also includes monitoring programmes – before imperative that the UK and Europe begins need the tests so that we can achieve detection
the end of this year. These plans will specify the implementing their RBMPs before the end of for the lowest levels of compounds, as dictated
measures that need to be taken to achieve ‘good December 2009. by the directive. The Environment Agency’s
status’ in all water bodies by 2015 and will be As well as the implementation of this brand laboratories, led by the National Laboratory
established and updated every six years. new system, the WFD will also signal the arrival Service (NLS), are tasked with delivering on
The plan will include thorough directions on of lower detection rates for selected compounds these methods, supported through the use of
how the objectives marked out for each river within the water testing process. Current exist- dedicated R&D.
basin – primarily good chemical as well as eco- ing analytical methods do not have the ability to When it comes to actually employing the ana-
logical status – will be achieved within the test to such low levels as laid out under the lytical capabilities, the NLS will pave the way
timescales required. All countries must also directive – thus opening up the doors on new within the UK. It is then hoped that the NLS
establish the environmental objectives that signi- opportunities for research and development. It will develop its capabilities, in support of the
fy a ‘good’ status in each of the water bodies is crucial that these developments in techniques Environment Agency, to such a level that it will
within their river basin districts. Monitoring pro- and enhanced methodologies are fully achieved be able to expand its expertise into the Eastern
grammes and a programme of measures to ensure and completed in order to meet the require- European market.
all water bodies achieve a ‘good’ status form the ments of the directive. Investment in R&D within Eastern Europe
most crucial requirements of the directive. Analysing for lower levels of pollutants in the has historically been very poor, resulting in a
Many factors can contribute to the high level water brings a challenge for the Environment significant gap between the UK’s knowledge
of surface water bodies at risk of falling below Agency, which will also be tasked with deter- and expertise when compared with the Eastern
‘good’ status. These include specific point mining the source of some of these pollutants European, and indeed Accession states. It is
sources, such as pollution from industrial and challenging the industries involved – main- hoped that this situation can be remedied
plants, as well as diffuse sources, such as ly within the water effluents industry – to make through offering expert guidance and technical
agriculture. A snapshot of the condition of sure that they are complying with the WFD. support to the states which have limited
English rivers from the Environment Agency The pressure is now on for all of the river experience of environmental monitoring for
showed that only five rivers — four in basins to reach good quality and status levels. legislative compliance.
Northumberland and one in North Wales — As a direct result of this, the overall outcome It is not yet obvious what the full impact will
met the tough new standards to monitor will see the regulatory framework become a lot be on the water industry and businesses within
water quality, as set out in the EU Water tougher, as set out above, on any industry that this arena as a result of the directive, however it
Framework directive. discharges into waters. It is the job of the is clear that if we are going to achieve and
The first cycle of the UK’s RBMP was recent- Environment Agency to make sure it can con- maintain a good standard of water, in line with
ly submitted to the Secretary of State for trol any discharges that may cause pollution the WFD, everybody needs to join together and
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and under these tighter regulations. work towards completing all of the main objec-
Welsh Ministers on 22 September. These plans At the moment there is a scientific challenge tives ahead of the full implementation in 2015.
are expected to be approved and published on linked to all of this legislation as the chemistry
22 December. Following on from this, and in needs to catch up with the regulations. As part Ian Rippin is the commercial director at
order to realise the directive’s objectives, it is of the directive we need the methods and we National Laboratory Service
Sustainable Business ❘ November/December 2009 17
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40