# Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, Division 1.2.5: Definitions for maximum, good and moderate ecological potential for heavily modified or artificial water bodies

Extent: E+W+S+N.I.

Application of the standards derived under this protocol shall not require reduction of pollutant concentrations below background levels.
Element
Maximum ecological potential
Good ecological potential
Moderate ecological potential
Biological quality elements
The values of the relevant biological quality elements reflect, as far as possible, those associated with the closest comparable surface water body type, given the physical conditions which result from the artificial or heavily modified characteristics of the water body.
There are slight changes in the values of the relevant biological quality elements as compared to the values found at maximum ecological potential.
There are moderate changes in the values of the relevant biological quality elements as compared to the values found at maximum ecological potential.
These values are significantly more distorted than those found under good quality.
Hydromorphological elements
The hydromorphological conditions are consistent with the only impacts on the surface water body being those resulting from the artificial or heavily modified characteristics of the water body once all mitigation measures have been taken to ensure the best approximation to ecological continuum, in particular with respect to migration of fauna and appropriate spawning and breeding grounds.
Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.
Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.
Physico-chemical elements
General conditions
Physico-chemical elements correspond totally or nearly totally to the undisturbed conditions associated with the surface water body type most closely comparable to the artificial or heavily modified body concerned.
Nutrient concentrations remain within the range normally associated with such undisturbed conditions.
The levels of temperature, oxygen balance and pH are consistent with the those found in the most closely comparable surface water body types under undisturbed conditions.
The values for physico-chemical elements are within the ranges established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.
Temperature and pH do not reach levels outside the ranges established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.
Nutrient concentrations do not exceed the levels established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.
Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.
Specific synthetic pollutants
Concentrations close to zero and at least below the limits of detection of the most advanced analytical techniques in general use.
Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6 without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (< EQS)
Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.
Specific non-synthetic pollutants
Concentrations remain within the range normally associated with the undisturbed conditions found in the surface water body type most closely comparable to the artificial or heavily modified body concerned (background levels = bgl).
Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6 without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (< EQS)
Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudr/2000/60/annex/V/division/1/division/1.2/division/1.2.5 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/eu-directive-2000-60/annex-V/division-1/division-1.2/division-1.2.5
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.