New Nitrate Vulnerable Zones designations for England announced

Nitrate vulnerable zones were introduced by the UK government in response to the EU mandate that all EU countries must reduce the nitrate in drinking water to a maximum of 50 mg/lould become polluted by nitrates
Nitrate vulnerable zones were introduced by the UK government in response to the EU mandate that all EU countries must reduce the nitrate in drinking water to a maximum of 50 mg/lould become polluted by nitrates

Defra has announced details of new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) designations that will apply in England between 2017 and 2020.

The formal notification of which lands are to be classified as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) will begin in the New Year, Defra has confirmed.

The overall area of England under NVZ designation remains largely unchanged at about 58 per cent, with a number of new areas designated while others have been removed.

A nitrate vulnerable zone is a conservation designation for areas of land that drain into nitrate polluted waters, or waters which could become polluted by nitrates.

Nicola Dunn, water quality adviser at the National Farmers Union, said of the decision: “Given the impact the Christmas and New Year period would have had on farmers wishing to appeal NVZ designations, delaying this until the New Year is welcome news.

“Farmers will now have valuable extra time to consider the NVZ plans ahead of the official designation process starting, which Defra has also confirmed will not be this year."

A Defra spokesman said: "As agriculture remains the main source of nitrate pollution in water, it is important to take action.

"Scientific evidence suggests that to address elevated nitrate levels in our waters we need to make some small amendments to the designated area. Following the review, the overall designated zone within England will remain around 58 per cent with a number of new and de-designated areas."

"We believe the proposed NVZ designation is the right one given the scientific evidence available to us."