Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme review
Overview
We invite stakeholders to respond to our review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
We are reviewing the measures in the current Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme to evaluate whether they remain sufficient to achieve the aims of the Nitrates Directive. The review considers the latest scientific research and new evidence affecting Action Programme measures - taking account of the variation in agricultural, soil and climatic conditions.
The Protection of Water Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution (Scotland) Regulations 1996 introduced into Scotland the requirements of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC), which aims to control and reduce the loss of nitrate from farming to protect drinking water sources and the water environment, in general.
We designate areas as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones where nitrate concentrations in water have reached or are approaching 50 milligrams per litre. In Scotland 10% of the land is designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Within these Nitrate Vulnerable Zones measures, designed to limit the quantities of nitrate lost from farms into Scotland's water environment based on best farming practice, are implemented through an Action Programme.
Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.
Why your views matter
We are seeking views on the review of the measures in the current Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Action Programme to support our evaluation of whether they remain sufficient to achieve the aims of the Nitrates Directive. Scottish Ministers will take into account the views expressed in making their decision on the review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
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Interests
- Environment and Climate Change
- Farming and Rural
- Main hub
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