The Water Framework Directive (Priority Substances and Classification) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations replace Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of The Water Framework Directive (Priority Substances and Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 and add a new Schedule to those Regulations. These Regulations set out the classification schemes used under the implementation of Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (O.J. No. L327, 22.12.2000 p.60).

Schedule 1 requires the Department to assign a type or types and to apply environmental standards and biological boundary values in respect of rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters.

Schedules 2 and 3 require the Department to classify surface waters and groundwaters.

Schedule 4 adds a new Schedule to The Water Framework Directive (Priority Substances and Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 requiring the Department to apply pH, silver and temperature standards and endeavour to respect a microbial value with respect to shellfish waters.

Regulations 4 and 5 revoke The Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 and The Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Classification) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007.