Publications

There are 141 lakes in Northern Ireland greater than 10 ha. On applying the Water Framework Directive (WFD, or the Directive) System A typology, a number of types have been recorded.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD, or the Directive) requires Member States to identify the location and boundaries of bodies of surface water and to carry out an initial characterisation of all such bodies (Annex II).

As part of the 2005 Article 5. WFD Characterisation Technical Report, Member States were required to identify the location and boundaries of bodies of surface water and to carry out an initial characterisation of all such bodies.

The aims of the methodology are to determine whether water bodies (rivers, lakes and transitional) identified in Northern Ireland are at risk or not at risk, with low or high confidence, from the combined pressures of abstraction and flow regulation.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to take a holistic view of all activities in the aquatic environment, whereas previous EC legislation has been directed at controlling specific discharges or activities in the marine environment.

The diffuse pollution risk assessment is based primarily on impact data1, where available, supplemented by a screening tool method that identifies waterbodies at risk from significant diffuse pollution pressures.

This method summary details the approach taken to assessing river and lake water bodies which are at risk of failing the environmental objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), because of morphological alterations.

This methodology describes the use of impact data from monitoring for rivers and lakes. It is based on the UKTAG guidance, and includes the use of current classification schemes and assessments for Protected Areas.

For the initial pressure and impact analysis, the only ‘other human’ pressures considered are alien species. UKTAG guidance1 is available on:
• the pressures from alien species on river, lake, transitional and coastal water bodies

We have broadly followed the approach suggested by UKTAG for the risk assessment of point source pressures. Point source pressures are discharges of effluent or waste from identifiable outfalls. These are generally subject to regulation and control.

River Reference Conditions for Northern Ireland River Types.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD or the Directive) requires Member States to identify the location and boundaries of bodies of surface water and to carry out an initial characterisation of all such bodies (Annex II).

The same procedure used to identify and subsequently type the baseline river water bodies (catchment area > 10 km2)1 and lake water bodies (surface area > 0.5 km2)2 has been extrapolated to include small water bodies.

This report is a comprehensive description of the pressures affecting the water environment in Northern Ireland. The Environment and Heritage Service has undertaken the work with partner organisations including Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.

Guides on what to expect in relation to consent

Describes the application process for applying for an eyesight screening test for teachers who operate a Visual Display Unit in connection with their work for 1 hour or more per day.

We are modernising the way we manage and protect the water environment as required by the 2000 Water Framework Directive.

Northern Ireland Habitat Action Plan published to assist delivery of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy, for the protection and enhancement of Northern Ireland Priority Habitats 

Northern Ireland Habitat Action Plan published to assist delivery of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy, for the protection and enhancement of Northern Ireland Priority Habitats 

Northern Ireland Habitat Action Plan published to assist delivery of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy, for the protection and enhancement of Northern Ireland Priority Habitats