THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRCULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Nitrates Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006

The Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has made a Statutory Rule entitled The Nitrates Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R.2006 No.489). The Rule, which is made under powers conferred by Section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 and Articles 32, 44 and 72 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, establishes a Nitrates Action Programme on farmers which includes measures aimed at improving the timing and rate of organic and inorganic fertiliser application and the establishment of minimum storage capacity requirements for livestock manure.

The objective of the Action Programme is to reduce water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and prevent further such pollution as set out in Council Directive 91/676/EEC on the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. The Regulations will come into operation on 1 January 2007.

Copies of the Rule may be purchased from the Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GD.