Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Could Affect Intensive Farming
Issued 15thNovember 2001
A senior EU official has warned that Ireland's commitment to designate a number of nitrate vulnerable zones by the end of this year now needs to be translated into action.
Michael Hamell, Head of the agri-environment section of the EU Commission in Brussels told the Teagasc National REPS Conference in Galway that all member states except Ireland have now formally designated nitrate vulnerable zones and several, such as France, have recently extended these zones.
''Some countries have designated their entire territories as nitrate vulnerable. For some, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, this reflects the reality of the nitrate problem while for others, such as Finland, the designation of the entire country is more precautionary and preventative''.
''In all, 37% of the total area of the EU is designated as nitrate vulnerable and this figure is likely to rise considerably when designation is complete'', he said.
''Ireland committed itself in the context of the rural development plan to identify and designate a number of nitrate vulnerable areas by the end of 2001 and to establish and implement compulsory action programmes. This welcome commitment now needs translation into action'', added Mr Hamell.
Sean Regan, Chief Environment Adviser with Teagasc told the conference that nitrate vulnerable zone designation may impose severe restrictions on farming practices, including a reduction of stock numbers on intensively run farms.
He said the voluntary Code of Practice for Nitrates, published by the Government in 1996 is expected to become mandatory in designated areas.
''The Code of Practice specifies a maximum of 210kg of organic nitrogen per hectare, or the equivalent of 2.5 livestock units per hectare, when nitrate levels exceed 20mg/litre of water.
''However, there is provision in the EU Nitrates Directive for a maximum of 170kg of organic nitrogen per hectare where groundwaters contain more than 50mg/litre nitrates or could contain more if action is not taken. This would entail farming at
Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) levels of two livestock units per hectare. This would have serious implications for intensive farming'', said Sean Regan.
He said the EU Nitrates Directive specifies 50mg/litre as the upper limit for nitrates in drinking water. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports show that a significant number of public water supply sources in eastern, south eastern and southern counties have nitrate levels greater than the EU guide figure of 25mg/litre and there are indications that nitrate levels are continuing to rise.
''In areas designated as nitrate vulnerable, nutrient management plans are likely to be required for each individual farm. The good news for REPS participants is they are already complying with the most stringent requirements of the Nitrates Directive'', he said.
The complete proceedings from the National REPS Conference, November 15th, 2001 are now available. Click here.
