WATECO - 2003 - Common implementation strategy for the Water Frame

WFD Common Implementation Strategy – Progress and Work Programme 2003/2004
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WG 2.D – Reporting
Activity sheet 1 – Guidance for reporting under the WFD
i. Objectives
The objective of the guidance activity is to identify the information and the data that
must be communicated to the Commission in order for the Member States to fulfil their
legal obligations under the WFD. The ways of a harmonised and systematic
communication between the member states and the Commission will also need to be
worked out.
The reported data and information will enable the Commission to establish whether
member States are in compliance with the WFD.
The principles put forward in the document “Reporting for Water – Concept Report”
should be followed by the DG.
Guidelines will be developed to ensure that the information and data are comparable,
plausible, and consistent and that cross-checking can be carried out (for example when
two member States report on a common River Basin). They should also promote a
harmonised level of implementation, by ensuring that common procedures are followed
where appropriate e.g. on intercalibration and other methodologies. The result of the
work of other WG has to be carefully taken into consideration to guarantee coherence
and avoid duplication.
The existing national or international information systems or reporting mechanisms will
be taken into consideration for developing the guidelines.
ii. Tasks and expected outcomes
A stepwise approach (in terms of tasks and time) will be followed for the work:
a. Identification of information / data to be reported as well as their type
(numerical, textual, maps);
b. Definition of the level of aggregation / details;
c. Establishment of technical formats.
Options will be examined for the 2004 reporting mechanisms. Guidance will be
established, to be put before the Article 21 Committee (in the form of a draft decision).
The 2004 reporting covers: competent authorities and the geographical coverage of
River Basin Districts.
Guidance will further be developed on the reporting modalities for 2005/2006, to be put
before the Article 21 Committee for discussion during 2004. This reporting covers:
a. River basin characteristics, the impact of human activity on the status of
surface water and groundwater and an economic analysis of water use -
Article 5 and Annexes II and III of the WFD;
b. Monitoring programmes - Article 8 of the WFD;
c. River basin management plans - Article 13 of the WFD;
d. Progress on the implementation of programmes of measures – Article 15
of WFD.
For each of these reporting requirements, the concept of an electronically based
reporting system will be elaborated along the principles enunciated in the document
‘Common Vision for Future Reporting Structure’. Particular attention will be given to the
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