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DSS Step 0: System Definition
The aim with this step is to set the physical boundaries of the studied system as well as to characterize it with respect to geographical, physical, chemical, biological and societal conditions, and to identify the key stakeholders, who are or should be involved in the decision-making process. It should be mentioned that situations between countries and/or scale levels can be different. The system definition is the background for all further assessments and thus as detailed information as possible is desired.
The WFD requires each member state to characterize each body of surface water with respect to category (river, lake, transfer zone or coastal water), type (system A or B — see WFD) and geographical location. The information that has to be gathered and the way how it should be presented is specified in Annex II to the WFD. If the system is known to be polluted by certain PS´s or other chemical substances, this should be given here, as well as possible known pollution sources. In the ideal case, this information has already been compiled and structured by the user, and will then work as system definition in the DSS. If not, the information should be sought from national/regional/local data sources depending on the nature of the system. The system definition is best presented with a GIS-map (required by the WFD) and complemented with information on population, main activities and a list of stakeholders. The list of stakeholders is required by the WFD in the form of authorities (Annex I), including information on names, addresses, responsibilities and legal status, memberships of associated authorities, geographical coverage (adapted for GIS implementation) of the drainage basin, and international, institutional connections. This list should be filled up with additional stakeholders, such as NGO´s or local industry representatives. The information should be compiled in a format according to the user´s choice, i.e. in table format or in text format.
Sources of information
The information required for system definition is specified in the Annex I, II and III to the WFD. This information is best collected at local water management boards, where the area specific knowledge is compiled. Information sources on pollution status could be national, regional databases on monitoring data, if such exist.
Result of the step
The result of this step is primarily a detailed map of the water system to be studied, with additional information on water flows, known pollution status, population density, industrial and agricultural activities, and aquatic parameters such as sediment quality, particle and organic carbon contents, temperature profile. A separate list of stakeholders should also be part of the result.
A simplified system definition of the river Vantaa in the Helsinki area is included as an example. This example does not include the more detailed information on stakeholders, pollution status and aquatic parameters.
Project conclusions available online
General conclusions from the SOCOPSE project are now available online. 2009-04-03
SOCOPSE Final Conference
"Future Approach to Priority and Emerging Substances in European Waters." 2009-04-03
New publications
Draft substance reports for Atrazine, Cadmium, Isoproturon, Mercury, PBDE, TBT, HCB, PAH, DEHP and...
Project duration: 2006-2009
Contract no.: 037038