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Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

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Statutory Management Requirements (SMR) 4: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

The aim of these requirements is to reduce the pollution of waters caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and to prevent such pollution occurring in the future.

A Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) is an area of land draining into ground or surface waters that are currently high in nitrate, or may become so if appropriate actions are not taken.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Wales were updated in 2008. Around 2.3% of Wales is currently within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

The EC Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) is intended to reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources and to prevent any further pollution. In Wales, the Directive is given effect in domestic law through the Nitrate Pollution Prevention (Wales) Regulations 2008.

Member States are required to review their implementation of the Directive every four years. The outcome of the review is used to make appropriate amendments to the NVZs and/or the measures in the Action Programme.