ÖkoResch - Good Ecological Potential in high-alpine residual flow stretches and in hydro peaked rivers

The EU Water Framework Directive (EU WFD) sets environmental goals for water bodies that are endangered by human alterations. In Austria, most of the water bodies affected by hydropeaking are designated as "heavily modified water bodies" according to the EU Water Framework Directive. This also often applies to residual flow stretches which are the result of water retention in storage lakes for peak electricity generation. The target status "Good Ecological Potential" must be achieved in the heavily modified water bodies. When determining the Good Ecological Potential, the ecological effect of measures to reduce the intensity of alteration must be considered on the one hand and on the other hand it must be evaluated to what extent significant negative impacts on utilization are to be expected. In the present research project, the basics for the definition of the Good Ecological Potential in hydropeaking and residual water stretches of the high alpine areas will be provided. Within the framework of this project, the ecological effects of different scenarios of measures will be investigated and a concept for the definition of the Good Ecological Potential in high alpine residual river stretches and a coordinated ecological monitoring program will be developed. The obtained information will finally be available for the preparation of practical guidelines, which will contain the methodology a) for the implementation of variant studies for the definition of measures and b) for the implementation of ecological monitoring for the success evaluation of the measures and the target status respectively.