Indicators 2.5.4–2.5.5

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System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicators 2.5.4–2.5.5

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

Indicator applicability: freshwater systems discharging into rivers The UoC shall demonstrate that the benthic status does not deteriorate downstream from the site’s effluent point, following the method outlined in Appendix 7 (7.5).

Indicator applicability: freshwater systems discharging into rivers The UoC shall ensure that: – the person conducting sediment sampling (see Indicator 2.5.3) has the necessary competencies, experience and training; and – the laboratory conducting the analysis of the samples is accredited and has approved the sampling methodology. In cases where regulatory requirements are defined, the UoC shall ensure that the person conducting the sampling and/or the laboratory conducting the analysis complies with these requirements.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • The benthic monitoring method for freshwater systems discharging into rivers:

  • Uses sediment sampling upstream and downstream from the site outflow point to:

    • Determine the presence, composition, abundance and diversity of invertebrate fauna; and

    • Categorise the benthic status upstream and downstream as a measure of assessing the aquatic ecosystem health.

[Sampling Timing]

  • Should consider the seasonality of the presence of the macroinvertebrate species, e.g. insects in their larval stage of the life cycle.

  • It is recommended that sampling is conducted during summer and winter.

  • In geographical regions like Scandinavia, spring and autumn are recommended as the best times for sampling.

[Location]

  • Practical considerations should be taken into account regarding the sampling locations midstream (e.g. strong currents, particularly in wide, deep rivers).

  • In cases where it is impossible to collect samples in locations midstream, sites should ensure sampling all available substrate types present along the bank and in areas with slower water flow.

[Gear]

  • Standard equipment such as a surber sampler, handnet and grab should be used.

[Sampling analysis]

  • ISO/IEC 17025 is an example of laboratory accreditation.

  • For more guidance, see the section

Evidence of Implementation

  • Records:

  • Sampling activity, including:

    • Scope of the sampling

    • Timing and frequency of the sampling and the person conducting sampling.

    • GPS sampling locations.

    • Classification system.

    • Analysis results.

      • Competence, experience and training of the person conducting sampling and analysis.

      • Accreditation of the laboratory conducting the analysis of the samples.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • Sampling was conducted as per the minimum requirements in Appendix 7 (7.5) by cross-checking records.

  • Sampling analysis results demonstrate benthic status downstream from the effluent discharge similar to, or better than, upstream.

  • Sampling frequency agrees with the frequency required by Appendix 7 (7.5).

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