Welcome to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Mitigation Measures Online Manual.
This manual aims to:
- introduce mitigation measures for a wide range of flood risk management and land drainage activities.
- give detailed information on the different measures.
- explain how you can apply them in practical situations.
- show where more detailed guidance is available.
More information on the background to the project can be found
here.
What are Mitigation Measures?
Under the European Water Framework Directive, mitigation measures are defined as practicable steps that can be taken to mitigate adverse impact from human activities. In the case of flood risk management and land drainage these are impacts from physical modifications to our watercourses, coasts and estuaries.
When might Mitigation Measures be needed?
Measures have been set out which could be applied to mitigate changes occurring either from historic or proposed modifications.
- Historic modifications: Water bodies designated as being Heavily Modified under the Water Framework Directive are those where changes to hydromorphology could be impacting on ecology. Measures to improve hydromorphological conditions in the water body have been identified in the River Basin Plans. Implementing these measures contributes towards achieving the ecological potential of the water body.
- New modifications: New flood risk management or land drainage activities will result in changes to the hydromorphology. Without mitigation these activities could lead to a deterioration in ecological quality. Restoration from historic activities as part of new schemes or projects is possible, particularly when working with natural processes. Opportunities should be sought to mitigate for past and future impacts.
For more information on the Water Framework Directive and terms used, please click here.
