is the required status of a heavily modified or an artificial water body.
Good Status - The status achieved by a surface waterbody when both its ecological status and its
chemical status are at least ‘Good’.
Groundwater - All water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct
contact with the ground or subsoil.
Heavily Modified Water Body (HMWB) - Body of surface water, which is substantially changed in
character as a result of human activity.
High Status - The status achieved by a surface water body when there are no, or only very minor,
anthropogenic alterations to the values of the physico-chemical and hydromorphological quality
elements and the biological quality elements show no or only very minor evidence of distortion.
Hydromorphological Quality Elements - Hydrological regime such as water quantity and hardness
and morphology such as altitude, depth and substrate type, river continuity and lake residence time and
tidal regime in saline waters.
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Intercalibration - A process to ensure consistency and comparability of the classification systems for
sampling, measurement and assessment of the biological elements across the EU Member States. It will
also establish the boundaries between high and good status and between good and moderate status for
these elements.
Invertebrate (macroinvertebrate) communities - Mayflies, Stone Flies, Shrimps, Snails, Bivalves
etc. present in the rivers with varying sensitivities to increasing levels of pollution.
Macrophytes – Rooted plants growing in rivers, lakes and tidal waters.
Maximum Ecological Potential (MEP) - The state where "the values of the relevant biological quality
elements reflect, as far as possible, those associated with the closest comparable surface water body
type, given the physical conditions which result from the artificial or heavily modified characteristics
of the water body.” For example an impounded river that forms a reservoir, such as the Blessington
Reservoir, will be compared with a comparable lake.
Moderate Status - The values of the biological quality elements for the surface water body deviate
moderately, as a result of human activity, from the reference or undisturbed condition.
Normative Definitions - of ecological status classifications – The general definitions of high, good
and moderate ecological status provided for the various quality elements in Annex V of the Water
Framework Directive that together define surface water ecological status. The Directive gives
normative definitions of ecological status for each surface water category.
Operational Monitoring - One of three types of monitoring specified in the WFD in order to:
 establish the status of those bodies identified as being at risk of failing to meet their
environmental objectives, and
 assess any changes in the status of such bodies resulting from the programmes of measures.
In order to assess the magnitude of the pressure to which bodies of surface water are subject,
operational monitoring is to be carried out for the following quality elements which are indicative of
the pressures to which the body or bodies are subjected.



parameters which are indicative of the biological quality element, or elements, most sensitive
to the pressures to which the water bodies are subject,
all priority substances discharged, and other pollutants discharged in significant quantities,
parameters which are indicative of the hydromorphological quality element most sensitive to
the pressure identified.
Phytoplankton - microscopic free-floating plants mainly present in lakes and transitional waters.
Priority Substances - Substances identified in accordance with Article 16(2) of the Water Framework
Directive and listed in the Annex to the Directive
Programmes of Measures (POMs) - Protection measures that must be implemented to meet the
environmental objectives of the WFD.
Protected Areas - Bodies of water identified under Article 7(1) of the WFD and all areas covered by
WFD Annex IV.
Psu = Practical Salinity Units - At 15°C the salinity of freshwater is 0 and oceanic water it is 35. (The
Practical Salinity Scale defines salinity in terms of the conductivity ratio of a sample to that of a
solution of 32.4 g of KCl at 15°C in a 1 kg solution. A sample of seawater at 15°C with a conductivity
equal to this KCl solution has a salinity of exactly 35 practical salinity units (psu).
Quality Elements - The WFD specifies the factors, referred to as quality elements, that must be used in
determining the ecological status or ecological potential and the surface water chemical status of a
surface waterbody. The list of quality elements for each surface water category are divided into three
groups of elements:
 biological elements
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

hydromorphological elements
chemical and physico-chemical elements
Q value - A biological water quality index based on the composition and abundance of invertebrate
communities in rivers. It is based on the composition and abundance of macroinvertebrate
communities e.g. mayflies, stone flies, shrimps, snails, bivalves etc. present in the rivers and their
varying sensitivities to increasing levels of pollution.
Reference Conditions - The condition established for each biological element in the absence of
pollution or disturbance.
Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) - RIA is an assessment of the likely effects of new regulations. It
involves a detailed analysis to:
 ascertain whether or not the new regulation would have the desired impact.
 identify any possible side effects or hidden costs associated with the proposed regulation
 quantify the likely costs of compliance on the individual citizen, business and for the State.
River Basin District (RBD) - The area of land and sea, made up of one or more neighbouring river
basins, together with their associated groundwaters and coastal waters, as the main unit for
management of river basins.
Specific Relevant Pollutants - These are certain synthetic substances (e.g. biocides and plant protection
products) and certain non-synthetic substances (e.g. metals) listed in 1 – 9 of Annex VIII of the WFD that are
discharged in significant quantities to surface waters in Ireland and are not identified on the EU priority
list.
Surface Water - Means all inland waters, except groundwater, and includes transitional waters and
coastal waters; territorial waters are included as surface waters for the purposes of the Directive insofar
as chemical status is concerned
Surface Water Status - Is the status of a surface water body, determined by the poorer of the
ecological status and the chemical status.
Surveillance Monitoring - One of three types of monitoring specified in the WFD. Its objectives are to
to provide information for:
 supplementing and validating the impact assessment procedure detailed in Annex II of WFD,
 the efficient and effective design of future monitoring programmes,
 the assessment of long-term changes in natural conditions, and
 the assessment of long-term changes resulting from widespread anthropogenic activity.
Surveillance monitoring is to be carried out for each surveillance monitoring site for a period of one
year during the period covered by a river basin management plan for:
 parameters indicative of all biological quality elements,
 parameters indicative of all hydromorphological quality elements,
 parameters indicative of all general component (physico-chemical) quality elements,
 priority pollutants which are discharged into the river basin or sub-basin, and
 other pollutants discharged in significant quantities in the river basin or sub-basin.
Transitional Waters - Bodies of surface water in the vicinity of river mouths which are partly saline
in character as a result of their proximity to coastal waters but which are substantially influenced by
freshwater flows.
Trigger Action Value (TAV) - A TAV is a numerical value proposed in some cases for certain
parameters (e.g. phosphorus), usually in parallel with an environmental quality standard (EQS), and
which provides in these cases amore stringent non-binding target than the EQS, e.g. in the case of a
water bodies thought to be especially sensitive to that parameter. TAVs are also used in other situations
such as in the case of the parameter ‘dissolved oxygen’ where 24-hour continuous monitoring is
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required to establish compliance or otherwise with the EQS in the event that the TAV value based on
‘grab-sampling’ is breached.
Water Framework Directive (WFD) - Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water
policy.
Water Policy Regulations - Irish Statutory Instruments which support the WFD. EC Water Policy
Regulations (SI No. 722 of 2003) and EC Water Policy Regulations (Amendment) (SI No. 413 of
2005).
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1.
Introduction
THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE
An EU directive (2000/60/EC) was published and entered into force in December
2000 to provide a legislative framework to protect and improve the quality of waters,
specifically  rivers,
 lakes,
 transitional (estuarine) and coastal waters
 groundwaters.
The directive deals also with artificial water bodies – such as canals – as well as
waters whose character is substantially changed by human activity - referred to as
heavily modified water bodies (HMWBs). With the exception of groundwaters, these
waters covered by the directive are collectively referred to as surface waters. The
directive has become commonly known as the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
A key element of WFD implementation is the establishment of River Basin Districts,
and the island of Ireland has been divided into eight such districts, each comprising
groups of adjoining river basins or catchments.
The WFD requires that the status of each of the surface waters is determined through
the assessment of:
 ecological status or, in the case of artificial and heavily modified water bodies,
ecological potential, and
 chemical status
This document sets out how ecological status, ecological potential and chemical status
of surface waters will be determined in the implementation of the WFD in Ireland.
This process involves the examination of key general features of environmental
quality, termed the quality elements.
Quality Elements for Determining Ecological Status (and Ecological Potential)
There are four quality elements to be considered for each surface water category, in
order to assess its ecological status (or ecological potential); they are as follows:




biological quality elements
general components (physico chemical)
specific relevant pollutants
hydromorphological elements - dealing with water flows, physical
characteristics, etc.
Thus, perhaps unexpectedly, the determination of ecological status includes not just
the biological quality elements but also elements requiring certain chemical, physicochemical and physical measurements. The WFD includes these elements as
supporting elements to the biological elements. These four groupings of elements
used to determine ecological status are set out in greater detail later in this document.
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It may be noted that the quality elements to determine the ecological potential of
heavily modified and artificial waterbodies are to be those relevant to whichever of
the four surface water categories the heavily modified and artificial waterbody most
closely resembles.
Quality Elements for Determining Chemical Status
The determination of chemical status is made using a separate suite of
 chemical elements
The chemical elements comprise a suite of priority substances. The list of priority
substances has been established at the EU level.
Classification Systems and Environmental Quality Standards
WFD classification systems and environmental quality standards (EQS) are being
developed by the Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of assessing the
ecological status of surface waters in Ireland using these suites of quality elements.
The main purpose of this document is to form the basis for public consultation on
classification systems and standards. In particular, the classification systems
developed to date for
biological quality elements
are described herein.
Listings of proposed EQSs for the following elements:
general components (physico-chemical) and
specific relevant pollutants
are presented in tables at the end of the document and comment is invited on all of
these. Proposals for hydromorphological EQSs will be the subject of public
consultation at a later date.
Also included are the environmental quality standards for priority substances as
proposed by the European Commission.
State of Progress
Significant progress has been made on many fronts in the implementation of the WFD
in Ireland. The full suite of classification systems required to deal with the biological
quality elements is not yet complete, however, as the EU wide intercalibration
exercise has not been finalised. Three biological systems have been completed and
intercalibrated to date.
Work is still ongoing on the hydromorphological systems.
For the general components (physico-chemical) and specific relevant pollutants, draft
EQS values have being prepared by the EPA as noted above.
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Next Steps
Following this consultation process, the EPA will make recommendations to the
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the
classification systems for the three biological quality elements and the proposed EQS
values for the general components (physico-chemical), the specific relevant
pollutants, prepared in the initial phase of EQS development. The recommendations
will serve as an input to the making of further Regulations by the Minister to give
statutory effect to measures for implementation of the Water Framework Directive
and the draft EQS values, proposed by the European Commission, for priority
substances.
The classification systems and proposed EQS values set out in this document for the
chemical substances will, together with the assessments of the biological elements and
supporting hydromorphological elements (WFD Annex V) provide the basis for
classifying surface water status and will serve to underpin the measures to be
implemented for controlling emissions, discharges and losses of these substances to
water.
Regulatory Impact Analysis
To assist in the public consultation on the proposed surface water classification
systems and to assess the likely effects of classification regulations (e.g. the potential
level of non-compliance and the subsequent costs of achieving compliance) a
screening Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) is included with this document. The
screening RIA relates to the proposed EQS values for general components (physicochemical), specific relevant pollutants and priority substances is included with this
document. A full RIA, using this screening RIA as its basis, is being prepared and is
due for completion by the end of September 2007.
Key Questions
The EPA would like to get the views of interested parties on the proposed standards
prior to making recommendations to the Minister for the Environment Heritage and
Local Government and in particular would wish to ascertain the following:
a) Are the standards set at an appropriate level?
b) Is the basis for their derivation clear and appropriate?
c) Are there particular difficulties posed by these standards to normal operations
of various sectors of the community?
Comments arising from this public consultation will be taken into account in the
preparation of the recommendation by the Environmental Protection Agency to the
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make regulations by
the end of 2007.
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2.
The Need for Classification Schemes and Standards
BACKGROUND TO CLASSIFICATION
The general environmental objectives of the Water Framework Directive are as
follows:






to prevent deterioration of and to protect, enhance and restore the status of all
bodies of surface water with the aim of achieving good surface water status which is determined by the poorer of the ecological status and chemical status
of that waterbody;
to protect and enhance all artificial and heavily modified bodies of water, with
the aim of achieving good ecological potential and good surface water
chemical status;
to prevent or limit the input of pollutants into groundwater and to prevent the
deterioration of the status of all bodies of groundwater;
to protect, enhance and restore all bodies of groundwater, with the aim of
achieving good groundwater status;
the progressive reduction of pollution of surface waters by priority substances
and the ceasing or phasing out of emissions, losses and discharges of priority
hazardous substances, and;
the achievement of compliance with any standards and objectives established
under other EU Community legislation for protected areas.
The WFD requires a technical strategy, consisting of a series of linked steps, to
implement the directive and achieve the stated objectives. In simple terms these steps
are as follows:
a) identify and delineate all our waterbodies – Completed.
b) characterize and identify the types (size, altitude and alkalinity) of these
waterbodies and indicate the status of and principal pressures acting on each
waterbody that will put it at risk of failing to achieve the WFD objectives by
2015- Completed.
c) prepare and implement a monitoring programme, based on the above
characterization, to include waterbodies representative of each type and
pressure for each water category viz. rivers, lakes, tidal waters, groundwaters,
heavily modified and artificial waterbodies – Programme preparation
completed – implementation in progress.
d) establish where necessary and put in place WFD compliant classification
systems and standards to determine the status of waterbodies - In progress.
e) identify measures to deal with the pressures identified in the characterisation
exercise described in b) above - In progress.
f) draw up a management plan for each River Basin District, including a
programme of measures, to achieve the above WFD objectives – In progress.
MONITORING PROGRAMME
Ireland is successfully progressing through this strategy to achieve the WFD
objectives and has established and commenced, in 2007, the implementation of a
WFD monitoring programmes for all water categories including heavily modified and
artificial water bodies (canals). This programme will establish a coherent and
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comprehensive overview of water status for all our waters. In these programmes,
water bodies, representative of the different types and pressures, have been chosen to
ensure that the programme is representative of all waters in the country. Sites have
been selected for surveillance and operational monitoring.
THE ROLE
STANDARDS
OF
SURFACE
WATER
CLASSIFICATION
SCHEMES
AND
The Water Framework Directive inter alia requires Member States to protect, enhance
and restore all bodies of surface water with the aim of achieving at least good surface
water status at the latest 15 years after the date of entry into force of the Directive,
subject to certain exemptions. The Directive therefore imposes an obligation on
Member States to not allow deterioration in the status of waterbodies that are
currently assessed as being of high status or good status. Waterbodies assessed as
being of lesser status than ‘high’ or ‘good’ must be restored to at least good status,
generally by not later than 2015.
To enable the assessment of waterbody status that will determine the environmental
objectives to apply, the directive stipulates the establishment of the classification
schemes for biological, hydromorphological, chemical and physico-chemical quality
elements, including establishing chemical and physico-chemical standards. As noted
earlier, this has required the development of new biological classification schemes
and the derivation of new chemical standards in addition to the review of existing
standards. Methods for assessing hydromorphological change are also required.
For each surface water body, the ecological status must be identified as being either of
the following:
high
good
moderate
poor
bad.
How the different groupings of elements are to be used in determining which status
applies to a waterbody is outlined in Chapter 3. Key issues for developing the system
are to specify the conditions at the boundaries, e.g. high/good, good moderate, etc.
Biological assessment
Existing classification methods used in Ireland for biological assessment did not cover
the full range of biological quality elements and parameters required by the WFD and
we are now required to consider a much broader range of such elements. Furthermore,
some of the existing methods were not derived in a manner compliant with the
requirements of the directive. Thus, a major programme for developing new
biological assessment methods and updating existing methods was required. The
development of new biological classification systems for use in Ireland and the United
Kingdom is being carried out jointly.
This work is still in progress. The intercalibration exercise is not yet complete and
new methods developed for Ireland are in the process of being validated in the field in
2007.
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Hydromorphological assessment
New assessment systems for assessing hydromorphology in surface waters are being
developed and some are being tested through field trials in Ireland.
Hydromorphological change between high and good status in rivers will be assessed
using Rapid Assessment Technique (R.A.T), a field technique developed in Ireland
through the North South SHARE Project. It has been adopted for use in both north
and south of Ireland and is currently being field trialled. The scientific link between
hydromorphology and ecology is being researched across the EU and knowledge in
this area will evolve throughout the River Basin Management Plan cycles. Thus, it is
likely that overall assessment of morphology in conjunction with ecology will
improve over time.
A joint Lakes Habitat Survey is being developed by the UK and modified for use in
Ireland, that will quantify modifications to lake shores.
The hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elements include the
following:
Rivers: Quantity and dynamics of flow, inputs to and from groundwater, presence or
absence of impediments to fish movement (river continuity), depth and width,
structure of river substrate and riparian zone
Lakes: Quantity and dynamics of flow, inputs to and from groundwater, water
residence time in lake, lake depth, structure of lake substrate and shore
Transitional: Depth variation, structure of substrate and intertidal zone, tidal regime,
freshwater inflow and wave exposure
Chemical and physico-chemical assessment
The three element groupings for which environmental quality objectives are proposed
in this document follow requirements set out in WFD Annexes to the directive as
follows:
a) General components (physico-chemical) quality elements are as specified in
WFD Annex VIII (10 – 12), e.g. dissolved oxygen, nutrients and temperature
b) Specific relevant pollutants are those identified by Member States as being
discharged in significant quantities; this is also specified in WFD Annex VIII
(1 - 9), e.g. metals
c) Priority substances are specified in WFD Annex X and for present purposes
the listing of priority substances also includes the dangerous substances as per
the requirements of WFD Annex IX
For the general components (physico-chemical) the WFD requires, for the purpose of
classification, the setting of EQS values for the high/good and good/moderate
boundaries. For the specific relevant pollutants the directive requires the setting of a
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single EQS for each pollutant. Failure to achieve one of these standards for either of
these two groupings of elements will mean failure to achieve good ecological status
and thus good surface water status.
For each of the priority substances the directive requires a single standard that will
separate the two chemical status classes: “good” and “failing to achieve good” set out
in the Directive. Failure to achieve one of these standards will mean failure to achieve
good chemical status.
Failure to achieve good ecological status or good chemical status or both will result in
failure to achieve good surface water status. In this event the WFD requires measures
to be put in place to reduce or eliminate inputs of the polluting substance.
Existing standards
The existing water quality standards for surface waters in Ireland (Appendix 2) are
limited in number and do not cover the full suite of quality elements considered by the
WFD and do not take the different water types into account. These existing standards
were mainly derived from EU directives such as the Freshwater Fish Directive, the
Dangerous Substances Directive and the Shellfish Waters Directive etc and generally
apply only to waters designated for the purpose of these Directives. The classification
systems and EQSs now proposed will apply to all surface waterbodies and do not rely
on these waterbodies being designated for the standards to have legal effect. The
WFD has necessitated a comprehensive review of existing standards and considerable
work has been undertaken to provide a full range of standards for all quality elements.
New standards, made for the purpose of surface water classification, in the context of
the WFD, will replace most existing standards. However, if additional or more
stringent standards are required by existing Community legislation not repealed by the
Water Framework Directive relating to the protection of waterbodies for particular
uses such as their use as drinking water sources or bathing water areas, the
requirements established in relation to these waters will continue in force and
operate in parallel with the surface water classification schemes now proposed.
Revision of Standards
The proposed values for environmental quality standards for the general components
are based on a consideration of the best available data sets for Irish waters and using a
WFD compliant methodology.
It is intended to review the standards for future planning cycles and as need arises as a
result of the following:
 as more data become available arising from the WFD monitoring programmes;
 where monitoring of the biological elements indicates that the standards are at an
inappropriate level;
 as the sensitivity of particular catchments reveals that more stringent standards are
required;
 better insight of the role of certain pollutants occurs as a result of new research;
 as information from research and monitoring in other states becomes available;
 as a result of further development of the Intercalibration exercise.
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3.
How will Ecological Status, Ecological Potential and
Chemical Status of Surface Waters be Determined?
NORMATIVE DEFINITIONS OF ECOLOGICAL STATUS
The Water Framework Directive defines, both in general and in very detailed terms,
ecological status in the high, good and moderate classes for each of the ecological
quality element for each of the surface water categories. It indicates the biological and
hydromorphological parameters and the physico-chemical and relevant pollutants
required in the overall ecological assessment. The WFD also sets out the priority
substances to be monitored to determine chemical status.
These definitions – the so called normative definitions - form the basis for the
classification of surface waters. Member States are required to develop classification
systems capable of distinguishing between the five status classes – high, good,
moderate, poor and bad - for each of the biological quality elements. Of particular
importance is being able to distinguish between high, good and moderate status.
The Directive further specifies that the quality elements to be used for the
classification of heavily modified and artificial water bodies are those relevant to
whichever of the four surface water categories (river, lake, transitional or coastal) the
heavily modified or artificial water body most closely resembles. A schematic
overview of the classification process is shown in Figure1.
Ecological Qualilty Ratios
An assessment of the biological quality elements must be taken into account when
assigning waterbodies to any of the ecological status or ecological potential classes
(Figures 2 and 3). The status of each of the biological elements for natural
waterbodies is determined by measuring the extent of the deviation, if any, of the
observed condition from the reference condition established for that waterbody.
Reference conditions are the conditions established for the biological elements in the
absence of pollution or disturbance. For HMWBs and AWBs the value corresponding
to reference condition are referred to as the maximum ecological potential (MEP) and
reflect as far as possible, considering the hydromorphological and associated physicochemical conditions, the reference conditions of the closest comparable normal
surface waterbody type.
The results of the biological monitoring systems will be expressed numerically as
ecological quality ratios (EQR) in the range between 1 (high status) and 0 (bad
status). The EQR scale for the monitoring system for each surface water category is
divided into the five classes by assigning a numerical value to each of the boundaries
between the classes. The values for the boundary between the classes of high and
good status, and between good and moderate status are being established through the
EU supported intercalibration exercise. This exercise will further ensure
comparability of the results of the biological monitoring across member states for the
high, good and moderate status.
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The Use of Hydromorphological Quality Elements
An assessment of the hydromorphological quality elements must be considered only
when assigning water bodies to the high ecological status class and the maximum
ecological potential class (Figures 2 and 3) (i.e. for distinguishing between high
ecological status or maximum ecological potential and good ecological
status/potential). For the other status/potential classes, the hydromorphological
elements are required to have “conditions consistent with the achievement of the
values specified for the biological quality elements.” Thus, the assignment of water
bodies to the good, moderate, poor or bad ecological status/ecological potential
classes may be made on the basis of the monitoring results for the biological quality
elements and also, in the case of the good ecological status/potential the physicochemical quality elements. This is because if the biological quality element values
relevant to good, moderate, poor or bad status/potential are achieved, then by
definition the condition of the hydromorphological quality elements must be
consistent with that achievement and would not affect the classification of ecological
status/potential.
The Use of General Component (Physico-chemical) Quality Elements
An assessment of the of the General component (physico-chemical) quality elements
must be taken into account when assigning water bodies to the high and good
ecological status classes and to the maximum and good ecological potential classes
(i.e. when distinguishing between high status/maximum ecological potential and good
ecological status/potential as well as between good and moderate ecological
status/potential). For the other status/potential classes the physico-chemical elements
are required to have “conditions consistent with the achievement of the values
specified for the biological quality elements.” Hence, the assignment of water bodies
to moderate, poor or bad ecological status/ecological potential may be made on the
basis of the monitoring results for the biological quality elements. This is because if
the biological quality element values relevant to moderate, poor or bad status/potential
are achieved, then by definition the condition of the physico-chemical quality
elements must be consistent with that achievement and would not affect the
classification of ecological status/potential.
10
Ecological Status
Biology (Annex V)
Phytoplankton
Invertebrates
Aquatic
Flora
1
Fish
General conditions (Annex VIII)
DO
Phosphate
Ecological
2
Etc.
High
Good
Moderate
Poor
Bad
Specific Pollutants (Annex VIII)
3
Subs. 1
Subs. 2
Etc.
Pass
Pass
Pass
Fail
Fail
Fail
Hydromorphology Elements
Supporting the biological elements
Hydrology
Regime
Continuity
Morphology
High
High
High
Good
Good
Good
4
4
Chemical Status
Compliance with Standards for Annex X substances and
other EC Directives (Annex IX)
Alachlor
Anthracene
Etc.
Pass
Pass
Pass
Fail
Fail
Fail
Chemical
5
Figure 1. Overview of Surface Water Classification Systems. Biology = Biological quality
elements; General conditions (Annex VIII) = General components (physico-chemical) and
Specific Pollutants (Annex VIII) = Specific Relevant Pollutants.
#
11
Pass
Fail
Do the estimated values
for the biological quality
elements meet reference
conditions?
Yes
Do the physicochemical conditions
meet high status?
No
Do the estimated values for
the biological quality
elements deviate only
slightly from reference
condition values?
Do the hydromorphological
conditions meet high
status?
No
Yes
Yes
Classify as
high status
No
Do the physico-chemical
conditions (a) ensure
ecosystem functioning
and (b) meet the EQSs
for specific pollutants?
No
Classify on the basis of
the biological deviation
from reference
conditions
Yes
Yes
Classify as
good status
No
Is the deviation
moderate?
Yes
Classify as
moderate status
Greater
Is the deviation
major?
Yes
Classify as
poor status
Greater
Classify as bad
status
Figure 2 The procedure for assigning ecological status to a natural surface
waterbody according to the definitions of high, good, moderate, poor and bad
status in the WFD Directive.
A similar approach (Fig. 3) is recommended for the classification of the ecological
status of artificial water bodies (AWB) and heavily modified water bodies (HMWB).
The maximum ecological potential (MEP) of AWBs and HMWBs, corresponds to the
reference condition of natural waterbodies and should be similar, in so far as possible,
to the biological conditions associated with the closest comparable natural water body
type at reference conditions, given the MEP hydromorphological and associated
physico-chemical conditions.
12
Do the
hydromorphological
conditions meet
MEP?
No
Yes
Do the estimated
values for the
biological quality
elements meet MEP?
Yes
No
Do the estimated values
for the biological
quality elements
deviate only slightly
from MEP?
Classify as MEP,
map as good and
above potential
No
Yes
Do the physico-chemical
conditions (a) ensure
ecosystem functioning
and (b) meet the EQSs
for specific pollutants?
No
Classify on the basis of
the biological deviation
from MEP
Yes
Do the physicochemical conditions
meet MEP?
Yes
Classify as
good or
better
potential
No
Is the deviation
moderate?
Yes
Greater
Is the deviation
major?
Yes
Classify as
moderate
potential
Classify as
poor potential
Greater
Classify as bad
potential
Figure 3 The procedure for assigning ecological status to an Artificial or heavily
modified waterbody according to the definitions of good and above potential,
moderate, poor and bad potential in the Directive.
CALCULATING AN ECOLOGICAL QUALITY RATIO (EQR)
The biological quality elements grouping comprises four specific elements as follows:
phytoplankton
macrophytes
invertebrates
fish
For each of these elements the Directive prescribes a number of parameters (Table 1)
to be examined to assess the condition of that element. An EQR will be calculated for
each parameter. Where more than one parameter for an element is monitored, the
EQR value for each parameter may be combined, such as by averaging, to estimate
the overall EQR value for the element (upper section of Figure 4). In the case where
the parameters examined are sensitive to different pressures the condition of the
element should be estimated by the results for the worst affected parameter, or group
of parameters, indicative of the effects of different pressures on the element (lower
section of Figure 4).
13
Table 1. The biological quality elements required to be examined for the
assessment of ecological status/potential (WFD Annex V). The parameters for
each element are set out.
Lake
Transit.
Marine
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Composition and abundance of benthic fauna
Y
Y
Y
Y
Composition, abundance and age structure
Y
Y
Y
Element
Parameters
Phytoplankton
Composition, abundance and biomass
Macrophytes
Composition and abundance of aquatic flora
Invertebrates
Fish
River
In the upper part of Figure 4 the procedure for combining parameters, that are
sensitive to a range of pressures, to give an overall status for the relevant biological
element is illustrated.
The remainder of the diagram illustrates the procedure for combining parameters, if
pressure related or multi-metric approaches are used. Under this approach, individual
parameters most sensitive to the effects of a particular type of pressure (e.g.
hydrology) on a biological quality element are used.
Where several parameters responsive to the same pressure (e.g. nutrient loading) are
used, the results for individual parameters may be combined. This will result in
increased confidence in the assessment of the impact of that pressure on the quality
element.
The results for parameters likely to respond to a range of pressures may also be
combined to estimate the condition of a biological quality element.
If several parameters are assessed, each sensitive to the impacts of a different
pressures on the quality element, each parameter should be considered independently
and the status of the biological quality element will be determined by the results for
the parameter that indicates the greatest impact on the element.
14
Figure 4. Combining parameters to indicate the status of a biological quality
element and applying the “one out all out” principle to overall ecological
classification
THE “ONE OUT ALL OUT” PRINCIPLE
In the classification of the ecological status/potential for surface waters, the Directive
requires that the lowest status assigned to either the biological quality element,
general components (physico-chemical), and hydromorphological elements or failure
to achieve the standards set for the specific relevant pollutant will determine the
ecological status that can be assigned to the water body. Thus, the status of a water
body is determined by the condition of the quality element most impacted by the
pressure to which the waterbody is subject.
For chemical status failure to achieve any of the standards set for each of the
substances will result in that waterbody failing the test for chemical status.
In order to achieve the objectives of the WFD a waterbody must achieve good
ecological and chemical status. Failure to achieve good status for the ecological status
test, or failure to achieve the EQS for any of the chemical substances results in failure
to achieve the objective of the directive.
The failure of all waterbodies will be reported to the EU Commission. Waters failing
their WFD objectives will have a programme of measures specified in the river basin
management plan to restore these waters to good status.
15
16
4
Proposed Biological Classification Systems
As noted earlier, the WFD requires that the status of the four biological quality
elements - phytoplankton, macrophytes, invertebrates and fish - is assessed in
estimating the ecological status or potential of a waterbody (Figures 2 and 3). In the
assessment of waterbodies designated as surveillance monitoring sites in the
monitoring programme, all of the four biological elements have to be examined. For
waterbodies in the operational monitoring programme only the biological element
most sensitive to the pressure causing the waterbody to be at risk of or actually failing
to meet good ecological status needs to be examined.
The status of each of the biological elements is determined by measuring the extent of
the deviation, if any, of the sample taken of that element from the condition
established for that element in the absence of pollution or disturbance, known as the
reference condition. For example a sample of the plant community taken in a river or
lake will be judged against the plant community that would be present in that river or
lake in the absence of any pollution or morphological disturbance.
The extent of the change between the actual sample and what should be there will
used to classify that waterbody into one of the five status categories, high, good,
moderate, poor or bad, and expressed numerically as Ecological Quality Ratios (EQR)
for each biological element in the range between 1 (high status) and 0 (bad status)
according to the procedures outlined above.
INTERCALIBRATION
To ensure consistency and comparability of the results of the biological sampling,
measurement and assessment of the biological elements across the EU Member
States, an EU wide intercalibration process was initiated. This exercise is intended to
establish and harmonise the boundaries between high and good status and between
good and moderate status at community level, and ensure that they are consistent with
the definitions in the directive. This exercise will ensure that these boundaries, in all
Member States’ assessment methods for biological quality elements, correspond to
comparable levels of ecosystem change.
For the purpose of intercalibration, member states are organized into groups termed
geographical intercalibration groups (GIGs) consisting largely of adjacent states. For
freshwaters Ireland has participated in the Northern GIG (UK and Scandinavia) and
the Central European GIG. Within these groups national boundaries are harmonized
by adjustment, where necessary, of the proposed EQR value. Adjustments are only
necessary when a member states boundary is deemed to be at variance with the
corresponding values from other Member States.
BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
In the presence of pollution, characteristic and well-documented changes are induced
in the aquatic flora and fauna. To date three biological classification systems have
been intercalibrated viz. invertebrates for rivers and phytoplankton and macrophytes
for lakes.
17
River Invertebrates
The changes brought about by organic pollution in the bottom dwelling (benthic)
macroinvertebrate community in rivers i.e., the immature aquatic stages of aerial
insects mayflies, stoneflies etc.) together with Crustacea (e.g. shrimps), Mollusca (e.g.
snails and bivalves), Oligochaeta (worms) and Hirudinea (leeches) are particularly
well documented. The changes which occur are due to the varying sensitivities of the
different components of the community to the stresses caused by pollution. It is
known that similar organisms inhabit similar habitats and that the most sensitive
species inhabit the riffle areas (shallow, stony, turbulent areas). It is a well
documented fact that community diversity declines in the presence of pollution and
that sensitive species are progressively replaced by more tolerant forms as pollution
increases.
For the purposes of the Irish assessment procedure, benthic macroinvertebrates have
been divided into five arbitrary indicator groups as follows:
Group A, the sensitive forms,
Group B, the less sensitive forms,
Group C, the tolerant forms,
Group D, the very tolerant forms and
Group E, the most tolerant forms.
These groups, and their relationships with the Biotic Index (Q values) are set out in
Appendix 1.
Having determined the relative proportions of the various organisms in the sample,
water quality is inferred by a comparison of these data with those which might be
expected from unpolluted habitats of the type under investigation.
Table 6. The EPA scheme of Biotic Indices (‘Q Values’) relates to Water
Framework Directive status categories.
Biotic Index (Q)
Q5, Q4-5
Q4
Q3-4
Q3, Q2-3
Q2, Q1-2, Q1
Status
High
Good
Moderate
Poor
Bad
Boundary EQR value
High /Good = 0.85
Good/Moderate = 0.75
The intermediate values (Q1-2, 2-3, 3-4 etc.) denote in-between conditions. The
scheme mainly reflects the effects of organic pollution (i.e. deoxygenation and
eutrophication) but where a toxic effect is apparent or suspected the suffix '0' is added
to the biotic index (e.g. Q1/0, 2/0 or 3/0).
Lake Phytoplankton
Nutrient input resulting in eutrophication, has long been the principal pressure on lake
water quality in Ireland. This form of pollution is caused by the inputs of compounds
of phosphorus and/or nitrogen at concentrations in excess of natural levels.
18
Eutrophication results in accelerated growths of (a) planktonic algae, (b)
cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae) and (c) higher forms of plant life
(macrophytes) resulting in increased biomass, to produce an undesirable disturbance
to the balance of organisms present in the water and to the quality of the water
concerned. The WFD requires, for the purpose of classifying the biological quality
element phytoplankton, assessments of the species composition, abundance and
biomass. The abundance of phytoplankton in lake water is widely and most easily
quantified by the measurement of the algal pigment chlorophyll.
The classification system for chlorophyll has been intercalibrated and the median
plant growing season (March to October in Ireland) chlorophyll values and their
corresponding ecological quality ratio (EQR) values have been agreed. These are set
out in Table 8 for each of the 13 lake types described (Table 7).
Table 7. Details of the 13 selected Irish Lake types
Lake typology
Altitude
(m)
<200
Alkalinity
(meq/l)
<0.4
Depth (m)
Size (km2)
<4
<0.5
>0.5
Lake type 3
Lake type 4
<200
<0.4
>4
<0.5
>0.5
Lake type 5
Lake type 6
<200
0.4-2
<4
<0.5
>0.5
Lake type 7
Lake type 8
<200
0.4 - 2
>4
<0.5
>0.5
Lake type 9
Lake type 10
<200
>2
<4
<0.5
>0.5
Lake type 11
Lake type 12
<200
>2
>4
<0.5
>0.5
Lake type 13
>200
-
-
-
Lake types
Lake type 1
Lake type 2
19
Table 8. Reference and boundary chlorophyll values and their corresponding
EQRs for Irish lake types.
Lake types
Status
Chlorophyll
values*
Lake type 1
Lake type 2
Reference condition
High/Good
Good/Moderate
Reference condition
High/Good
Good/Moderate
Reference condition
High/Good
Good/Moderate
Reference condition
High/Good
Good/Moderate
3.5
7
10.5
3
6
9
3.5
6.4
10.9
3.2
5.8
10
Lake type 11
Lake type 12
Reference condition
High/Good
Good/Moderate
Reference condition
High/Good
Good/Moderate
3.5
6.4
10.9
3.2
5.8
10
Lake type 13
Reference condition
High/Good
Good/Moderate
3.5
6.4
10.9
Lake type 3
Lake type 4
Lake type 5
Lake type 6
Lake type 7
Lake type 8
Lake type 9
Lake type 10
EQRs
0.5
0.33
0.5
0.33
0.55
0.32
0.55
0.32
0.55
0.32
0.55
0.32
0.55
0.32
* Chlorophyll values are the median plant growing season values
To assess phytoplankton species composition the relative proportion of cyanobacteria
to total cell biomass is the metric being employed. The intercalibration of this
phytoplankton parameter is nearing completion and the proposed values for high/good
and good /moderate boundaries along with the corresponding EQR values are set out
in Table 9 for the 13 lake types described in Table 7.
Table 9. Reference and boundary % cyanobacteria values and their
corresponding EQRs for Irish lake types (see Table 7).
Lake types
Lake type 1 to 4
Boundaries
Reference
High/Good
Good/Moderate
Lake type 5 to 13 Reference
High/Good
Good/Moderate
20
% Cyanobacteria values
0-5
5 -10
10 - 24
0-7
7 -14
14 - 30
EQR
0.95
0.80
0.92
0.75
Lake Macrophytes (Higher plants)
Increased growths of macrophytes and attached algae on or near shorelines adjacent to
waste inputs may also occur in lakes in the event of increased nutrient inputs. The
WFD required an assessment of the composition and abundance of macrophytes as a
biological quality element. Ireland has devised and adopted a multimetric index, the
Free Macrophyte Lake Index (Free Index), as the National Classification System for
macrophytes. This index has been intercalibrated and the boundaries and EQR values
are set out in Table 10.
Table 10. Reference and boundary Free Index values and their corresponding
EQRs for Irish lake types.
Boundaries
Reference
High/Good
Good/Moderate
Boundary Values EQR
0.8
0.72
0.90
0.54
0.68
For the outstanding biological elements for each surface water category, with the
exception of fish in freshwaters, the development of classification systems is nearly or
fully completed. However, these systems have not yet been intercalibrated due to
delays in progressing the process at community level or there was not sufficient data
available to carry out the intercalibration exercise.
21
22
5
Developing Proposals for Physico-Chemical, Relevant
Pollutant and Chemical Standards
GENERAL COMPONENTS (PHYSICO-CHEMICAL)
The WFD requires that standards be set in respect of the general component (physicochemical) elements to cover the following:
 materials in suspension;
 substances that contribute to eutrophication (in particular nitrates and
phosphates);
 substances that have an unfavourable influence on the oxygen balance.
The proposed standards contained in this document for the general component
(physico-chemical) parameters were derived from an examination of existing river,
lake and tidal water databases collected at sites considered to be of high and good
biological status.
The biological conditions, which were considered to represent high and good status in
rivers and lakes are set out in Table 10.
Table 10. Biological Conditions representing High and Good Status
High
Good
Moderate
Rivers*
Q5 and Q4/5
Q4
Q3-4
Lakes**
Oligotrophic
Mesotrophic
Eutrophic
* See Table 6
** The lakes were classified according to their trophic status based on the abundance of plant growth.
The development of the proposed standards was dependent on the availability of both
biological and physico-chemical data; three years of data were required for each site.
In most cases, due to the scarcity of lake data for parameters other than phosphorus,
the standards relied on river data analysis.
Summary statistics, such as annual median values, were calculated for the relevant
parameters and the values that 90% of the sites complied with for both high and good
status were identified. These values are the proposed boundaries between high and
good status (which was the value that 90% of high status sites complied with) and
good and moderate status (which was the value that 90% of good status sites complied
with). The 90%ile value was chosen to ensure that the values were representative.
The WFD identifies thermal conditions, oxygenation conditions, salinity, acidification
status, nutrient conditions and transparency general component (physico-chemical)
supporting elements in certain surface waters. Table 11 summaries the actual
parameters for which Irish datasets were available representing these conditions in
rivers and lakes.
23
Table 11. Phase 1 General Component (physico-chemical) Parameters for EQS
Development
Condition
Thermal
Oxygen
Salinity
Acid
Nutrient
Transparency
Parameter
Temperature
DO
BOD
Salinity
pH
Ammonium
TON/DIN
MRP
Total Phosphorus
Transparency
River



Phase 2*


Lake


Transitional



Coastal





Phase 2*
Phase 2*
Phase 2*




Phase 2*
*In the case of two parameters, salinity and water transparency, insufficient data were available to
allow the calculation of proposed standards. In these instances data collected during the course of the
monitoring programme will be used for such calculation.
The proposed EQS values define the boundaries between high /good and good
/moderate status for that element. Therefore the EQSs now proposed for the various
quality elements will allow classification of all surface waterbodies in accordance
with the requirements of the Directive. This in turn will allow the EPA, on the basis of
the monitoring programmes now underway, to determine if a waterbody is meeting or
failing to meet the environmental objectives of the Directive. Waters failing their
WFD objectives will have a programme of measures specified in the river basin
management plan to restore these waters to good status.
The EPA proposes the use of Trigger Action Values (TAVs) for certain parameters. A
TAV is a numerical value to be used in the case of some parameters (e.g. phosphorus,
nitrogen), usually in parallel with an environmental quality standard (EQS), and
which will provide a more stringent non-binding target than the EQS, e.g. in the case
of a water body thought to be especially sensitive to that parameter. TAVs are also to
be used in other situations such as in the case of the parameter ‘dissolved oxygen’
where 24-hour continuous monitoring will be required to establish compliance or
otherwise with the actual EQS in the event that the TAV value, which in this case is
based on the results of ‘grab-sampling’ only, is breached.
Exceeding a TAV will usually prompt further investigation and action. These followup investigations and actions will depend on which TAV has been breached.
 In some cases the initial response will be to undertake further monitoring to
confirm if indeed the EQS is breached and a water quality problem arises (by e.g.
by the installation of continuous dissolved oxygen recorders); actual water quality
corrective measures will follow if necessary.
 In other cases a follow-up investigation will entail determining whether the causes
of the non-compliance are due to human activities as opposed to natural
occurrences. The WFD stipulates that the effects of floods and droughts should
not cause status failures. Therefore if a temperature limit is failed due to a heatwave no future action will be taken; where declines owing to anthropogenic
pressures are detected, measures will follow.
24


In some situations where a nutrient TAV is breached, such as in the case of an
inflowing river to a highly sensitive lake, the EPA may require that the impact of
the nutrient loading to the lake be assessed to determine if further measures are
needed to reduce the sources of nutrient loading in the catchment in order to
protect the lake.
In other cases, TAVs are proposed without an accompanying EQS. The use of
TAVs in this way is generally in a situation where there is not a sufficiently robust
understanding of the relationship between the supporting quality element for
which the TAV is proposed and the biological quality element likely to be
affected. In these situations, the TAV will be used to draw attention to a possible
water quality problem and the EPA will determine compliance or otherwise on the
‘weight of evidence’ approach.
PROPOSED STANDARDS
CHEMICAL) ELEMENTS
FOR THE
GENERAL COMPONENT (PHYSICO-
The following are the proposed standards drawn up for the general component
(physico-chemical) elements. Existing standards for these elements are set out in
Appendix 2.
Temperature
Thermal Conditions
Rivers
Lakes
Transitional
Coastal
TAV maximum temperature (90% ile) <21.5˚C
Temperature
EQS: rise above ambient temperature of <1.5˚C
Dissolved Oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Oxygenation
Conditions
Rivers
Lakes
Dissolved
Oxygen
Lower Limit
TAV Daytime minimum
(Grab Sample) >9 mg/l
EQS 24 hour minimum
>7 mg/l
Dissolved
Oxygen
Upper Limit
TAV
Daytime
maximum <11 mg/l
Transitional
Coastal
0 psu1 @ 15oC (Summer)
EQS (5%ile)>70% saturation ~7
mg/l
>34.5 psu @ 15oC (Summer)
EQS (5%ile)>80% saturation ~6.5
mg/l
0psu @ 15oC (Summer)
EQS (95%ile) <130% saturation
~13 mg/l
>34.5psu @ 15oC (Summer)
EQS (95%ile) <120% saturation
~10 mg/l
>34.5 psu @ 15 oC (Summer)
EQS (5%ile) > 80% saturation
~6.5 mg/l
>34.5 psu @ 15 oC (Summer)
EQS (95%ile) <120% saturation
~10 mg/l
[CONFIRM THAT THE 9mg/l STANARD FOR RIVERS AND LAKES IS
REASONABLE FOR HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES]
Oxygenation
Conditions
Biochemical
Demand
25
Oxygen
Rivers
Lakes
Transitional
Coastal
TAV <2 mg/l annual median
EQS <5 mg/l maximum
individual value
N/A
TAV (95%ile) <4 mg/l
EQS (98%ile) <5 mg/l
N/A
pH
Acidification Status
Rivers
Lakes
pH
EQS Soft Water 4.5< pH < 9.0
TAV Soft Water 5.5<pH<9
(Maximum individual values)
EQS Hard Water 6< pH < 9.0
Transitional
Coastal
N/A
N/A
Ammonium
Nutrient Conditions
Rivers
Lakes
Transitional
Coastal
N/A
N/A
EQS High/Good Boundary <0.035 mg/l N
(Median)
Ammonium
EQS Good/Moderate Boundary <0.060 mg/l N
(Median)
Total Oxidised Nitrogen/Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen
Nutrient Conditions
Total
Oxidised
Nitrogen (TON) or
Dissolved Inorganic
Nitrogen (DIN)
Rivers
Lakes
Phase 2
Transitional
Coastal
0-35 psu (Winter Median)
TAV 2.6mg/l – 0.25mg/l
≈TAV 185μM - 18μM
>34.5 psu (Winter Median)
High sites - EQS 12μM, TAV 10μM
≈ EQS 0.17mg/l, TAV 0.14mg/l
Good sites - EQS 18μM, TAV 15μ
≈ EQS 0.25mg/l, TAV 0.21mg/l
Molybdate Reactive Phosphorus (MRP) and Total Phosphorus
Nutrient
Conditions
Rivers
Molybdate
Reactive
Phosphorus
(MRP)
TAV High/Good Boundary <16 µg P/l
TAV Good/Moderate Boundary <30 µg P/l
EQS High/Good Boundary <34 µg P/l
EQS Good/Moderate Boundary <50 µg P/l
(Median)
Total Phosphorus
1Psu
26
= Practical Salinity Units.
Lakes
Transitional
0-17 psu (Winter Median)
EQS 60µg P/l
35psu (Winter Median)
EQS 40µg P/l
Determined by
Intercalibration
Coastal
PRIORITY SUBSTANCES
Priority substances are identified according to Article 16 (2), listed in Annex X of
WFD and are selected from those which present a significant risk to or via the aquatic
environment. They include “priority hazardous” substances identified in this Annex.
The standards for these substances are to be set at community level and to date draft
standards have been issued for consideration (COM (2006) 397final). It is not
envisaged that there will be substantial changes to the proposed values when the
standards are agreed at Community level. It has been decided to provisionally
recommend these as the values that will form the basis for the Irish regulations for the
priority substances.
Standards for Priority Substances
Annual Average
Concentration (µg/l)
Priority Action Substances
Existing
Standards
*** (µg/l)
(AA) Maximum Allowed Concentration (MAC)
(µg/l)
AA
freshwaters
AA marine
MAC freshwaters
MAC marine
0.3
0.3
0.7
0.7
0.1
0.1
0.4
0.4
0.6
0.6
2
2
Benzene
10
8
50
50
Pentabromodiphenlyether*
0.0005
0.0002
n/a
n/a
6
Cadmium* and its compounds
0.08-0.25
0.2
0.45-1.5
7
C10-13-Chloralkanes*
0.4
0.4
1.4
1.4
8
Chlorfenvinphos
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.3
9
Chlorpyrifos
0.03
0.03
0.1
0.1
10
1,2-Dichloroethane
10
10
n/a
n/a
11
Dichloromethane
20
20
n/a
n/a
12
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
(DEHP)
1.3
1.3
n/a
n/a
13
Diuron
0.2
0.2
1.8
1.8
14
Endosulfan*
0.005
0.0005
0.01
0.004
15
Fluoranthene
0.1
0.1
1
1
16
Hexachlorobenzene*
0.01
0.01
0.05
0.05
17
Hexachlorobutadiene*
0.1
0.1
0.6
0.6
18
Hexachlorocylohexane*
(Lindane)
0.02
0.002
0.04
0.02
19
Isoproturon
0.3
0.3
1
1
20
Lead and its compounds
7.2
7.2
n/a
n/a
21
Mercury* and its compounds
0.05
0.05
0.07
0.07
22
Naphthalene
2.4
1.2
n/a
n/a
23
Nickel and its compounds
20
20
n/a
n/a
24
Nonylphenols*
0.3
0.3
2
2
25
Octylphenols
0.1
0.01
n/a
n/a
26
Pentachloro-benzene*
0.007
0.0007
n/a
n/a
27
Pentachlorophenol
0.4
0.4
1
1
28
Polyaromatic
(PAH)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Number
Substance
1
Alachlor
2
Anthracene*
3
Atrazine
4
5
27
1.0
10.0
5-10
8-50
Hydrocarbon*
Number
Substance
AA freshwater AA marine
MAC freshwaters
MAC marine
(benzo-a-pyrene)
0.05
0.1
0.1
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.05
(benzo-b-fluoranthene)
∑=0.03
(benzo-k-fluoranthene)
∑=0.03
(benzo-k-fluoranthene)
(benzo-g,h,i-perylene)
(indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene)
n/a
n/a
∑=0.002
∑=0.002
n/a
n/a
29
Simazine
1.0
1
1
4
4
30
Tributyltin*
0.001
0.0002
0.0002
0.0015
0.0015
31
Trichlorobenzene (all isomers)
0.4
0.4
n/a
n/a
32
Trichloromethane
2.5
2.5
n/a
n/a
33
Trifluarin
0.03
0.03
n/a
n/a
34
DDT total**
0.025
0.025
n/a
n/a
35
Aldrin**
n/a
n/a
36
Endrin**
n/a
n/a
37
Dieldrin**
n/a
n/a
38
Isodrin**
∑=0.010
∑=0.005
n/a
n/a
39
Carbontetrachloride**
12
12
n/a
n/a
40
Tetrachloroethylene**
10
10
n/a
n/a
41
Trichloroethylene**
10
10
n/a
n/a
* Priority hazardous substance
**This substance is not a priority substance but a List 1 substance under the Dangerous Substances
Directive (76/464/EEC). The EQS proposed in the Priority Substances Directive is identical to that laid
down in Directive 76/464/EEC to ensure an equivalent level of protection.
*** The existing standards are from the Irish Dangerous Substances Regulations (S.I. No. 12 of 2001).
In relation to lead and nickel, the standard for fresh waters is 5µg/l and 8µg/l respectively where water
hardness is ≤100 mg/l CaCO3; and 10µg/l and 50µg/l respectively where water hardness is ≥100 mg/l
CaCO3. In tidal waters the standards for lead and nickel are 5µg/l and 25µg/l respectively. In relation
to tributyltin, the standard applies to tidal waters only and shall be deemed to be met if the results of
monitoring for biological effects indicate no reproductive impairment in gastropods.
Specific measures will be adopted against the pollution of water by these substances.
For the priority substances measures shall be aimed at their progressive reduction and
for the priority hazardous substances at the cessation or phasing out of discharges,
emissions and losses.
28
SPECIFIC RELEVANT POLLUTANTS
In the case of specific relevant pollutants i.e. those chemical substances listed in
points 1 to 9 of Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive and not included in the
EU priority list, water body status is to be classified as good or moderate according to
the concentration of pollutant present. The procedure for setting quality standards for
these substances is prescribed in Annex V, section 1.2.6, to the Directive. This
method is largely based on acute and chronic toxicity data and the application of
appropriate safety factors; it is independent of any observed levels of these
compounds in water.
The indicative list of specific relevant pollutants (WFD Annex VIII) is set out in
general terms in the WFD. An extensive exercise was undertaken to identify those
particular substances relevant in Irish surface waters. The criteria used for the
selection of substances included that the substance should be present in water at a
significant concentration and/or have a significant level of use. Priority was given to
substances based on the risk posed by individual substances.
Using a risk-based approach and following WFD guidance on the selection of relevant
pollutants developed at EU level, a total of 161 substances were initially included on a
national screening list1 for further investigation. Most of these substances had been
identified as of concern to the aquatic environment in various international priority
listings2 and/or were known to be used in Ireland. Usage information, where available,
was obtained from the Clean Technology Centre, Cork, and the Pesticide Control Unit
of the Department of Agriculture and Food, as well as from a number of smaller
studies undertaken in Ireland.
Having established that the compounds were to be reasonably considered as candidate
pollutants relevant to Irish waters, they were included in a carefully designed water
quality survey, to establish whether they were present in significant concentrations.
Monitoring sites were selected downstream of areas where these substances were
most likely to be found. Monthly samples were taken over a 12-month period,
allowing the calculation of an annual average concentration. Although at the time of
the survey, no WFD compliant environmental quality standards were yet established
for these substances, benchmark values were available for most substances from the
scientific literature or from standards in use in other Member States (including a
number of standards set at a national level under existing Irish legislation). A
substance was judged to be present at a significant concentration where the annual
average concentration was found to exceed one quarter of the benchmark value used
for that substance. For compounds occurring naturally, such as metals, the issue of
taking account of background or natural concentrations occurring in a waterbody has
yet to be resolved at EU level.
Discussion Document – Rationale for Deriving National Priority Action, Candidate Relevant
Pollutant and Candidate General Component Substances Lists for Surface Waters ; National Dangerous
Substances Expert Group, May 2004
2
These international listings include the Potential List 1 Substances under Directive 76/464/EEC, the
United Nations Environment Programme Persistent Organic Pollutants list and the OSPAR list of
substances of concern in the North-East Atlantic.
1
29
Using the various tests for relevance, twenty-five specific relevant pollutants were
identified for inclusion in the national WFD monitoring programme for more
widespread evaluation. The substances Toluene, Xylenes and Cyanide were added to
this list on the basis that standards had already been established for these substances
in the Irish Dangerous Substances Regulations (S.I. No. 12 of 2001) even though they
were not detected in significant concentrations in the national screening survey for
dangerous substances. The final list of 28 relevant pollutants included in the
monitoring programme comprises 12 Metals, 11 Pesticides and 5 other substances.
Eleven additional specific relevant pollutants have been added to a Supplementary
Monitoring List where information indicated that they might pose a risk to the aquatic
environment due to particular uses or because they were of cross-border concern. It is
proposed that these substances will initially come under the investigative monitoring
programme. These include 7 Pesticides and 4 other substances.
EQSs have been developed and are now proposed for 18 of the above substances
(including for two chromium species). Standards will be brought forward for the other
substances at a later stage3, if deemed necessary, taking into account inter alia the
findings of the national dangerous substances monitoring programme which is being
undertaken by the EPA.
Because of the complexity of the procedure for derivation of EQS for these
substances, the process of identifying substances and developing environmental
quality standards is ongoing also in most other Member States, in keeping with the
iterative approach of the Water Framework Directive.
All proposed standards will be kept under review inter alia in the event of technical or
Scientific progress.
3
The additional substances are antimony, barium, boron, cobalt, 2,4/2,5-dichlorophenol, di-nbutylphthalate, epichlorohydrin, epoxiconazole, fenitrothion, malathion, maneb, MCPA, molybdenum,
nonylphenol ethoxylates, pirimiphos-methyl, selenium, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, thiram, tin, vanadium
and zineb.
30
Proposed Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for Specific Relevant
Pollutants. NVP: No value proposed. FW: freshwater; TW: tidal water.
Parameter
Arsenic
Chromium (III)*
Chromium (VI)*
Cypermethrin **
Copper
Cyanide
2,4 D
Diazinon
Dimethoate
Fluoride***
Glyphosate
Linuron
Mancozeb
Mecoprop
Monochlorobenzene
Phenol
Toluene***
Xylenes *** (Total)
Zinc
Existing
Standard
(Annual
Average (S.I.
12 2001) µg/l
25
5-30 FW;
15 TW (total
chromium)
Proposed Standards
Annual Average
(AA)
EQS
Freshwater µg/l
AA
EQS
Marine
µg/l
Maximum Allowable
Concentration (MAC)
EQS Freshwater µg/l
MAC EQS
Marine
µg/l
4.7
3.4
NVP
0.6
32.0
NVP
NVP
32
0.0001
0.0001
0.0004
0.0004
0.3
0.01
0.48
0.3
0.01
0.48
1.3
0.02
4.0
1.3
0.26
4.0
65
0.5
2
5.5
1.3
7.7
(74)
NVP
0.5
2
0.3
25
7.7
(74)
NVP
0.9
20
24
NVP
46
(380)
NVP
0.9
20
1.7
NVP
46
(370)
5-30FW; 5TW
10
500 (FW)
1500 (TW)
10
10
8 – 100 FW;
40 TW
Footnotes
*Values for all substances, except Chromium III and VI, are for total concentrations.
Values for chromium are for dissolved metal. In addition, values for all metals, except
Chromium (VI) are as added values to background concentrations. As Chromium (VI)
in the environment is of anthropogenic origin and natural background levels are,
therefore, negligible, the concentrations for Chromium (VI) are not added to
background levels.
** These values are suitable for use as Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)
because they are not subject to excessive uncertainty and, with some development, the
analytical capacity should be adequate for compliance assessment purposes.
***In the case of Toluene, Fluoride and total Xylene it is proposed to maintain the
stricter standards existing under the Irish Dangerous Substances Regulations rather
than adopt the standards using the Water Framework Directive methodology (for
Toluene) or those available from a review of existing standards in other countries (for
Fluoride and Xylene).
31
32
Appendix 1
The Q Scheme.
33
The Q Scheme.
Based exclusively on major macroinvertebrate indicator species.
a) Eroding Stretches (riffles, runs, glides).
Q5
High Status: At least three Group A families in good numbers (i.e., some or all
Common or greater). Tolerant taxa (Groups C, D and E) if present, not more than
very few or absent. [If only 2 Group A and other criteria met then Q4-5, i.e., High
Status also]
Q4
Good Status: At least one Group A or (where substratum significantly
compacted or petrified) several Group B taxa must be present in reasonable
numbers (i.e., some or all Common or greater). If present, not more than one Group C
taxon Dominant or Numerous, never excessive. (may be high numbers of Simuliidae
on the weed). Groups D and E not more than very few or absent.
Q3-4 Moderate Status At least one Group A or several Group B taxa must be present.
More than one Group C taxon Dominant or Numerous or one (or more) taxon
excessive. Group D: Physa sp. or Sphaeriidae absent to Dominant. Asellidae,
Crangonyx sp. and Group E few/absent.
Q3
Poor Status
Q2
Bad Status Groups A, B and C absent. Asellidae/Crangonyx sp., usually excessive.
Group A absent. Group B absent or just one taxon in small
numbers.Group C typically excessive or dominant. Group D mollusca absent to
Dominant. Asellidae, Crangonyx sp. few/absent. Group E few/absent (Q3) to
Common (Q2-3, i.e., Poor Status also).
Group E few/absent (Q2) to Numerous (Q1-2).
Q1
Bad Status Groups A, B, C and D absent. Group E the only group present.
The Faunal Groups
Group A
Plecoptera (excl. Leuctridae.) Heptageniidae Ameletus sp. M. margaritifera
Group B
Leuctridae Cased Caddis, Ancylidae
Group C
sp.) Simuliidae
Gammaridae (excl. Crangonyx sp.)
Gastropoda (excl. Ancylidae, Physa
Uncased Caddis Chironomidae (excl. Chironomus sp.)
Group D
Asellidae
Group E
Tubificidae Chironomus sp.
Crangonyx sp. Physa sp.
Sphaeriidae
Eristalis sp.
Note: An estimate of the relative abundance of each taxon is sufficient.
Final assessment to take account of substratum type & condition (e.g., compaction,
calcification, siltation, dredging) and of such factors as seasonality, shading, weed cover,
floods etc.
34
b) Depositing Stretches (slow flow) having some hard surfaces and/or
macrophytes present.
Q5 and 4-5
High Status Group A Plecoptera and/or Ephemeroptera must be well
represented (i.e., Common or greater). Groups C, D and E not more than common.
Q4
Good Status At least one Group A or several Group B taxa Common or greater. If
present, not more than one Group C taxon dominant or numerous, never excessive. Group D,
if present, not more than few.
Q3-4 Moderate Status
At least one Group A or several Group B taxa, must be
present. Group C and/or D typically dominant.
Q3 and 2-3
Poor Status
Groups A and B absent. Group C or D typically dominant.
Q2 and 1-2
Bad Status
Groups A, B & C absent. Group D dominant or excessive.
Group E absent to common.
Q1
Bad Status
Group E the only group present, usually excessive.
The Faunal Groups
Group A
Plecoptera (any), Heptageniidae, Ephemeridae, Potamanthidae, Margaritifera margaritifera
Group B
Baetidae (Baetis, Cloeon, Procloeon, Centroptilum), Caenidae,
Siphlonuridae, Ephemerellidae, Cased Caddis, Odonata, Ancylidae.
Leptophlebidae,
Group C
Gammaridae (excl. Crangonyx sp.), Mollusca, Simulidae, Sialidae, Chironomidae (excl.
Chironomus sp.).
Group D
Asellidae, Crangonyx sp., Sphaeriidae
Group E
Tubificidae, Chironomus sp., Eristalis sp.
35
36
Appendix 2
General Components (physico-chemical)
EXISTING STANDARDS IN USE IN IRELAND
37
Designations and Standards as set through Irish Legislation
(i)
Drinking Water
S.I. No. 294 of 1984. European Community (Quality of Surface
Water Intended for Human Consumption) Regulations
Parameters
Unit Of Measurement Standard for Categories
A1
A2
A3
PH
pH Unit
5.5-8.5
5.5-9.0 5.5-9.0
o
Temperature
C
25*
25*
25*
Phosphates
mg/l P2O5
0.5
0.7
0.7
Dissolved Oxygen saturation %O2
>60%
>50%
>30%
rate
Biochemical Oxygen
mg/l O2
5
5
7
Demand
Ammonium
mg/l NH4
0.2
1.5
4*
*excepting climatic or geographical conditions.
(ii)
Salmonid Water
S.I. No. 293 of 1988. European Communities (Quality of Salmonid
Waters) Regulations.
Parameter
Units
Standard
Temperature
ºC
Dissolved
Oxygen (DO)
mg/l
O2
Downstream of thermal discharge.
Discharge > 1.5ºC, temperature of
receiving water >21.5ºC May-Oct
> 10ºC Nov-April
> 9 danger at 6, Local Authority to
prove no harm to fish populations
E.U. Directive –guidance limits > 7
≥ 6 ≤ 9 not exceeded ±0.5 change in
the receiving water
PH
38
Sampling
Frequency
Weekly
upstream and
downstream
Conformance to
standard
Monthly
representativ
e of low O2
conditions
Monthly
50% of time
BOD5
mg/l
O2
≤5
EU Directive guidance limit <3
Monthly
Total
Ammonium
mg/l
NH4
≤1
Monthly
98% of time
100% of time
95% of monthly
samples
100% when less
frequent monitoring
95% of monthly
samples, 100% when
less frequently
monitored
95% of monthly
samples, 100% when
less frequently
monitored
(iii)
Shellfish Water
S.I. No. 459 of 2001. Quality of Shellfish Waters (Amendment)
Regulations, 2001.
Parameter
Units
Standard
Temperature
ºC
Discharge affecting shellfish
waters should not cause receiving
waters to exceed by more than 3
ºC the temperature of waters not
so affected.
> 7 pH < 9
pH
pH unit
Dissolved
Oxygen
Saturatio
n
≥70% and not < 60% unless not
harmful effects on shellfish
colonies can be proven
Sampling Conformance to
Frequency standard
75% of samples over 12
Quarterly
months where sampling is
carried out once per quarter
Quarterly
75% of samples over 12
months where sampling is
carried out once per quarter
Monthly
S.I. No. 268 of 2006. Quality of Shellfish Waters (Amendment) Regulations,
2006.
Parameter
pH
Units of
Measuremen
t
pH unit
Temperature
Degrees
Celsius
Dissolved
Oxygen
Saturation per
cent
Standard/Value
Not less than 7 nor greater
than 9
Thermometry
(a) equal to or greater than
70 per cent (average value)
(b) no individual
measurement to indicate a
value less than 60 per cent
unless it can be established
that there are no harmful
consequences for the
development of shellfish
colonies.
Should an individual
measurement indicate a
value less than 70 per cent,
measurements must be
repeated.
39
Reference Method
of analysis or
inspection
Electrometry
Winkler’s method or
electrochemical
method
Frequency of
sampling
Quarterly Measured
in situ at the time of
sampling.
Quarterly Measured
in situ at the time of
sampling.
Monthly, with a
minimum of one
sample representative
of low oxygen
conditions on the day
of sampling.
However, where
major daily variations
are suspected, a
minimum of two
samples in one day
must be taken.
(iv)
Bathing Water
S.I. No. 155 of 1992. Quality of Bathing Waters Regulations, 1992.
Parameter
pH
Unit
Dissolved Oxygen
% saturation 02
(vi)
Standard
6 and 9(To be conformed with by 95%
of samples. No two consecutive samples
to fall outside the range.)
70 and 120 (To be conformed with by
95% of samples. No two consecutive
samples to fall outside the range).
Phosphorus Standards
S.I. No 258 of 1998. Local Government (Water Pollution) Act,
1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations, 1998.
Rivers
Existing Biological Quality
Rating
5
Unpolluted
4-5
4
3-4
3
2-3
<2
Slightly
Polluted
Moderately
polluted
Seriously
Polluted
Lakes
Existing Trophic Status
UltraOligotrophic
Oligotrophic
Mesotrophic
Eutrophic
Hypertrophic
(vii)
40
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactor
y
Urban Waste Water
MRP Median
Concentration
µg P/l
15
20
30
30
Minimum Target Biological
Quality Target (Q) Rating
5
4-5
4
4
50
70
70
3-4
3
3
Minimum Target Trophic
Status
Ultra-Oligotrophic
Total Phosphorus Average
Concentration (µg P/l)
>5
Oligotrophic
Mesotrophic
Mesotrophic
>5 - 10
>10 - 20
>10 - 20
>20 - 50
Eutrophic
S.I. 254 of 2001. Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations
Parameters
Concentration
BOD without
nitrification
25 mg/l O2
Total Phosphorus
2 mg/l
(10,000-100,000 p.e.)
1 mg/l (> 100,000 p.e.)
41
Minimum %
of reduction
70-90
80
Method of Measurement
Homogenised, unfiltered
undecanted sample.
Determination of dissolved
oxygen before and after fiveday incubation at 20˚C 1˚C
in complete darkness.
Addition of a nitrification
inhibitor
Molecular absorption
spectrophotometry
42