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Local action plans in water
About this good practice
Published on 20 December 2021
Sweden
Östra Mellansverige
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
If a waterbody is classified to have moderate, poor or bad status it is necessary to improve status according to the Water Framework Directive, the goal is to reach good status by implementing suitable measures.
Finding the most suitable measures are preceded by specific sampling strategies and models (SMHI Waterwebb) for the waterbody in focus. The sampling can consist of turbidity measurements of both spatial and temporal variations to find hotspots of leakage of nutrients or analysis of phosphorous and nitrogen concentrations. Based on the measurements, a source proportional distribution can be made which can be used to find the most suitable type and placement of measures as well as the responsible stakeholder.
Local action plans are developed in cooperation with stakeholders such as municipalities and landowners. Developed plans can be used in physical planning, applications for environmental permits and supervision and as a base for local measures in the waterbody. Plans that already have been developed have featured measures concerning eutrophication, hydro morphological impacts and environmental pollutants.
Main stakeholders are municipalities, inhabitants and organisations using a waterbody that does not reach good status. Linköping municipality developed a local action plan due to planned development of areas surrounding a river with poor status. Once completed the plan have been used as a base for the water management in the areas surrounding the river.
Finding the most suitable measures are preceded by specific sampling strategies and models (SMHI Waterwebb) for the waterbody in focus. The sampling can consist of turbidity measurements of both spatial and temporal variations to find hotspots of leakage of nutrients or analysis of phosphorous and nitrogen concentrations. Based on the measurements, a source proportional distribution can be made which can be used to find the most suitable type and placement of measures as well as the responsible stakeholder.
Local action plans are developed in cooperation with stakeholders such as municipalities and landowners. Developed plans can be used in physical planning, applications for environmental permits and supervision and as a base for local measures in the waterbody. Plans that already have been developed have featured measures concerning eutrophication, hydro morphological impacts and environmental pollutants.
Main stakeholders are municipalities, inhabitants and organisations using a waterbody that does not reach good status. Linköping municipality developed a local action plan due to planned development of areas surrounding a river with poor status. Once completed the plan have been used as a base for the water management in the areas surrounding the river.
Resources needed
The resources needed to develop a local action plan varies very much depending on the problem at that site. For Tinnerbäcken, about 2-3 employees with a range of competences (and a consultant) was needed. Depending on which models are to be applied additional resources could be needed.
Evidence of success
The action plan for a river in Linköping have been used where city development have been initiated - contributing in stormwater solutions and in restoration of river morphology. The measures suggested have been referred to in the city plan.
Action plans have been developed by CAB based on measurements and investigations performed, suggested measures have been implemented. In October 2021 suggested measure concerning reduction of carp fish was applied with the aim to reduce nutrient levels.
Action plans have been developed by CAB based on measurements and investigations performed, suggested measures have been implemented. In October 2021 suggested measure concerning reduction of carp fish was applied with the aim to reduce nutrient levels.
Potential for learning or transfer
The approach used has potential for use across Europe as identifying factors affecting the ability to achieve good status and then identifying possible measures to improve status are relevant for water management. It can be increasingly important as cities increase in size are taking land and areas adjacent to water into use with risks of increased impact on water quality. A local plan for the river as a whole makes is a tool to present the action of measures that are needed for the river in a geographical map. In many cases, the water and land user believe that no measures are needed in their area, but in other areas, and no measures are made.
By assessing existing conditions in a water body and take action, can facilitate the work in reaching the environmental targets by the Environmental objectives in Sweden or by the WFD. The holistic approach in creating action plans such as for river Tinnerbäcken or lake Strolången will have both financial and environmental benefits.
By assessing existing conditions in a water body and take action, can facilitate the work in reaching the environmental targets by the Environmental objectives in Sweden or by the WFD. The holistic approach in creating action plans such as for river Tinnerbäcken or lake Strolången will have both financial and environmental benefits.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
County Admininstration Board of Östergötland
Sweden
Östra Mellansverige
Contact
Water Specialist