Significant Damage to a Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystem

This paper sets out UKTAG’s guidance on a risk-based decision pathway for the determination of “significant damage” to Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems (GWDTEs). It will support consistent decision-making by using conceptual models and other tools to determine:a) Quantitative or qualitative thresholds for groundwater resource and quality pressures (e.g. phosphate levels, salinity, ochre etc) on a wetland type or site specific basis;b) The likelihood of achieving environmental objectives for sites containing GWDTE, where applicable (i.e. statutory sites) based on Common Standards monitoring (as defined by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee).