Amended proposal for a Council Directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy
Date: 1998-02-17
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU environmental policy, EU law, environmental protection, water analysis, water management

C 108/94

EN

Official  Journal  of  the  European  Communities

7.4.98

Amended  proposal  for  a  Council  Directive  establishing  a  framework  for  Community  action  in
the  field  of  water  policy  (COM(97)  49  final) (1)

(98/C  108/17)

(Text  with  EEA  relevance)

COM(98)  76  final  —  97/0067(SYN)

(presented  by  the  Commission  pursuant  to  Article  189  a  (2)  submitted  of  the  EC-Treaty  on
17  February  1998)

Annex  V  of  the  Water  Framework  Directive  is  replaced  by  the  following:

‘Contents

1.

1.1

SURFACE  WATERS

ECOLOGICAL  SURFACE  WATER  STATUS

1.1.1

Type  parameters  for  classification  of  ecological  status  of  surface  waters

1.1.1.1

Rivers

1.1.1.2

Lakes

1.1.1.3

Estuaries

1.1.1.4

Coastal  waters

1.1.2

Normative  definitions  of  ecological  status  classifications

1.1.2.1

Rivers

1.1.2.2

Lakes

1.1.2.3

Estuaries

1.1.2.4

Coastal  waters

1.1.2.5

Procedure  for  setting  chemical  quality  standards

1.1.3

Identification  of  reference  conditions

1.1.3.1

Classification  of  water  body  ecotype

1.1.3.1.1 Rivers

1.1.3.1.2 Lakes

1.1.3.1.3 Estuaries

1.1.3.1.4 Coastal  waters

1.1.3.2

Establishment  of  reference  conditions

1.1.4

Monitoring  of  ecological  status  for  inland  and  coastal  waters

1.1.4.1

Selection  of  monitoring  sites

1.1.4.2

Selection  of  type  parameters  for  monitoring

1.1.4.3

Selection  of  frequency

1.1.4.4

Additional  previsions  on  priority  list  substances

1.1.4.5

Monitoring  of  protected  areas

(1) OJ  C  184,  17.6.1997,  p.  20.

7.4.98

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Official  Journal  of  the  European  Communities

C 108/95

1.1.4.6

Monitoring  in  the  event  of  accidental  pollution

1.1.4.7

Standards  for  monitoring  of  type  parameters

1.1.5

Monitoring  and  assessment  of  other  marine  waters

1.1.6

Presentation  of  monitoring  results  and  harmonised  classification  of  ecological  quality

1.1.6.1

Presentation  of  monitoring  results  and  classification  of  ecological  status

1.1.6.2

Comparability  of  biological  monitoring  results

1.1.7

Criteria  for  the  designation  of  heavily  modified  physical  characteristics

1.2.

CHEMICAL  SURFACE  WATER  STATUS

1.2.1

Selection  of  monitoring  sites,  and  sampling  and  analysis  frequencies

1.2.2

Presentation  of  chemical  status

2.

2.1

2.2

GROUNDWATER

ANALYSIS  OF  THE  CHARACTERISTICS  OF  THE  RIVER  BASIN  DISTRICT

GROUNDWATER  QUANTITATIVE  STATUS

2.2.1

Parameter  for  the  classification  of  quantitative  status  of  groundwater

2.2.2

Definition  of  good  quantitative  status

2.2.3

Monitoring  of  groundwater  quantitative  status

2.2.3.1

Groundwater  level  monitoring  sites

2.2.3.2

Selection  of  frequency

2.2.3.3

Representation  of  quantitative  status

2.3

GROUNDWATER  CHEMICAL  STATUS

2.3.1

Parameters  for  the  classification  of  chemical  status

2.3.2

Definition  of  good  chemical  status

2.3.3

Monitoring  of  groundwater  chemical  status

2.3.3.1

Identification  of  monitoring  points

2.3.3.2

Selection  of  parameters

2.3.3.3

Selection  of  frequency

2.3.3.4

Representation  of  groundwater  chemical  status

C 108/96

EN

Official  Journal  of  the  European  Communities

7.4.98

1.

1.1

SURFACE  WATERS

ECOLOGICAL  SURFACE  WATER  STATUS

1.1.1

Type  Parameters  for  classification  of  ecological  status  of  surface  waters

1.1.1.1

Rivers

Biological parameters

— Composition  and  abundance  of  aquatic  flora

— Composition  and  abundance  of  benthic  invertebrate  fauna

— Composition,  abundance  and  age  structure  of  fish  fauna

Hydromorphological  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

— Hydrological  regime  (quantity  and  dynamics  of  water  flow,  including  connection  to  the  groundwater

body)

— River  continuity

— Morphological  elements  (river  depth  and  width  variation,  structure  and  substrate  of  the  river  bed,

structure  of  the  riparian  zone)

Chemical  and  physico-chemical  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

General parameters

— Water  temperature

— Oxygen balance

— Salt  content

— pH

— Acidification  status

— Nutrient  concentration

Other  substances  under  Annex  VIII

— All  priority  substances

— other  substances  identified  as  being  discharged  in  significant  quantities  into  the  body  of  water  by  the

inventory  of  point  and  diffuse  sources  of  pollution

1.1.1.2 Lakes

Biological parameters

— Composition  and  abundance  of  aquatic  flora  (other  than  phytoplankton)

— Composition,  abundance  and  biomass  of  phytoplankton

— Composition  and  abundance  of  benthic  invertebrate  fauna

— Composition,  abundance  and  age  structure  of  fish  fauna

Hydromorphological  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

— Hydrological  regime  (quantity  and  dynamics  of  water  flow,  including  residence  time  and  connection  to

the  groundwater  body)

— Morphological  elements  (lake  depth  variation,  quantity,  structure  and  substrate  of  the  lake  bed,

structure  of  the  riparian  zone)

Chemical  and  physico-chemical  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

General parameters

— Transparency

— Water  temperature

— Oxygen balance

— Salt  content

— pH

— Acidification  status

— Nutrient  concentration

7.4.98

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C 108/97

Other  substances  under  Annex  VIII

— All  priority  substances

— Other  substances  identified  as  being  discharged  in  significant  quantities  into  the  body  of  water  by  the

inventory  of  point  and  diffuse  sources  of  pollution

1.1.1.3 Estuaries

Biological parameters

— Composition  and  abundance  of  aquatic  flora  (other  than  phytoplankton)

— Composition,  abundance  and  biomass  of  phytoplankton

— Composition  and  abundance  of  benthic  invertebrate  fauna

— Composition,  abundance  and  age  structure  of  fish  fauna

Hydromorphological  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

— Tidal regime

— Continuity

— Morphological  elements  (depth  variation,  quantity,  structure  and  substrate  of  the  bed,  structure  of  the

riparian  zone)

Chemical  and  physico-chemical  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

General parameters

— Temperature

— Oxygen balance

— Salinity

— pH

— Nutrient  concentration

Other  substances  under  Annex  VIII

— All  priority  substances

— Other  substances  identified  as  being  discharged  in  significant  quantities  into  the  body  of  water  by  the

inventory  of  point  and  diffuse  sources  of  pollution

1.1.1.4 Coastal  water

Biological parameters

— Composition  and  abundance  of  aquatic  flora  (other  than  phytoplankton)

— Composition,  abundance  and  biomass  of  phytoplankton

— Composition  and  abundance  of  benthic  invertebrate  fauna

— Composition,  abundance  and  age  structure  of  fish  fauna

Hydromorphological  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

— Morphological  elements  (freshwater  flow,  depth,  sediment  load,  direction  of  dominant  currents,

structure  and  substrate  of  the  coast,  structure  of  the  riparian  zone)

Chemical  and  physico-chemical  parameters  supporting  the  biological  parameters

General parameters

— Water  temperature

— Oxygen balance

— Salinity

— pH

— Nutrient  concentration

Other  substances  under  Annex  VIII

— All  priority  substances

— Other  substances  identified  as  being  discharged  in  significant  quantities  into  the  body  of  water  by  the

inventory  of  point  and  diffuse  sources  of  pollution

1.1.2. Normative  definitions  of  ecological  status  classifications

Table 1.1.2.1: Normative  definitions  for  high,  good  and  fair  ecological  status  in  rivers

Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

General

No  evidence,  or  only  very  minor  evidence,  of
anthropogenic  impacts  on  biological  communities,  and
the  physicochemical  and  physical  environment.

Detectable  but 
impacts  on  biological
communities,  and  the  physicochemical  and  physical
environment.

low-level 

Significant impacts on biological communities and their
physicochemical  and  physical  environment.

The  composition  and  abundance  of  the  biota  reflect
that  normally  associated  with  the  ecotype  under
undisturbed  conditions.

The  biota  shows  signs  of  disturbance  but  deviates  in
terms  of  survival,  reproduction  and  development  only
slightly from that normally associated with the ecotype
under  undisturbed  conditions.

The  biota  deviates  moderately  from  that  normally
the  ecotype  under  undisturbed
associated  with 
conditions.

Biological elements

Aquatic  flora:
Phytoplankton

Species  composition  and  abundance  correspond  totally
or  nearly  totally  to  the  type-specific  conditions.

average 

The 
chlorophyll-a
concentration  are  at  type-specific  levels  corresponding
to  the  type-specific  nutrient  levels.

biomass 

and/or 

life 

No  accelerated  growth  of  algae  and  higher  forms  of
plant 
to  produce  an  undesirable
disturbance  to  the  balance  of  organisms  present  in  the
water  and  to  the  quality  of  the  water  concerned.

such  as 

composition 

Species 
significant/moderate 
impacts 
eutrophication)  due  to  anthropogenic  activities.

and 
effects 

abundance 

of 

show
(e.g.

The average chlorophyll-a concentration is significantly
different  from  the  type-specific  natural  levels.

Macrophytes
and
phytobenthos

Species  composition  and  abundance  correspond  totally
or  nearly  totally  to  type-specific  conditions.

There  are  no  changes  (increase  or  decrease) 
macrophytic  and  phytobenthic  biomass  due 
anthropogenic activities.

in
to

Only  slight  changes 
in  species  composition  and
abundance  compared  to  type-specific  conditions.  No
in
significant 
(increase  or  decrease) 
macrophytic  and  phytobenthic  biomass  due 
to
anthropogenic  activities  (e.g.  nutrient  input).

changes 

Species  composition  and  abundance  differ  significantly
from 
type-specific  conditions.  Significant/moderate
changes  (increase  or  decrease)  in  macrophytic  and
phytobenthic  biomass  due  to  anthropogenic  activities
(e.g.  nutrient  input).

The  phytobenthic  community  is  not  interfered  with  by
bacterial  tufts/coats  due  to  anthropogenic  activities.

The phytobenthic community is interfered/displaced by
bacterial  tufts/coats  due  to  anthropogenic  activities.

C
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E
N

O

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Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

.

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Fish  fauna

Species  composition,  abundance,  biomass  and  age
structure  correspond  totally  or  nearly  totally  to
type-specific  conditions  with  the  appropriate  sensitive
species  present.

Few species of the type-specific community are missing.
There  is  a  slight  change  in  species  composition,
abundance,  biomass  and  age  structure.

Species untypical of the ecotype or stocked species can
be  found  but  do  not  significantly  interfere  with  the
autochthonous  fish  population.

Some  species  or  a  whole  group  of  species  are  missing.
There  would  be  a  significant/moderate  change  in
species  composition,  abundance,  biomass  and  age
structure.

A  moderate  proportion  of  the  expected  sensitive
species  would  be  absent  or  of  very  low  abundance.

E
N

Some  species  can  not  reproduce  naturally.

Benthic
invertebrate
fauna

Species  composition,  abundance  and  share  of  sensitive
species  in  comparison  to  tolerant  species  correspond
totally  or  nearly 
type-specific
totally 
conditions.

the 

to 

Species untypical of the ecotype or stocked species can
the
be 
autochthonous  fish  population.

found  which  significantly 

interfere  with 

do 

not

Species  composition  and  abundance  differ  significantly
from  the  type-specific  level.

Species 
abundance 
significantly  differ  from  type-specific  level.

composition 

and 

The  major  features  of  the  type-specific  community  can
develop  and  survive.

The  major  features  of  the  type-specific  community
cannot  develop  and  survive.

Hydromorphological elements

Hydrological
regime

Quantity and dynamics of flow reflect totally or nearly
totally  the  type  specific  natural  conditions.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quantity  of  biological  community
specified  above.

River  continuity

Is  specific  for  the  type  of  river,  not  interrupted  by
anthropogenic  activities  and  allows  undisturbed
sediment
migration  of  aquatic  organisms  and 
transport.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Morphological
elements

Channel  patterns,  width  and  depth  variations,  flow
velocities, substrate conditions and structure/ condition
of  the  riparian  zones  correspond  totally  or  nearly
totally  to  the  natural  type  specific  conditions.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

O

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Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

Chemical  elements (1)

General
parameters

Physico-chemical  parameters  are  at  type-specific  levels.
Concentrations  not 
excess  of  background
concentrations  (# bgl).

in 

Concentrations/levels 
standards
not 
established  so  as  to  ensure  the  functioning  of  the
ecosystem  and 
the  biological
the  occurrence  of 
community  specified  above  (# eqs).

exceeding 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Concentrations not in excess of detection limit of most
advanced  analytical  techniques  or  ubiquitous  levels.

Substances  under
Annex  VIII  not
included  under
general
parameters

not 

Concentrations 
effect
concentration (2)  for  algae.  Daphnia  and  fish,  without
prejudice  to  Directive  91/414/EC.  The  lowest  value
shall  be  used  (# eqs).

exceeding 

no 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

(1) The  following  abbreviations  are  used:  bgl  =  background  level,  eqs  =  environmental  quality  standard.
(2) Established  by  the  Member  State  for  the  specific  body  of  water  concerned  according  to  the  procedure  established  in  Section  1.1.2.5.

Table 1.1.2.2: Normative  definitions  for  high,  good  and  fair  ecological  status  for  lakes

Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

General

No  evidence,  or  only  very  minor  evidence,  of
anthropogenic  impacts  on  biological  communities  and
the  physico-chemical  and  physical  environment.

Detectable  but 
impacts  on  biological
communities  and  the  physico-chemical  and  physical
environment.

low-level 

Significant  impacts  on  biological  communities  and  the
physico-chemnical and physical environment. The biota
deviates moderately from that normally associated with
the  ecotype  under  undisturbed  conditions.

The  composition  and  abundance  of  the  biota  reflect
that  normally  associated  with  the  ecotype  under
undisturbed  conditions.

The  biota  shows  signs  of  disturbance  but  deviates  in
terms  of  survival,  reproduction  and  development  only
slightly from that normally associated with the ecotype
under  undisturbed  conditions.

Biological elements

Aquatic  flora:
Phytoplankton

Species  composition  and  abundance  correspond  totally
or  nearly  totally  to  type  specific  natural  conditions.

biomass 

chlorophyll-a
The 
average 
concentrations  are  at 
levels
corresponding  to  the  type-specific  natural  nutrient
levels.

type-specific  natural 

and/or 

life 

No  accelerated  growth  of  algae  and  higher  forms  of
plant 
to  produce  an  undesirable
disturbance  to  the  balance  of  organisms  present  in  the
water  and  to  the  quality  of  water  concerned.

such  as 

A  significant/moderate  change  in  species  composition
and  abundance.

average 

The 
concentration  are  significantly  above 
natural levels.

biomass 

and/or 

chlorophyll-a
type-specific

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9
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Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

Macrophytes
and
phytobenthos

Benthic
invertebrate
fauna

Fish  fauna

Species  composition  and  abundance  correspond  totally
or  nearly  totally  to  type-specific  conditions.

No  changes  (increase  or  decrease)  in  macrophytic  and
phytobenthic  biomass  due  to  anthropogenic  activities
(e.g.  nutrient  input).

Only  slight  changes  in  the  expansion  and  species
composition and abundances compared to type-specific
conditions.

No  significant  changes  (increase  or  decrease) 
macrophytic  and  phytobenthic  biomass  due 
anthropogenic  activities  (e.g.  nutrient  input).

in
to

Species  composition  and  abundance  significantly  differ
from 
type-specific  conditions.  Significant/moderate
changes  (increase  or  decrease)  in  macrophytic  and
phytobenthic  biomass  due  to  anthropogenic  activities
(e.g.  nutrient  input).

Species  composition  and  abundance  correspond  totally
or  nearly  totally  to  the  type-specific  composition.

Only  a  slight  change  of  species  composition  and
abundance  so  that  the  type  specific  main  features  can
develop  and  survive.

A  significant/moderate  change  of  species  composition
and  abundance.

Species  composition,  abundance  and  age  structure
totally  or  nearly  totally  corresponds  to  type-specific
conditions  with  the  appropriate  share  of  sensitive
species  present.

Slight  change  in  species  composition,  abundance,  and
age  structure.

Some  species  or  a  whole  group  of  species  are  missing.

A  small  proportion  of  the  expected  sensitive  species
would  be  absent  or  of  very  low  abundance.

Few species of the type-specific community are missing.
Species untypical of the ecotype or stocked species can
be  found  but  do  not  significantly  interfere  with  the
autochthonous  fish  population.

There  is  a  moderate  change  in  species  composition,
abundance,  biomass  and  age  structure.

A  moderate  proportion  of  the  expected  sensitive
species  is  absent  or  of  very  low  abundance.

Some  species  can  not  reproduce  naturally.

Species untypical of the ecotype or stocked species can
be 
the
autochthonous  fish  population.

found  which  significantly 

interfere  with 

Hydromorphological parameters

Hydrological
regime

Quantity  and  dynamics  of  water  flow  corresponds
totally  or  nearly  totally  to  type  specific  natural
conditions

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  community  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Morphological
elements

Lake depth variation, quantity, structure and substrate
of  bed  and  the  structure  of  the  riparian  zone
correspond  totally  or  nearly  totally  to  the  natural  type
specific  conditions.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  community  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

.

7
4
9
8

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E
N

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Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

Chemical  elements (1)

General
parameters

Physico-chemical  parameters  are  at  type-specific  levels.
Concentrations  not 
excess  of  background
concentrations  (# bgl).

in 

Concentrations/levels 
standards
not 
established  so  as  to  ensure  the  functioning  of  the
the  biological
the  occurrence  of 
ecosystem  and 
community  specified  above  (# eqs).

exceeding 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Concentrations not in excess of detection limit of most
advanced  analytical  techniques  or  ubiquitous  levels.

Substances  under
Annex  VIII  not
included  under
general
parameters

not 

Concentrations 
effect
concentration (2)  for  algae.  Daphnia  and  fish,  without
prejudice  to  Directive  91/414/EC.  The  lowest  value
shall  be  used  (# eqs).

exceeding 

no 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

(1) The  following  abbreviations  are  used:  bgl  =  background  level,  eqs  =  environmental  quality  standard)
(2) Established  by  the  Member  State  for  the  specific  body  of  water  concerned  according  to  the  procedure  established  in  Section  1.1.2.5.

Table  1.1.2.3 Normative  definitions  for  high,  good  and  fair  ecological  quality  for  estuaries

Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

General

No  evidence,  or  only  very  minor  evidence,  of
anthropogenic  impacts  on  biological  communities  and
the  physico-chemical  and  physical  environment.

Detectable  but 
impacts  on  biological
communities  and  the  physico-chemical  and  physical
environment.

low-level 

The  composition  and  abundance  of  the  biota  reflect
that  normally  associated  with  the  ecotype  under
undisturbed  conditions.

The  biota  shows  signs  of  disturbance  but  deviates  in
terms  of  survival,  reproduction  and  development  only
slightly from that normally associated with the ecotype
under  undisturbed  conditions.

Significant  impacts  on  biological  communities  and  the
physico-chemical  and  physical  environment.

The  biota  deviates  moderately  from  that  normally
associated  with 
the  ecotype  under  undisturbed
conditions.

Biological

Aquatic  flora:
Phytoplankton

Species  composition  and  abundance  correspond  totally
or  nearly  totally  to  the  type-specific  conditions.

average 

The 
chlorophyll-a
concentration  are  at  type-specific  levels  corresponding
to  the  type-specific  nutrient  levels.

biomass 

and/or 

life 

No  accelerated  growth  of  algae  and  higher  forms  of
to  produce  an  undesirable
plant 
disturbance  to  the  balance  of  organisms  present  in  the
water  and  to  the  quality  of  the  water  concerned.

such  as 

composition 

Species 
impacts 
significant/moderate 
eutrophication)  due  to  anthropogenic  activities.

and 
effects 

abundance 

of 

show
(e.g.

The average chlorophyll-a concentration is significantly
different  from  the  type-specific  natural  levels.

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High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

Macroalgae

There would be a normal (expected) abundance (cover)
and  biomass  of  macroalgae.

Reduced  but  still  relatively  high  abundance  and
biomass.

Low  abundance  and  biomass.

Angiosperms

There would be a normal (expected) abundance (cover)
and  biomass  of  angiosperms.

Reduced  but  still  relatively  high  abundance  and
biomass.

Low  abundance  and  biomass.

Benthic
invertebrate
fauna

The  number  of  taxa  would  be  high,  total  abundance
low  and  biomass  moderate.

Typical/key 
would  be  present.

indicator  species  of  unimpacted  state

The  number  of  taxa  would  be  high,  total  abundance
low  and  biomass  high.  Most  typical/key  indicator
species  of  unimpacted  state  would  be  present.

The  number  of  taxa,  total  abundance  and  total
biomass  would  be  moderate.  Species  indicative  of
impact  (for  example  organic  pollution)  would  be
present.

Fish  fauna

Composition,  abundance  and  biomass 
undisturbed  hydrophysical  conditions.

typical  of

Sustainable  resident  fish  populations  with  slightly
reduced  composition,  abundance  and  biomass.

Resident fish population not sustainable, much reduced
composition,  abundance  and  biomass.

No  hindrance  to  fish  migration.

Some  hindrance  to  fish  migration  but  sustainable
fisheries  exist  upstream.

Significant  hindrance 
upstream  not  sustainable.

to 

fish  migration, 

fisheries

Recruitment  of  fish  normal  for  ambient  biotic  and
hydrophysical conditions.

Sustainable  nursery 
recruitment.

fishery  but  below  optimal

Some  fish  breed  successfully.

Hydromorphological factors

Hydrological
regime

Quantity and dynamic of flow reflects totally, or nearly
totally  the  type-specific  natural  conditions.  Thus  tidal
regimes (currents and height) freshwater flows into the
estuary,  sediment  transport  and  deposition  would  not
significantly  be  influenced  by  anthropogenic  activities.

Estuary
continuity

Specific  for  the  type  of  estuary,  not  interrupted  by
anthropogenic  activities  and,  for  example,  allows
undisturbed  migration  of  fish  between  rivers  and  the
adjacent  coastal  waters.

Morphological
elements

Channel  patterns,  width  and  depth  variations,  flow
velocities,  substrate  conditions,  inter-tidal  areas  and
riparian conditions correspond totally or nearly totally
to  the  natural  type  specific  conditions.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

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Good  quality

Fair quality

Chemical  elements (1)

General
parameters

Physico-chemical  parameters  are  at  type-specific  levels.
Concentrations  not 
excess  of  background
concentrations  (# bgl).

in 

Concentrations/levels 
standards
not 
established  so  as  to  ensure  the  functioning  of  the
ecosystem  and 
the  biological
the  occurrence  of 
community  specified  above  (# eqs).

exceeding 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Concentrations not in excess of detection limit of most
advanced  analytical  techniques  or  ubiquitous  levels.

Substances  under
Annex  VIII  not
included  under
general
parameters

not 

Concentrations 
effect
concentration (2)  for  algae.  Daphnia  and  fish,  without
prejudice  to  Directive  91/414/EC.  The  lowest  value
shall  be  used  (# eqs).

exceeding 

no 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

(1) The  following  abbreviations  are  used:  bgl  =  background  level,  eqs  =  environmental  quality  standard)
(2) Established  by  the  Member  State  for  the  specific  body  of  water  concerned  according  to  the  procedure  established  in  Section  1.1.2.5.

Table  1.1.2.4 Normative  definitions  for  high,  good  and  fair  ecological  quality  for  coastal  waters

Element

High quality

Good  quality

Fair quality

General

No  evidence,  or  only  very  minor  evidence,  of
anthropogenic  impacts  on  biological  communities  and
their  ecotype.

Detectable  but 
communities  and  their  ecotype.

low-level 

impacts  on  biological

The  composition  and  abundance  of  the  biota  reflect
that  normally  associated  with  the  ecotype  under
undisturbed  conditions.

The  biota  shows  signs  of  disturbance  but  deviates  in
terms  of  survival,  reproduction  and  development  only
slightly from that normally associated with the ecotype
under  undisturbed  conditions.

Biological

Phytoplankton

Concentration of Chlorophyll-a (in eg/l), very low (for
example  in  the  Mediterranean  , 1  eg/l)

No  exceptional  phytoplanktonic  blooms.

High  transparency,  (for  example  in  the  Mediterranean
, 20  m)

Macroalgae and
angiosperms

Presence  of 
species 
conditions)  with  very  high  density.

indicator 

(of  unimpacted

life 

No  accelerated  growth  of  algae  and  higher  forms  of
to  produce  an  undesirable
plant 
disturbance  to  the  balance  of  organisms  present  in  the
water  and  to  the  quality  of  the  water  concerned.

such  as 

Significant impacts on biological communities and their
ecotypes.

The  biota  deviates  moderately  from  that  normally
associated  with 
the  ecotype  under  undisturbed
conditions.

Concentration  of  Chlorophyll-a  (eg/l),  moderate  (for
example  in  the  Mediterranean  around  1  to  2  eg/l)

Frequent  phytoplanktonic  blooms.

Low  transparency  (for  example  in  the  Mediterranean
. 10  to  5  m)

Presence  of 
conditions)  with  high  density.

indicator 

species 

(of  unimpacted

Presence  of 
conditions)  with  medium  density.

indicator 

species 

(of  unimpacted

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Fair quality

Hydromorphologicalparameters

Hydrological
regime

Quality  and  dynamic  of  flow  reflects  totally,  or  nearly
totally  the  type  specific  natural  conditions.  Thus  tidal
regimes (currents and height), freshwater flows into the
coastal  waters,  sediment  transport  and  deposition
would not significantly be influenced by anthropogenic
activities.  Allows 
the  occurrence  of  biological
communities  specific  for  the  type  of  coastal  water  of
the quality described above. Allows the occurrence of a
biological  community  of  the  quality  specified  above

Continuity

Specific  for  the  type  of  coastal  water,  not  interrupted
by  anthropogenic  activities  and,  for  example,  allows
undisturbed  migration  and  passage  of  fish  and  other
biota  to  and  from  estuaries  and  rivers.

Morphological
elements

substrate  of 

Structure  and 
the  adjacent  and
hydrodynamically  related  coastal  and  inter-tidal  areas,
and  riparian  conditions  correspond  totally  or  nearly
totally  to  the  natural  type  specific  conditions.

Chemical  elements (1)

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  occurrence  of  the  type-specific
biological  communities  specified  above.

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

General
parameters

Physico-chemical  parameters  are  at  type-specific  levels.
Concentrations  not 
excess  of  background
concentrations  (# bgl).

in 

Concentrations/levels 
standards
not 
established  so  as  to  ensure  the  functioning  of  the
ecosystem  and 
the  biological
the  occurrence  of 
community  specified  above  (# eqs).

exceeding 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

Concentrations not in excess of detection limit of most
advanced  analytical  techniques  or  ubiquitous  levels.

Substances  under
Annex  VIII  not
included  under
general
parameters

not 

Concentrations 
effect
concentration (2)  for  algae.  Daphnia  and  fish,  without
prejudice  to  Directive  91/414/EEC.  The  lowest  value
shall  be  used  (# eqs).

exceeding 

no 

Such  as  to  allow  the  quality  of  biological  community
specified  above.

(1) The  following  abbreviations  are  used:  bgl  =  background  level,  eqs  =  environmental  quality  standard)
(2) Established  by  the  Member  State  for  the  specific  body  of  water  concerned  according  to  the  procedure  established  in  Section  1.1.2.5.

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7.4.98

1.1.2.5

Procedure  to  be  followed  by  Member  States  for  the  setting  of  chemical  quality  standards

1.1.2.5.1 D a t a   r e q u i r e m e n t s

Where  possible,  both  acute  and  chronic  data  shall  be  obtained  for  the  following  taxa,  collectively  termed
“the  base  set”:

— Algae  and/or  macrophytes

— Daphnia

— Fish

Other  taxa  for  which  data  are  available  may  be  taken  into  account  as  appropriate.

1.1.2.5.2 S e t t i n g   t h e   E n v i r o n m e n t a l   Q u a l i t y   S t a n d a r d

The  following  procedure  applies  to  the  setting  of  a  maximum  annual  average  concentration.

(i) The lowest reliable and relevant effect concentration shall be determined from laboratory tests and the

appropriate  safety  factor  applied  as  set  out  in  the  table  below:

At least one short-term L(E)C50  from each of three trophic levels of the
base-set

One  long-term  NOEC  (either  fish  or  Daphnia)

Two  long-term  NOECs  from  species  representing  two  trophic  levels
(fish  and/or  Daphnia  and/or  algae)

Long-term  NOECs  from  at  least  three  species  (normally  fish,  Daphnia
and  algae)  representing  three  trophic  levels

Safety  factor

1 000

100

50

10

Field  data  or  model  ecosystems

Case  by  case  assessment

Member  States  may  adjust  the  factors  indicated  here  in  certain  cases  as  indicated  in  section  3.3.1  of
Part  II  of  Technical  guidance  document  in  support  of  Commission  Directive  93/67/EEC  on  risk
assessment  for  new  notified  substances  and  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1488/94  on  risk
assessment  for  existing  substances.

(ii) Where  data  on  persistence  and  bioaccumulation  are  available,  these  should  be  taken  into  account  in

deriving  the  final  value  of  the  Environmental  Quality  Standard.

(iii) The standard thus derived should be compared with any evidence from field studies. Where anomalies

appear  the  derivation  should  be  reviewed.

(iv) The  standard  derived  should  be  subject  to  peer  review  and  public  consultation  within  the  Member

State.

1.1.3

Classification  of  water  body  ecotype  and  identification  of  reference  conditions

1.1.3.1 Classification  of  water  body  ecotype

Methodology

(i) The  surface  water  bodies  within  the  river  basin  shall  be  discriminated  into  ecotypes.

(ii) For this purpose, Member States may use either System A or System B identified below. If system A is
used, the river basin must be discriminated into ecoregions according to the map set out in Annex X.
The water bodies in each ecoregion must then be discriminated into ecotypes according to the criteria
set  out  in  the  tables  for  System  A.

(iii)

If System B is used, Member States must achieve at least the same degree of discrimination as would be
achieved  using  System  A.

(iv) This  exercise  must  be  completed  by  31  June  2001.

(v) Member  States  shall  submit  a  list  of  ecotypes  distinguished,  together  with  maps  (GIS)  of  their

geographical  location,  to  the  Commission  at  the  latest  by  31  December  2001.

(vi) Where  appropriate,  Member  States  shall  adjust  the  classification  of  water  body  type,  inter  alia  in  the

light  of  the  results  of  the  monitoring  required  by  Article  13.

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1.1.3.1.1 Classification  into  ecotypes  for  rivers

System  A

Level

Type

Descriptors/parameters/factors

1

2

Ecoregion

18  ecoregions  described  by  Illies  (1978)  in  Limnofauna  Europaea

Ecotype

Altitude  typology

— high  . 800  m

— mid-altitude  200  to  800  m

— lowland  , 200  m

Size  typology  based  on  catchment  area

— Small , 100  km2

— Medium  100  to  1 000  km2

— Large  1 000  to  10 000  km2

— Very  large  . 10 000  km2

Geology

— calcareous

— siliceous

— organic

System  B

Continuum  of
ecotypes/habitat
types

Physical  and  chemical  factors  that  in  combination  determine  ecotype  sand  hence  affect  biological
community  structure  and  composition

Obligatory  factors

— altitude

— latitude

— longitude

— geology

— size

Optional  factors

— distance  from  river  source

— form  and  shape  of  main

— energy  of  flow  (function

river  bed

— mean  substratum
composition

of  flow  and  slope)

— river  discharge  (flow)

— chloride

— mean  water  width

— mean  water  depth

— mean  water  slope

category

— valley shape

— transport  of  solids

— alkalinity

— air  temperature  range

— mean  air  temperature

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7.4.98

1.1.3.1.2 Classification  into  ecotypes  for  lakes.

System  A

Level

Type

Descriptors/parameters/factors

1

2

Ecoregion

18  ecoregions  described  by  Illies  (1978)  in  Limnofauna  Europaea

Ecotype

Altitude  typology
— high  . 800  m

— mid-altitude  200  to  800  m
— lowland  , 200  m

Depth  typology  based  on  mean  depth
— , 3  m,
— between  3  m  and  , 15  m,
— . 15  m

Size  typology  based  on  surface  area

— 0,01  to  0,1  km2
— . 0,1  to  1  km2
— . 1  to  10  km2
— . 10  to  100  km2
— . 100  km2

Geology

— calcareous

— siliceous

— organic

System  B

Continuum  of
ecotypes/habitat
types

Physical  and  chemical  factors  that  in  combination  determine  ecotype  and  hence  affect  biological
community  structure  and  composition

Obligatory  factors

— altitude

— latitude

— longitude

— geology

— size

Optional  factors

— mean  water  depth

— alkalinity

— acid neutralising capacity

— lake  shape

— residence  time

— mean  air  temperature

— air  temperature  range

— acidification sensitivity

— background  nutrient

— mixing characteristics (e.g.
monomictic, dimictic,
polymictic)

status

— mean  substratum
composition

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1.1.3.1.3 Classification  into  ecotypes  for  estuaries

System  A

Level

Type

Descriptors/parameters/factors

1

Ecoregion

Based  on  the  main  sea  areas  of  the  EU  as  proposed  by  the  EEA:

— Baltic Sea

— Barents  Sea

— Norwegian Sea

— North  Sea

— North  Atlantic  Ocean

— Mediterranean Sea

2

Ecotype

Based  on  mean  annual  salinity

— , 0,5 ‰  Freshwater

— 0,5  to  , 5 ‰ Oligohaline

— 5  to  , 18 ‰  Mesohaline

— 18  to  , 30 ‰  Polyhaline

— 30  to  , 40 ‰  Euhaline

Based  on  mean  tidal  range

— , 2  m  microtidal

— 2  to  4  m  mesotidal

— . 4  m  macrotidal

System  B

Continuum  of
ecotypes/habitat
types

Physical  and  chemical  factors  that  in  combination  determine  ecotype  type  and  hence  affect
biological  community  structure  and  composition

Obligatory  factors

— latitude

— longitude

— tidal range

— salinity

Optional  factors

— depth

— current  velocity

— exposure

— residence  time

— mixing characteristics

— turbidity

— mean  substratum  composition

— estuary  shape

— mean  water  temperature

— water  temperature  range

C 108/110

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Official  Journal  of  the  European  Communities

7.4.98

1.1.3.1.4 Classification  into  ecotypes  for  coastal  waters

System  A

Level

1

Ecoregion

2

Ecotype

System  B

Continuum  of
ecotypes/habitat
types

Type

Descriptors/parameters/factors

Based  on  the  main  sea  areas  of  the  EU  as  proposed  by  the  EEA
— Baltic Sea
— Barents  Sea
— Norwegian Sea
— North  Sea
— North  Atlantic  Ocean
— Mediterranean Sea

Based  on  mean  annual  salinity
— , 0.5 ‰  Freshwater
— 0.5  to  , 5 ‰ Oligohaline
— 5  to  , 18 ‰  Mesohaline
— 18  to  , 30 ‰  Polyhaline
— 30  to  , 40 ‰  Euhaline

Based  on  mean  depth
— shallow  waters  , 30  m,
— intermediate  (30  to  200  m),
— deep  . 200  m

Physical  and  chemical  factors  that  in  combination  determine  ecotype  type  and  hence  affect
biological  community  structure  and  composition

Obligatory  factors

— latitude

— longitude

— salinity

— depth

Optional  factors

— current  velocity

— mixing characteristics

— exposure

— turbidity

— mean  substratum
composition

— mean  water  temperature

— retention  time  (of  enclosed

— water  temperature  range

bays)

1.1.3.2. Establishment  of  reference  conditions:  methodology

(i) For  each  ecotype  identified  under  Section  1.1.3.1,  a  set  of  reference  conditions  shall  be  established.
These  reference  conditions  shall  be  the  values  for  the  biological  parameters  which  would  be  obtained
for  that  ecotype  at  high  status.

(ii) The  reference  conditions  may  be  spatially  based  and/or  temporally  based.

(iii) For  spatially-based  reference  conditions,  Member  States  must  develop  a  reference  network  of  at  least
five  reference  sites  of  high  status  within  each  ecotype.  Using  this  network,  it  shall  then  identify  the
values for the biological parameters listed in Section 1.1 corresponding to high ecological status, either
by  direct  use  of  reference  data  or  by  of  predictive  models  based  on  reference  data.

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C 108/111

(iv) Temporally based reference conditions shall be identified using historical data at the site to identify the
values  for  the  biological  parameters  listed  in  Section  1.1  corresponding  to  high  ecological  status.
Reference  conditions  may  also  be  constructed  using  a  combination  of  spatially  and  temporally-based
reference conditions, for example by using historical data at a reference site. Historical values shall be
determined  by  using  either  data  collected  in  the  past,  or  data  collected  in  the  present  using
palaeological methods.

(v) Establishment  of  reference  conditions  shall  be  completed  by  31  December  2001.

1.1.4 Monitoring  of  ecological  status  for  inland  and  coastal  waters

Monitoring programmes for surface water status, as required by Article 10, shall be instituted according to
the  following  requirements,  so  as  to  provide  a  comprehensive  overview  of  the  surface  water  status  in  each
River  Basin.  Such  monitoring  programmes  shall  be  reviewed  every  three  years.

1.1.4.1 Selection  of  monitoring  sites

Member  States  shall  separately  identify  all  bodies  of  water  in  each  River  Basin  District.

Member  States  shall  designate  monitoring  sites  to  be  included  in  the  monitoring  programme  according  to
the  following  requirements:

1.

Identify  those  bodies  which  are  subject  to  point  source  pressures  in  accordance  with  Annex  3.2,

2.

Identify  those  bodies  which  are  subject  to  diffuse  pressures  in  accordance  with  Annex  3.3,

3.

Identify  those  bodies  which  are  not  subject  to  anthropogenic  pressure,

4.

Identify  all  significant (1)  water  bodies  which  cross  a  Member  State  boundary,  and

5.

Identify  all  significant  bodies  which  discharge  into  territorial  waters.

Bodies  identified  in  1.  above  shall  be  designated  as  monitoring  sites.

Bodies  identified  in  2.  above  shall  be  assessed.  This  assessment  shall  be  carried  out  by:

— designating  as  a  monitoring  site  each  body  that  is  subject  to  the  pressure,

or

— designating  as  monitoring  sites  a  selection  of  water  bodies  which  are  both:

— representative  of  the  ecotypes (2)  that  are  subject  to  the  pressure

and

— representative  of  the  spatial  variability  of  the  pressure.

Bodies  identified  in  3.  above  shall  be  assessed.  Such  an  assessment  shall  be  carried  out  by:

— designating  as  a  monitoring  site  each  body  of  water

or

— designating  as  monitoring  sites  a  selection  of  the  water  bodies  which  are  representative  of  all  the

ecotypes  present  in  the  basin

Bodies identified in 4 and 5 above shall be monitored at the point of discharge into territorial waters or the
territory  of  another  state.

Member  States  shall  designate  additional  monitoring  sites  as  are  necessary  to  ensure  a  comprehensive
overview  of  surface  water  status  for  each  River  Basin.

(1) Significant  bodies  are  to  be  considered  those  which,  on  average,  account  for  more  than  20 %  of  the  annual  discharge
from  a  River  Basin.  Member  States  will  designate  all  the  monitoring  stations  listed  in  Annex  I  to  Council  Decision
77/795/EEC  for  this  purpose.

(2) For  the  purpose  of  this  requirement  an  ecotype  is  one  of  the  types  of  water  body  identified  under  Section  1.1.3.1.

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1.1.4.2 Selection  of  type  parameters  for  monitoring

Member  States  shall  monitor  each  site  identified  in  1  to  5  above  for  those  parameters  listed  in  the  table
below:

Type  Parameters

Biology

General
Parameters

Hydro-
morphological

Priority  List

Other  Pollutants

Body  type  1

All

Inventory  +
Investigation

Inventory  +
Investigation

Inventory

Inventory

Body  type  2

All

Inventory  +
Investigation

Inventory  +
Investigation

Inventory

Inventory

Body  type  3

All

Reference  +
Investigation

Reference  +
Investigation

Option

Option

Body  type  4

Body  type  5

All

All

All

All

Option

Option

All

All

Inventory

Inventory

“Inventory”  in  the  table  above  means:  “monitor  for  those  supporting  parameters  that  indicate  the  level  of
those  pressures,  identified  in  the  inventory  of  pollution  sources  required  by  Annex  III,  that  are  being
imposed  upon  the  water  body,  and  thus  the  biological  community.”

“Investigation”  in  the  table  above  means:  “monitor  for  supporting  parameters  in  the  event  that  the
biological  quality  does  not  achieve  good  status.”

“Reference”  in  the  table  above  means:  “monitor  the  condition  of  reference  sites (3)  for  all  supporting
parameters  to  ensure  that  they  are  not  subject  to  significant  anthropogenic  pressure.”

(3) Reference  sites  are  defined  in  section  1.1.3  of  this  Annex.

1.1.4.3 Selection  of  frequency

Member  States  shall  carry  out  monitoring  at  such  a  frequency  as  is  envisaged  as  necessary  to  ensure  that
any  changes  in  classification  that  occur  are  detected  with  a  90 %  degree  of  confidence  between  three  year
periods, but in any event Member States shall, where required to do so by Table 1.1.4.2 above, monitor the
relevant  quality  elements  at  the  minimum  frequency  detailed  below.

Type  Parameter

Minimum  Frequency

Biological

Aquatic  Flora

Macro  invertebrates

Fish

Hydromorphological

Continuity

Hydrology

Morphology

1  /  3  year

1  /  3  year

1  /  3  year

1  /  3  year

continuous

1  /  3  year

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Type  Parameter

Minimum  Frequency

Physico-Chemical

Temperature

Oxygen Balance

Salt  Content

pH

Nutrients

Acidification Status

Priority  Substances

Other  Pollutants

1  /  3  months

1  /  3  months

1  /  3  months

1  /  3  months

1  /  3  months

1  /  3  months

1  /  month

1  /  3  months

The  level  of  confidence  and  precision  reached  by  the  monitoring  system  used  shall  be  stated  in  the  River
Basin  Management  Plan.

1.1.4.4 Additional  provisions  on  priority  list  substances

(i) Type  1  bodies  of  water  which  have  been  subject  to  inputs  of  priority  list  substances  shall  continue  to
be monitored until such time as twelve consecutive samples are measured to be below the relevant EQS
for  the  substances  in  question.

(ii) Monitoring  points  shall  be  chosen  such  as  to  determine  whether  the  relevant  quality  objectives  are
being  consistently  achieved  sufficiently  close  to  the  input,  so  as  to  be  representative  of  the  quality  of
the  receiving  water  in  the  area  affected  by  the  input,  allowing  for  a  reasonable  mixing  zone.

(iii) Additional  monitoring  required  in  the  event  of  an  EQS  for  a  priority  list  substances  being  breached
should include monitoring at a range of distances from the input in order to identify the extent of the
area  of  exceedence.

1.1.4.5 Monitoring  of  protected  areas

The monitoring required under sections 1.1.4.1 to 1.1.4.4 shall be supplemented according to the following
requirements:

(i) D r i n k i n g   w a t e r   a b s t r a c t i o n   p o i n t s

Areas  designated  under  Article  8  (drinking  water  abstraction)  shall  be  designated  as  monitoring  sites
and  shall  be  monitored  for  all  parameters  for  which  environmental  quality  standards  have  been  set
pursuant  to  Article  8.  Monitoring  shall  be  carried  out  in  accordance  with  the  frequencies  detailed
below:

Minimum  annual  frequency  of  sampling  and  analysis  for  each  parameter  for  which  an  EQS  has  been
set  under  Article  8.

Population  served

Frequency

, 10 000
. 10 000  to
, 30 000
. 30 000  to
, 100 000
. 100 000

(ii) B a t h i n g   w a t e r s

1  /  3  months

1  /  6  weeks

1  /  month

1  /  month

Monitoring  shall  be  carried  out  for  these  areas  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  Directive
76/160/EEC

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(iii) N u t r i e n t   s e n s i t i v e   a r e a s

Monitoring  shall  be  carried  out  for  these  areas  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  Directives
91/271/EEC  and  91/676/EEC

(iv) H a b i t a t   a n d   s p e c i e s   p r o t e c t i o n   a r e a s

Monitoring for these areas shall be carried out as for bodies of type 1, as referred to above, and such
further  monitoring  as  is  considered  necessary  to  ensure  the  condition  of  these  areas  satisfy  the
requirements  of  the  measure  under  which  they  are  designated.

1.1.4.6 Monitoring  in  the  event  of  accidental  pollution

In  the  event  of  accidental  pollution,  as  referred  to  in  Article  19,  monitoring  shall  be  carried  out  as  for  a
body  of  type  1  above  in  order  to  assess  the  impact  of  the  accidental  pollution  on  the  receiving  water
body.

1.1.4.7 Standards  for  monitoring  of  type  parameters

M a c r o i n v e r t e b r a t e   s a m p l i n g

ISO  5667-3  1995

EN  27828:  1994

EN  28265:  1994

ISO  9391:  1995

ISO/CD  8689.1

ISO/CD  8689.2

Water  quality  —  Sampling  —  Part  3:  Guidance  on  the  preservation  and
handling  of  samples

Water  quality  —  Methods  of  biological  sampling  —  Guidance  on  hand  net
sampling  of  benthic  macroinvertebrates

Water  quality  —  Methods  of  biological  sampling  —  Guidance  on  the  design
and  use  of  quantitative  samplers  for  macroinvertebrates  on  stony  substrata  in
shallow  waters

Water quality — Sampling in deep waters for macroinvertebrates — Guidance
on  the  use  of  colonisation,  qualitative  and  quantitative  samplers

Biological  classification  of  rivers  PART  I:  guidance  on  the  interpretation  of
biological  quality  data  from  surveys  of  benthic  macroinvertebrates  in  running
waters

Biological  classification  of  rivers  PART  I:  guidance  on  the  presentation  of
biological  quality  data  from  surveys  of  benthic  macroinvertebrates  in  running
waters

M a c r o p h y t e   s a m p l i n g

CEN/ISO  standards  under  development

F i s h   s a m p l i n g

CEN/ISO  standards  under  development

D i a t o m   s a m p l i n g

CEN/ISO  standards  under  development  by  CEN

S t a n d a r d s   f o r   p h y s i c o - c h e m i c a l   p a r a m e t e r s

S t a n d a r d s   f o r   h y d r o m o r p h o l o g i c a l   p a r a m e t e r s

1.1.5 Monitoring  and  assessment  of  other  marine  waters

Table  1.1.5

Main  anthropogenic  effects  to  be  considered

Discharges  of  substances  in  Annex  VIII  (with  the  exception  of  nutrients)  and  in  particular
Cd,  Hg,  Pb,  TBT,  PCBs (1),  PAHs (2),  chlorinated  dioxins,  dibenzofurans  and  oil;

Nutrients

Discharges  of  litter;

Fisheries  and  mariculture

1

2

3

4

(1) These  are  as  follows:  CB  28,  CB  52,  CB  101,  CB  118,  CB  138,  CB  153  and  CB  180.
(2) These  are  as  follows:  phenanthrene,  anthracene,  fluoranthene,  pyrene,  benzo[a]anthracene,  chrysene,  benzo-[Æ]-pyrene,

benzo-[ghi]-perylene,  indeno-[1,2,3-cd]-pyrene.

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Methodology

1. Each  Member  State  shall  identify,  according  to  the  methodology  established  under  Annex  III:

(a)

those  substances  or  contaminants  in  section  1  or  2  of  table  1.1.5  which  are  input  in  significant
quantities  to  the  marine  environment,  from  the  atmosphere,  from  rivers  and  estuaries,  from  direct
discharges,  in  the  vicinity  of  shipping  lanes  and  in  the  vicinity  of  offshore  installations.  They  shall
include  in  particular  those  substance  inputs  for  which  there  is  evidence  that  they  are  contributing
significantly  to  pollution  of  the  marine  waters  of  any  other  Member  State;

(b) significant  occurences  of  litter  at  the  sea  surface,  on  the  seabed  and  along  shorelines;

(c)

significant  instances  of  fishing  and  mariculture  activities.

2. For each substance or contaminant in section 1 of table 1.1.5 identified under paragraph 1(a), Member

States  shall:

(a) undertake  monitoring  of  marine  concentrations  in  sediments  and  biota;

(b) establish  background  concentrations;

(c) compare  concentrations  with  ecotoxicological  assessment  criteria.

For  important  groups  of  pollutants  so  identified,  Member  States  shall  establish  biological  effects
monitoring regimes.

3. For  significant  inputs  of  nutrients  identified  under  paragraph  1(a),  Member  States  shall:

(a) establish a monitoring programme to identify where elevated nutrient concentrations or fluxes from
anthropogenic  sources  cause  an  increase  in  any  of  frequency,  magnitude  or  duration  of
phytoplankton  blooms,  or  a  change  in  species  composition;  and

(b) monitor  to  detect  and  assess  the  extent  to  which  any  of  increased  phytoplankton  abundance,
changed phytoplankton species composition, and the presence of toxic phytoplankton species result
in  ecological  disturbance.

4. For  occurrences  of  litter  identified  under  paragraph  1(b),  Member  States  shall:

(a) establish  and  assess  sources,  composition,  occurrence  and  quantities  of  litter;  and

(b) assess  information  on  stomach  contents  of  birds  and  marine  organisms  in  relation  to  health.

5. For  instances  of  fishing  and  mariculture  activities  identified  under  paragraph  1(c),  Member  States

shall:

(a)

for  fishing  activities

— monitor  fisheries  discards  and  discards  of  offal,

— monitor  by-catches  and  establish  biological  effects  monitoring  to  quantify  effects  on  stocks  of

non-target  species  and  benthic  communities;

(b)

for  mariculture  activities:

— establish  and  monitor  the  genetic  compositon  of  wild  stocks  to  identify  any  impacts,

— monitor  disease  and  parasites  in  wild  stocks  and  undertake  risk  assessments  of  potential

introduction  from  mariculture,

— survey  concentrations/biological  effects  of  pesticides  and  antibiotics.

6. With  a  view  to  achieving  a  global  assessment  of  ecological  health  in  order  to  determine  the  extent  of
human  impact,  Member  States  shall  develop  ecological  quality  objectives,  identify  suitable  indicator
species  and  define  a  biological  monitoring  system  in  relation  to  their  ecological  quality  objectives.

7. The  technical  specifications  and  quality-assurance  provisions  required  to  ensure  the  reliability  and
comparability  of  the  data  and  to  clearly  record  the  procedures  used  for  monitoring,  assessment  and

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analysis for the activities in paragraphs 2—6 shall be adopted by the Commission by 31 December 2001
at the latest, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 25. The Commission shall ensure the
maximum  of  consistency  between  the  obligations  established  and  those  under  the  international
conventions  covering  territorial  and  other  marine  waters.

1.1.6

Presentation  of  monitoring  results  and  harmonised  classification  of  ecological  quality

1.1.6.1 Presentation  of  monitoring  results  and  classification  of  ecological  status

(i) For biological monitoring, Member States shall present the monitoring results for each site in terms of
deviation  from  the  reference  conditions  for  that  site.  This  deviation  shall  be  expressed  by  a  single
figure  representing  numerically  the  degree  of  departure.

(ii) For  each  chemical  parameter,  the  monitoring  result  shall  be  expressed  as  an  absolute  numerical  value

and  translated  into  a  quality  classification  as  provided  for  in  Section  1.2.

(iii) For hydromorphological parameters, the monitoring result shall be expressed as a quality classification

as  provided  for  in  Section  1.2.

(iv) Member  States  shall  classify  the  ecological  quality  for  each  body  of  water  according  to  the  following

scheme:

High

Good

Fair

Poor

Bad

A  —  blue

B  —  green

C  —  yellow

D  —  orange

E  —  red

A  map  shall  be  provided  of  biological  quality,  colour-coded  as  indicated  above.

Where  failure  to  achieve  good  ecological  status  is  entirely  due  to  heavily  modified  physical
characteristics,  a  set  of  green  dashes  shall  be  superimposed  on  the  appropriate  colour  code.

(v) The  ecological  quality  classification  for  the  body  of  water  shall  be  presented  by  three  letters  in
juxtaposition. The first letter shall represent the classification for biological parameters, the second the
classification  for  hydromorphological  parameters,  and  the  third  the  classification  for  chemical
parameters.  The  overall  ecological  status  of  the  water  body  shall  be  the  lowest  of  the  three.

1.1.6.2 Comparability  of  biological  monitoring  results

(i) The  Commission  shall  ensure  an  exchange  of  information  between  Member  States  leading  to  the
identification  across  the  Community  of  a  set  of  bodies  of  water,  of  a  representative  selection  of
ecotypes,  of  qualities  corresponding  to  the  normative  definitions  of  quality  classes  established  in
Section  1.2.  This  group  of  sites  shall  be  collectively  known  as  “the  intercalibration  network”.  A
register  of  the  sites  comprising  the  intercalibration  network  shall  be  prepared  and  made  available  for
comment  by  31  March  2001.

(ii) Establishment  of  the  intercalibration  network  for  good  ecological  status  shall  be  completed  by

31  December  2001.

(iii) The Commission shall coordinate an intercalibration exercise. Every biological monitoring system to be
used by a Member State for the purposes of Article 10 shall be tested on the intercalibration network.
This  testing  shall  take  the  following  form:

— Each  biological  monitoring  system  shall  be  applied  to  every  site  in  the  intercalibration  network
which  is  of  an  ecotype  for  which  it  shall  be  used  in  practice.  The  intercalibration  network  shall
include  at  least  five  sites  at  each  of  the  five  quality  levels  for  every  such  ecotype.

— Environmental  quality  ratios  for  each  national  monitoring  system  shall  be  established  for  each  of
the five quality classes. Member States shall classify the ecological status of the water body for the
purposes  of  this  Directive  by  reference  to  the  ratios  so  established.

(iv) The intercalibration exercise outlined in paragraph 4 shall be completed by 31 December 2002 at the
latest.  A  table  of  all  the  values  so  established  shall  be  published  by  the  Commission  by  30  June
2003.

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1.1.7 Criteria  for  the  designation  of  heavily  modified  physical  characteristics

The  Member  State  may  designate  physical  characteristics  of  a  body  as  heavily  modified  on  the  basis  of
consideration  of  the  following:

(i) whether  it  is  technically  possible  and  economically  feasible  to  make  modifications

(ii)

the  effects  of  such  modifications  on  the  wider  environment

(iii)

the  effects  on  navigation

(iv)

the  effects  on  activities  for  the  purposes  of  which  water  is  stored  (power  generation,  drinking-water
supply,  etc. . .)

(v)

the  effects  on  water  regulation  and  flood  protection.

Where characteristics of a body of water are so designated, that designation and the reasons for it shall be
stated  in  the  River  Basin  Management  Plan.

1.2

CHEMICAL  SURFACE  WATER  STATUS

1.2.1 Selection  of  monitoring  sites,  and  sampling  and  analysis  frequencies

These shall be selected as specified in the legislation laying down the environmental quality standard. Where
no  specific  guidance  is  given  the  scheme  for  priority  list  substances  set  out  in  section  1.1.4.3  shall  be
adopted.

1.2.2 Presentation  of  chemical  status

Where  a  body  meets  all  the  environmental  quality  standards  with  which  compliance  is  required  under
Article 13(3)(a) or 13(3)(h), it shall be recorded as achieving good chemical status. If not, the body shall be
recorded  as  failing  to  achieve  good  chemical  status.

2.

GROUNDWATER

2.1 ANALYSIS  OF  THE  CHARACTERISTICS  OF  THE  RIVER  BASIN  DISTRICT

Identification,  mapping  and  characterisation  of  groundwater  bodies

Member States shall identify, map and characterize all groundwater bodies at a national, regional and local
level.

In  characterizing  groundwater  bodies  the  following  information  shall  be  collected  where  relevant  for  each
groundwater  body:

— boundaries  and  area  of  the  groundwater  body,

— geological  characteristics  of  the  groundwater  body,  including  extent  and  type  of  geological  units,

— hydrogeological  characteristics  of 

the  aquifer 

including  hydraulic  conductivity,  porosity  and

confinement,

— characteristics  of  the  superficial  deposits  and  soils  overlying  the  aquifer,  including  their  thickness,

porosity,  hydraulic  conductivity,  and  absorptive  properties,

— stratification  characteristics  of  the  groundwater  within  the  groundwater  body,

— an inventory of associated surface systems, including terrestrial ecosystems and bodies of surface water,

with  which  the  groundwater  body  is  dynamically  linked,

— estimates of the directions and rates of exchange of water between the groundwater body and associated

surface  systems,  and

— sufficient  data  to  calculate  the  long  term  annual  average  rate  of  overall  recharge.

In characterizing the impact of human activity, the following information shall be collected and maintained
for  each  groundwater  body:

— location  of  points  in  the  groundwater  body  from  which  water  is  abstracted,

— the  annual  average  rates  of  abstraction  from  such  points,

— the  chemical  composition  of  water  abstracted  from  the  groundwater  body,

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— location  of  points  in  the  groundwater  body  into  which  water  is  directly  discharged,

— the  rates  of  discharge  at  such  points,

— the  chemical  composition  of  waters  discharged  to  the  groundwater  body,

— land use in the catchment for the groundwater body, including anthropogenic alterations to the recharge
characteristics of the groundwater body, including rainwater and run-off diversion through land sealing,
artificial  recharge,  damming  and  drainage,  and

— areas of human development which may be susceptible to damage as a result of changes in groundwater

level.

Sufficient  information  shall  be  provided  to  allow  a  reliable  water  balance  calculation  to  be  made  for  each
groundwater  body  such  as  to  identify  the  net  change  in  water  storage  in  the  body  resulting  from  the  total
volumes  of  water  entering  and  leaving  the  body.

2.2. GROUNDWATER  QUANTITATIVE  STATUS

2.2.1 Parameter  for  classification  of  quantitative  status  of  groundwater

Groundwater  level  regime

2.2.2 Definition  of  good  quantitative  status

Elements

Good  status

Groundwater  level

The level of groundwater in the groundwater body is consistent with
the  achievement  of  good  quantitative  status  as  defined  in  Article  2.

The level of groundwater is not subject to anthropogenic alterations
such  as  would  result  in  failure  to  achieve  the  ecological  quality
objectives  specified  under  Article  4  for  associated  surface  waters  or
any significant diminution in the ecological quality of such waters or
any  significant  damage  to  associated  terrestrial  ecosystems.

The  level  of  groundwater  does  not  exhibit  an  anthropogenically
induced trend liable to result in such alterations to the groundwater
level.

Alterations to flow direction resulting from level changes may occur
temporarily,  or  continuously  in  a  spatially  limited  area,  but  such
reversals  do  not  cause  saltwater  or  other  intrusion,  and  do  not
indicate  an  anthropogenically  induced  trend  in  flow  direction  likely
to  result  in  such  intrusions.

2.2.3 Monitoring  of  groundwater  quantitative  status

2.2.3.1 Groundwater  level  monitoring  sites

Each  competent  authority  shall  establish  a  groundwater  monitoring  network  in  accordance  with  the
requirements of Article 10. The monitoring network shall be designed so as to provide a reliable estimate of
the  quantitative  status  of  all  groundwater  bodies.

Member  States  shall:

1.

2.

3.

Identify  those  groundwater  bodies  from  which  waters  are  abstracted  and  ensure  sufficient  monitoring
points  are  provided  to  assess  the  impact  of  the  abstraction  upon  the  groundwater  level  within  the
groundwater  body.

Identify those groundwater bodies which are subject to direct or indirect discharges and ensure sufficient
monitoring points are provided to assess the impact of the discharge upon the groundwater level within
the  groundwater  body.

Identify  all  significant  groundwater  bodies  where  groundwater  flows  across  a  Member  State  boundary
and  ensure  sufficient  monitoring  points  are  provided  to  estimate  the  direction  and  rate  of  groundwater
flow  across  the  Member  State  boundary.

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4.

Identify  those  groundwater  bodies  not  included  in  1.,  2.,  or  3.  above  and  ensure  sufficient  monitoring
points  are  provided  to  estimate  the  groundwater  level  including  dynamic  elements  such  as  seasonal
variations,  and  long  term  natural  fluctuations  within  the  groundwater  body.

2.2.3.2 Selection  of  frequency

Monitoring of groundwater levels shall be carried out so as to identify both short-term and long-term trends
in  groundwater  levels.  Monitoring  shall  be  sufficient  for  the  identification  of  such  trends  despite  the
presence of climatically induced variation as a result of factors such as rainfall events and long term climatic
change.

The  frequency  of  observations  of  the  groundwater  level  in  each  body  of  groundwater  shall  permit
assessment  of  trends  in  groundwater  level  as  a  result  of  both  anthropogenic  and  non-anthropogenic
influences  on  the  body.

The  frequency  of  observations  shall  permit  the  calculation  of  the  available  groundwater  resource.

2.2.3.3 Representation  of  quantitative  status

For each groundwater level monitoring point, observations of groundwater level shall be analysed to assess
trends  in  the  level  of  groundwater  in  the  groundwater  body.  The  detection  or  prediction  of  anthropogenic
trends  liable  to  give  rise  to  a  reduction  in  the  ecological  status  of  associated  surface  systems  shall  be
considered  as  a  failure  to  achieve  good  quantitative  status.

2.3

GROUNDWATER  CHEMICAL  STATUS

2.3.1 Parameters  for  classification  of  chemical  status

Conductivity

Concentrations  of  priority  list  substances

Concentrations  of  Annex  VIII  pollutants

2.3.2. Definition  of  chemical  status

Elements

Good  status

General

Conductivity

Priority  list  pollutants

Other  pollutants

The chemical composition of the groundwater body is such that the
concentrations  of  pollutants:

— as  specified  below,  do  not  exhibit  the  effects  of  saline  or  other

intrusions

— do  not  exceed  the  environmental  quality  standards  specified

below

— are  not  such  as  would  result 

in  failure  to  achieve  the
environmental  objectives  specified  under  Article  4  for  associated
surface waters nor any significant diminution of the ecological or
chemical quality of such bodies nor in any significant damage to
associated  terrestrial  ecosystems

and monitoring data do not exhibit any trend likely to result in the
exceedance  of  such  environmental  quality  standards,  failure  to
achieve  such  environmental  objectives,  such  loss  of  ecological  or
chemical  quality  in  associated  surface  waters  or  such  damage  to
associated  terrestrial  ecosystems.

is  not  indicative  of  saline  or  other  intrusion  into  the  groundwater
body

any environmental quality standards established under Article 21(6)
or  under  other  relevant  Community  legislation

any  environmental  quality  standards  established  by  the  Member
State  under  Article  8  or  Article  21(6)  or  those  applicable  under
other  relevant  Community  legislation

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7.4.98

2.3.3. Monitoring  of  groundwater  chemical  status

2.3.3.1 Identification  of  monitoring  points

Member  States  shall  assess,  where  relevant,  the  inherent  susceptibility  of  each  groundwater  body  to
pollution  by  reference  to  relevant  available  monitoring  data  or  by  reference  to  the  characteristics  of  the
groundwater  body  determined  in  accordance  with  Annex  II  and  in  particular:

— the  thickness,  hydraulic  conductivity,  absorptive  and  reactive  properties  of  materials  overlying  the

geological  unit  in  which  the  groundwater  is  located,

— the  thickness,  hydraulic  conductivity,  absorptive  and  reactive  properties  of  the  solid  geological  strata  in

the  unsaturated  zone,  and

— the  depth  below  ground  of  the  uppermost  portion  of  aquifer  associated  with  the  groundwater  body.

Member  States  shall:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Identify  those  bodies  of  groundwater  which  are  subject  to  point  sources  of  pollutants  and  ensure
sufficient  monitoring  points  are  provided  to  assess  the  impact  of  the  point  source  input  upon  the
groundwater  body  given  its  inherent  susceptibility.

Identify  those  bodies  of  groundwater  which  pollutants  enter  other  than  from  point  sources  and  ensure
sufficient  monitoring  points  are  provided  to  assess  the  impact  of  such  sources  upon  the  groundwater
body  given  its  inherent  susceptibility.

Identify  those  bodies  which  are  susceptible  to  saline  or  other  intrusion  as  a  result  of  groundwater
abstraction  and  ensure  sufficient  monitoring  points  shall  be  provided  to  detect  the  rate  of  intrusion  of
saline  or  other  intrusion  into  the  groundwater  body.

Identify all significant bodies of groundwater where groundwater flows across a Member State boundary
and ensure at least one monitoring point is provided and such further points as are considered necessary
to  be  representative  of  the  variability  of  chemical  composition  across  the  member  state  boundary.

5. Designate such additional monitoring sites as are necessary in order to ensure a comprehensive overview

of  groundwater  chemical  status  for  each  body  of  groundwater.

Groundwater  bodies  designated  as  waters  used  for  the  abstraction  of  water  intended  for  human
consumption under Article 8 shall be monitored at the point of abstraction in order to ensure achievement
of  the  environmental  quality  standards  set  by  the  Member  State  in  accordance  with  Article  8.

2.3.3.2 Selection  of  Parameters

Monitoring  and  analysis  shall  be  carried  out  for  those  parameters  specified  in  the  table  below:

Type  parameters

Conductivity

Priority  list  substances

Other  pollutants

Body  type  1  —
Diffuse  input

Body  type  2  —
Point  source  impact

Body  type  3  —
Intrusion  sensitive

Body  type  4  —
Trans  boundary

Body  type  5  —
Unimpacted

Option

Inventory

Inventory

Option

Inventory

Inventory

All

Inventory

Inventory

Option

All

Inventory

Option

Selection

Selection

“Inventory” in the table above means: “monitor for those pollutants which are identified in the inventory of
sources  of  pollutants  that  are  liable  to  enter  the  groundwater  body,  as  identified  in  the  review  of  human
impacts  detailed  in  2.3.1  above.”

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“Selection” in the table above means: “monitor a selection of unimpacted sites for the presence of pollutants
which  are  liable  to  be  widespread,  so  as  to  obtain  values  for  the  background  concentration  of  such
pollutants.”

“Option”  in  the  table  above  means:  “may  be  monitored  at  the  discretion  of  the  Member  State.”

2.3.3.3 Selection  of  frequency

Member  States  shall  carry  out  monitoring,  where  required  to  do  so  by  Table  2.3.3.2  above,  at  such  a
frequency as is envisaged necessary to ensure that trends in the concentration of all pollutants are detected.
In  any  event  monitoring  shall  be  carried  out  at  a  minimum  frequency  of  once  per  annum.

The  level  of  confidence  and  precision  achieved  by  the  monitoring  system  used  shall  be  stated  in  the  River
Basin  Management  Plan.

2.3.3.4 Representation  of  Groundwater  Chemical  Status

Failure  to  achieve  the  standards  set  out  in  2.2.2  shall  be  judged  as  a  failure  to  achieve  good  groundwater
chemical  status.’