1. Draft examples of possible GES Decision criteria Descriptor 8
14th meeting of WG GES, October 2015, Brussels
Draft examples of possible
GES Decision criteria
Descriptor 8
European Commission
DG Environment
Marine Environment and Water Industry Unit

2. Descriptor 8
Concentrations of contaminants are at levels not giving rise to pollution effects
Key points:
Follow WFD for Coastal/Territorial Waters (0-12nm)
Use WFD substances list/EQS values beyond 12nm
Provision to not use WFD list substances beyond 12nm (with justification)
Provision to add substances which pose a significant risk to or via the environment

3. WFD Coastal/Territorial Waters (0-12nm)
Substances:
Priority Substances list
River Basin Specific Pollutants (extend beyond 1nm)
Matrix:
As used for WFD
Reference levels:
EQS values of Directive 2008/105/EC (PSD) as amended by 2013/39/EU
RBSP values agreed in (sub)region
Review under WFD:
Every six years
Assessment scales:
WFD water bodies

4. Beyond Territorial Waters (>12nm)
Substances:
Priority Substances
Additional substances for (sub)region (may include River Basin Specific Pollutants)
Matrix:
As used for WFD or as agreed for (sub)region
Reference levels:
EQS values of Directive 2008/105/EC (2013/39/EU)
Values agreed for (sub)region
Standardised methods:
Use of Directive 2009/90/EC (analytical quality standards)
Assessment scale: National part of subdivision

5. Acute pollution events
Occurrence, source (where possible), spatial/geographical extent of significant acute pollution events caused by crude oil and similar compounds (8.1.2)
Significance of the impact on biota affected by acute pollution events caused by crude oil and similar compounds (8.2.2)
For the purposes of this Decision, the sampling for acute pollution events should be directed by occurring incidents, and should not be put into a standard monitoring network