1. WG C Groundwater Draft Mandate 2010-2012
Johannes Grath (Umweltbundesamt AT)
Balázs Horváth
(DG Env)
Draft for Discussion
SCG 7/8 May 2009

2. Discussion of WG C Mandate for 2010 – 2012
Underlying background
1st RBMPs are drafted – based on existing guidance doc‘s; Hence, lessons learnt during this first phase shall be summarized supporting the 2nd RBMP delevopment. Relevant issues to be discussed
GWD Art. 10 requires review of GWD Annex I and II by 16th Jan – Input from WG C shall be provided
White Paper on Adaptation to Climate Change states clearly the need for CC proofed RBMPs – GW-specific issues shall be discussed and summarized accordingly
Under the current mandate of WG C a guidance for development of conceptual models and risk assessment is elaborated – the remaining issue „risk management“ considering soil – GW interaction shall be dealt with in the next period

3. What should be the WG C mandate?
General aims and objectives:
Pursue exchanges and lessons learnt during first phase of implementation WFD/GWD
Discuss „burning/open issues“ and provide respective support
How to manage development of next RBMP considering new elements e.g. CC adaptation
 four activities were identified relevant

4. WG C Groundwater Draft Mandate 2010 – 2012:
Planned activities – outcome of WG C discussions at the last meeting
Exchange of best practices related to implementation of groundwater issues of the WFD and GWD;
Contribution to the review of the GWD in 2013;
Climate change effects on groundwater – expected pressures and impacts and its consideration in RBMPS;
Risk management and implementation of measures. Soil- groundwater interaction and the soil functions with regard to the conceptual model of GW-bodies and pressures
 Outcome of WG C discussion: priority is given to Topics 1- 3; (presentation without ranking)

5. Activity 1
Exchange of best practices related to implementation of groundwater issues of the WFD and GWD;
Threshold values
Procedures for status and trend assessment (compliance regime)
GW-dependent ecosystems
Lessons learnt from 1st RBMP
Exemptions
Article 6 GWD exchange about hazardous and non hazardous substances etc.
Support preparation of 2nd cycle of RBMPs
…….
 objective/outcome: technical reports summarizing best practice with main emphasis on challenging issues e.g. GW-dependent ecosystems, …

6. Activity 2 Contribution to the review of the GWD in 2013
Review is foreseen for Annex I and Annex II
WG C will provide input for this review e.g. results from activity 1 can be used, moreover
Input to be expected from GENESIS
 objective/outcome: WG C recommendation to EC concerning review of GWD Annex I and II

7. Activity 3  objective: Technical Report for CC-impact in RBMPs
Climate change effects on groundwater – expected pressures and impacts and its consideration in RBMPS
Improving the information basis,
Considering broader water management issues related to climate change (e.g. related to land use, or water demand/supply management);
Improving/review of monitoring to detect climate change impacts
Next RBMP shall be “climate change proofed”
What are the requirements for MS within RBMP
Link with SSG CC and Water – activities should consider the outcome of the SSG
 objective: Technical Report for CC-impact in RBMPs

8. Activity 4/1
Risk management and implementation of measures. Soil-groundwater interaction and the soil functions with regard to the conceptual model of GW-bodies and pressures
The activity will refer to gather information on the 1st cycle of river basin management and identify major lessons learnt by the MS, competent authorities and stakeholders
A particular focus will be given to discuss the assessment (forecast) of effectiveness and efficiency of measures and how to monitor effects.

9. Activity 4/2
Soil functions (unsaturated zone?) with regard to groundwater
current national approaches in practice to consider soil and groundwater in a complementary way (conceptual understanding)
Common examination of GW and soil risk assessment methodologies
…..
 objective/outcome: technical report summarizing the experience made during 1st RBMP development with regard to measures its efficiency and costs
providing knowledge for CM improvement, risk assessment etc.