1. Technical guidance to implement bioavailability-based environmental quality standards for metals
Graham Merrington
October WG Chemicals 2014

2. Outline What is this....? More guidance? The process so far........
Key sections of the guidance
Summary
October WG Chemicals 2014

3. What is this.....? More guidance?
Bioavailability-based EQS now in Directive (for Ni and Pb)
Historically, EQS for metals ‘hardness-based’ but are not evidence based
Guidance aims to support implementation of bioavailability-based EQS for metals, also;
Outline benefits of approach
Challenges
Resource implications
Examples of good practice
Started in 2013, asked for by MS, funded by Eurometaux
Dynamic document – will be updated as application and experience of approach increases.
October WG Chemicals 2014

4. The process so far First Draft circulated in January 2014
Second in June 2014
Third Draft circulated to WG Chemicals in September
Guidance has developed and is aiming to be suitable for all levels of user
Considerable Member State and Stakeholder input and feedback (much sweat and tears!)
October WG Chemicals 2014

5. The process so far
Meeting at SETAC Basel – Member State Scientists, Stakeholders and BLM developers.....
Revisions made:
Examples added (dealing with ‘out of range’ waters, using backgrounds , marine and freshwater interface)
Summary statistics to be used for inputs to the tools (agreed, best to have matched data)
Assessment of user-friendly tools, criteria to be used.
RCOM on CIRCABC shows the development of the document (still some changes DEN).
October WG Chemicals 2014

6. Key sections Tools to use and acceptability criteria Data requirements
Undertaking feasibility studies
Interpretation of results:
Waters in and out of BLM ranges
Compliance and classification
Permitting?
FAQs
Examples The Netherlands, France, Finland and the UK.
October WG Chemicals 2014

7. Summary
Guidance document is close to finish, we think (this iteration)
Final set of comments for WG by November the 7th please
The terms used remain a challenge. Attempts to be consistent across the Directive, Dossiers and EQS TDG.
Examples are always useful, especially through feasibility studies and implementation issues!
October WG Chemicals 2014