Flows and Transport in Rivers - Hydro-Environmental Analysis: Freshwater Environments - page 121

Biology PhysiochemistryHydrology

and
Morphology

Ecological
status

Action
required

Natural flow reference condition
High status:
Hydrology helps to
define it.

If already HES
maintain
HIGH status
Environmental
flow indicators
supporting GES.

High
(Nearly pristine)

Good
(WFD primary
objective)

Good status:
Hydrology helps to
support it.

Moderate Environmental flow indicator

If below the
environmental
flow indicators
flow may not be
supporting GES.
Restore flows
subject to
ecological
appraisal and
economic tests.

Poor

Bad

FIGURE 4.33 Ecological status in relation to natural low condition. (From Environment Agency, Managing
water abstraction, Environment Agency, Bristol, UK, 2010.)

Stage 1:
Resource assessment

Stage 3:
Measures appraisal process

RSA
Investigation

RBMP

Cost analysis

Stage 2:
Licensing strategy

WR planning
Water company plans

Consultation

Including:
Strategy actions
Catchment time-limiting policy
Protected rights and lawful use

First cycle RBMP
solutions

RSA sustainable
solutions

Alternative
objectives

Reviewed annually

FIGURE 4.34 CAMS process. (From Environment Agency, Managing water abstraction, Environment
Agency, Bristol, UK, 2010.)

• Stage 1. Resource Assessment: this step involves calculating a water balance for the study

area (river lows, groundwater recharge, abstractions, etc.); a resource allocation for the
environment and any other water uses or features that require protection; and a review of
abstraction licenses to determine if there is potential for environmental damage and, if so,
to identify options for a solution, to include the consideration of revoking, mitigating, or
varying these abstraction licenses.

• Stage 2. Licensing Strategy: this states what resources are available; what conditions might

apply to new licenses; whether licenses will be replaced with the same conditions; and an
examination of the local impacts of the proposed abstraction or impoundment, ensuring
that the rights of existing license holders and lawful water users are protected, as well as
protecting the environment.