1. PRIORITY (HAZARDOUS) SUBSTANCES
Preparation of the legislative proposals under article 16 of the Water Framework Directive. State of play - work plan 2003
European Commission, DG ENV.B.1 (Water, marine and soil)

2. Water Framework Directive Pollution prevention framework
Background
Water Framework Directive
Pollution prevention framework
Step 1 : 2000/60/EC /2001/EC
Step 2 : EQS + EC etc
Step 3 : 4 year review 
(s)

3. Current thinking
2003: Package of proposals
Directive(s) on : - quality standards - emission controls
Decision on the review of the 14 “priority hazardous substances under review”.
Review/repeal of Directive 76/464/EEC and daughter Directives, to be integrated in the directive(s).
Deadline : end of 2003

4. Time table 2003
Expert Advisory Forum 4 (EQS) : 14 February
Expert Group on Quality Standards: 5 d in May
Expert Advisory Forum 5 (EQS+EC) : end May
Opinion of Scientific Committee: July-October
Expert Advisory Forum 6 (EC) : early October
Interservice consultation : early November
Adoption by the Commission : end December

5. Additional information required analysis and monitoring methods
Starting point EQS
Quality Standards
Concrete proposals based on the “Fraunhofer” study and comments received.
Additional information required
analysis and monitoring methods
natural background concentrations
standards for biota and sediment

6. Element of the EQS Directive
The EQS proposal
Element of the EQS Directive
Annex with a table of quality standards for all priority substances, expressed in a concentration value for surface waters (inland and coastal), possibly sediments and biota
Annex with analytical framework
Annex with approach for natural background concentration

7. The EQS proposal
Working Assumptions
EQS: based (only) on ecotox-data
binding EQS: annual mean
Maximum Allowable concentration: non-binding guidance
matrix: filtered sample for metals, whole water sample for other substances
default monitoring requirement in WFD: each month

8. Presentation of results
AMPS input
Presentation of results
Impartial EU scientific advise by substance.
Targeted for inclusion in the legislative proposals.
Sufficient information on different options, to enable an informed choice to be made.
Presented to policy makers.

9. For all metals on the list.
Background concentrations
For all metals on the list.
Recommendations for methods of establishing natural background concentrations (NBC) :
Approach to determine the NBCs, which methods give which results? Case studies.
Which geographical scale is appropriate for determining NBCs?
Presentation of NBCs in map/table form (by relevant geological / geographical area?)

10. Biota and sediment
WFD Article 16(7) requires the Commission to present quality standards for surface waters, biota or sediments.
Recommendations on which monitoring methodologies exists and can be used for the different substances.
How can compliance be regularly monitored for biota and sediment?

11. existing methods: update after EQS-EG meetings in May
EAF February 2003
existing methods: update after EQS-EG meetings in May
Similar information in sediments, SPM and biota requested
SPM, Sediment, biota: background documents essential to enable discussion within EAF
identification of requirements for harmonized and cost-effective methods for compliance checking

12. Maria Brättemark - Michel Boucneau Water Framework Directive Team
European Commission
DG Environment - Unit B.1 (Water, marine and soil)
Tel: Fax:
Web: europa.eu.int/comm/environment/water/ Office: BU-9 03/136 Postal address: B-1049 Brussels