Abstract
As indicated in the Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies (HMWB and AWB) designation process, following the designation of HMWB and AWB, it is necessary to identify the appropriate reference conditions and environmental objectives for AWB and HMWB (Steps 10 and 11 of Fig. 2.1, p. 12). While for natural waters the reference condition is the High Ecological Status (HES), for HMWB and AWB it is the Maximum Ecological Potential (MEP) as defined in Step 10 of Fig. 2.1. According to the WFD, the Maximum Ecological Potential is defined as the state where “the values of the relevant biological quality elements reflect, as far as possible, those associated with the closest comparable surface water body type, given the physical conditions, which result from the heavily modified characteristics of the body” (WFD Annex V 1.2.5).
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