Interpretation
2.—(1) In these Regulations—
“limit of detection” means the output signal or concentration value above which it can be affirmed, with a stated level of confidence that a sample is different from a blank sample containing no determinand of interest;
“limit of quantification” means a stated multiple of the limit of detection at a concentration of the determinand that can reasonably be determined with an acceptable level of accuracy and precision. The limit of quantification can be calculated using an appropriate standard or sample, and may be obtained from the lowest calibration point on the calibration curve, excluding the blank;
“the 2003 Regulations” means The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(1);
“protected area” has the same meaning as in regulation 8(2) of the 2003 Regulations;
“river basin district” and “international river basin districts” means the river basin districts designated under regulation 4(1) of the 2003 Regulations;
“the Department” means the Department of the Environment;
“the Directive” means Council Directive 2009/90/EC of 31 July 2009 laying down, pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, technical specifications for chemical analysis and monitoring of water status(2);
“the Water Framework Directive” means Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy(3); and
“uncertainty of measurement” means a non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion of the quantity values being attributed to a measurand, based on the information used.
(2) Words and expressions used in these Regulations have the same meaning as they do in the Water Framework Directive.
(3) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(4) shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.