Regulation 7 Sampling and analysisI1

The Department shall ensure that waters classified under these Regulations are sampled and samples are analysed in accordance with the following provisions of this Regulation.

Samples in relation to any waters classified under these Regulations shall always be taken at the same sampling point.

The Department shall fix the exact position of the sampling point, and the depth at which samples are to be taken, having regard in particular to —

Subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), sampling for any parameter shall be carried out at least at the minimum frequency specified in the Schedules in relation to that parameter.

Where the Department’s records show that the quality of any waters classified under these Regulations is appreciably higher than the minimum required by these Regulations and the standards adopted as a result of regulation 5, the Department may reduce the sampling frequency for that parameter or, if there is no pollution and no risk of deterioration of their quality, it may dispense with sampling for that parameter altogether.

Where sampling shows that the requirements of regulation 4, or the standards adopted as a result of regulation 5 are not being met, the Department shall establish whether this is the result of chance, a natural phenomenon or pollution and shall adopt appropriate measures.

Samples for any parameter shall be analysed using the reference methods of analysis specified in the Schedules in relation to that parameter or methods which are at least as reliable as the reference methods.