Module 3: Environmental Objectives, Programme of Measures, Economic Analysis, Exemptions Environmental Objectives Yannick Pochon Afyon, 2015

Contents Reminder and definitions Zoom on HMWB Examples

Place of Environmental objectives setting 6- PoM implementation 5- Programme of measures 4- Setting objectives 3- Monitoring and assessment 2- Characteristation, Pressures and impacts, economic analysis 1- Transposition, RBD delineation, competent authority, WB delineation Planning

The requirements of the WFD text The environmental objectives and the exemptions are set under Article 4 of the WFD. This article 4 WFD sets out the "environmental objectives" mainly in Article 4.1. The main environmental objectives include the following elements: No deterioration of status for surface and groundwaters and the protection, enhancement and restoration of all water bodies; Achievement of good status by 2015, i.e. good ecological status (or Potential) and good chemical status for surface waters and good chemical and good quantitative status for groundwaters; Progressive reduction of pollution of priority substances and phase-out of priority hazardous substances in surface waters and prevention and limitation of input of pollutants in groundwaters; Reversal of any significant, upward trend of pollutants in groundwaters; Achievement of Standards and objectives set for protected areas in Community legislation.

The requirements of the WFD text (2) It is important to note that where more than one of the objectives relates to a given body of water, the most stringent shall apply (Art. 4.2), irrespective of the fact that all objectives must be achieved. For heavily modified and artificial water bodies, Article 4.1 point (a) indent (iii) sets out "specific objectives" for these specific water bodies. (i.e. good ecological potential and good chemical status)

Achieve protected areas objectives Some waterbodies require greater protection (including drinking, bathing and shellfish waters, nutrient-sensitive areas, protected habitats and species). Protected areas must, by 2015, achieve standards relevant to their designation which may be stricter than good or high status. The primary core objective is therefore to ensure that the waters supporting protected areas are protected and where necessary improved. There shall be series of targeted measures proposed in the RBMP aim to support protected areas in meeting their stricter standards by 2015.

Prevent deterioration For surface waters, the core objective is to: prevent deterioration, and in particular maintain high or good status. For groundwaters, the core objective is to: – limit pollution inputs and prevent deterioration. Surface waters and groundwaters already meeting good or better standards must continue to be managed to protect them from deterioration. The implementation of specific measures in the RBMPs aims to prevent deterioration in these waters.(Authorisation, permits etc. for example)

Restore good status The core objective for surface waters is to: improve waters where necessary in order to achieve at least good status. For groundwaters, the core objectives are to: improve quantity and chemical quality where necessary to achieve good status, reverse increasing pollution trends. The waters currently below good status must be restored to at least good status where it is technically feasible and not disproportionately expensive to do so. The measures proposed in the RBMP aim to improve most of these waters by 2015, but some waters will take longer to reach their target...

Reduce chemical pollution The core objective is to progressively reduce chemical pollution of surface waters. Progressive reduction of pollution of priority substances and phase-out of priority hazardous substances in surface waters and prevention and li mitation of input of pollutants in groundwaters; New monitoring programmes for chemical substances in surface waters are requested.

The case of HMWB

Need for an economic analysis What are HMWB ? A formal definition in the directive art. 2 #9 art. 4.3 Three conditions to be filled simultaneously physical alterations by human activity make it impossible to achieve the good ecological status and changes needed to achieve the goal would have significant adverse effects on the uses / the wider environment and other environmental options to serve the same objectives are technically unfeasible and/or disproportionately costly

Flow chart for the designation procedure Do the measures required for achieving good status have significant impact on the specific use(s) / the wider environment? Step 1 Significant adverse effect Natural water body yesno Heavily Modified Water Body Are alternatives significantly better environmental options? Can we identify technically feasible alternatives? Are costs of alternatives disproportionate? Step 2 Comparison with alternatives Natural water body no yes no

Some examples

Objectives for surface waters  Ecological status

Objectives for surface waters  Chemical status

Objectives for protected areas stem/uploads/attachment_data/file/295942/ annexD.pdf

Objectives for protected areas