Water Framework Directive Assessment
What is this assessment?
The Water Framework Directive Assessment ensures the protection and improvement of water quality across various water bodies. The Water Framework Directive was enacted in 2000. It mandates EU member states to achieve at least 'good status' for all water bodies by 2027. It encompasses rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters.
In accordance with the Water Framework Directive. proposals with the potential to impact waterbodies are required to demonstrate that actions:
- Would not result in a deterioration in ecological status
- Would not result in the relevant waterbodies being unable to achieve the relevant target ecological status
Projects which directly affect the aquatic environment require consideration of their potential effect. These include bridges, culverts, flood prevention schemes or abstraction permissions.
Legal basis: EU Directive 2000/60/EC
What is the process?
The Water Framework Directive Assessment is a structured process, involving the following steps. The key objectives are:
Monitoring
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) coordinates a comprehensive national water quality monitoring programme. This includes:
- Surveillance monitoring to provide a long-term overview of water body status across Ireland
- Operational monitoring to assess water bodies at risk of failing environmental objectives
- Investigative monitoring on an ad-hoc basis when additional information is needed
- The programme covers 3,169 surface and groundwater bodies, including rivers, lakes, transitional waters, coastal waters, and groundwater
Assessment
The EPA assesses the ecological and chemical status of surface waters and the quantitative and chemical status of groundwaters. This involves:
- Evaluating biological, physico-chemical, chemical and hydromorphological quality elements
- Using standardised assessment methods for each water category
- Assigning one of five status classifications to surface waters: High, Good, Moderate, Poor, or Bad
- Classifying groundwater as either Good or Poor status
Reporting
The EPA reports on the status of Ireland's waters, including:
- Producing water quality reports and assessments
- Publishing monthly Hydrology Bulletins
- Providing data to inform River Basin Management Plans
Planning and implementation
Based on the assessment results:
- The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage develops River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and Programmes of Measures
- Local authorities coordinate water quality management across five regions
- Measures are implemented to protect and improve water quality
Public participation
The WFD requires public involvement throughout the process. This includes:
- Consultation on River Basin Management Plans
- Engagement with local communities on catchment management
- Involvement of stakeholders through bodies like the National Water Forum
Review and updating
The assessment and planning process occurs in 6-year cycles, allowing for:
- Tracking progress towards environmental objectives
- Updating monitoring programmes and management measures as needed
- Adapting to new challenges and information
By following these steps, Ireland aims to achieve the WFD's goal of good status for all waters by 2027.
Implementation framework
The Water Framework Directive is implemented through River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). They are developed in six-year cycles. Each cycle includes assessments of water conditions and outlines actions to meet quality objectives.
The responsible authorities are
- Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Oversees implementation
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Provides technical expertise and scientific assessment
- Local Authorities: Develop and implement RBMPs at the local level, coordinated by Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) on behalf of all local authorities
Submitting your assessment
The results of this assessment should be included with your submission to the relevant planning authority.