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Groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTE) are wetlands which critically depend on groundwater flows and /or chemistries.
The Directive’s requirements with respect to wetlands and groundwaters are linked to the environmental objectives Article 4 1b, to be applied to and monitored for achieving Good Groundwater Status (both quantitative and chemical) and as outlined in Article 4, Annex 5 of the Directive.
This paper examines the role of wetlands in the programme of measures (PoM). Wetland habitats can help to achieve WFD objectives because of their functionality. Wetland loss and degradation has increased the vulnerability of many catchments to negative impacts.
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).