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Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs)

Environment Hub » Nitrate Vunerable Zones » NVZs »

NVZs are areas within EU countries where nitrate regulations apply. For a map of the NVZs in England click here.

Nitrogen needs to be regulated in the environment because in its mineral form it is highly soluble and makes its way readily into watercourses if not taken up by plant growth.

Where water bodies have been polluted by Nitrogen or other nutrients, it causes algae in the water to ‘bloom’ and shut out light from submerged plants that use light to oxygenate the water. Fish and other creatures in the water therefore die and the water body becomes void of macroorganisms. This is a process called Eutrophication. Nitrogen pollution has also been linked to human health problems where drinking water has been contaminated. The Nitrates Directive seeks to limit Nitrogen in ground and surface waters throughout the European Union. This has been implemented in the UK by a series of nitrate regulations. The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 implement the Action programme of measures which farmers within designated nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) have to comply. These regulations have been amended since 2008, the last time being 2013. A Defra document with all the latest rules and their means can be found at https://www.gov.uk/nitrate-vulnerable-zones The Environment Agency monitors compliance, and has published guidance with DEFRA. Guidance for farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) for the period 2013 to 2016 – click here

 

NVZ Calculators

BPEX have produced two calculators to help pig farmers calculate their manure spreading/deposition areas and slurry storage requirements, they can be downloaded below.

(Please note, when you open the spreadsheet please disable the macro for it to work)

One is for all-in all-out production: all-in all-out systems

One is for continuous throughput: continuous throughput systems

*Please note: if you have an old version of Excel you may experience difficulties when trying to view these calculators. We hope to upload another version shortly which should overcome this problem. In the meantime, if you would like assistance please contact Nigel Penlington on 0247 647 8797.

Publications

• DairyCo Water booklet
• MAFF Water Supply booklet
• Water resources (control of pollution, silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil) regulations 2010 (SSAFO)
• CIRIA doc 126
• Spring Newsletter 2014