NIVA - Norwegian Institute for Water Research The EUROHARP project Project contributions relevant for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive Stig A. Borgvang Nils Vagstad NIVA - Norwegian Institute for Water Research

Diffuse nutrient sources – key challenges The variability problem (spatial and temporal) The complex cause-effect relationships The loss quantification problem The data availability problem The issues of pathways, scales and ”system boundaries” Transparency, comparability and reliability across European gradients

EUROHARP - diffuse nutrient losses Key activities and issues for the project The testing and inter-comparison of different types of quantification tools under different agro-ecological and socio-economical conditions, focusing on; - the ability and the performance of tools for the accurate quantification of nutrient losses at different geographical scales - the tools’ applicability for scenario analysis, e.g. assessing measures and designing action plans - the tools’ applicability and practicability linked to data requirements, time demand, required expertise

The WFD and the Nitrates Directive EUROHARP contributions linked to: The River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) under the WFD The Action Programmes (AP) under the ND Measures under the RBMP/AP need to be Cost efficient Targeted

The WFD approach - requires a cross-scale understanding of cause-effect relationships Downstream-upstream approach/upstream-downstream Biological response (env. quality targets) Aquatic chemistry/hydro-physical conditions Changes in riverine inputs/pressures Soil/landscape response processes Changes in agricultural practices (scenarios)

Countries’ and EC’s roles Each country needs to ensure that local and regional ‘cases’ are treated in a harmonised way to ensure that assessments and conclusions provide a sound scientific basis for policy makers The EC needs to ensure that results presented by countries are comparable to allow a ‘fair’ assessment of status and progress, and to decide on appropriate measures in cases where specific follow-up actions are required within the EC

How can EUROHARP contribute in this context?

Contribution elements Screening to identify high risk/low risk areas Relative significance of different sources and processes Quantification of current conditions (loads and concentrations) Identification of trends (long time, seasonal) Predictions/scenarios Decision support for locally/regionally adapted abatement measures.

Contribution regarding RBMPs Assessment of various measures within the framework of Action Programmes/River Basin Management Plans Performance of scenario analysis to evaluate any long-term changes in nutrient loads resulting from e.g. policy changes, major land-use and landscape changes and climate changes. Revision of Action Plans/River Basin Management Plans in order to assess (i) the progress in reducing the nutrient losses and (ii) any revisions of abatement strategies and measures.

Contribution regarding data availability Data availability vary considerably between European catchments None of the EUROHARP catchments meet the data requirements for all models in the project Data availability is a key limitation to the applicability of various models in Europe Data availability may influence design of equivalent abatement plans in European catchments Possible consequences for the approaches to establish appropriate abatement-plans under EC-legislation will require further considerations.

Contribution regarding model applicability the EUROHARP Toolbox Synthesis of the essential information, experience and knowledge obtained through: The collection, preparation and organisation of required data in 17 catchments across Europe in order to quantify diffuse nutrient losses by the various types of QTs The detailed testing of the various QTs in 3 core catchmemts, including scenario analysis linked to measures The application of the various QT across Europe under varying agro-ecological and socio-economical conditions

Contribution regarding selection, communication and harmonisation Assistance/guidance in the selection of models Assistance/guidance in the operational procedures of applying a specific model

Model applicability - critical issues Does the model provide relevant answers to the issues of concern ? Are the predominant processes in terms of nutrient dynamics sufficiently covered by the applied model ? Does the model provide sufficiently accurate results for the particular case of concern ? Can the requirements for input data to the model be met ? Do the results obtained justify the costs of applying the model ?

Contribution regarding selection, communication and harmonisation Act as a ”communication tool” for the dialogue between modellers and authorities, A ‘certification procedure’ that allows models to be tested/validated based on the EH standard procedures.

Way forward Principles and procedures Establish (if not already existing) a pan-European forum for exchange of information/results/ requirements between research and policy instrument implementation Assess ongoing research activities that may benefit the implementation of the WFD Maintain a continuous dialogue

For more info about EUROHARP www.euroharp.org euroharp@niva.no