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Project Targets

1. State-of-the-art report critically assessing existing eco-hydrological datasets; identifying knowledge gaps; reviewing the main water-related problems and potential mitigation measures/technical solutions.

2. Comprehensive hydrometric and nutrient monitoring networks in catchment areas covering a range of peatland conditions.

3. Database to include past/new field observations of all hydrological data and physico-chemical and biological composition of water samples and associated peatlands parameters; ecosystem properties and measurement protocols.

4. Assessment report on extent, significance, causes and impacts of peatland drainage/extraction on the health of downstream aquatic bodies within contrasting study catchments (intact, industrial cutaway /domestic cutover peatlands).

5. Draft report with up-to-date results will be provided to the relevant department staff in advance of the next, 3rdcycle of RBMP (2021- ) with a proposed workshop to identify the significant draft conclusions.

6. Best Practice Guidelines for environmental protection in peat extraction including robust water purification methods.

7. Strategies for the rehabilitation and land use management practice of cutaway/cutover peatlands according to their environmental profile with a view to meeting WFD and biodiversity and climate change mitigation targets.

8. Hydrological models for cutaway/cutover peatlands with a view to model chemical transport and impact of treatment technologies on nutrient retention and prediction of expected pollution levels in affected streams.

9. Knowledge capacity building available to EPA and peat industry.

10. Communication platform to boost research-industry collaboration, raise water quality awareness and disseminate audience-adapted outputs to all relevant stakeholders.