UK Environmental Standards and Conditions under the WFD (SR1-2006)

UKTAG is developing a range of environmental standards and conditions to underpin the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. This is the first time that such standards and conditions have been developed on a UK basis.

The report presented below provides:

* the proposed environmental standards and conditions that we think will support healthy communities of aquatic plants and animals;

* the technical background to the derivation of our proposed standards and conditions; and

* describes the role these proposal might play in the implementation of the Directive.

Development of UKTAG's report on Environmental Standards and Conditions

UKTAG initiated a major review of existing environmental standards in 2004. Among other things, this review was designed to identify the standards and conditions that, if met, would support the achievement of good ecological status.The review has involved many of the UK’s leading independent experts in ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and chemistry. Monitoring results from literally thousands of sites across the UK and scientific literature from around the world has informed the process.

The report covers standards and conditions for:

* water quality for rivers, lakes and transitional and coastal waters;

* water flow for rivers;

* water levels for rivers and lakes; and

* a systems for assessing the structure and condition of the beds and banks of rivers (i.e morphology).

Invitation to provide comments

'SR1-2006 Invitation letter'

UKTAG Report on UK Environmental Standards and Conditions under the Water Framework(January 2006 - Phase 1)

Please click here to access 'supporting research reports and technical papers'.

Please complete the attached form and submit to UKTAG by 5.00pm, 29th March 2006.

'SR1-2006 Stakeholder submission form.

For further information, please click here for:

* Staged Development - UKTAG reports on Environment Standards and Conditions - current and proposed

* Relevant UKTAG guidance on environmental standards, classification and objective setting

* Frequently asked questions about environmental standards and conditions under WFD

*Further information - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales