Consideration of hydromorphology and sediment in the implementation of the EU water framework and floods directives: a comparative analysis of selected EU member states

What is it about?

The EU Water Framework and Floods Directives represent important legislative instruments introduced in the water policy during the last two decades. Despite their holistic and complementary approaches, which should yield many benefits, the lack of importance given to the consideration of hydromorphology and sediments is a weakness. This will hinder the achievement of the Directives' goals, since hydrology and geomorphology of rivers and the character and dynamics of sediments are essential components of the aquatic habitat and ecosystem health. The entrainment, transport and deposition of sediments determine the interrelationships between river channel geometry and flow regime, which affect flood risk. The paper reports on the findings of a survey undertaken in 2015 as part of the HYTECH project, which questioned 20 EU Water Authorities about the importance they attached to hydromorphological quality elements and sediment transport during the implementation cycles of both Directives.

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Why is it important?

This paper has reported on the findings of a questionnaire which aimed to ascertain the level of consideration given to hydromorphological alterations and sediment transport by Water Authorities of EU Member States during the WFD/FD implementation cycles. (1) The survey of 20 respondents showed large variations between the different countries in the level of consideration given and the importance attached to hydromorphology and sediment transport in the implementation of the WFD and FD. Sediment transport is given a higher consideration in River Basin Management Plans (WFD) compared to Flood Risk Management Plans (FD). (2) The survey outcomes can be used as basis to inform dialogue and consultation of how sediments and hydromorphology might be included in the future WFD/FD implementation cycles. But it would be beneficial to seek responses from further Member States and explore in greater detail how sediment and hydromorphology are considered in those countries. (3) Accompanying research is also needed on the interrelationships between sediment transport, hydromorphology and biota and the time-scales required to monitor hydromorphological change in the context of WFD and FD implementation and assessments.

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