WFD Flashcards
What year was the WFD adopted by the EU?
2000
What year did the WFD come in to effect in Ireland?
2003 by the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003.
Why is the WFD unique?
It takes a holistic approach to waterbodies in general. Considering water quality and how the quality of water affects wildlife and their habitats
What was the first wave of European legislation for water resources?
1-1970’s, directives for abstraction of drinking water, fishing waters, shellfish waters, bathing waters and groundwater’s.
What was the second wave of European legislation for water resources?
2-1990’s -
- Urban wastewater treatment
- New drinking water quality directive
-Nitrates directive- Directive for integrated pollution and prevention control.
What was the third wave of European legislation for water resources?
3-2000’s
Water Framework Directive
List 3 aims of the WFD
- Achieving ‘good status’ for all waters by a set deadline.
-Water management based on river basins
-Streamlining legislation.
Name 3 other directives the WFD is linked to.
1-Directive for surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water.
2-Directive for quality required of shellfish waters.
3-Directive for protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances.
How many RBDs on the island of Ireland?
8
How many RBD’s in ROI?
4
How many catchment management units?
46
What are the three quality elements used to classify ecological status?
-Biological elements
-Chemical and physio chemical elements
-Hydromorphological elements.
How many classification categories are there for ecological status?
5- High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad
How many classifications are there for chemical status?
Two- Good/Fail
What is the purpose of the classification step?
To identify those water bodies at risk of not meeting the directives Goof ecological quality status by 2015.
What is the purpose of environmental objectives?
To prevent deterioration or decline in high status waters.
To restore good status in declining quality trends
Reduce chemical pollution.
What is the purpose of the programme of measures?
To classify waters(High-Poor)
To review existing discharge licenses to ensure compliance with the new standards.
To reduce/ phase out emission of priority substances.
Name and describe 3 regulations in the programme of measures.
1-Nitrates directive - objective of reducing water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources and prevent further such pollution.
2-Domestic Waste-water treatment systems- operation and maintenance of domestic waste-water treatment systems, required owners to register their DWWTS and carry out ongoing maintenance and desludging.
3-Urban waste water Treatment- requirements with respect to the collection,treatment, and the discharge of urban wastewater.
Why did Ireland receive a strongly worded letter from the European Commission in 2010?
Not meeting requirements
Ñame 3 significant pressures in the Western River Basin District.
Agriculture
Forestry
Aquaculture