Water Framework Directive An Introduction David Whiles Anglian River Basin Manager

Outline The Water Framework Directive Our River Basin District Plan Environmental objectives Timetable and outputs Consultation

The Water Framework Directive Integrated management of river basins to: prevent deterioration and enhance the status of the water environment, including ground water promote sustainable water use reduce pollution contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts

For Anglian, this could mean: Coastline: –Improving the quality of our estuaries and coastal waters.

For Anglian, this could mean: Diffuse pollution: –Reducing the impact agriculture, roads and railways have on water quality.

For Anglian, this could mean: Drought/floods

For Anglian, this could mean: New development –New homes –related infrastructure

For Anglian, this could mean: Managing our water resources sustainably: –water efficiency –increasing demand –protection of the environment

River basins River basin planning boundaries: 11 River Basin Districts in England and Wales

Anglian RBD Covers most of the East of England Region Part of South East Region Part of East Midlands Region

Achieving our aims: the River Basin Management Plan Strategic regional plan for water Lists the environmental objectives for each water body Includes summary of Programmes of Measures Statutory: must be approved by Secretary of State

Environmental Objectives Surface water Objectives Ecological Status Chemical Status GOOD MODERATE POOR BAD No or minimal { Slight { Moderate { Major { Severe { HIGH Ecological status Chemical status

Risk CategoryNo of WBs% of WBs Unclassified High Risk Moderate Risk Low Risk No Risk e.g. Risk to rivers from diffuse phosphorus River Basin Characterisation 1

Environmental Objectives Ground water Objectives Groundwater chemical status Groundwater quantitative status BAD GOOD Chemical status Quantitative status

Current assessed risks

Programmes of measures

River basin management stages

Consultation Involvement of interested parties is key to success: - Agency cannot implement plans alone - Co-deliverers must work together - We need buy-in by all affected We are setting up Liaison Panels of co-deliverers in each River Basin District We will engage interested parties at different levels

To support river basin planning we need to: Ensure public access to background information

To support river basin planning we need to: Ensure consultation in the planning process

To support river basin planning we need to: Encourage active involvement of interested parties in all aspects of implementation

Engagement Regional Assemblies Regional Development Agencies Local Authorities Natural England Partnership Environmental NGOs Farming Business and industry Ports Broads Authority Consumers Internal Drainage Boards Extraction and minerals Angling / fishing Environment Agency Formation of the RBD Liaison Panel in July Membership will be drawn from:

Next steps Preparation of a timetable and programme for consultation –6 month consultation from December 2006 Commencement of revised monitoring programme –December 2006 Development of a summary of significant water management issues –6 month consultation from summer 2007