Introduction
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) monitors nitrate concentrations in surface and groundwaters on behalf of the Scottish Government, with the aim of reducing water pollution caused by nitrates. On the basis of results from sample sites, the Governmenthas designated a number of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) across Scotland. The information below briefly explains the background to this policy, the areas that are designated as NVZs and the legislative requirements for farmers and farming practices within NVZ areas.
Our designation of NVZs is in accordance with the requirements of the European Commission's Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC, which aims to reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. A copy of this Directive can be found on the Commission's website.
The Directive requires us to identify waters where nitrate levels exceed, or are likely to exceed, the levels set in the Directive. Any land draining to these waters must be designated as an NVZ and legally binding rules, known as Action Programmes, must be put in place. Four areas of Scotland were designated as NVZs in 2002-03:
- Moray, Aberdeenshire,Banff and Buchan
- Strathmore and Fife
- Lothian and Borders
- Lower Nithsdale
These areas can be viewed on the NVZ Maps page.
NEW
The Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008 will come into force on 1 January 2009. Further information can be found on our legislation page.