EQS (Environmental Quality Standard)

Environmental Quality Standard. The concentration of a pollutant or group of pollutants in water, sediment or biota which should not be exceeded in order to protect human health and the environment. EQS values are set at EU level for priority substances (Annex I of the EQSD) and at Member State level for river basin specific pollutants (RBSP). Two main types: AA-EQS (annual average, chronic protection) and MAC-EQS (single measurement, acute protection).