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Commission Regulation (EC) No 1737/2006 of 7 November 2006 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning monitoring of forests and environmental interactions in the Community

EU Regulation No 1737/2006 · Adopted 7 November 2006 · Extends to United Kingdom

Original text. legislation.gov.uk does not revise this item, so later amendments are not shown here. Changes made to it are listed under each provision when known.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1737/2006

of 7 November 2006

laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning monitoring of forests and environmental interactions in the Community

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 concerning monitoring of forests and environmental interactions in the Communityf1, and in particular Articles 4(2), 5(5), 6(4), 7(3), 8(6), 9(6), 10(2), 14(5) and 15(4) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

With effect from 1 January 2003, Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 provides the basis to continue and further develop, with an integrated approach, the measures previously carried out under Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 of 17 November 1986 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollutionf2 and Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 of 23 July 1992 on protection of the Community's forests against firef3. Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 also provides possibilities to address new environmental issues of relevance for the Community in the future.

(2)

At present the following Regulations apply: Commission Regulation (EEC) 1696/87 of 10 June 1987 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollutionf4, Commission Regulation (EC) No 804/94 of 11 April 1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 as regards forest-fire information systemsf5, Commission Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 of 29 April 1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollutionf6, Commission Regulation (EC) No 1727/1999 of 28 July 1999 laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 on protection of the Community's forests against firef7, Commission Regulation (EC) No 2278/1999 of 21 October 1999 laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollutionf8. For the purpose of implementing the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, certain provisions of following implementing Regulations should continue to apply, while others should be amended. In the interest of effectiveness, clarity and rationality, those Regulations should be replaced by a single text, and the provisions that are still relevant should be incorporated into that text.

(3)

The monitoring of air pollution effects on forests should continue to be carried out on the basis of the systematic network of observation points and of the network of observation plots for intensive and continuous monitoring, established and implemented under Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 and Regulations (EEC) No 1696/87 and (EC) No 1091/94.

(4)

The development of new monitoring activities should be limited to pilot phase actions in carrying out studies, experiments and demonstration projects in order to identify options for the establishment of such new monitoring activities.

(5)

Detailed rules and guidelines for the implementation of Articles 6(3) and 16(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, as regards the establishment of new monitoring activities and the reporting of the results of theses new activities are not needed for the period 2003 to 2006 as such monitoring activities are not foreseen to be implemented during this period.

(6)

The manual on parameters, monitoring methods and data formats referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 is based on the monitoring provisions set out in the Annexes to Regulations (EEC) No 1696/87, (EC) No 804/94 and (EC) No 1091/94. In the light of recent technical progress it is however necessary to revise those provisions. In particular the methodology for the crown condition surveys on the systematic network of observation points and the network of observation plots for intensive monitoring should be merged. The manual should also cover methodologies for the additional monitoring activities on issues such as phenology, ambient air quality, ozone injury and litterfall.

(7)

Monitoring of forest fires should continue to be carried out on the basis of the European Forest Fire Information System, (EFFIS). EFFIS has been built on the achievements of the Community information system on forest fires, established and implemented under Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 and Regulation (EC) No 804/94 and includes additional information gathered by the Joint Research Centre under the Forest Fire Risk Forecasting System (EFFRFS) and the European Forest Fire Damage Assessment System (EFFDAS).

(8)

Prevention measures against forest fires should be established building on the achievements of Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 provided that such measures are not supported through Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/99 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulationsf9 and provided they are not included in the rural development programmes drawn up by the Member States. This Regulation should establish common core data to be submitted by Member States for any forest fires occurred in their territory as well as technical specifications for the supply of such data.

(9)

For the purpose of ensuring coherence with other Community funded activities and to avoid duplications and double funding, proposals for studies, experiments and demonstration projects submitted by the Member States pursuant to Articles 5, 6 and 7 of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 should be evaluated by the Commission according to specified criteria.

(10)

In order to ensure that such studies, experiments and demonstration projects are adapted to on-going issues and respond to actual needs in the field of forest monitoring it will be necessary to establish a ranking of priorities for granting Community support to such activities.

(11)

The setting up of the national programmes and the financial aspects related to it should in particular take account of the provisions of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communitiesf10 and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communitiesf11.

(12)

Eligibility rules should be introduced to define the scope of costs considered eligible for Community part financing.

(13)

The Scientific Advisory Group to be established pursuant to Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 should advise the Standing Forestry Committee on technical matters of the monitoring scheme.

(14)

Each Member State should designate a competent body on the basis of criteria established by the basic act according to Article 54(2)(c) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of a sound financial management and full respect of the principles of non-discrimination and transparency. The Member States, which should have the legal and financial responsibility for implementing the approved national programme, should be responsible for any irregularities, neglect or fraud of the competent body.

(15)

In view of their decentralised administrative organisational structures, Belgium, Germany and Portugal should be allowed to designate more than one competent body.

(16)

Data forwarded by Member States within the framework of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 to the Commission should be considered as documents within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documentsf12.

(17)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Forestry Committee established by Council Decision 89/367/EECf13,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Annotations to the whole text

Footnotes

f1

OJ L 324, 11.12.2003, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 788/2004 (OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 17).

f2

OJ L 326, 21.11.1986, p. 2. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 804/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 132, 17.5.2002, p. 1).

f3

OJ L 217, 31.7.1992, p. 3. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 805/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 132, 17.5.2002, p. 3).

f4

OJ L 161, 22.6.1987, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2278/1999 (OJ L 279, 29.10.1999, p. 3).

f5

OJ L 93, 12.4.1994, p. 11.

f6

OJ L 125, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2278/1999.

f7

OJ L 203, 3.8.1999, p. 41. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2121/2004 (OJ L 367, 14.12.2004, p. 17).

f8

OJ L 279, 29.10.1999, p. 3. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2121/2004.

f9

OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 80. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 277, 21.10.2005, p. 1).

f10

OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

f11

OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

f12

OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.

f13

OJ L 165, 15.6.1989, p. 14.

Contents

  1. Chapter I: SUBJECT MATTER
  2. 1Article 1
  3. Chapter II: MONITORING OF AIR POLLUTION EFFECTS
  4. NETWORK OF OBSERVATION POINTS
  5. 2Systematic network of observation points and monitoring
  6. 3Exceptions concerning the grid density
  7. 4Transmission of data
  8. NETWORK OF OBSERVATION PLOTS
  9. 5Establishment of observation plots for intensive monitoring
  10. 6Monitoring
  11. 7Transmission of data
  12. Chapter III: EUROPEAN FOREST FIRE INFORMATION SYSTEM
  13. 8Information covered
  14. 9Common core data
  15. 10Additional information
  16. Chapter IV: STUDIES, EXPERIMENTS AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
  17. 11Evaluation of project proposals
  18. 12Decision concerning the ranking for project proposals
  19. Chapter V: COMPETENT BODIES
  20. 13Competent bodies
  21. 14Selection Criteria
  22. 15Additional conditions for private-law entities
  23. 16Agreement
  24. 17Tasks of the competent bodies
  25. 18Checks by the Commission
  26. Chapter VI: NATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND ADAPTATIONS
  27. NATIONAL PROGRAMMES
  28. 19Content
  29. 20Sub-programmes
  30. ADAPTATION
  31. 21Adaptation
  32. Chapter VII: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
  33. COSTS
  34. 22Definition of eligible costs
  35. 23Justification of expenditure
  36. 24Costs considered eligible
  37. 25Personnel costs
  38. 26Travel costs
  39. 27Overhead costs
  40. 28Capital costs
  41. 29Costs for the purchase of second-hand equipment
  42. 30Subcontracting
  43. 31Value-added tax
  44. 32Ineligible costs
  45. 33Exchange rate
  46. PAYMENT
  47. 34Decision on financial contribution
  48. 35Pre-financing
  49. 36Statements
  50. 37Technical and financial implementation
  51. 38Coordination of requests for payment
  52. 39Applications for pre-financing and payments
  53. IRREGULARITIES
  54. 40Irregularities
  55. CHECKS, AUDITS AND TECHNICAL VISITS
  56. 41Commission financial audit
  57. 42Checks and technical visits
  58. 43Evaluations(Article 8(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003)
  59. Chapter VIII: SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY GROUP
  60. 44Tasks
  61. Chapter IX: ACCESS TO DATA
  62. 45Access to data
  63. Chapter X: FINAL PROVISIONS
  64. 46Repeal
  65. 47Entry into force
  66. Signature
  67. Annex I: Manual on parameters, monitoring methods and data formats for harmonised monitoring of air pollution effects on forests
  69. Structure of the Manual
  70. Chapter 1: COMMON METHODS FOR THE SELECTION OF LEVEL II PLOTS
  71. ISelection of Level II plots
  72. IIInstallation and documentation of plots
  73. IIIDefinition of a sub-plot
  74. IVGeneral information on each plot
  75. VReplacement of destroyed plots and additional plots
  76. VIData transfer
  77. Chapter 2: COMMON METHODS FOR THE SURVEY OF CROWN CONDITION ON LEVEL I POINTS AND LEVEL II PLOTS
  78. IGeneral remarks
  79. Selection of sample trees
  80. II.1Selection of sample trees on Level I points
  81. II.2Selection of sample trees on Level II plots
  82. IIIDate of assessment
  83. IVGeneral background information
  84. Assessment of sample trees
  85. V.1Visual assessment of defoliation
  86. V.2Visual assessment of discoloration
  87. Assessment of damage causes
  88. VI.1Selection of sample trees
  89. VI.2Frequency and timing
  90. VI.3Parameters to be assessed
  91. VIIData transfer
  92. Chapter 3: COMMON METHODS FOR FOLIAR CHEMISTRY MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  93. IGeneral remarks
  94. Inventory methodology
  95. II.1Date of sampling
  96. II.2Selection of trees
  97. II.3General information
  98. II.4Selection and quantity of leaves and needles
  99. II.5Means of sampling
  100. II.6Pre-treatment before sending the samples to the laboratories for analysis
  101. II.7Treatment before analysis
  102. II.8Chemical analyses
  103. IIIData transfer
  104. Chapter 4: COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF INCREMENT CHANGES ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  105. IGeneral remarks
  106. Inventory methodology
  107. II.1Date of measurements
  108. II.2Selection of sample trees
  109. II.3General information
  110. II.4Parameters to be measured
  111. IIIData transfer
  112. Chapter 5: COMMON METHODS FOR DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  113. IGeneral remarks
  114. Monitoring methodology
  115. Division
  116. II.1Monitoring throughfall
  117. II.2Monitoring in an open area in the forest
  118. II.3Monitoring air pollution
  119. II.4Measurement period
  120. II.5Sampling, sample handling
  121. II.6Pre-treatment of samples, transport and storage
  122. II.7General information
  123. II.8Chemical analysis
  124. IIIData transfer
  125. Chapter 6: COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  126. IGeneral remarks
  127. Inventory methodology
  128. II.1Location of sampling equipment
  129. II.2Methods to measure the actual meteorological situation in or close to the plot
  130. II.3Collection, aggregation, storage and submission of information
  131. IIIData transfer
  132. Chapter 7: COMMON METHODS FOR SOIL SOLUTION MONITORING ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  133. IGeneral remarks
  134. Inventory methodology
  135. II.1Selection of sampler location
  136. II.2Sampling depths
  137. II.3Sampling frequency
  138. II.4Transport, storage and preparation
  139. II.5General background information
  140. II.6Analysis methods
  141. IIIData transfer
  142. Chapter 8: COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  143. IGeneral remarks
  144. Inventory methodology
  145. II.1Sampling design
  146. II.2General information
  147. II.3Measurement of species abundance or cover
  148. II.4Species
  149. II.5Frequency and assessment time
  150. II.6Analysis
  151. IIIData transfer
  152. Chapter 9: COMMON METHODS FOR LITTERFALL ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  153. IGeneral remarks
  154. Inventory methodology
  155. II.1Sampling
  156. II.2Siting and number of litterfall traps
  157. II.3Frequency of sampling
  158. II.4Parameters and analysis
  159. IIIData transfer
  160. Chapter 10: COMMON METHODS FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  161. IGeneral remarks
  162. IIChoice of method and Equipment
  163. IIIMeasurement period
  164. IVSelection of plots and location
  165. VParameters
  166. VIData transfer
  167. Chapter 11: COMMON METHODS FOR VISIBLE OZONE INJURY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  168. IGeneral remarks
  169. IIScope
  170. Assessment and Evaluation
  171. III.1Assessment within the Level II plots
  172. III.2Assessment within the Light Exposed Sampling Site (LESS)
  173. III.3Evaluation period
  174. III.4Evaluation for the main broadleaf tree species
  175. III.5Evaluation for the conifer main tree species
  176. III.6Identification of visible ozone on (small) tree, shrub, and perennial species within the LESS and (optional) the ground vegetation within the Level II plot
  177. IVData transfer
  178. Chapter 12: COMMON METHODS FOR PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON LEVEL II PLOTS
  179. IGeneral remarks
  180. IIScope
  181. Observation and recording at the plot level
  182. Division
  183. III.1Location
  184. III.2Frequency
  185. III.3Observation and recording
  186. Intensive phenological monitoring at the individual tree level
  187. Division
  188. IV.1Selection of species and plots
  189. IV.2Criteria for the selection of sample trees
  190. IV.3Crown to be assessed
  191. IV.4Direction of assessment
  192. IV.5Frequency of observations
  193. IV.6Phases to be monitored
  194. VAdditional monitoring techniques
  195. VIData transfer
  196. Chapter 13: DETAILS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE MONITORING METHODS APPLIED AND THE RESULTS OF EVALUATION/INTERPRETATION OBTAINED ON NATIONAL LEVEL
  197. IGeneral remarks
  198. Data Accompanying Report
  199. Part of the DAR describing the methods actually applied, etc.
  200. Division
  201. Inventory/Sampling methods
  202. Methods for analysis and calculation of results
  203. Part of the DAR dealing with exceptions and disturbances encountered (annual DAR)
  204. Division
  205. Exceptions and disturbances
  206. Data validation, data management and data quality
  207. Chapter 14: COMMON INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REPORTING OF THE RESULTS AND THE DATA FORMATS
  208. General technical information for the submission of data
  209. I.1Hardware requirements
  210. I.2Software requirements, data format
  211. I.3Data files
  212. IIData validation and data management
  213. IIIAnnual report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level
  214. Timing for the submission of the DAR and the report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level
  215. IV.1Timing for the DAR
  216. IV.2Timing for the report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level
  217. Submission of data in a digital format - forms
  218. Division
  219. Chapter 15: CODE LIST AND EXPLANATORY ITEMS FOR SURVEY DATA OF LEVEL I AND LEVEL II
  220. Division
  221. General information on plot
  222. (1)Country
  223. (2)Observation plot number
  224. (3)Date of observation, date of assessment, date of analysis
  225. (4)Latitude-/longitude coordinates
  226. (5)Availability of water to principal species (estimate)
  227. (6)Humus type
  228. (7)Altitude
  229. (8)Orientation
  230. (9)Mean age of dominant storey (years)
  231. Soil unit
  232. Fluvisols
  233. Gleysols
  234. Regosols
  235. Leptosols
  236. Arenosols
  237. Andosols
  238. Vertisols
  239. Cambisols
  240. Calcisols
  241. Gypsisols
  242. Solonetz
  243. Solonchaks
  244. Kastanozems
  245. Chernozems
  246. Phaeozems
  247. Greyzems
  248. Luvisols
  249. Lixisols
  250. Planosols
  251. Podzoluvisols
  252. Podzols
  253. Acrisols
  254. Alisols
  255. Nitisols
  256. Ferralsols
  257. Plinthosols
  258. Histosols
  259. Anthrosols
  260. (11)Size of total plot, size of sub-plot
  261. (12)Number of trees in total plot
  262. (13)Yield estimates
  263. (14)Other Observations
  264. General information on tree level
  265. (15)Sample tree number
  266. (16)Species (Reference Flora Europaea)
  267. Information with regard to the crown condition survey and increment measurement
  268. (17)Defoliation
  269. (18)Discoloration codes
  270. (19)Identification of damage type
  271. (20)Exposure
  272. (21)Removals and mortality
  273. Notes:
  274. (22)Social class
  275. (23)Crown shading
  276. (24)Visibility
  277. (25)Diameter at breast height (DBH)
  278. (26)Bark
  279. (27)Height of the tree
  280. (28)Tree volume
  281. (29)Height up to crown
  282. (30)Crown length
  283. (31)Crown width
  284. (32)Diameter under bark
  285. (33)Basal area per plot
  286. (34)Volume per plot
  287. (35)Thinning
  288. Information with regard to foliar chemistry measurements and litterfall assessment
  289. (36)Sample code
  290. (37)Tree numbers of the sample
  291. (38)Mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles
  292. Information with regard to the deposition monitoring and meteorological monitoring
  293. (39)Sampler code
  294. (40)Sample quantity
  295. (41)First and final dates of the monitoring period
  296. (42)Number of measuring periods
  297. (43)Measuring period
  298. Parameters to be assessed in the plot/instrument code
  299. Division
  300. (44)Location
  301. (45)Variable
  302. Instrument information
  303. (46)Vertical position
  304. (47)Instrument code
  305. (48)Scanning interval (automatic instruments only)
  306. (49)Storing interval (automatic instruments only)
  307. (50)Precipitation and throughfall
  308. (51)Temperature (air and soil)
  309. (52)Relative Humidity
  310. (53)Wind speed
  311. (54)Wind direction
  312. (55)Solar radiation and UVb radiation
  313. (56)Stem flow
  314. (57)Matric potential in the soil
  315. (58)Water content in the soil
  316. (59)Completeness
  317. Information with regard to the soil solution monitoring
  318. (60)Sampler number
  319. (61)Sampler code
  320. (62)Sampling depth
  321. Information with regard to the ground vegetation assessment
  322. (63)Plot/survey number
  323. (64)Fencing
  324. (65)Total sampled area
  325. (66)Height and cover of layers
  326. (67)Layers
  327. (68)Species code
  328. (69)Cover of plant species
  329. Information with regards to ozone injury
  330. (70)Scoring and definition for the percentage of symptomatic leaves on a branch with approximately 30 leaves
  331. (71)Scoring and scoring definition for visible ozone injury as it is expressed on the respective needle years for the collected branch lets of conifer species
  332. (72)Code and definition for the classification of the soil moisture conditions within the LESS and subplots
  333. Information with regard to phenological observations
  334. (73)Event codes for the monitored effects and phenological phenomena
  335. (74)Occurrence of the events and phenomena
  336. (75)Part of the crown observed
  337. (76)Flowering phases
  338. (77)Needle appearance, leaf unfolding, autumn coloring and leaf fall
  339. (78)Shedding of green leaves
  340. (79)Frost damage of needles, leaves or flowers
  341. Information with regard to additional information on damages causes
  342. (80)Location in crown
  343. (81)Affected parts of a tree and location in the crown
  344. (82)Main categories of causal agents/factors
  345. (83)Agent group
  346. (84)Agent group - Game and grazing
  347. (85)Agent group – Insects
  348. (86)Agent group – Fungi
  349. (87)Agent group- abiotic
  350. (88)Agent group - Direct action of men
  351. (89)Agent group - Atmospheric pollutants
  352. (90)Agent group - Other
  353. (91)Extent
  354. (92)Damage extent classes
  355. (93)Causes name
  356. Annex II: MANUAL – In order to comply with Article 10 of (EC) Regulation 2152/2003
  357. Division
  358. Fire record and data example
  359. Division
  360. Important note
  361. Data quality assessment
  362. Annex IIIEvaluation criteria concerning studies, experiments
  363. Annex IV: NATIONAL PROGRAMME FORMS
  364. Types of activities:
  365. Forms
  366. The following forms are only available as Exceltables:
  367. Sheet 3: Sheet for C Activities
  368. Annex V: Annual statements of the payments made to beneficiaries
  369. Introductory remarks
  370. Annex VI: Application for pre-financing
  371. National Programme 200 _- 200 _Phase: _ Period from 1/_ _ /200 _ to 1/ _ _ /200 _
  372. Annex VII: Certificate for payment of the balance for
  373. National Programme 200 _- 200 _Phase: _ Period from 1/_ _ /200 _ to 1/ _ _ /200 _
  374. Annex VIIIAnnex VIII
  375. Annex IX: EVALUATIONS AND REVIEWS
  376. Instruction for the ex-ante evaluation
  377. Main elements to be tackled in the ex-ante evaluation
  378. Midterm-Review/Ex-post evaluation
  379. Main elements to be tackled in the mid-term review and in the ex-post evaluation