•"(H'lPJf 
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 20.01.1998 
COM(1998) 16 final 
Report of the Commission to the Council and 
European Parliament 
Measures Taken pursuant to Council Directive 
91/676/EEC concerning the Protection of Waters 
against Pollution caused by Nitrates from 
Agricultural Sources 
Summary of Reports submitted to the Commission by 
Member States under Article 11 

1. INTRODUCTION 
t.l FORMAT OF THE REPORT 
1.2 RELATIONSHIP TO THE IMPLEMENTATION REPORT 
2. OVERVIEW OF MEASURES TAKEN 
2.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VllLNERABLE ZONES 
2.1.1 Fresh Surface Waters ......' 
2.1.2 Groundwaters 
2.1.3 Eutrophication 
2.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
2.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
2.3.1 The measures required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
2.3.2 Information Required under Annex 111(4) 
2.3.3 Additional Measures or Reinforced Actions taken Pursuant to Article' 5(5) 
2.3.4 Monitoring Programmes implemented pursuant to A rticle 5(6) 
2.3.5 Likely response time of waters to the measures taken, and the level of uncertainty contained 
in such predictions 
3. AUSTRIA ; 
3.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES 
3.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
3.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
3.3.1 The measures required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
3.3.2 Information required under Annex 111(4) :..... 
3.3.3 Additional Measures or Reinforced Action 
3.3.4 Monitoring Programmes under Article 5(6) 
3.3.5 Assumptions of when the Objectives ofthe Directive will be Met 
4. DENMARK 
4.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES 
4.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
4.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
4.3.1 The Measures Required by Article 5(4) (a) and(b) 
4.3.1.1 Provisions forthe abatementof discharges from farm waste 
4.3.1.2 Provisions forthe land application ofmanure 
4.3.1.3 Mandatory crop rotation, fertiliser planning and t'ertiliser accounting 
4.3.1.4 Storagc Capacity for Manure 
4.3.2 Information required by Annex 111(4) 
4.3.3 Additional Measures or Reinforced Actions 
4.3.4 Results ofthe Monitoring Programmes under Article 5(6) 
4.3.4.1 Streamsand Brooks 
4.3.4.2 Groundwater 
4.3.4.3 Lakes 
4.3.4.4 Marine Waters 
4.3.4.5 Land Monitoring 
4.3.5 Assumptions of when the objectives ofthe Directive will be met 
5. F1NLAND '. 
5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES 
5.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
5.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
6. FRANCE 
A 
6.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VllLNERABLE ZONES 
6.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE .., 
6.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
7. GERMANY : 
7.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES 
7.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
7.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
7.3.1 The Measures Required by Article 5(4) (a) and(b)..:. 
7.3.1.1 Annex III. No I.I 
7.3.1.2 Annex II, A.5 and Annex IILNo 1.2 
7.3.1.3 Annex III. No 1.3 
7.3.1.4 Annex III, No 2 and 4 
7.3.1.5 Annex II. A.2 and A.4 
7.3.1.6 Annex II. A.3 
7.3.1.7 Annex II. A.6 
7.3.1.8 Annex II. B.8 and B.9 
7.3.1.9 Annex II. B.8 
7.3.1.10 Annex II. B.9 
7.J.2 Information pursuant to Annex 111(4) 
7.3.3 Additional Measures or Reinforced Actions 
7.3.4 Results of Monitoring Programmes pursuant to Article 5(6) 
7.3.4.1 Groundwaters 
7.3.4.2 Surface Waters 
7.3.4.3 Coastal Waters 
7.3.5 Assumptions ofwhen the objectives ofthe Directive will be met 
8. GREECE 
8.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE 
8.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
8.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
9. IRELAND 
9.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES 
9.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
9.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
10. LUXEMBOURG 
10.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES .. 
10.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE AND ACTION PROGRAMMES... 
11. THE NETHERLANDS 
11.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATIONS OF VULNERABLE ZONES. 
1 1.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
11.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
12. PORTUGAL ; 
12.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES .. 
12.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
12.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
13. SWEDEN 
13.1 IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES .. 
13.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
13.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
13.3.1 Article 5(4)(a) and (b) 
13.3.2 Information requiredby Annex 111(4) 
13.3.3 Additional or Reinforced Actions 
13.3.4 Results of Monitoring Programmes carried out under Article 5(6) 
13.3.5 Assumptions ofwhen the objectives ofthe Directive will be met 
14. UNITED KINGDOIW OF GREAT BR1TAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND 
14.1 IDENTIFICATIONOF WATERS AND DES1GNATION OF VlJLNERABLE ZONES 
14.2 CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
14.3 ACTION PROGRAMMES 
3 
1. INTRODUCTION 
According to Article 10 of the Nitrates Directive1 Member States are required to submit a 
report to the European Commission containing the information specified in Annex V (see 
Table 1 below) of the Directive every four years. The first report, which covers the 
period from 19.12.1991 to 19.12.1995, was due to be submitted to the Commission by 
20.12.1996. The information to be included in the report covers the main obligations that 
the Directive places on Member States, namely monitoring. the designation of vulnerable 
zones, the drawing up and promotion of codes of good agricultural practice and the action 
programmes. 
Table 1: The Requirements of Annex V 
Annex V - Information to be Contained in Reports under Article 10 
1. A statement of the preventive action pursuant to Article 4 
2. A map showing the following: 
(a) waters identified in 'accordance with Article 3(1) and Annex I indicating for each 
water which of the criteria in Annex I was used for the purpose of identification; 
(b) the location of the designated vulnerable zones, distinguishing between existing zones 
and zones designated since the previous report. 
3. A summary of the monitoring results obtained pursuant to Article 6, including a 
statement of the considerations which led to the designation of each vulnerable zone 
and to any revision of or addition to designations of vulnerable zones. 
4. A summary of the action programmes drawn up pursuant to Article 5 and, in 
particular: 
(a) the measures required by Article 5(4)(a) and (b); 
(b) the information required by Annex 111(4); 
(c) any additional measures or reinforced actions taken pursuant to Article 5(5); 
(d) a summary of the results of the monitoring programmes implemented pursuant to 
Article 5(6); 
(e) the assumptions made by the Member States about the likely timescale within which 
the waters identified in accordance with Article 3(1) are expected to respond to the 
measure in the action programme, along with an indication of the level of uncertainty 
incorporated in these assumptions. 
Article 11 of the Directive requires the Commission to publish a summary report on the 
basis of the information submitted by Member States within six months of receiving the 
reports from Member States. This "Summary Report*" has then to be communicated to 
1 OJ L 375 31.12.1991, pl, Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection 
of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources 
the European Parliament and to the Council of Ministers. This document constitutes that 
Summary Report. 
Given the timetable stated in the Directive this document would ideally have been 
communicated to the aforementioned institutions by 20.12.1996. This vvas not possibie 
due to the tardy submission of reports from the Member States. indeed by 20.6.1996 only 
Ireland had submitted its report. It was therefore considered appropriate to wait for a 
sufficient number of reports before the report could be published, a position that was 
considered to have been reached on 28.2.1997. Nevertheless three Member States. 
Belgium, Italy and Spain have still to submit the report to the Commission as required by 
Article 10. therefore these countries have been omitted from this report. 
The quality of the information received has been highly variable. particularly in the 
degree of detail. Indeed, for some Member States certain requirements of Annex V were 
not fulfilled. This is either through omission. in which case the Commission has 
requested the Member State to rectify the situation. or because the relevant measures still 
remain to be taken in the Member State, despite the deadline having passed. This is 
particularly the case for information pertaining to the action programmes. However the 
main reason for the differing standards of information provided can be attributed to the 
degree of flexibility with which Annex V can be interpreted. A summary can be 
construed as being anything from one sentence to several pages. As the main purpose of 
this report is to provide information that is of use to the citizen this lack of consistency is 
to be regretted. It is therefore necessary, in the opinion of the Commission. for a 
common reporting format to be adopted by the Council and used for the next report. 
which will be due on 21.6.2000. To this end the Commission vvill propose a reporting 
format which will enable the next "Summary Report*" to be of even greater utility than 
this one. 
1.1 Format of the Report 
This report is divided into two distinct sections. The first provides a brief overview of the 
measures taken in the Member States for which information is available. The second 
presents each Member State in turn. For the second section the Commission has 
attempted to present the information using a common outline in an attempt to facilitate 
user friendliness. This information has been checked by the Member State. The 
Commission has not added any information to each country except vvhere this is clearly 
stated in order to provide clarity. Overall. some of the information provided by the 
Member State may have been omitted, or presented in a different vvay. The fact that the 
information presented in this section of this Commission document should not be taken 
as a sign that the approach adopted (or not adopted) by a Member State in the 
implementation of the Directive is approved by the Commission. • 
1.2 Relationship to the Implementation Report 
On 1 October 1997 the Commission published a report to the Council and European 
Parliament on the Implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the 
Protection of Waters against Pollution caused by Nitrates from Agricultural Sources2. 
This "Implementation Report'' highlights the significant lack of progress made by 
Member States in their application of the Directive and the status of legal proceedings 
against the Member States. 
2. OVERVIEW OF MEASURES TAKEN 
2.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of VuInerabJe Zones 
Of the 12 Member States who submitted reports 5 have designated the whole of their 
territory according to Article 3(5), namely Austria. Denmark. Germany. Luxembourg and 
the Netherlands. and so are not covered by Annex V.3 as this pertains explicitly to Article 
6. The remaining seven did include information on the Article 6 monitoring. 
Figure 1 shows the areas identified as vulnerable zones or according to Article 3(5) of the 
Directive. 
2.1.1 Fresh Surface Waters 
Greece stated that betvveen 1989 and 1992 the nitrate content of 18 rivers and 21 lakes 
had been examined. In Portugal surface waters were only measured where they were also 
drinking water abstraction points. All these points complied with the 50 mg/1 level. In 
Sweden the quality of freshwaters is measured in reference lakes and water courses. For 
fresh surface waters it has been shown that 90% of the sampling points have a nitrate 
concentration below 9 mg/1 and all sampling points are below 50 mg/1. For lakes. 90% 
had a nitrate content of below 2 mg/1 and all had concentrations of below 50 mg/1. In the 
UK 1,122 surface water abstraction sites vvere monitored leading to the designation of 6 
vulnerable zones covering 9 surface water catchments. In Ireland. fresh surface waters 
were monitored with certain rivers having concentrations above 40 mg/1 vet under 50. 
France and Finland submitted no summary of results of the fresh surface water 
monitorinsi for nitrate concentrations. 
2.1.2 Groundwaters 
Finland stated that for the purposes of the Directive it is their intention to designate 
iiroundwaters with a nitrate concentration of over 15 nm/1. This will mean that four areas 
- COM (97) 473 final 

Figure 1: Areas identified as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones or 
according to Article 3(5) of Directive 91/676/EEC 
^ ^ 
-V Vulnerable 
Whole territory Non-vulnerable Q_J) Not finished 
^^ No information 

with a concentration of over 25 mg/1 will be designated. and seven with a nitrate content 
of over 15 mg/1. Greece has conducted a study of groundwaters, but due to the statistical 
sample of the measurements being poor these have not been used as the basis for 
designations. Four "potentially vulnerable zones" have been designated. but it is not 
clear on the basis of which of the criteria in Annex I. In Ireland-monitoring revealed that 
a small number of groundwater sources had concentrations of nitrate above 40 mg/1. 
however these were not designated as they were considered to be due to ""bad 
housekeeping practices", such as the incorrect sitings of silage or slurry pits and seepage 
from septic tanks. In Portugal groundwaters have only been monitored at abstraction 
sites and this is likely to lead to five zones being designated. The UK has monitored 461 
sources of groundwater of which 148 were designated in 63_ vulnerable zones. From its 
monitoring Sweden found it had no concentrations above 50 mg/1 for groundwater 
supplies (with most being below 5 mg/1). For vvells 44 mg/1 is exceeded in 5% of dug 
wells and 1% of drilled wells. France did not submit information summarising the results 
of groundwater monitoring for nitrates or on the range of concentrations. 
2.1.3 Eutrophication 
Sweden identified a significant proportion of its coast as eutrophic. in addition to the lake 
"Ringsjon" \ The waters draining into these have been designated as vulnerable zones. In 
Finland the lakes have been assessed for eutrophication according to the criteria listed in 
section 5.1 of this report. The marine areas of the Gulf of Finland. the Saaristomeri and 
the Selkameri have been identified as eutrophic. In Greece several gulfs have 
eutrophication problems (Saronikos. Thermaikos. Pagastikos. Amcrakikos and Southem 
Evvoikos). Portugal has not designated any estuarial. coastal or marine waters as there is 
no monitoring information on which they could be based. Ireland attributed its inland 
eutrophication problems to phosphorus and its tidal waters to sources not coming under 
the remit of the Nitrates Directive. They did. however. acknowledge the need for a more 
detailed estuarine and coastal waters monitoring programme. The UK did not designate 
any areas according to the eutrophication criterion. The French report did not provide a 
summarv of the results. 
2.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
Codes of good agricultural practice have been drawn up in all of the Member States 
which submitted reports with the exception of Portugal. In most cases these constitute a 
single document. However. some Member States. such as Denmark and Sweden alreadv 
had all the measures contained in the codes in existing legislation. Others. such as 
Germany and Luxembourg which have designated their whole territory have combined 
the measures in the codes and the action programmes in one law as well as drawing up 
separate codes. 
Most countries have provided some type of information concerning the manner in which 
the code is being promoted. These include measures such as the provision of advisors. 
training courses, colloquiums and written information. 
2.3 Action Programmes 
The information required in Annex V.4 was received from the countries which have 
already drawn up action programmes, namely Austria. Denmark, Germany. Luxembourg. 
the Netherlands and Sweden. In addition France provided some information on the mode 
and state of implementation. As Ireland has not designated any vulnerable zones there is 
no requirement in the Directive for action programmes therefore no inibrmation on this 
section was submitted. It is also important to note that although at the time of the report 
being submitted by the Netherlands they had submitted an action programme to the 
Commission the action programme was subsequently withdrawn. 
2.3.1 The measures required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
The approach to this section has varied amongst the Member States submitting 
information. Some. such as Austria have simply stated that the measures required by the 
Directive have been included in the action programme. while others. such as Germany 
have provided a detailed breakdown of the measures taken pursuant to this Article. More 
details of each can be found in the relevant sections. 
2.3.2 Information Required under Annex 111(4) 
Austria, Germany and Luxembourg are applying Annex 111(4) on the basis of kg N/ha/yr 
while Denmark and Sweden have opted to use livestock units corresponding to these 
amounts. France has stated that it will use the kg N/ha/yr figures. and that it will not seek 
a derogation from these quantities. 
2.3.3 Additional Measures or Reinforced Actions taken Pursuant to Article 5(5) 
All the Member States submitting information on this point considered that it was too 
early to state if these measures are necessary. Most mentioned a commitment to take the 
further measures if they become necessary. 
2.3.4 Monitoring Programmes implemented pursuant to Article 5(6) 
Article 5(6) consists of two requirements. The lirst is that all Member States should 
monitor the effectiveness of their action programmes. Various schemes have been put in 
place to ensure this. Austria considers it sufficient to monitor changes in farming 
practices through fertilisation statistics and livestock figures. Denmark undertakes 
detailed monitoring for this in six catchment areas including practices vvith livestock 
manure and chemical fertilisers as well as micro and macro biological factors in various 
parts of the hydrological cycle. The Netherlands intends to monitor the agricultural 
nitrogen balance. Sweden monitors nitrate leaching to waters and uses a complex model. 
Germany and Luxembourg did not include any information on this point. 
Member States who have chosen to apply Article 5 across the whole of their territory are 
also required to monitor the nitrate content of waters (surface and groundwater) at 
selected measuring points which make it possible to establish the extent of nitrate 
pollution in the waters from agricultural sources. From the information received there 
appear to be considerable variations betvveen the Member States as to the monitoring 
conducted. Austria measures groundwater at 2000 points and surface-freshwater at 244 
for nitrate concentrations. No monitoring for eutrophication is conducted under the 
Directive as it is considered to be phosphorus limited. Germany uses 186 measuring 
points to monitor groundwater 15 points to monitor fresh surface vvaters for the extent of 
nitrate pollution in waters from agricultural sources. For coastal waters five measuring 
points are used. Luxembourg measures the nitrate concentration of groundwaters at four 
points which are considered to give adequate coverage of the natioivs aquifers and of 
surface waters at one point. Eutrophication is measured at two points. The Netherlands 
provided a summary of the subject fields measured, but no specific information as to their 
location, frequency of sampling, parameters measured. etc. Denmark measures the 
nitrate content of groundwaters and fresh surface waters nation-wide. For fresh surface 
waters 260 streams and 58 brooks are assessed as well as 37 lakes. Fauna classes are also 
assessed. Groundwaters are also assessed but no summary was provided of the number 
of sites used. Marine waters are also monitored (see Section 4.3.4.4). 
2.3.5 Likely response time of vvaters to the measures taken, and the level of 
uncertainty contained in such predictions 
Sweden v.as the only Member State to provide an estimation of when the measures 
contained in the action programme would be likely to have an effect. They estimate that 
they will achieve the 50% reduction goal in the anthropogenic nitrogen load in marine 
waters bv2005. 
10 
3. AUSTRIA 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 11 November 1996. 
3.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
The whole territory is designated according to Article 3(5) of the Directive. This decision 
was taken in order further to ensure that a high-level of water protection is maintained 
throughout Austria. 
3.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
The Code of Good Agricultural Practice entered into force on l January 1996. The Code 
is promoted by the agricultural advisory service. Chambers of Agriculture and union 
representatives. 
3.3 Action Programmes 
The action programme has been drawn up on a Federal level and has to be implemented 
by the Lander. 
3.3.1 The measures required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
The action programme contains the measures required by the Directive. In addition it 
sets a maximum, annual level of fertilisers that can be applied of 210 kg N/ha. This 
includes both livestock manure and chemical fertiliser. 
3.3.2 Information required under Annex 111(4) 
For the period of the first action programme the maximum level of manure that can be 
applied is 210 kg N/ha for grassland and arable land with green cover during winter and 
175 kg N/ha for cultivated land without green cover during winter. 
3.3.3 Additional Measures or Reinforced Action 
At this stage it is considered too early to judge whether reinforced action in the context of 
the Directive will be required. 
3.3.4 Monitoring Programmes under Articlc 5(6) 
The monitoring netvvork in Austria is based on 244 surface-freshwater measuring points 
and 2000 groundwater measuring points. Important water courses are examined 12 times 
per year and groundwater 4 times. 
In surface waters, of the 4,536 measurements carried out between 1991 and mid-1995 
98.4% were below 25 mg/1. The 50 mg/1 threshold was only exceeded twice. ie 0.04%. 
II 
Eutrophication in surface freshwaters (there are no marine vvaters in Austria) is 
considered to be phosphorus limited. and therefore not covered by the Directive. 
For groundwaters, between 1991 and mid-1995 85% of all 18.277 samples were below 
the 50 mg/1 threshold. 
This monitoring network is considered sufficient to Ibllow the changes in water quality 
according to Article 5(6). In addition farming practices are monitored through 
fertilisation statistics and livestock figures. • 
3.3.5 Assumptions of when the Objectives of tlic Directive will be Mct 
It is estimated that for surface waters the objectives of the Directive are already met. For 
groundwaters the action programme should prevent further deterioration in the 
groundwater quality. 
It is noted that the national average fertilisation intensity is 49 kg N/ha of agricultural 
land for livestock rranure and 33 kg N/ha for chemical fertiliser. This implies that if 
future applications of livestock manure were to reach 210/170 kg N/ha throughout 
Austria there would be a considcrable deterioration in groundwaler quality. 
Austria also considers that in order to achieve the largets laid down in the Directive the 
following additional measures are needed: 
• further extension of the agri-environment payments; 
• focusing of the EU agriculture policy on sustainability; 
• implementation, without exceptions. of the maximum fertilisation liinits in all Member 
States in order to mitigate any existing distortions of competition. 
12 
4. DENMARK 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 20 December 1996. 
4.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
The whole territory is designated according to Article 3(5) of the Directive. 
4.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
This is covered in the action programme section below. Farmers are informed and the 
codes promoted through detailed guideline materials sent to farmers and through the local 
advisory service centres. The Agricultural Advisory Centre assists the individual farmer 
through, for example, the preparation of crop rotation and fertiliser plans and calculation 
of sufficient storage capacity. 
4.3 Action Programmes 
4.3.1 The Measures Required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
The Danish action programme consists of five main elements which are considered in 
turn: 
4.3.1.1 Provisions for the abatement of discharges from fctrfn waste 
Mandatory standards are set such as for manure storage facilities. farmyards. milking 
parlours and effluent outlets. For example. to abate ammonia volatilisation from storage 
facilities, liquid manure containers without solid floating cover must be closed with 
alternative solid covers. Open slurry containers must be fitted with a subsurface inlet 
secured against liquid running backwards, while other filling systems must be designed 
so that the tloating cover is not broken. 
4.3.1.2 Provisions fbr the land application of manure 
These set down the time periods during which the land application of manure may not 
occur. They also state time periods within which the manure shoukl be ploughed into the 
soil: for example, that liquid manure and silage effluent applied on bare soil shall be 
incorporated as quickly as possible. and within 12 hours. in order to reduce ammonia 
volatilisation. 
4.3.1.3 Mandatory crop rotation, fertiliser planning and fertiliser accounting 
Danish farmers have had to draw up mandatory crop rotation and fertiliser plans since 
1988 covering the period August 1 to July 31. Some crops. including winter grain 
cereals, catch crops and crops with long growing seasons are defined as "green crops*. 
65% of the agricultural area of the farm must be constituted of these. In the fertiliser 
plans the farmers are required to calculate their estimated need for nitrogen and 
phosphorus applications according to economically optimal dosages. and state vvhat types 
of fertiliser will make up the total. These plans have to be made available to the 
authorities and must be revised if any subsequent changes are made. The total fertiliser 
application, including the effective portion of nitrogen contained in the animal manure 
must not exceed the level defined by the authorities for that particular crop. In addition 
the minimum utilisation efficiency of nitrogen in animal manure and other organic 
fertilisers must be observed. Examples of these are given in Table 2 with the numbers 
denoting the first year effect and the second year effect (residual effect from the first 
year) being denoted by the numbers in brackets: 
Table 2: The Minimum Utilisation Efficiencv of Nitrogen in Animal Manure and 
other Organic Fertilisers. 
Type 
Manure 
Pig Slurry 
Cattle Slurry Livestock Date fromi MninrailiÈcîtflfâ 
1.8.97 
1.8.97 
1.8.96 Deep Litter 
Other Types of Manure 1.8.95 ï.it*$|||£j|£l|| 
50% (+10) 
45% (+10) 
15% (+15) 
40% (+10)" 
A resolution of the Danish Parliament states that these minimum utilisation efficiencies 
shall always be increased according to that which is technically possible. 
Fertiliser accounting was introduced in 1993 and requires each farmer to assess the total 
crop demand and use of nitrogen fertiliser on their farm, the utilisation efficieney of the 
total nitrogen in animal manure and the amount of total nitrogen stored on the farm. 
These reports have to be submitted to the authorities on request. Both fertiliser plans and 
fertiliser accounts must be based on nominal values for the nutrient content of animal 
manures as a function of housing system and use of bedding material. Alternatively the 
nitrogen content may be assessed by an authorised laboratory. 
4.3.1.4 Storage Capacity for Manure 
The minimum manure storage capacity is 6 months. However. as the storage capacity 
must be sufficient to ensure that application of manure takes plaee in accordance with the 
provisions for field application, and the utilisation efficieney of the nutrient content of the 
manure laid down by the authorities. this usually translates to nine months. 
4.3.2 Information required by Annex 111(4) 
The fifth part of the action programme consists of the establishment of maximum limits 
of livestock manure applied to the land each year. l'hese are established on the basis of 
animal numbers. l'iitil 19 December 1999 one li\csiock nnii corresponds i<> onc daiiy 
cow of large stock. The application rates are as in Table " 
14 
Table Maximum Application Rates for Livestock Manure 
Type of Holding 
Cattle" 
Pig 
Poultry 
Mixed Cattle/Pig Livestock Units 
! 2.3 
! 1.7 
I 2.0 
1 2.0 Corresponding 
265-300 
136-180 
160-190 
"230"'" " to kg* 
These differences are justified on the basis of the crops typically grown within each 
particular type of farm. From 19 December 1999 one livestock unit is detlned as 100 kg 
of nitrogen. and the maximum limit is set to 2.1 LU/hectare per year and from 19 
December 2003 the limit is further reduced to 1.7 LU/hectare per year. Special rules 
apply to holdings with more than 50% of the area available for manure application 
cropped with beet and grass. 
Leasing agreements can be used to dispose of manure off the farm holding. 
4.3.3 Additional Measures or Reinforced Actions 
Denmark has committed itself to attaining a reduction of 50% for nitrate leaching losses 
by 2000. Provisions exist for further measures to be taken depending on the progress 
made towards attaining the 50% target. The regional authorities have been asked to 
designate areas of particular value for drinking vvater abstraction from groundwaters from 
1997. 
4.3.4 Results of the Monitoring Programmes under Article 5(6) 
There is a comprehensive system of monitoring and of reporting. A summary of the 
information is provided below for each type of water. 
4.3.4.1 Streams and Brooks 
From measurements of 260 streams and 58 brooks the nitrogen eoneentrations vvere 
between 1.5 and 10.2 mg/I of nitrogen (equivalent to between 6 and 45 mg/1 of nitrate). 
No significant changes in these were detected in the period 1989-94. Fauna elass II and 
II-III were found in 74% of all assessments in 1994. and 10% of all assessments had class 
III or more. 
4.3.4.2 Groundwater 
The nitrate content of groundwaters varies greatly according to loeation and depth. 
Within classes A and B of groundwater about 25% of the analyses exeeed 50 mg/1. The 
problem is greatest in the sandy aquifers, but still pronouneed in the limestone aquifers. 
Although significant advances have been made in redueing the nitrate coneentrations of 
water supplied for human consumption, so mueh so that 71% of these waters now have 
nitrate concentrations of less than 5 mg/1. this is mainly due to the relocation of water 
15 
abstraction points to less polluted aquifers. rather than because of any improvement in 
groundwater quality. 
4.3.4.3 Lakes 
37 lakes are monitored, being considered to be representative. In these there has been a 
significant decrease in the annual average phosphorus concentration of lake water from 
0.206 to 0.154 mg P/litre. There have been no changes in the nitrogen inflow to these 
lakes, or the nitrogen concentrations of the lakes themselves. However. the eutrophic 
state has been judged to have improved. 
4.3.4.4 Marine Waters 
The monitoring programme is designed to detect changes in the following parameters: 
• zoo- and plant occurrence in various subsections of the marine waters: 
• biological and physical-chemical gradients from land through coastal waters to marine 
waters; 
• biological and physical-chemical gradients along the coast of Jutland and: 
• biological and physical-chemical gradients through the inner waters. 
No major changes in .the winter and summer average nitrogen concentrations have 
occurred in the period since the start of the monitoring programme. However. there has 
been a significant decrease in phosphorus concentrations in most tjords and coastal 
waters, mainly because of reduced point source emissions. 
4.3.4.5 Land Monitoring 
Six catchment areas dominated by agricultural land are the subject of detailed monitoring 
of agricultural emissions and practices. In addition to nitrogen. many additional macro-
and micro concentrations in various compartments of the hydrological cycle are 
monitored. for example the rooting zone of agricultural land. in drainage water. various 
depths of groundwater and in surface and stream water. In addition the agricultural 
practices concemed with livestock manure and chemical fertilisers are also covered. 
The studies have shown that the leaching losses for the catchments as a whole were 
reduced by 14% during the period 1989/90 to 1994/5. This is considered to be the result 
of improved farming practices, such as the more timely application of animal manures. 
4.3.5 Assumptions of when the objcctives of the Directive will be met 
It is envisaged that when the 50% reduction target is met that the aims of the Directive 
with respect to ground and surface freshwaters will be met. For marine eutrophication 
the situation is less elear, but estimates suggest that this level of reduetion will proteet 
them against eutrophication. The target for achieving this goal is the year 2000.- Existing 
measures have produced a reduction but it is uncertain whether these measures will have 
to be further tightened in the future. This will be ascertained after a review in 1998. In 
any case the Danish Parliament remains committed to achieving this target and has urged 
further measures on the 'Government. 
5. FINLAND 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 19 September 1996. 
5.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
In order to assess the waters in accordance with the eutrophication criterion a system has 
been drawn up by the Finnish Environmental Institute which has been used to propose 
areas for designation to the Ministry of the Environment. These criteria are as follows 
(not all are appropriate for each water): 
• chlorophyll-a averages more than 2.5 ug/l between May and September or passes a 
maximum concentration of 8 ug/l in three samples during the growing period: 
• the area of the lake is greater than 1 knr; 
• the median of the nitrogen/phosphorus ratio is less than 5 during the period from May 
to September in at least three N and P samples taken at the same time: 
• agriculture is the most significant source of nitrogen inputs: 
• the nutrient ratio balance of nitrogen and phosphorus in the sea area is greater than 1: 
Zones have yet to be designated officially. but it is expected that 10-15% of the 
agricultural area will be designated. For the purposes of the Directive groundwater 
vulnerable to nitrates will be defined as those areas where the nitrate content is over 15 
mg/1, and where the pollution is caused by discharges from agricultural sources. such as 
fertilisers and livestock farming. It is iikely that this vvill mean that four areas are 
designated as they have a nitrate content of over 25 mg/1. and seven with a nitrate content 
of over 15 mg/1. In addition the Gulf of Finland. the Saaristomeri and the Selkameri have 
been identified as nitrate vulnerable marine areas. 
5.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
One Code of Good Agricultural Practice has been produced and distributed to all farmers 
in the country in 1994. There is a comprehensive agri-environment training and 
information scheme and the knowledge of the measures contained in the Code is 
considered to be good. 
5.3 Action Programmes 
No action programme has been submitted. 
17 
6. FRANCE 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 23 December 1996. 
6.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
The identification of waters was based on Decree 93-1038 of 27 August 1993. The 
exercise was co-ordinated on a river-basin level and involved the establishment of 
working groups in each 'departemenf and a high-level of consultation. Thus far 90 out 
of 96 departements have completed the identification exercise. In 69 of these 
departements vulnerable zones have been designated eovering roughly 12 million 
hectares constituting about half of the French utilised agricultural area. These zones can 
be seen in Figure 2. The six departements that have yet to complete the identification and 
designation exercise are where particular problems are experienced due to their 
'periurbain' nature. 
The report contains no indication of which of the criteria vvere used to designate each 
vulnerable zone. 
6.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
The Code of Good Agricultural Practice was completed on 22 November 1993 and has 
been disseminated by the National Government. the Steering Committee for the 
Reduction of Water Pollution by Nitrates. Phosphates and Plant Protection Products 
(CORPEN), the Chambers of Agriculture and professional organisations. 
The promotion of the Code is being carried out through meetings. colloquiums and 
conferences at both the national and regional level. Training eourses have been organised 
for the agricultural advisors. Research is also being undertaken both in the field. on 
experimental farms and on a theoretical level. Further actions are planned once the action 
programmes are in place. 
6.3 Action Programmes 
According to the Ministerial Circular of 24 January 1995 each departement that contains 
a vulnerable zone has to elaborate an action programme based on the requirements of 
Decree 96-163 of 4 March 1996. In the action programmes the measures in the Code of 
Good Agricultural Practice are to be ineluded taking into aecount local conditions and 
prioritising the risks of certain agricultural practiees. 
The quantities of 210 and 170 kg N/ha/yr will be adhered to in Franee with each level 
being reached in the flnal year of the first and seeond action programme respectively. 
There will not be a derogation from these quantities. 


Figure 2: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in France 
(As ot 28.2.97 this exercise has not been completed) 
o 
P -u 
1 1 -E 
•5 5 o 
> Z Z 
u n 

In the Decree of 4 March 1996 each departement was instructed to take additional or 
reinforced actions pursuant to Article 5(5), if such actions are necessary and detail them 
in the individual action programmes. On a national level measures have been taken to 
prohibit the construction of new installations and increases in grazing density in areas 
where there is a structural exceedance of manure due to livestock farming. These areas 
are predominantly in Brittany, but also in parts of Loire Region, and Rhone Alpes. These 
will form an integral part of the action programmes. 
In order to monitor the effects of the action programmes a variety of indicators will be 
used. These will include both monitoring of the hydrological situation and of the changes 
in agricultural practice, and will take place at a variety of levels. During the action 
programmes the monitoring of the agricultural practices vvill be the responsibility of the 
Chambers of Agriculture with the assistance of the relevant governmental bodies and the 
Water Agencies. 
No date by which the waters in vulnerable zones vvill respond to the measures in the 
action programmes is given. However the likely variabi-lity is highlighted with the 
comment that at least in the short term the levels of nitrate in waters is a product of past 
agricultural practices and will be influenced significantly by the winter rainfall totals and 
the consequent aquifer recharge. The most serious difficulty in achieving the objectives 
of the Directive will be to ensure that livestock farms, the agri-food industry and waste 
water treatment plants have the necessary storage capacity. 
20 
7. GERMANY 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 6 November 1996. 
7.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
The whole territory has been designated according to Article 3(5) of the Directive. 
7.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
This requirement is covere.d by the action programme. In addition the Lander have 
introduced more comprehensive codes which farmers are to implement on a voluntary 
basis. Responsibility for training and information lies with the Lander where advisory 
services have been established by agricultural administrations. These provide advice. 
organise lectures and visits and publish brochures and factsheets. In addition trade 
journals also play a role. 
7.3 Action Programmes 
7.3.1 The Measures Required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
These measures are established in the Fertiliser Order (Dungeverordnung) of 26 January 
1996. 
7.3.1.1 AnnexIIfNo 1.1 
The periods when the land application of fertilisers is prohibited are defined in Section 2 
(1) of the Fertiliser Order. This provides that fertilisers may not be applied to land when 
not required by the plants. Given the considerable regional differenees in elimate and soil 
conditions in Germany, it is not possible to prescribe set periods when no fertilisers may 
be applied. However, Section 3(4) of the Fertiliser Order prohibits the land application 
between 15 November and 15 January of farm manure where the available nutrients are 
released gradually and depending on the temperature. The Lander may allow exemptions 
or ban fertiliser application for longer periods depending on particular loeal conditions. 
7.3.1.2 Annex II, A. 5 and Annex III, No 1.2 
The Lander are responsible for introducing regulations on storage vessels for farm 
manure. These have not been completed by all the Lander. 
7.3.1.3 Annex III, No 1.3 
The rules of good agricultural practice in Section 4( 1) of the Fertiliser Order provide that. 
in addition to the nutrient requirements of the crops. account must be taken of the 
nutrients present in the soil and available during crop grovvth and of the nutrients supplied 
through management measures and the application of waste materials for the purposes of 
21 
calculating fertiliser requirement. This ensures a balanee between nitrogen requirements 
and nitrogen supply to crops. 
7.3.1.4 Annex III, No 2 and 4 
Section 3(7) of the Fertiliser Order prescribes the maximum limit of 210 kg N per hectare 
and year laid down in Annex III for the first action programme. The reference base is the 
farm average. The provisions of Section 2(1) of the Fertiliser Order prevent the 
application of excessive amounts of farm manure on individual plots. 
7.3.1.5 Annex II, A. 2 and A. 4 
Section 2(3) of the Fertiliser Order specifies that direct inputs or run-off of fertilisers to 
surface vvaters must be avoided during land application. Account must be taken of the 
nature of the land, i.e. no applications to wide strips on steeply sloping ground. The 
competent regional authorities may make special provision in individual cases. e.g. by 
specifying minimum distances from surface vvaters. 
7.3.1.6 Annex II, A.3 
The land application of fertiliser to saturated, flooded. frozen or snow-covered ground is 
prohibited pursuant to Section 2(4) of the Fertiliser Order. 
7.3.1.7 Annex II, A.6 
The procedures for land application are laid down mainly in Section 2 and 3 of the 
Fertiliser Order. They meet the requirements of Annex I1.A.6." 
7.3.1.8 Annex II. B. «V and B. 9 
The Fertiliser Order also makes mandatory the optional requirements in B.8 and B.9 of 
Annex II of the Nitrates Directive. 
7.3.1.9 Annex II, B.8 
Section 2(1) of the Fertiliser Order provides that. if autumn crops are not sown. catch 
crops should ideally be cultivated to utilise the residual nitrogen in the soil. 
7.3.1.10 AnnexII, B.9 
Section 5 of the Ferliliser Order provides for the keeping of records on nutrient supply 
and its removal with the harvested product, so permitting the establishment of a nutrient 
balance and hence monitoring of fertiliser application. 
7.3.2 Fnformation pursuant to Annex 111(4) 
This is covered above. 
7.3.3 Additional Mcasures or Reinforced Actions 
There are no plans for measures in addition to those already taken. This vvill be 
reevaluted following the end of the first action programme. 
oo 
7.3.4 Results of Monitoring Programmes pursuant to Article 5(6) 
These will be available following the end of the first action programme in 1999. 
However information is provided on the water quality monitoring. This is presented 
below: 
7.3.4.1 Groundwaters 
186 measuring points to monitor groundwater were selected at which samples were taken 
between two and four times every year. These points should not be considered as 
representative of nitrate pollution as they have been selected to establish the extent of 
nitrate pollution in waters from agricultural sources. 
7.3.4.2 Surface Waters 
Nitrate concentrations in surface waters are measured on the major German rivers whose 
catchment areas cover most of the country (Danube. Elbe. Ems. Mosel. Oder. Rhine. 
Ruhr, Weser). This approach is sensible because the action programmes to reduce water 
pollution by nitrogen compounds pursuant to Article 5 are implemented thronghout the 
country, therefore the overall impact of these measures can be observed at a few 
measuring points. 15 measuring points are used. The average nitrate concentration is 
currently less than 25 mg/1 at all the measuring points listed. There has been no reduction 
in nitrate pollution since the beginning of the 1980s. 
In future the causes of nitrate pollution of surface water for the purposes of reporting will 
be determined using a model with the aim of distinguishing between nitrate inputs from 
diffuse sources (agriculture) and points sources (municipal discharges). The greatest 
potential for reducing inputs is from agriculture. 
7.3.4.3 Coastal Waters 
There are five measuring points for coastal waters. in the North Sea and in the Baltic. For 
the North Sea. marine waters are not taken into account. For the Baltie. both the inner 
and outer coastal waters are represented. There is unlikely to be any reduction in nitrate 
loading of coastal waters in the short term. due to the slow groundwater flow to surface 
water. 
7.3.5 Assumptions of when the objectives of thc Directive will be met 
Due to geological factors it is likely that there will be a substantial time lag before the 
effects of the measures taken are knovvn. 
23 
8. GREECE 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 19 November 1996. Further information 
was submitted on 29 January 1997. 
8.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable 
For surface waters a study was conducted between 1989 and 1992 which analysed the 
nitrate content as well as NH4-N and P of waters in 18 rivers and 21 lakes. No problems 
vvere found in any of the lakes. The results for rivers showed that only the Rema Soulou 
exceeded the 50 mg/1 level for nitrates but that this was due to industrial vvaste. The 
River Evros exceeded 25 mg/1. but not 50 mg/1. 
With respect to eutrophication all the Gulfs studied (Saronikos, Thermaikos. Pagastikos. 
Amvrakikos and Southern Evvoikos) revealed eutrophication problems. 
For groundwaters a study was completed in October 1996 which indicated that the 
statistical sample of measurements was poor and that there are seasonal fluctuations in 
the concentration of nitrates in groundwater. These concentrations. it is stated. are 
insufficient to justify measures being taken to ehange agricultural praetices. 
The Ministry of the Environment reports that they have identified four "potential" 
vulnerable zones where the adoption of measures will be deeided on in consultation with 
the other departments responsible provided that it is confirmed that these zones are 
actually vulnerable. These are shown in Figure 3. 
8.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
The Code of Good Agricultural Practice was provided in 1994. however no summary of it 
has been provided in the report. 
8.3 Action Programmes 
No action programmes have been submitted. 
24 


Figure 3: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Greece 
(As of 28.2.97 this exercise has not been completed) 
1 WESTANDEASTTHESSALY 
2 PIMIOSRIVERBASINATIIM 
SARGOIJW 
4K0PAJDIK0 
Vulnerable - Groundwater 
Non-vulnerable 100 km 
J 200 km 

9. IRELAND 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 17 July 1995, five months before the end 
of the reporting period. and elev'en months before the official date for submissions. 
9.1 Identilication of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
In October 1992 Local Authorities were instructed to monitor waters for the purposes of 
the Directive. Specific guidance was given on particular aspects of the monitoring. This 
included an instruction to cease monitoring for the purposes of the Nitrates Directive if 
evidence came to light in the eourse of monitoring and investigation that the source of the 
nitrate was non-agricultural or from an agricultural point source. 
Following analysis of the results of this monitoring by local authorities. and other 
information, such as published reports and geographic information systems for farming 
intensity. and following consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency. the 
Department of the Environment concluded that no waters coming within the terms of 
Article 3.1/Annex I had been identified, and. in the circumstances. the designation of 
vulnerable zones was not required at the time. Nevertheless there remain areas of 
concern. For certain rivers such as Aghalona. Munster Blackwater. Lerr, Moyie. 
Owenduff and Stoneyford Stream concentrations of nitrate are above 40 mg/1. These 
rivers have been targeted for careful examination at the next review. For a small number 
of groundwater sources concentrations of nitrate are above 40 mg/1. Hovvever these are 
considered to be due to what are described as "'bad housekeeping practices'* such as 
incorrect sitings of silage or slurry pits and seepage from septie tanks. Although there are 
eutrophication problems in some Irish lakes these are not considered to be due to nitrogen 
compounds, ratherto increased supply of phosphorus. 
For estuarine, coastal and marine vvaters the assessment relied on the Environmental 
Research Unit's review covering the period 1987 to 1990. This concluded that for the 
sixteen tidal vvaters assessed serious pollution is of very limited oecurrence and any 
problems identified are not caused by sources coming under the remit of the Nitrates 
Directive. The Irish Authorities acknowledge that there is a need for a more detailed 
estuarine and coastal waters monitoring programme. 
9.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practicc 
At the time of submission of the report the Irish Authorities had not submitted a Code. 
This was reeeived by the Commission on 20 August 1996. 
9.3 Action Programmes 
As no zones have been designated, there is no obligation under the Directive to draw up 
action programmes. 
26 
10. LUXEMBOURG 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 4 February 1997. 
10.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
The vvhole territory is designated according to Article 3(5). 
10.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice and Action Programmes 
The Code of Good Agricultural Practice and Action Programme follow the form laid 
down in the Directive. They are promoted by the Agricultural Advisory Service 
{Chamhres d'Agriculture) vvhich put in place largets for manure produeed on the farm 
and imported into the farm and providing information on the quant'ities of fertilisers to 
use following analysis of the soil nutrients. 
The 170 kg N/ha/yr limit was supposed to have been reached by 31 December 1996. six 
years before the date required by the Directive. In addition. still stricter measures are 
required in drinking water protection zones including the prohibition of fertiliser in the 
immediate vicinity and the limiting of organic fertilisers to 130 kg N/ha/yr in the wider 
area. 
Monitoring conducted according to the Directive is carried out for surface waters and 
groundwaters. Surface waters abstractions for drinking water are monitored for nitrate at 
one station where the average level in 1995 was 16.7 mg/1. The 50 mg/1 was never 
exceeded. Eutrophication is measured at two points. one on the River Syre and one on 
the River Sure. The Syre had an average level of 20.4 mg/1 of nitrates and 0.61 mg/1 of 
phosphorus. For the Siire the figures were 20.6 mg/l and 0.38 mg/1. for chlorophyll-a the 
level was less than 17ug/l. 
For groundwaters the monitoring was conducted at four points from where the waters 
were abstracted for drinking. but from where it was considered that adequate coverage 
vvas given of the nation's aquifers. In 1995 the averages from these four points vvere 36.8 
for Sources du Riedergronn, 12.8 for the Sources cle Siwebueren. 44.8 for the Sources de 
Schrassie and 2.4 for the Source de la Commune cle Mertzic. 
27 
11. THE NETHERLANDS 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 9 July 1996. 
11.1 Identilication of Watcrs and Designations of Vulnerable Zones 
Following the analysis of the available information from the monitoring network on the 
nitrate concentrations of groundwater, fresh surface vvaters and the eutrophication of 
marine and fresh surface waters the whole territory vvas designated according to Article 
3(5) of the Directive. The fact that the coastal waters had been identified as 
eutrophication problem areas and the whole of the territory drained into these areas was 
significant in the adoption of the Article 3(5) approach. as were the eutrophication of 
fresh surface waters and groundwater pollution. 
11.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
A Code of Good Agricultural Practice has been drawn up for the whole of the territory. 
This has been put into practice through legal measures and through advice. information 
and education. The Code been supported by an ongoing programme of training and 
information called the COMMA project (Communication on Manure and Ammonia 
Policy) which seeks to keep farmers up to date with developments in existing and 
planned legislation. It works through publieations and information meetings. In 
addition, DLV - the agricultural information service assists farms with establishing 
mineral balances and improving feeding and fertilisation in addition to its general advice 
giving capacity. Other organisations also provide advice to farmers. In 1994 the advice 
on the use of animal manures vvas improved with the aim of ensuring that less manure 
was used and that vvhich vvas, vvas used in a more accurate vvay. Nutrient management is 
increasingly being integrated into education at many levels. 
11.3 Action Proarammes fe»' 
An action programme was submitted to the Commission on 22 Deeember 1995. 
incorporating a derogation. Both were subsequently withdrawn by the Netherlands 
authorities on 12 November 1996. Another action programme has yet to be submitted to 
the Commission. 
In the report it is stated that in order to assess the effeetiveness of the action programme 
several information sources vvill be used. These includc. amongst others. the national 
agricultural nitrogen balance, the results of surface and groundwater monitoring of nitrate 
concentrations and eutrophication causing factors. 
28 
12. PORTUGAL 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 8 October 1996. 
12.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
Considerable difficulties have been experienced in the identification of waters due to the 
lack of monitoring networks in some places and insufficient data. The monitoring of 
surface freshwaters and groundwaters has been limited to those where vvater is abstracted 
for drinking vvater. On the basis of this information five zones have designated according 
to the groundwater criterion-5. No designations of zones according to the surface 
freshwater criterion have been made due to the monitoring showing that the waters 
comply vvith 50 mg/1. No freshwaters have been considered for designation according to 
the eutrophication criterion due to phosphorus usually being the limiting factor of these 
waters. In addition. no designations of estuarial. coastal or marine waters have been 
made as there is no data on which they could be based. The designations are shovvn in 
Figure 4. The report also commented that the Directive did not indicate a level of nitrate 
at which waters could be considered eutrophic. 
12.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
A Code of Good Agricultural Practice has yet to be completed. However. work is 
underway and a draft of the first two chapters vvas included in the report. There is an 
ongoing programme Of training and information for farmers covering all aspects of nitrate 
pollution from agricultural sources. 
12.3 Action Programmes 
No action programme has been submitted. 
3 These have \ et to be trnnsposed into national law. 
29 

Figure 4: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Portugal 
(As of 28.2,97 this exercise has not been completed) 
') Vulnerable - Groundwater 
Not finished 100 km 
J 1 U^d0^0BA0JWÈRBETfFEEN 
ESPOSENDEAND VILA DO CONDE 
2 AYMW> (fy^lWÀQUIFER 
3 mmQWUMmWAQUIFER 
4 MIRAQUATERNARYAQUIFER 
5 OitfPMADEFABQmOCENE, 
JÛRÀSSlâAQUIFER 

13. SWEDEN 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 4 September 1996. 
13.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
Monitoring for eutrophication is carried out at a number of different levels: national. 
regional and local. Marine waters are sampled at outstations and at the coast. In 
addition, nitrogen transport to coastal vvaters from the larger estuaries is measured and 
calculated. The condition of freshwater is monitored, inter alia. in reference lakes and 
water courses selected at national level. The effects of agriculture activities are measured 
and calculated in small drainage areas, so-called representative areas. and at observation 
sites. There are different measurement programmes for surface water and groundwater 
supplies and for private wells. 
For fresh surface waters it has been shown that 90% of the sampling points have a nitrate 
concentration below 9 mg/1 and all sampling points are below 50 mg/1. 
In 1995, the analysis of lakes found that 90% had a nitrate content of below 2 mg/1 and all 
had concentrations belovv 50 mg/1. 
For groundwaters no site has a concentration of nitrate above 50 mg/1. and most are 
below 5 mg/1. For dug and drilled wells 44 mg/1 is exceeded in 5% of dug wells and 1% 
of drilled vvells. 
The monitoririg of the nutrient salt run-off from some agricultural areas has also been 
monitored and found that at some sites nitrate concentrations vvere found to exceed 50 
mg/1. Lts' 
For coastal waters the measurements of the nutrient salt and oxygen concentrations show 
that they are often eutrophic. Where this is the case they have been designated according 
to Article 3(2) of the Directive. In addition, the lake Ringsjon. has been found to be 
eutrophic, and as a result, designated. The vulnerable zones are designated in Figure 5. 
13.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
All requirements pursuant to Annex II.A are incorporated in existing general advice or 
statutes. The information and advice has been provided to farmers on environmental 
improvement measures in agriculture and this has been supported by a programme of 
research and development projects. Advice is given on subjects which include manure 
application techniques, nutrient balances, storage capaeity assessments and fertilisation 
recommendations. Financing is also available at various levels of government to provide 
advice, study tours, demonstrations, field trips and information free of eharge to farmers. 
There are also grants for the training of advisers. 


Figure 5: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Sweden 
*n 
o-J 
3 J> 
© J3 
0 
© 0) 
-o £ 
£ c 
3 0 > Z 
J c 

13.3 Action Prosrammes 
13.3.1 Article 5(4)(a) and (h) 
Since a Government Report declared Swedish coastal and marine vvaters to be at serious 
risk in 1987 there has been a concerted effort to rcduce nutricnt concentrations in these 
areas. For the coastal zones a target was set of obtaining a 50% reduction in nutrient salt 
loads on 1985 levels by the year 2000. This date was subsequently brought forward to 
1995. One of the sectors targeted was agriculture wherc it was interpreted as requiring a 
50% reduction in nitrogen leaching from agriculture by 1995 based on 1985 levels. 
Sweden has also set targets to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers containing nitrogen 
by 20% by the year 2000 taking 1986 as the base year and to reduce ammonia emissions 
by 25% in Southern Sweden between 1990 and 1995. 
To achieve this level of reduction it was considered necessary, amongst other factors to: 
• ensure nutrient supply matched plants' needs; 
• require a higher proportion of vegetation cover on intensively farmed arable land near 
the coast; 
• reduce farming intensity (including limiting livestock quantities on holdings): 
• restrict the spreading of livestock manure during autumn and winter; 
• increase storage capacity requirements for livestock manure. (eight months is 
stipulated for cattle, horse, sheep or goat manure in the designated vulnerable zone. 
Ten months is required for other livestock including pigs and poultry): 
These requirements were translated into laws from 1988 in the'form of an action 
programme to reduce nutrient run-off from agricullure (and by subsequent extensions to 
include ammonia losses from agriculture). 
In addition to statutory requirements, comprehensive advisory activities and research and 
development programmes have been carried out. Hconomic instruments havc also been 
used to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. These have included grants for 
catch-crop cultivation and the extension of manure storage facilities and environmental 
taxes on nitrogen. Environmental support is also available lor cultivation of catch crops. 
creation of wetlands, establishment of prolection zones alongsidc watercourses and 
extensive grassland farming. 
13.3.2 Information required by Annex 111(4) 
Sweden has chosen to Implement the measures of Annex 111(2) of the Directive by 
introducing rules on the maximum permitted livestock density on farms. The figures 
required under Annex V.4(b) for the nutrient content of livestock manure, kg N/ha and 
year is provided in Table 4 below, with maximum permitted animal density. The 
nitrogen quantity per hectare is corrected for losses in the housing and during storage. 
No deduction is made for housing and storage losses during the grazing season. 
Table 4: The Nutrient Content of Animal Manure and Permitted Livestock Densities 
P^HX_cows 6000 kg 
Dairy cows 8000 kg 
P^ÏL^wsAOOOOkg 
Heifers, bulls, steers 2:12 mths* 
i 
j Heifers, bulls, steers 12-24 mths* 
j Sucklercows 
Sows 
Fattening pigs 
Laying hens 
Pullets 
| Broilers 
! Turkeys 
| Horses 
] Sheep and goats •wm • tméim >; ?•+?_........ ...»„ . ^ f'y î *Jfe] 
m 
&4iêî 
1.6 154 
1.6 160 
1.6 - 1(59 
5.8 115 
4.6 200 
2.3 138 
2.2 54 
10.5 84 
100 56 
250 60 
470 117 
140 70 
3 -•-:_ 
15 138 
143 
151 
101 
182 
150 
45 
70 
49 
52 
103 
61 
106 
142 
* The category heifers, bulls, steers must be judged on the basis of the category 
"Heifers, bulls, steers 2-24 months". The number of heifers, bulls and steers on a 
holding is usually evenly distributed between the age categories 2-12 and 12-14 
months. 
13.3.3 Additional or Reinforced Actions 
There is an ongoing review of the regulatory system in place to minimise nutrient losses. 
This has resulted in proposals to tighten many of the rules in what are considered to be 
the action programmes. In addition various working parties have been set up, one of 
these concerns the drawing up of an action programme to achieve a 50% reduction in 
ammonia losses from agricultiire compared vvith the 1990 level. 
13.3.4 Results of Monitoring Programmes carricd out under Articlc 5(6) 
Since nutrient loss depends upon the amount and distribution of rainfall throughout the 
year, a method has been devised of calculating nutrient loss from standard data. This 
simulation model is based on results from the regular environmental monitoring 
programme, climate data, data on crops and fertiliser use. etc. The model provides 
figures for leaching form the root zone of arable land to the groundwater or drainage 
water in ad standard year. In addition, nitrate leaching to water is monitored. It has been 
calculated that between 1985 and 1994 the nitrogen losses from agricultural land due to 
anthropogenic activity has diminished by about 30% over the last ten years. There are, 
however, regional variations. The reduction in South West Sweden where there is high 
rainfall, the soil is often coarse and agriculture is intensive has only been of the order of 
10%. whereas in Svealand the reduction has been of the order of 40%. The overall 30% 
drop in anthropogenic loading between 1985 and 1994 has been calculated to be 10%) due 
to a reduction in the area of agricultural land; 50% due to an increase in grassland area 
and 40%o due to improved nitrogen uptake as a result of improved cultivation techniques. 
changes in fertilisation and improved crop varieties. 
13.3.5 Assumptions of when the objectives of the Directive vvill bc met 
It is predicted that the goal of a 50% reduction in the anthropogenic nitrogen load in 
marine vvaters will be achieved by 2005. However individual years may not be 
representative due to climatic variations. As a result it is unlikely that the full impact on 
the pollution of all the measures taken by agriculture will be felt. 
35 
14. UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN 
IRELAND 
The report was submitted to the Commission on 9 January 1997. 
14.1 Identification of Waters and Designation of Vulnerable Zones 
The monitoring to be used for the first round of designations was undertaken, for 
groundwaters, surface freshwaters, estuarial and eoastal waters during 1992. For surface 
waters a total of 1.122 abstraction sites vvere monito'red and for groundwater sources 461 
sources. 
On the basis of this information 9 surface water catchments were designated and 148' 
groundwater sources. No zones were designated according to the eutrophication 
criterion, although one, the Ythan Estuary, was initially considered as a candidate for 
designation but was not designated because there were a number of possible causes of the 
situation. The position will be reviewed in 1997. Overall, 69 catchments were 
designated, of which 6 are based on surface waters. No zones have been designated in 
Northern Ireland. The vulnerable zones are shown in Figure 6. 
14.2 Codes of Good Agricultural Practice 
Three Codes of Good Agricultural Practice have been produced to fulfil this requirement: 
one for England and Wales; one for Scotland and one for Northern Ireland. In England 
and Wales and Scotland these Codes have a status which, wh'ilst remaining voluntary, 
means that should a farmer be prosecuted for causing pollution their failure to adhere to 
the measures in the Code may be taken into account. 
The Codes are available free of charge. In addition a variety of initiatives have been 
pursued to promote the application of the Codes. These include press articles, 
presentations to farmers and other interest groups and the provision of education packs to 
colleges and universities. Copies of the Codes have also been provided to farmers as part 
of the agricultural advisory services' activities across the UK. These services have also 
sought to promote Good Agricultural Practice through farm visits to assess pollution and 
prevent serious pollution events. 
14.3 Action Programmes 
At the time of submission of the report the UK had yet to implement the Action 
Programmes. A draft statutory instrument for the action programme was appended to the 
report. 
36 

Figure 6: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in the United Kingdom 
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 
I 
7 BRIDUNGTON 
2 RIVER HULL 
3 MILINGTON SPRINGS 
4 SPRINGWELLS 
5 COTTINGHAM 
6 BRAYTON 
7 CARLTON 
8 POLLINGTON 
9 HATFIELD 
10 NORTHLINCOLNSHIRE 
11 NORTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 
12 LONCOLN 
13 RIVER W1THAM 
14 HUSBANDSBOSWORTH 
15 KELSALL 
16 SWYNNERTON 
17 TELFORD 
18 BEDNALL 
19 SHIFNAL 
20 LICHFIELD 
21 QAKELEY 
22 TOM HILL 
23 HINKSFORD 
24 KJNVER 
25 WILDMOOR 
26 ASTLEY 
27 HASELEY 
28 BROMSBERROW 
29 SNOWSH1LL 
30 STOW-ON-THE-WOLD 
31 GARWAY 
32 CHELTENHAM 
33 THE SLAUGHTERS 
34 FAIRFORD 
35 RIVERSLEAM, CHERWELL, 
ANDGREATOUSE 
36 W1GHT0N 
37 GREATBIRCHAM 
38 SWAFFHAM 
39 LYNGFORGE 
40 WROXHAM 
41 RIVER WAVENEY 
42 MOULTON 
43 BURYSTEDMUNDS 
44 FULBOURN 
45 LINTON 
46 FOWLMERE 
47 SLIPEND 
48 WESTON 
49 GREATOFFLEY 
50 KINGSWALDEN 
51 RIVERSBLACKWATER 
ANDCHELMER 
52 OLD CHALFORD 
53 LEWKNOR 
54 OGBOURNE ST GEORGE 
55 COMPTON 
56 TWYFORD 
57 DORNEY 
58 BOXLEY 
59 THURNHAM 
60 MINSTER 
61 EGFORD 
62 CASTLECARY 
63 MILBOURNE W1CK 
64 BEAMINSTER 
65 OTTER VALLEY 
66 DUCKALLER 
67 DYSERTH 
68 TRELECH 
69 BALMALCOLM 
LV ^^ Vulnerable - Groundwater 
Q_^) Vulnerable - Surface Water 
(%r$b Non-vulnerable 100 km 
J 200 km 
J 


ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(98) 16 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 14 03 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-014-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-30136-1 
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