Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Classification) Regulations 1997 (“the principal Regulations”).
Regulation 4 of the principal Regulations allows for the sampling of waters classified under those Regulations to be reduced in frequency or dispensed with in certain circumstances. Regulation 2 of these Regulations clarifies that regulation by setting out the circumstances in which sampling may be reduced or dispensed with. Should those circumstances change, the decision to reduce or discontinue sampling must be revisited.
These Regulations, together with the principal Regulations and the Surface Waters (Fishlife) Directions 1997 (as amended by the Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Amendment) Directions 2003), transpose Directive 78/659/EEC (OJ No. L222, 14.08.78, p. 1) on the quality of fresh waters needing protection and improvement in order to support fish life in relation to England and Wales. Copies of the Directions referred to above may be obtained from the Water Quality Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Zone 3/G17, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE and the Environmental Protection Division, National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.