Setting the threshold: An analysis of different approaches for the

definition of exemptions to water quality objectives in the European Union

Observatorio del Agua

Antonio Bolinches

Lucia De Stefano

Javier Paredes-Arquiola

Carlotta Valerio

Alberto Garrido

https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-9045

Session HS5.1.2, Abstract EGU2020-9045

May 6, 2020

Water Framework Directive

WWTP

Impact

Pressures Environmental Objective

ExemptionsorMeasures

Water Framework Directive (WFD, Article 4) requires the achievement of the good status of water bodies but allows for the declaration of exemptions due to lack of technical feasibility or disproportionate costs.

Exemptions to Nitrogen Environmental Objectives

EEA code QE3-1-6-1

Status description

Definition of mitigation measures

Measure costsExemptions in water bodies

Effluent authorisations

Pressure monitoringModelling

Cost analysis

Monitoring network

CBA

Modelling

ImPress cycle

Study area: six catchments in the EU

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2

0 10 000 000 20 000 000 30 000 000 40 000 000 50 000 000 60 000 000 70 000 000 80 000 000

Urb

an p

oin

t lo

ad

Diffuse pollution

Results: application of exemptions according to impact level