Implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England : seventh report of session 2007-08, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

The European Communities adopted the Nitrates Directive on 12 December 1991 with the objective of reducing water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and preventing further such pollution.

It requires member states to designate as 'Nitrate Vulnerable Zones' areas of land that drain into polluted waters and to set up action programmes in these zones.

Nitrate pollution can also increase eutrophication, reduce biodiversity, and affect the recreational value of water.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) estimates that the cost of treating nitrates in drinking water between 2005 and 2010 will be GBP 288 million in capital expenditure and GBP 6 million a year in operating costs.

Defra issued a consultation document on the Directive in 2007 and its proposed changes reflect the fact that the European Commission (EC) does not think the Directive was properly implemented in England.

The proposals would have a significant impact on some 195,500 farmers in the affected areas, requiring them to alter practices for storing and spreading livestock manure and for applying chemical fertiliser.The Committee finds insufficient evidence to assess how effective the current action programme has been in reducing nitrate pollution in England. It welcomes some of Defra's proposals but has concerns about others.

The proposed new action plan will place a considerable financial burden on livestock and dairy farmers and Defra should make representations to the Treasury on the need for support, in the form of tax relief, for the construction of slurry storage facilities.