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Project title

Development of an ecohydrology framework for setting environmental flow standards for Irish rivers

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Ian Donohue

Project Abstract

Environmental flows (EFlows) are a component of hydromorphology assessed under the WFD as supporting elements of riverine ecological status. They represent the timing, quantity and quality of water flows required to sustain the functioning and integrity of freshwater ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide. Analysis of long-term flow records is required to define flow regimes, which are influenced by river typology and surface/sub-surface water pathways. The overarching goal of this project is to review state of the art EFlow methodology to identify alternatives most suited to the Irish context and for developing flow standards. Alternative approaches for estimating EFlows will be applied to hydrometric flow data from a number of rivers in contrasting catchments representing different water pathway configurations. Feedback from a stakeholder workshop will be used to identify 1-2 optimal approaches to apply to a broader array of river types and catchments. The availability of ecological and water chemistry data will be assessed, and, where possible, related to flow regime to develop relationships for setting flow standards. Data gaps and needs will be identified. Final recommendations will identify an integrated landscape framework for setting EFlow standards that maintain ecological status and ecosystem service provision of Irish rivers. � Review of EFlow assessment frameworks and analytical approaches, with identification of alternative methods for testing. � Workshop with key stakeholders and experts to assess alternative EFlow approaches for setting standards; outcomes summarized in a workshop report. � Fully QA�d and documented spatial database with landscape characteristics, flow regime classes and flow types linked with WFD monitoring sites and ecological/water chemistry data. � Final report, non-technical summary and 2 p summary report for inclusion on EPA website. � Peer-reviewed publication(s) on a flow regime framework for Irish rivers and and flow-ecological response relationships for setting flow standards (Ecohydrology, J Hydrology).

Grant Approved

�74,819.71

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Understanding, managing and conserving our water resources

Start Date

12/01/2015

Initial Projected Completion Date

12/10/2015