# CE2006126EN.01000101.xml

| 30.5.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 126/1 |
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30.5.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 126/1

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COMMON POSITION (EC) No 4/2006

COMMON POSITION

adopted by the Council on 23 January 2006

with a view to adopting Directive 2006/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the protection of groundwater against pollution

(2006/C 126 E/01)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

1

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

2

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

3

Whereas:

| (1) | Groundwater is a valuable natural resource which should be protected from chemical pollution. This is particularly important for groundwater-dependent ecosystems and for the use of groundwater in water supply for human consumption. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Groundwater is a valuable natural resource which should be protected from chemical pollution. This is particularly important for groundwater-dependent ecosystems and for the use of groundwater in water supply for human consumption.

| (2) | Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (4) includes the objective to achieve water quality levels that do not give rise to significant impacts on, and risks to, human health and the environment. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (4) includes the objective to achieve water quality levels that do not give rise to significant impacts on, and risks to, human health and the environment.

4

| (3) | In order to protect the environment as a whole, and human health in particular, detrimental concentrations of harmful pollutants in groundwater should be avoided, prevented or reduced. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In order to protect the environment as a whole, and human health in particular, detrimental concentrations of harmful pollutants in groundwater should be avoided, prevented or reduced.

| (4) | 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 (5) sets out general provisions for the protection and conservation of groundwater. As provided for in Article 17 of that Directive, measures to prevent and control groundwater pollution should be adopted, including criteria for assessing good groundwater chemical status and criteria for the identification of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

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 (5) sets out general provisions for the protection and conservation of groundwater. As provided for in Article 17 of that Directive, measures to prevent and control groundwater pollution should be adopted, including criteria for assessing good groundwater chemical status and criteria for the identification of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals.

5

| (5) | Having regard to the need to achieve consistent levels of protection for groundwater, quality standards and threshold values should be established, and methodologies based on a common approach should be developed, in order to provide criteria for the assessment of the chemical status of bodies of groundwater. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Having regard to the need to achieve consistent levels of protection for groundwater, quality standards and threshold values should be established, and methodologies based on a common approach should be developed, in order to provide criteria for the assessment of the chemical status of bodies of groundwater.

| (6) | Quality standards for nitrates, plant protection products and biocides should be set as Community criteria for the assessment of the chemical status of bodies of groundwater, and consistency should be ensured with Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (6), Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market (7), and Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market (8) respectively. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Quality standards for nitrates, plant protection products and biocides should be set as Community criteria for the assessment of the chemical status of bodies of groundwater, and consistency should be ensured with Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (6), Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market (7), and Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market (8) respectively.

6

7

8

| (7) | Groundwater chemical status provisions do not apply to high naturally-occurring concentrations of substances or ions or their indicators, contained either in a body of groundwater or in associated bodies of surface water, due to specific hydro-geological conditions, which are not covered by the definition of pollution. Equally, they do not apply to temporary, spatially-limited changes in flow direction and chemical composition, which are not regarded as intrusions. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Groundwater chemical status provisions do not apply to high naturally-occurring concentrations of substances or ions or their indicators, contained either in a body of groundwater or in associated bodies of surface water, due to specific hydro-geological conditions, which are not covered by the definition of pollution. Equally, they do not apply to temporary, spatially-limited changes in flow direction and chemical composition, which are not regarded as intrusions.

| (8) | Criteria should be established for the identification of any significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations and for the definition of the starting point for trend reversal, taking into account the likelihood of adverse effects on associated aquatic ecosystems or dependent terrestrial ecosystems. |
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(8)

Criteria should be established for the identification of any significant and sustained upward trends in pollutant concentrations and for the definition of the starting point for trend reversal, taking into account the likelihood of adverse effects on associated aquatic ecosystems or dependent terrestrial ecosystems.

| (9) | Member States should, where possible, use statistical procedures, provided they comply with international standards and contribute to the comparability of results of monitoring between Member States over long periods. |
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(9)

Member States should, where possible, use statistical procedures, provided they comply with international standards and contribute to the comparability of results of monitoring between Member States over long periods.

| (10) | In accordance with the third indent of Article 22(2) of Directive 2000/60/EC, Council Directive 80/68/EEC of 17 December 1979 on the protection of groundwater against pollution by certain dangerous substances (9) is to be repealed with effect from 22 December 2013. It is necessary to ensure the continuity of the protection provided by Directive 80/68/EEC with regard to measures aimed at preventing or limiting both direct and indirect inputs of pollutants into groundwater. |
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(10)

In accordance with the third indent of Article 22(2) of Directive 2000/60/EC, Council Directive 80/68/EEC of 17 December 1979 on the protection of groundwater against pollution by certain dangerous substances (9) is to be repealed with effect from 22 December 2013. It is necessary to ensure the continuity of the protection provided by Directive 80/68/EEC with regard to measures aimed at preventing or limiting both direct and indirect inputs of pollutants into groundwater.

9

| (11) | It is necessary to distinguish between hazardous substances, inputs of which should be prevented, and other pollutants, inputs of which should be limited. Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC, listing the main pollutants relevant for the water environment, should be used to identify hazardous and non-hazardous substances which present an existing or potential risk of pollution. |
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(11)

It is necessary to distinguish between hazardous substances, inputs of which should be prevented, and other pollutants, inputs of which should be limited. Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC, listing the main pollutants relevant for the water environment, should be used to identify hazardous and non-hazardous substances which present an existing or potential risk of pollution.

| (12) | In order to ensure consistent protection of groundwater, Member States sharing bodies of groundwater should coordinate their activities in respect of monitoring, the setting of threshold values, and the identification of relevant hazardous substances. |
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(12)

In order to ensure consistent protection of groundwater, Member States sharing bodies of groundwater should coordinate their activities in respect of monitoring, the setting of threshold values, and the identification of relevant hazardous substances.

| (13) | In certain circumstances, Member States should be authorised to grant exemptions from measures to prevent or limit the input of pollutants into groundwater. |
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(13)

In certain circumstances, Member States should be authorised to grant exemptions from measures to prevent or limit the input of pollutants into groundwater.

| (14) | It is necessary to provide for transitional measures to apply during the period between the date of implementation of this Directive and the date from which Directive 80/68/EEC is repealed. |
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(14)

It is necessary to provide for transitional measures to apply during the period between the date of implementation of this Directive and the date from which Directive 80/68/EEC is repealed.

| (15) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (10), |
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(15)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (10),

10

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

Purpose

1.   This Directive establishes specific measures as provided for in Article 17(1) and (2) of Directive 2000/60/EC in order to prevent and control groundwater pollution. These measures include in particular:

| (a) | criteria for the assessment of good groundwater chemical status; and |
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(a)

criteria for the assessment of good groundwater chemical status; and

| (b) | criteria for the identification and reversal of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals. |
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(b)

criteria for the identification and reversal of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals.

2.   This Directive also complements the provisions preventing or limiting inputs of pollutants into groundwater already contained in Directive 2000/60/EC, and aims to prevent the deterioration of the status of all bodies of groundwater.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions shall apply in addition to those laid down in Article 2 of Directive 2000/60/EC:

| (1) | ‘groundwater quality standard’ means an environmental quality standard expressed as the concentration of a particular pollutant, group of pollutants or indicator of pollution in groundwater, which should not be exceeded in order to protect human health and the environment; |
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(1)

‘groundwater quality standard’ means an environmental quality standard expressed as the concentration of a particular pollutant, group of pollutants or indicator of pollution in groundwater, which should not be exceeded in order to protect human health and the environment;

| (2) | ‘threshold value’ means a groundwater quality standard set by Member States in accordance with Article 3; |
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(2)

‘threshold value’ means a groundwater quality standard set by Member States in accordance with Article 3;

| (3) | ‘significant and sustained upward trend’ means any statistically significant increase of concentration of a pollutant, group of pollutants, or indicator of pollution, which presents an environmental risk for which trend reversal is identified as being necessary in accordance with Article 5; |
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(3)

‘significant and sustained upward trend’ means any statistically significant increase of concentration of a pollutant, group of pollutants, or indicator of pollution, which presents an environmental risk for which trend reversal is identified as being necessary in accordance with Article 5;

| (4) | ‘input of pollutants into groundwater’ means the direct or indirect introduction of pollutants into groundwater as a result of human activity. |
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(4)

‘input of pollutants into groundwater’ means the direct or indirect introduction of pollutants into groundwater as a result of human activity.

Article 3

Criteria for assessing groundwater chemical status

1.   For the purposes of the assessment of the chemical status of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater pursuant to Section 2.3 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States shall use the following criteria:

| (a) | groundwater quality standards as referred to in Annex I; |
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(a)

groundwater quality standards as referred to in Annex I;

| (b) | threshold values to be established by Member States in accordance with the procedure set out in Part A of Annex II for the pollutants, groups of pollutants and indicators of pollution which, within the territory of a Member State, have been identified as contributing to the characterisation of bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater as being at risk, taking into account at least the list contained in Part B of Annex II. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

threshold values to be established by Member States in accordance with the procedure set out in Part A of Annex II for the pollutants, groups of pollutants and indicators of pollution which, within the territory of a Member State, have been identified as contributing to the characterisation of bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater as being at risk, taking into account at least the list contained in Part B of Annex II.

2.   Threshold values can be established at the national level, at the level of the river basin district or the part of the international river basin district falling within the territory of a Member State, or at the level of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater.

3.   Member States shall ensure that, for bodies of groundwater shared by two or more Member States and for bodies of groundwater within which groundwater flows across a Member State's boundary, the establishment of threshold values is subject to coordination between the Member States concerned, in accordance with Article 3(4) of Directive 2000/60/EC.

4.   Where a body or a group of bodies of groundwater extends beyond the territory of the Community, the Member State(s) concerned shall endeavour to establish threshold values in coordination with the non-Member State(s) concerned, in accordance with Article 3(5) of Directive 2000/60/EC.

5.   Member States shall establish threshold values pursuant to paragraph 1(b) for the first time by 22 December 2008 at the latest.

All threshold values established shall be published in the river basin management plans to be submitted in accordance with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC, and including a summary of the information set out in Part C of Annex II.

6.   Member States shall amend the list of threshold values whenever new information on pollutants, groups of pollutants, or indicators of pollution indicates that a threshold value should be set for an additional substance, that an existing threshold value should be amended, or that a threshold value previously removed from the list should be re-inserted, in order to protect human health and the environment.

Threshold values can be removed from the list when the body of groundwater concerned is no longer at risk from the corresponding pollutants, groups of pollutants, or indicators of pollution.

Any such changes to the list of threshold values shall be reported in the context of the periodic review of the river basin management plans.

7.   The Commission shall publish a report by 22 December 2009 at the latest on the basis of the information provided by Member States in accordance with paragraph 5.

Article 4

Procedure for assessing groundwater chemical status

1.   Member States shall use the procedure described in paragraph 2 to assess the chemical status of a body of groundwater. Where appropriate, Member States may group bodies of groundwater in accordance with Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC when carrying out this procedure.

2.   A body or a group of bodies of groundwater shall be considered to be of good chemical status when:

| (a) | the values for the groundwater quality standards listed in Annex I and the relevant threshold values established in accordance with Article 3 and Annex II are not exceeded at any monitoring point in that body or group of bodies of groundwater; or |
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(a)

the values for the groundwater quality standards listed in Annex I and the relevant threshold values established in accordance with Article 3 and Annex II are not exceeded at any monitoring point in that body or group of bodies of groundwater; or

| (b) | the value for a groundwater quality standard or threshold value is exceeded at one or more monitoring points but an appropriate investigation in accordance with Annex III confirms that:






  (i) | on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 of Annex III, the concentrations of pollutants exceeding the groundwater quality standards or threshold values are not considered to present a significant environmental risk, taking into account, where appropriate, the extent of the body of groundwater which is affected; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

the value for a groundwater quality standard or threshold value is exceeded at one or more monitoring points but an appropriate investigation in accordance with Annex III confirms that:

(i)

on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 of Annex III, the concentrations of pollutants exceeding the groundwater quality standards or threshold values are not considered to present a significant environmental risk, taking into account, where appropriate, the extent of the body of groundwater which is affected;

| (ii) | the other conditions for good groundwater chemical status set out in Table 2.3.2 in Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC are being met, in accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex III to this Directive; |
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(ii)

the other conditions for good groundwater chemical status set out in Table 2.3.2 in Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC are being met, in accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex III to this Directive;

| (iii) | where appropriate, the requirements of Article 7(3) of Directive 2000/60/EC are being met, in accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex III to this Directive; |
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(iii)

where appropriate, the requirements of Article 7(3) of Directive 2000/60/EC are being met, in accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex III to this Directive;

| (iv) | the ability of the body of groundwater or of any of the bodies in the group of bodies of groundwater to support human uses has not been significantly impaired by pollution. |
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(iv)

the ability of the body of groundwater or of any of the bodies in the group of bodies of groundwater to support human uses has not been significantly impaired by pollution.

3.   Member States shall publish a summary of the assessment of groundwater chemical status in the river basin management plans in accordance with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC.

This summary, established at the level of the river basin district or the part of the international river basin district falling within the territory of a Member State, shall also include an explanation as to the manner in which exceedances of groundwater quality standards or threshold values at individual monitoring points have been taken into account in the final assessment.

4.   If a body of groundwater is classified as being of good chemical status in accordance with paragraph 2(b), Member States, in accordance with Article 11 of Directive 2000/60/EC, shall take such measures as may be necessary to protect aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystems and human uses of groundwater dependent on the part of the body of groundwater represented by the monitoring point or points at which the value for a groundwater quality standard or the threshold value has been exceeded.

Article 5

Identification of significant and sustained upward trends and the definition of starting points for trend reversals

1.   Member States shall identify any significant and sustained upward trend in concentrations of pollutants, groups of pollutants or indicators of pollution found in bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater identified as being at risk and define the starting point for reversing that trend, in accordance with Annex IV.

2.   Member States shall reverse trends which present a significant risk of harm to the quality of aquatic ecosystems or terrestrial ecosystems, to human health, or to actual or potential legitimate uses of the water environment, through the programme of measures referred to in Article 11 of Directive 2000/60/EC, in order progressively to reduce pollution of groundwater.

3.   Member States shall define the starting point for trend reversal as a percentage of the level of the groundwater quality standards set out in Annex I and of the threshold values established pursuant to Article 3, on the basis of the identified trend and the environmental risk associated therewith, in accordance with Part B, paragraph 1 of Annex IV.

4.   In the river basin management plans to be submitted in accordance with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States shall summarise:

| (a) | the way in which the trend assessment from individual monitoring points within a body or a group of bodies of groundwater has contributed to identifying, in accordance with Section 2.5 of Annex V to that Directive, that those bodies are subject to a sustained and significant upward trend in concentration of any pollutant or a reversal of that trend; and |
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(a)

the way in which the trend assessment from individual monitoring points within a body or a group of bodies of groundwater has contributed to identifying, in accordance with Section 2.5 of Annex V to that Directive, that those bodies are subject to a sustained and significant upward trend in concentration of any pollutant or a reversal of that trend; and

| (b) | the reasons for the starting points defined pursuant to paragraph 3. |
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(b)

the reasons for the starting points defined pursuant to paragraph 3.

5.   Where necessary to assess the impact of existing plumes of pollution in bodies of groundwater that may threaten the achievement of the objectives in Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC, and in particular those plumes resulting from point sources and contaminated land, Member States shall carry out additional trend assessments for identified pollutants in order to verify that plumes from contaminated sites do not expand, do not deteriorate the chemical status of the body or group of bodies of groundwater, and do not present a risk for human health and the environment. The results of these assessments shall be summarised in the river basin management plans to be submitted in accordance with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC.

Article 6

Measures to prevent or limit inputs of pollutants into groundwater

1.   In order to achieve the objective of preventing or limiting inputs of pollutants into groundwater, established in accordance with Article 4(1)(b)(i) of Directive 2000/60/EC, Member States shall ensure that the programme of measures established in accordance with Article 11 of that Directive includes:

| (a) | all measures necessary to aim to prevent inputs into groundwater of any hazardous substances. In identifying such substances, Member States shall in particular take account of hazardous substances belonging to the families or groups of pollutants referred to in points 1 to 6 of Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC, as well as of substances belonging to the families or groups of pollutants referred to in points 7 to 9 of that Annex, where these are considered to be hazardous; |
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(a)

all measures necessary to aim to prevent inputs into groundwater of any hazardous substances. In identifying such substances, Member States shall in particular take account of hazardous substances belonging to the families or groups of pollutants referred to in points 1 to 6 of Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC, as well as of substances belonging to the families or groups of pollutants referred to in points 7 to 9 of that Annex, where these are considered to be hazardous;

| (b) | for pollutants listed in Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC which are not considered hazardous, and any other non-hazardous pollutants not listed in that Annex considered by Member States to present an existing or potential risk of pollution, all measures necessary to limit inputs into groundwater so as to ensure that such inputs do not cause deterioration of good groundwater chemical status, do not cause any significant and sustained upward trends in the concentrations of pollutants in groundwater, and do not otherwise cause pollution of groundwater. Such measures shall take account of established best practice, including the Best Environmental Practice and Best Available Techniques specified in the relevant Community legislation. |
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(b)

for pollutants listed in Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC which are not considered hazardous, and any other non-hazardous pollutants not listed in that Annex considered by Member States to present an existing or potential risk of pollution, all measures necessary to limit inputs into groundwater so as to ensure that such inputs do not cause deterioration of good groundwater chemical status, do not cause any significant and sustained upward trends in the concentrations of pollutants in groundwater, and do not otherwise cause pollution of groundwater. Such measures shall take account of established best practice, including the Best Environmental Practice and Best Available Techniques specified in the relevant Community legislation.

For the purpose of establishing measures referred to in points (a) or (b), Member States may, as a first step, identify the circumstances under which the pollutants listed in Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC, in particular essential metals and their compounds referred to in point 7 of that Annex, are to be considered hazardous or non-hazardous.

2.   Inputs of pollutants from diffuse sources of pollution having an impact on the groundwater chemical status shall be taken into account whenever technically possible.

3.   Without prejudice to any more stringent requirements in other Community legislation, Member States may exempt from the measures required by paragraph 1 inputs of pollutants that are:

| (a) | the result of direct discharges authorised in accordance with Article 11(3)(j) of Directive 2000/60/EC; |
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(a)

the result of direct discharges authorised in accordance with Article 11(3)(j) of Directive 2000/60/EC;

| (b) | considered by the competent authorities to be of a quantity and concentration so small as to obviate any present or future danger of deterioration in the quality of the receiving groundwater; |
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(b)

considered by the competent authorities to be of a quantity and concentration so small as to obviate any present or future danger of deterioration in the quality of the receiving groundwater;

| (c) | the consequences of accidents or exceptional circumstances of natural cause that could not reasonably have been foreseen, avoided or mitigated; |
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(c)

the consequences of accidents or exceptional circumstances of natural cause that could not reasonably have been foreseen, avoided or mitigated;

| (d) | the result of artificial recharge or augmentation of bodies of groundwater authorised in accordance with Article 11(3)(f) of Directive 2000/60/EC; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the result of artificial recharge or augmentation of bodies of groundwater authorised in accordance with Article 11(3)(f) of Directive 2000/60/EC;

| (e) | considered by the competent authorities to be not technically feasible to prevent or limit without using:






  (i) | measures that would increase risks to human health or to the quality of the environment as a whole; or |
| --- | --- | --- |

(e)

considered by the competent authorities to be not technically feasible to prevent or limit without using:

(i)

measures that would increase risks to human health or to the quality of the environment as a whole; or

| (ii) | disproportionately costly measures to remove quantities of pollutants from, or otherwise control their percolation in, contaminated ground or subsoil; or |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

disproportionately costly measures to remove quantities of pollutants from, or otherwise control their percolation in, contaminated ground or subsoil; or

| (f) | the result of interventions in surface waters for the purposes, amongst others, of mitigating the effects of floods and droughts, and for the management of waters and waterways, including at international level. Such activities, including cutting, dredging, relocation and deposition of sediments in surface water, shall be conducted in accordance with general binding rules, and, where applicable, with permits and authorisations issued on the basis of such rules, developed by the Member States for that purpose, provided that such inputs do not compromise the achievement of the environmental objectives established for the water bodies concerned in accordance with Article 4(1)(b)(ii) of Directive 2000/60/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

the result of interventions in surface waters for the purposes, amongst others, of mitigating the effects of floods and droughts, and for the management of waters and waterways, including at international level. Such activities, including cutting, dredging, relocation and deposition of sediments in surface water, shall be conducted in accordance with general binding rules, and, where applicable, with permits and authorisations issued on the basis of such rules, developed by the Member States for that purpose, provided that such inputs do not compromise the achievement of the environmental objectives established for the water bodies concerned in accordance with Article 4(1)(b)(ii) of Directive 2000/60/EC.

4.   The competent authorities of the Member States shall keep an inventory of the exemptions referred to in paragraph 3 for the purpose of notification, upon request, to the Commission.

Article 7

Transitional arrangements

In the period between ... (11) and 22 December 2013, any new authorisation procedure pursuant to Articles 4 and 5 of Directive 80/68/EEC shall take into account the requirements set out in Articles 3, 4 and 5 of this Directive.

11

Article 8

Technical adaptations

Annexes II, III and IV may be adapted to scientific and technical progress in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 21(2) of Directive 2000/60/EC, taking into consideration the period for reviewing and updating river basin management plans, as referred to in Article 13(7) of that Directive.

Article 9

Implementation

Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive before ... (11). They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.

11

When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States.

Article 10

Entry into force

This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

Article 11

Addressees

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at ...,

For the European Parliament

The President

...

For the Council

The President

...

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(1)  OJ C 112, 30.4.2004, p. 40.

1

(2)  OJ C 109, 30.4.2004, p. 29.

2

(3)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 28 April 2005 (OJ C 45 E, 23.2.2006, p. 75), Council common position of 23 January 2006 and Decision of the European Parliament (not yet published in the Official Journal).

3

(4)  OJ L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1. Directive as amended by Decision No 2455/2001/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2001, p. 1).

5

(6)  OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

6

(7)  OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2006/19/EC (OJ L 44, 15.2.2006, p. 15).

7

(8)  OJ L 123, 24.4.1998, p. 1. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003.

8

(9)  OJ L 20, 26.1.1980, p. 43. Directive as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC (OJ L 377, 31.12.1991, p. 48).

9

(10)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

10

(11)  Two years after the entry into force of this Directive.

11

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ANNEX I

GROUNDWATER QUALITY STANDARDS

| 1. | For the purposes of assessing groundwater chemical status in accordance with Article 4, the following groundwater quality standards will be the quality standards referred to in Table 2.3.2 in Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC and established in accordance with Article 17 of that Directive.







  Pollutant | Quality standards | Comment |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nitrates | 50 mg/l | For activities falling within the scope of Directive 91/676/EEC, programmes and measures required in relation to this value (i.e. 50 mg/l) will be in accordance with that Directive (1). |
| Active substances in pesticides, including their relevant metabolites, degradation and reaction products (2) | 0,1 μg/l
  0,5 μg/l (total) (3) | |

1.

For the purposes of assessing groundwater chemical status in accordance with Article 4, the following groundwater quality standards will be the quality standards referred to in Table 2.3.2 in Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC and established in accordance with Article 17 of that Directive.

Pollutant

Quality standards

Comment

Nitrates

50 mg/l

For activities falling within the scope of Directive 91/676/EEC, programmes and measures required in relation to this value (i.e. 50 mg/l) will be in accordance with that Directive (1).

Active substances in pesticides, including their relevant metabolites, degradation and reaction products (2)

0,1 μg/l

0,5 μg/l (total) (3)

| 2. | The results of the application of the quality standards for pesticides in the manner specified for the purposes of this Directive will be without prejudice to the results of the risk assessment procedures required by Directive 91/414/EEC or Directive 98/8/EC. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The results of the application of the quality standards for pesticides in the manner specified for the purposes of this Directive will be without prejudice to the results of the risk assessment procedures required by Directive 91/414/EEC or Directive 98/8/EC.

| 3. | Where, for a given body of groundwater, it is considered that the groundwater quality standards could result in failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified in Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC for associated bodies of surface water, or in any significant diminution of the ecological or chemical quality of such bodies, or in any significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend directly on the body of groundwater, more stringent threshold values will be established in accordance with Article 3 and Annex II to this Directive. Programmes and measures required in relation to such a threshold value will also apply to activities falling within the scope of Directive 91/676/EEC. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Where, for a given body of groundwater, it is considered that the groundwater quality standards could result in failure to achieve the environmental objectives specified in Article 4 of Directive 2000/60/EC for associated bodies of surface water, or in any significant diminution of the ecological or chemical quality of such bodies, or in any significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend directly on the body of groundwater, more stringent threshold values will be established in accordance with Article 3 and Annex II to this Directive. Programmes and measures required in relation to such a threshold value will also apply to activities falling within the scope of Directive 91/676/EEC.

---

(1)  Activities outside the scope of Directive 91/676/EEC are not covered by this provision.

(2)  ‘Pesticides’ means plant protection products and biocidal products as defined in Article 2 of Directive 91/414/EEC and in Article 2 of Directive 98/8/EC, respectively.

(3)  ‘Total’ means the sum of all individual pesticides detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure.

---

ANNEX II

THRESHOLD VALUES FOR GROUNDWATER POLLUTANTS AND INDICATORS OF POLLUTION

PART A:   GUIDELINES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THRESHOLD VALUES BY MEMBER STATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 3

Member States will establish threshold values for all pollutants and indicators of pollution which, pursuant to the characterisation performed in accordance with Article 5 of Directive 2000/60/EC, characterise bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater as being at risk of failing to achieve good groundwater chemical status.

Threshold values will be established in such a way that, should the monitoring results at a representative monitoring point exceed the thresholds, this will indicate a risk that one or more of the conditions for good groundwater chemical status referred to in Article 4(2)(b)(ii), (iii) and (iv) are not being met.

When establishing threshold values, Member States will consider the following guidelines:

| 1. | The determination of threshold values should be based on:






  (a) | the extent of interactions between groundwater and associated aquatic and dependent terrestrial ecosystems; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

The determination of threshold values should be based on:

(a)

the extent of interactions between groundwater and associated aquatic and dependent terrestrial ecosystems;

| (b) | the interference with actual or potential legitimate uses or functions of groundwater; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the interference with actual or potential legitimate uses or functions of groundwater;

| (c) | all pollutants which characterise bodies of groundwater as being at risk, taking into account the minimum list set up in part B; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

all pollutants which characterise bodies of groundwater as being at risk, taking into account the minimum list set up in part B;

| (d) | hydro-geological characteristics including information on background values and water balance. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

hydro-geological characteristics including information on background values and water balance.

| 2. | The determination of threshold values should also take account of the origins of the pollutants, their possible natural occurrence, their toxicology and dispersion tendency, their persistence and their bioaccumulation potential. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The determination of threshold values should also take account of the origins of the pollutants, their possible natural occurrence, their toxicology and dispersion tendency, their persistence and their bioaccumulation potential.

| 3. | The determination of threshold values should be supported by a control mechanism for the data collected, based on an evaluation of data quality, analytical considerations, and background levels for substances which may occur both naturally and as a result of human activities. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The determination of threshold values should be supported by a control mechanism for the data collected, based on an evaluation of data quality, analytical considerations, and background levels for substances which may occur both naturally and as a result of human activities.

PART B:   MINIMUM LIST OF POLLUTANTS AND THEIR INDICATORS FOR WHICH MEMBER STATES HAVE TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING THRESHOLD VALUES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 3

1.   Substances or ions which may occur both naturally and as a result of human activities

| | Arsenic |
| --- | --- |

Arsenic

| | Cadmium |
| --- | --- |

Cadmium

| | Lead |
| --- | --- |

Lead

| | Mercury |
| --- | --- |

Mercury

| | Ammonium |
| --- | --- |

Ammonium

| | Chloride |
| --- | --- |

Chloride

| | Sulphate |
| --- | --- |

Sulphate

2.   Man-made synthetic substances

| | Trichloroethylene |
| --- | --- |

Trichloroethylene

| | Tetrachloroethylene |
| --- | --- |

Tetrachloroethylene

3.   Parameters indicative of saline or other intrusions (1)

Conductivity

PART C:   INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY MEMBER STATES WITH REGARD TO THE POLLUTANTS AND THEIR INDICATORS FOR WHICH THRESHOLD VALUES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED

Member States will summarise, in the river basin management plans to be submitted in accordance with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC, the way the procedure set out in Part A of this Annex has been followed.

In particular, Member States will provide, where feasible:

| (a) | information on the number of bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater characterised as being at risk and on the pollutants and indicators of pollution which contribute to this classification, including the observed concentrations/values; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

information on the number of bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater characterised as being at risk and on the pollutants and indicators of pollution which contribute to this classification, including the observed concentrations/values;

| (b) | information on each of the bodies of groundwater characterised as being at risk, in particular the size of the bodies, the relationship between the bodies of groundwater and the associated surface waters and directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems, and, in the case of naturally-occurring substances, the natural background levels in the bodies of groundwater; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

information on each of the bodies of groundwater characterised as being at risk, in particular the size of the bodies, the relationship between the bodies of groundwater and the associated surface waters and directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems, and, in the case of naturally-occurring substances, the natural background levels in the bodies of groundwater;

| (c) | the threshold values, whether they apply at the national level, at the level of the river basin district or the part of the international river basin district falling within the territory of the Member State, or at the level of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the threshold values, whether they apply at the national level, at the level of the river basin district or the part of the international river basin district falling within the territory of the Member State, or at the level of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater;

| (d) | the relationship between the threshold values and:






  (i) | in the case of naturally-occurring substances, the observed background levels, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

the relationship between the threshold values and:

(i)

in the case of naturally-occurring substances, the observed background levels,

| (ii) | the environmental quality objectives and other standards for water protection that exist at national, Community or international level, and |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the environmental quality objectives and other standards for water protection that exist at national, Community or international level, and

| (iii) | any relevant information concerning the toxicology, eco-toxicology, persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and dispersion tendency of the pollutants. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

any relevant information concerning the toxicology, eco-toxicology, persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and dispersion tendency of the pollutants.

---

(1)  With regard to saline concentrations risulting from human activities, Member States may decide to establish threshold values either for sulphateand chloride or for conductivity.

---

ANNEX III

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER CHEMICAL STATUS

| 1. | The assessment procedure for determining the chemical status of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater will be carried out in relation to all bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater characterised as being at risk and in relation to each of the pollutants which contribute to the body or group of bodies of groundwater being so characterised. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The assessment procedure for determining the chemical status of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater will be carried out in relation to all bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater characterised as being at risk and in relation to each of the pollutants which contribute to the body or group of bodies of groundwater being so characterised.

| 2. | In undertaking any investigations referred to in Article 4(2)(b), Member States will take into account:






  (a) | the information collected as part of the characterisation to be carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Directive 2000/60/EC and with Sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 of Annex II thereto; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

In undertaking any investigations referred to in Article 4(2)(b), Member States will take into account:

(a)

the information collected as part of the characterisation to be carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Directive 2000/60/EC and with Sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 of Annex II thereto;

| (b) | the results of the groundwater monitoring network obtained in accordance with Section 2.4 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC; and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the results of the groundwater monitoring network obtained in accordance with Section 2.4 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC; and

| (c) | any other relevant information including a comparison of the annual arithmetic mean concentration of the relevant pollutants at a monitoring point with the groundwater quality standards set out in Annex I and the threshold values set by Member States in accordance with Article 3 and Annex II. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

any other relevant information including a comparison of the annual arithmetic mean concentration of the relevant pollutants at a monitoring point with the groundwater quality standards set out in Annex I and the threshold values set by Member States in accordance with Article 3 and Annex II.

| 3. | For the purposes of investigating whether the conditions for good groundwater chemical status referred to in Article 4(2)(b)(i) and (iv) are met, Member States will, where relevant and necessary, and on the basis of appropriate aggregations of the monitoring results, supported where necessary by concentration estimations based on a conceptual model of the body or group of bodies of groundwater, estimate the extent of the body of groundwater having an annual arithmetic mean concentration of a pollutant higher than a groundwater quality standard or a threshold value. |
| --- | --- |

3.

For the purposes of investigating whether the conditions for good groundwater chemical status referred to in Article 4(2)(b)(i) and (iv) are met, Member States will, where relevant and necessary, and on the basis of appropriate aggregations of the monitoring results, supported where necessary by concentration estimations based on a conceptual model of the body or group of bodies of groundwater, estimate the extent of the body of groundwater having an annual arithmetic mean concentration of a pollutant higher than a groundwater quality standard or a threshold value.

| 4. | For the purposes of investigating whether the conditions for good groundwater chemical status referred to in Article 4(2)(b)(ii) and (iii) are met, Member States will, where relevant and necessary, and on the basis of relevant monitoring results and of a suitable conceptual model of the body of groundwater, assess:






  (a) | the amounts and the concentrations of the pollutants being, or likely to be, transferred from the body of groundwater to the associated surface waters or directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems; |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

For the purposes of investigating whether the conditions for good groundwater chemical status referred to in Article 4(2)(b)(ii) and (iii) are met, Member States will, where relevant and necessary, and on the basis of relevant monitoring results and of a suitable conceptual model of the body of groundwater, assess:

(a)

the amounts and the concentrations of the pollutants being, or likely to be, transferred from the body of groundwater to the associated surface waters or directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems;

| (b) | the likely impact of the amounts and concentrations of the pollutants transferred to the associated surface waters and directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the likely impact of the amounts and concentrations of the pollutants transferred to the associated surface waters and directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems;

| (c) | the extent of any saline or other intrusions into the body of groundwater; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the extent of any saline or other intrusions into the body of groundwater; and

| (d) | the risk from pollutants in the body of groundwater to the quality of water abstracted, or intended to be abstracted, from the body of groundwater for human consumption. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the risk from pollutants in the body of groundwater to the quality of water abstracted, or intended to be abstracted, from the body of groundwater for human consumption.

| 5. | Member States will present the groundwater chemical status of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater on maps in accordance with Sections 2.4.5 and 2.5 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC. In addition, Member States will indicate on these maps all monitoring points where groundwater quality standards and/or threshold values are exceeded, where relevant and feasible. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Member States will present the groundwater chemical status of a body or a group of bodies of groundwater on maps in accordance with Sections 2.4.5 and 2.5 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC. In addition, Member States will indicate on these maps all monitoring points where groundwater quality standards and/or threshold values are exceeded, where relevant and feasible.

---

ANNEX IV

IDENTIFICATION AND REVERSAL OF SIGNIFICANT AND SUSTAINED UPWARD TRENDS

PART A:   IDENTIFICATION OF SIGNIFICANT AND SUSTAINED UPWARD TRENDS

Member States will identify significant and sustained upward trends in all bodies or groups of bodies of groundwater that are characterised as being at risk in accordance with Annex II to Directive 2000/60/EC, taking into account the following requirements:

| 1. | in accordance with Section 2.4 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, the monitoring programme will be so designed as to detect significant and sustained upward trends in concentrations of the pollutants identified pursuant to Article 3 of this Directive; |
| --- | --- |

1.

in accordance with Section 2.4 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC, the monitoring programme will be so designed as to detect significant and sustained upward trends in concentrations of the pollutants identified pursuant to Article 3 of this Directive;

| 2. | the procedure for the identification of significant and sustained upward trends will be based on the following elements:






  (a) | monitoring frequencies and monitoring locations will be selected such as are sufficient to:






  (i) | provide the information necessary to ensure that such upward trends can be distinguished from natural variation with an adequate level of confidence and precision; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.

the procedure for the identification of significant and sustained upward trends will be based on the following elements:

(a)

monitoring frequencies and monitoring locations will be selected such as are sufficient to:

(i)

provide the information necessary to ensure that such upward trends can be distinguished from natural variation with an adequate level of confidence and precision;

| (ii) | enable such upward trends to be identified in sufficient time to allow measures to be implemented in order to prevent, or at least mitigate as far as practicable, environmentally significant detrimental changes in groundwater quality. This identification will be carried out for the first time by 2009, if possible, and will take into account existing data, in the context of the report on trend identification within the first river basin management plan referred to in Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC, and at least every six years thereafter; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

enable such upward trends to be identified in sufficient time to allow measures to be implemented in order to prevent, or at least mitigate as far as practicable, environmentally significant detrimental changes in groundwater quality. This identification will be carried out for the first time by 2009, if possible, and will take into account existing data, in the context of the report on trend identification within the first river basin management plan referred to in Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC, and at least every six years thereafter;

| (iii) | take into account the physical and chemical temporal characteristics of the body of groundwater, including groundwater flow conditions and recharge rates and percolation time through soil or subsoil. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

take into account the physical and chemical temporal characteristics of the body of groundwater, including groundwater flow conditions and recharge rates and percolation time through soil or subsoil.

| (b) | the methods of monitoring and analysis used will conform to international quality control principles, including, if relevant, CEN or national standardised methods, to ensure equivalent scientific quality and comparability of the data provided; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the methods of monitoring and analysis used will conform to international quality control principles, including, if relevant, CEN or national standardised methods, to ensure equivalent scientific quality and comparability of the data provided;

| (c) | the assessment will be based on a statistical method, such as regression analysis, for trend analysis in time series of individual monitoring points; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the assessment will be based on a statistical method, such as regression analysis, for trend analysis in time series of individual monitoring points;

| (d) | in order to avoid bias in trend identification, all measurements below the quantification limit will be set to half of the value of the highest quantification limit occurring in time series, except for total pesticides; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

in order to avoid bias in trend identification, all measurements below the quantification limit will be set to half of the value of the highest quantification limit occurring in time series, except for total pesticides;

| 3. | the identification of significant and sustained upward trends in the concentrations of substances which occur both naturally and as a result of human activities will consider the data collected before the start of the monitoring programme in order to report on trend identification within the first river basin management plan referred to in Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC, where such data is available. |
| --- | --- |

3.

the identification of significant and sustained upward trends in the concentrations of substances which occur both naturally and as a result of human activities will consider the data collected before the start of the monitoring programme in order to report on trend identification within the first river basin management plan referred to in Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC, where such data is available.

PART B:   STARTING POINTS FOR TREND REVERSALS

According to Article 5, Member States will reverse identified significant and sustained upward trends where these trends present a risk of harm to associated aquatic ecosystems, to directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems, to human health or to actual or potential legitimate uses of the water environment, taking into account the following requirements:

| 1. | the starting point for implementing measures to reverse significant and sustained upward trends will be when the concentration of the pollutant reaches 75 % of the parametric values of the groundwater quality standards set out in Annex I and of the threshold values established pursuant to Article 3, unless:






  (a) | an earlier starting point is required to enable trend reversal measures to prevent most cost-effectively, or at least mitigate as far as possible, any environmentally significant detrimental changes in groundwater quality; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

the starting point for implementing measures to reverse significant and sustained upward trends will be when the concentration of the pollutant reaches 75 % of the parametric values of the groundwater quality standards set out in Annex I and of the threshold values established pursuant to Article 3, unless:

(a)

an earlier starting point is required to enable trend reversal measures to prevent most cost-effectively, or at least mitigate as far as possible, any environmentally significant detrimental changes in groundwater quality;

| (b) | a different starting point is justified where the detection limit does not allow for establishing the presence of a trend at 75 % of the parametric values; or |
| --- | --- |

(b)

a different starting point is justified where the detection limit does not allow for establishing the presence of a trend at 75 % of the parametric values; or

| (c) | the rate of increase and the reversibility of the trend are such that a later starting point for trend reversal measures would still enable such measures to prevent most cost-effectively, or at least mitigate as far as possible, any environmentally significant detrimental changes in groundwater quality. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the rate of increase and the reversibility of the trend are such that a later starting point for trend reversal measures would still enable such measures to prevent most cost-effectively, or at least mitigate as far as possible, any environmentally significant detrimental changes in groundwater quality.

For activities falling within the scope of Directive 91/676/EEC, the starting point for implementing measures to reverse significant and sustained upward trends will be established in accordance with that Directive and with Directive 2000/60/EC;

| 2. | once a starting point has been established for a body of groundwater characterised as being at risk in accordance with Section 2.4.4 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC and pursuant to Part B, paragraph 1 of this Annex, it will not be changed during the six-year cycle of the river basin management plan required in accordance with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC; |
| --- | --- |

2.

once a starting point has been established for a body of groundwater characterised as being at risk in accordance with Section 2.4.4 of Annex V to Directive 2000/60/EC and pursuant to Part B, paragraph 1 of this Annex, it will not be changed during the six-year cycle of the river basin management plan required in accordance with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC;

| 3. | trend reversals will be demonstrated, taking into account relevant monitoring provisions contained in Part A, paragraph 2. |
| --- | --- |

3.

trend reversals will be demonstrated, taking into account relevant monitoring provisions contained in Part A, paragraph 2.

---

STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I.   INTRODUCTION

The Commission adopted its proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of groundwater against pollution on 28 October 2003.

The European Parliament adopted its first-reading opinion on 28 April 2005 (1).

The Committee of the Regions adopted its opinion on 12 February 2004 (2).

The European Economic and Social Committee adopted its opinion on 31 March 2004 (3).

The Council adopted its common position on 23 January 2006.

II.   OBJECTIVE

Groundwater is an important natural resource which provides water for human consumption as well for agriculture and industry. It also plays a key role, especially in periods of drought, in preserving aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Protecting groundwater against pollution is therefore essential, with particular emphasis on prevention as groundwater quality is generally long and difficult to restore, even once the source of pollution has been removed.

The protection of groundwater against pollution is currently regulated under Directive 80/68/EEC, (4) to be repealed in 2013, and Directive 2000/60/EC: the Water Framework Directive (WFD). (5)

This proposal seeks to meet the general requirement contained in Article 17 of the WFD that, on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council shall adopt specific measures to prevent and control groundwater pollution, so as to ensure achievement of the groundwater related environmental objectives of the framework Directive.

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

General

The common position incorporates a number of the European Parliament's first-reading amendments, either verbatim, in part or in spirit. These improve or clarify the text of the proposed Directive.

However, other amendments are not reflected in the common position because the Council agreed that they were unnecessary or unacceptable or, in several cases, because provisions from the original Commission proposal were deleted or thoroughly redrafted. This applies in particular to the annexes, which the Council aimed to simplify and clarify as much as possible so as to ensure effective implementation.

Several amendments were not included in the common position because the Council considered they were not in line with the guide for the drafting of Community legislation, because they repeated, interpreted or contradicted provisions contained in Directive 2000/60/EC, the Water Framework Directive.

Several amendments were rejected because it was considered that they sought to introduce provisions lying outside the scope of the proposal as determined by the framework Directive or covered by other legislation in place.

The common position also includes changes other than those envisaged in the European Parliament's first-reading opinion. In particular, the Council sought to organise the structure of the proposed act as rationally as possible in order to aid understanding, by competent authorities and citizens, of the requirements imposed on Member States. In addition, a number of drafting changes were introduced either to clarify the text or ensure the overall coherence of the Directive.

Specific

In particular, the Council agreed that:

| — | Amendment 1 and the first part of amendment 2 were unclear in terms of the difference between ‘pollution’ and ‘deterioration’. A reference to the need to prevent deterioration of the status of groundwater bodies, consistent with WFD, was added to Article 1. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 1 and the first part of amendment 2 were unclear in terms of the difference between ‘pollution’ and ‘deterioration’. A reference to the need to prevent deterioration of the status of groundwater bodies, consistent with WFD, was added to Article 1.

| — | Amendment 3 would have imposed on all groundwater bodies the standards applied to bodies used for the extraction of drinking water, which would not be realistically feasible. The same applies to the first part of amendment 62 (of which the second part was accepted by the Council), to point 2(b) of amendment 65 and to amendment 68. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 3 would have imposed on all groundwater bodies the standards applied to bodies used for the extraction of drinking water, which would not be realistically feasible. The same applies to the first part of amendment 62 (of which the second part was accepted by the Council), to point 2(b) of amendment 65 and to amendment 68.

| — | The aims set out in amendments 95 and 100 were best pursued through the Community Framework Programmes for Research. |
| --- | --- |

—

The aims set out in amendments 95 and 100 were best pursued through the Community Framework Programmes for Research.

| — | Amendment 4 was not in line with the WFD, which clearly distinguishes between protection levels for groundwater and surface waters. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 4 was not in line with the WFD, which clearly distinguishes between protection levels for groundwater and surface waters.

| — | Amendments 7, 10 and 80, as well as item (aa) of amendment 15, addressed the quantitative status of groundwater. This was outside the scope of this daughter Directive, which is exclusively about qualitative status, as defined in Article 17 of the WFD. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendments 7, 10 and 80, as well as item (aa) of amendment 15, addressed the quantitative status of groundwater. This was outside the scope of this daughter Directive, which is exclusively about qualitative status, as defined in Article 17 of the WFD.

| — | Amendments 8 and 9, referring to other policy areas, were not in line with the guide for the drafting of Community legislation, like amendment 13, which was considered to interpret the WFD rather than justify the Groundwater Directive. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendments 8 and 9, referring to other policy areas, were not in line with the guide for the drafting of Community legislation, like amendment 13, which was considered to interpret the WFD rather than justify the Groundwater Directive.

| — | Amendment 11 was not needed because the text of the common position established, under Article 6, a regime equivalent to that contained in Directive 80/68/EEC. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 11 was not needed because the text of the common position established, under Article 6, a regime equivalent to that contained in Directive 80/68/EEC.

| — | Amendment 16 duplicated provisions from Article 5 of the WFD which clearly establish responsibilities with regard to characterisation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 16 duplicated provisions from Article 5 of the WFD which clearly establish responsibilities with regard to characterisation.

| — | Amendment 17 was not acceptable because the Council considered that a clear distinction, both conceptual and terminological, between quality standards set at Community level and threshold values to be determined by the Member States according to national hydro-geological specificities was an essential element of the proposed Directive. Weakening or refusing this approach would make implementation more complicated and less effective in terms of results. The same applies throughout the text, to all or parts of amendments 30, 31, 34, 36, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 89, and 90. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 17 was not acceptable because the Council considered that a clear distinction, both conceptual and terminological, between quality standards set at Community level and threshold values to be determined by the Member States according to national hydro-geological specificities was an essential element of the proposed Directive. Weakening or refusing this approach would make implementation more complicated and less effective in terms of results. The same applies throughout the text, to all or parts of amendments 30, 31, 34, 36, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 89, and 90.

| — | Amendment 18 was acceptable in principle, but the wording was clarified to better address the notion of trends potentially leading to environmental risk. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 18 was acceptable in principle, but the wording was clarified to better address the notion of trends potentially leading to environmental risk.

| — | Amendments 19 and 20 were acceptable in part but were inconsistent with the WFD as drafted. Elements taken from both were combined in Article 2(4). |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendments 19 and 20 were acceptable in part but were inconsistent with the WFD as drafted. Elements taken from both were combined in Article 2(4).

| — | Amendment 21 redefined an existing term in the WFD and could have led to confusion. The WFD requires ‘no deterioration of the status of bodies of groundwater’, not of quality. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 21 redefined an existing term in the WFD and could have led to confusion. The WFD requires ‘no deterioration of the status of bodies of groundwater’, not of quality.

| — | Amendments 22 and 24, as well as the first part of amendment 38, referred to concepts that are not used as such in the common position, and presented serious practical difficulties. However, the issue of naturally occurring concentrations (also hinted at in amendment 91) is addressed in recital 7. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendments 22 and 24, as well as the first part of amendment 38, referred to concepts that are not used as such in the common position, and presented serious practical difficulties. However, the issue of naturally occurring concentrations (also hinted at in amendment 91) is addressed in recital 7.

| — | Amendments 23, 49 and 93 introduced a new, complex and unnecessary term that could have led to widespread misinterpretation. Historical contamination is adequately covered by more general provisions in the common position and in the WFD. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendments 23, 49 and 93 introduced a new, complex and unnecessary term that could have led to widespread misinterpretation. Historical contamination is adequately covered by more general provisions in the common position and in the WFD.

| — | Amendment 56 was not relevant given the scope of the proposed directive. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 56 was not relevant given the scope of the proposed directive.

| — | Amendment 27 was incompatible with the Council's view that quality standards and threshold values should be set at levels relevant to the risk to groundwater bodies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 27 was incompatible with the Council's view that quality standards and threshold values should be set at levels relevant to the risk to groundwater bodies.

| — | Amendments 57 and 59 were unnecessary since the common position addresses the meaning of good and poor chemical status. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendments 57 and 59 were unnecessary since the common position addresses the meaning of good and poor chemical status.

| — | Amendment 37 was unnecessary with regard to the WFD definitions of pollutant and pollution. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 37 was unnecessary with regard to the WFD definitions of pollutant and pollution.

| — | Amendment 40 was unacceptable because Member States are responsible for implementing the programme of measures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 40 was unacceptable because Member States are responsible for implementing the programme of measures.

| — | The issues addressed in amendments 41 and 58 were covered respectively in Annex IV and Annex III of the common position. |
| --- | --- |

—

The issues addressed in amendments 41 and 58 were covered respectively in Annex IV and Annex III of the common position.

| — | Amendment 46 was not acceptable because it used a provision derived from Directive 80/68/EEC in a very different context, which would make it unworkable. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendment 46 was not acceptable because it used a provision derived from Directive 80/68/EEC in a very different context, which would make it unworkable.

| — | Amendments 51, 52 and 54 duplicated provisions of the WFD. As far as amendment 50 is concerned, the Council introduced language inspired from Directive 80/68/EEC (Article 15) in Article 6(4), bearing in mind the need to minimise the bureaucratic burden. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amendments 51, 52 and 54 duplicated provisions of the WFD. As far as amendment 50 is concerned, the Council introduced language inspired from Directive 80/68/EEC (Article 15) in Article 6(4), bearing in mind the need to minimise the bureaucratic burden.

| — | Amendment 55 unduly excluded Annex III from possible technical adaptation. |
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Amendment 55 unduly excluded Annex III from possible technical adaptation.

| — | The deletion proposed in amendment 60 would have led to incompatibility between this Groundwater Directive and Directive 91/676/EEC. The common position clarifies the relationship between these two directives. |
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The deletion proposed in amendment 60 would have led to incompatibility between this Groundwater Directive and Directive 91/676/EEC. The common position clarifies the relationship between these two directives.

| — | Amendment 64 was no longer relevant as such, because the common position addresses the issue of compliance in a different manner, the aim being to avoid a situation where non-compliance at one single monitoring point would mean non-compliance for the whole groundwater body or group of bodies (see Article 4 and Annex III). |
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Amendment 64 was no longer relevant as such, because the common position addresses the issue of compliance in a different manner, the aim being to avoid a situation where non-compliance at one single monitoring point would mean non-compliance for the whole groundwater body or group of bodies (see Article 4 and Annex III).

| — | Amendments 73, 76, 77, 78, 79 (first part), 83, 84 and 85 were no longer relevant. In particular, the Council felt that the fixed time series approach in the original proposal was inapplicable given the variety of hydro-geological conditions across the EU and that common criteria should be defined only for trend identification and for the starting point for trend reversal (Annex IV). The second part of amendment 79 (similar to amendment 89) was incorporated in spirit in Annex IV, point 1.3. |
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Amendments 73, 76, 77, 78, 79 (first part), 83, 84 and 85 were no longer relevant. In particular, the Council felt that the fixed time series approach in the original proposal was inapplicable given the variety of hydro-geological conditions across the EU and that common criteria should be defined only for trend identification and for the starting point for trend reversal (Annex IV). The second part of amendment 79 (similar to amendment 89) was incorporated in spirit in Annex IV, point 1.3.

| — | Amendment 81 was confusing and inconsistent with the WFD. However, Article 5(2) of the common position clarifies what is to be protected. |
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Amendment 81 was confusing and inconsistent with the WFD. However, Article 5(2) of the common position clarifies what is to be protected.

IV.   CONCLUSION

The Council believes that the common position represents a balanced package of measures that would contribute to the pursuit of the objectives of Community environmental policy outlined in Article 174(1) EC Treaty and would advance the protection of groundwater against pollution, while ensuring compliance with the groundwater-related requirements contained in Directive 2000/60/EC and allowing for effective implementation by the Member States, taking due account of specific hydro-geological circumstances at national level.

It looks forward to constructive discussions with the European Parliament with a view to the early adoption of the Directive.

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(1)  OJ C 45 E, 23.2.2006, p. 75

(2)  OJ C 109, 30.4.2004, p. 29.

(3)  OJ C 112, 30.4.2004, p. 40.

(4)  OJ L 20, 26.1.1980, p. 43.

(5)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.

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