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
Date: 1998-01-20
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: action programme, chemical salt, pollution from agricultural sources, report, water pollution

•"(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. 

t.l 

INTRODUCTION 

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 
2.1.2 
2.1.3 

Fresh Surface  Waters 
Groundwaters 
Eutrophication 

2.2 

2.3 

CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 

ACTION PROGRAMMES 

......' 

The measures required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
Information Required under Annex 111(4) 
Additional  Measures or Reinforced Actions taken Pursuant to Article' 5(5) 
Monitoring Programmes implemented pursuant  to A rticle 5(6) 
Likely response time of waters to the measures taken, and the level of uncertainty contained 

2.3.1 
2.3.2 
2.3.3 
2.3.4 
2.3.5 
in such predictions 
AUSTRIA 

3. 

; 

:..... 

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

3.3.1 
3.3.2 
3.3.3 
3.3.4 
3.3.5 

IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION  OF VULNERABLE ZONES 

CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 

ACTION  PROGRAMMES 

The measures required by Article 5(4) (a) and (b) 
Information required under Annex 111(4) 
Additional  Measures or Reinforced Action 
Monitoring Programmes under Article 5(6) 
Assumptions  of when the Objectives ofthe  Directive will be Met 

4. 

DENMARK 

4.1 
4.2 

4.3 

IDENTIFICATION  OF WATERS  AND DESIGNATION  OF VULNERABLE  ZONES 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 

ACTION  PROGRAMMES 

4.3.1 

The Measures Required by Article 5(4) (a) and(b) 

4.3.1.1 
4.3.1.2 
4.3.1.3 
4.3.1.4 

Provisions forthe abatementof discharges from farm waste 
Provisions forthe  land application ofmanure 
Mandatory crop rotation, fertiliser planning and t'ertiliser accounting 
Storagc Capacity for Manure 

4.3.2 
4.3.3 
4.3.4 

Information required by Annex 111(4) 
Additional  Measures or Reinforced Actions 
Results ofthe  Monitoring Programmes under Article 5(6) 

4.3.4.1 
4.3.4.2 
4.3.4.3 
4.3.4.4 
4.3.4.5 

Streamsand Brooks 
Groundwater 
Lakes 
Marine Waters 
Land Monitoring 

4.3.5 

Assumptions  of when the objectives ofthe  Directive will be met 

5. 

F1NLAND  '. 

5.1 

5.2 
5.3 

6. 

IDENTIFICATION  OF WATERS  AND DESIGNATION  OF VULNERABLE  ZONES 

CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 
ACTION  PROGRAMMES 

FRANCE 

A 

6.1 
6.2 
6.3 

IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VllLNERABLE ZONES 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
ACTION PROGRAMMES 

.., 

7.  GERMANY 

: 

7.1 
7.2 
7.3 

IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
ACTION PROGRAMMES 

7.3.1 

The Measures Required by Article 5(4) (a) and(b)..:. 

7.3.1.1 
7.3.1.2 
7.3.1.3 
7.3.1.4 
7.3.1.5 
7.3.1.6 
7.3.1.7 
7.3.1.8 
7.3.1.9 
7.3.1.10 

Annex III. No I.I 
Annex II, A.5 and Annex IILNo 1.2 
Annex III. No 1.3 
Annex III, No 2 and 4 
Annex II. A.2 and A.4 
Annex II. A.3 
Annex II. A.6 
Annex II. B.8 and B.9 
Annex II. B.8 

Annex II. B.9 

7.J.2 
7.3.3 
7.3.4 

Information pursuant  to Annex 111(4) 
Additional  Measures or Reinforced Actions 
Results of Monitoring Programmes pursuant  to Article 5(6) 

7.3.4.1 
7.3.4.2 
7.3.4.3 

Groundwaters 
Surface Waters 
Coastal Waters 

7.3.5 

Assumptions  ofwhen  the objectives ofthe  Directive will be met 

8.  GREECE 

8.1 
8.2 

8.3 

IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS  AND DESIGNATION  OF VULNERABLE 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 

ACTION  PROGRAMMES 

9. 

IRELAND 

9.1 
9.2 

9.3 

IDENTIFICATION  OF WATERS  AND DESIGNATION  OF VULNERABLE  ZONES 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 

ACTION  PROGRAMMES 

10.  LUXEMBOURG 

IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES .. 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE AND ACTION PROGRAMMES... 

10.1 
10.2 
11.  THE NETHERLANDS 
11.1 
1 1.2 

IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS  AND DESIGNATIONS OF VULNERABLE  ZONES. 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 

11.3 

ACTION  PROGRAMMES 

12.  PORTUGAL 

; 

12.1 

12.2 
12.3 

IDENTIFICATION  OF WATERS  AND DESIGNATION  OF VULNERABLE  ZONES  .. 

CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL  PRACTICE 
ACTION  PROGRAMMES 

13.  SWEDEN 

13.1 
13.2 
13.3 

IDENTIFICATION OF WATERS AND DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES .. 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
ACTION PROGRAMMES 

13.3.1 
13.3.2 
13.3.3 
13.3.4 
13.3.5 

Article 5(4)(a) and (b) 
Information requiredby  Annex 111(4) 
Additional or Reinforced Actions 
Results of Monitoring Programmes carried out under Article 5(6) 
Assumptions ofwhen  the objectives ofthe  Directive will be met 

14.  UNITED  KINGDOIW OF GREAT  BR1TAIN AND NORTHERN  IRELAND 

14.1 
14.2 
14.3 

IDENTIFICATIONOF WATERS AND  DES1GNATION OF VlJLNERABLE ZONES 
CODES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 
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 

^ ^ 

Vulnerable 

Non-vulnerable 

Q_J)  Not  finished 

-V 

Whole  territory 

^^  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 
in  the 
groundwaters 
groundwater  quality. 

the  action  programme  should  prevent  further  deterioration 

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. 

Livestock  Date fromi  MninrailiÈcîtflfâ 

Type 
Manure 
Pig Slurry 
Cattle  Slurry 
Deep Litter 
Other Types of Manure 

ï.it*$|||£j|£l|| 

1.8.97 
1.8.97 
1.8.96 
1.8.95 

50%  (+10) 
4 5%  (+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 
l'hese  are  established  on  the  basis of 
of  livestock  manure  applied  to the  land each  year. 
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 

Livestock  Units 

Corresponding 

to 

kg* 

Cattle" 
Pig 
Poultry 
Mixed  Cattle/Pig 

! 2.3 
!  1.7 
I 2.0 
1  2.0 

265-300 
136-180 
160-190 

"230"'" 

" 

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 
It  is  iikely  that  this  vvill  mean  that  four  areas  are 
fertilisers  and  livestock  farming. 
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 
In  69  of  these 
of  96  departements  have  completed  the  identification  exercise. 
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 

1 

-u 

-E 

5 
Z 

o 
Z 

u  n 

1 

•5 
> 

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 

In  addition  the  Lander  have 
This  requirement  is  covere.d  by  the  action  programme. 
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) 

Vulnerable  -  G r o u n d w a t er 

Non-vulnerable 

1 WESTANDEASTTHESSALY 
2  PIMIOSRIVERBASINATIIM 
SARGOIJW 
4K0PAJDIK0 

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. 
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. 

It  works  through  publieations  and  information  meetings. 

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 

1  U^d0^0BA0JWÈRBETfFEEN 
ESPOSENDEAND VILA DO CONDE 

(fy^lWÀQUIFER 
2  AYMW> 
3 
mmQWUMmWAQUIFER 
4  MIRAQUATERNARYAQUIFER 
OitfPMADEFABQmOCENE, 
5 

JÛRÀSSlâAQUIFER 

100  km 
J 

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 
0 
3 
>  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; 
• 

livestock  manure.  (eight  months  is 
increase  storage  capacity  requirements  for 
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 

•wm 

• tméim  >;  ?•+?_........  ...»„ 

î  *Jfe] 

.  ^ 

f'y 

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 

154 

160 

1(59 

115 

200 

138 

54 

84 

56 

60 

117 
70 

1.6 

1.6 

1.6  - 

5.8 

4.6 

2.3 

2.2 

10.5 

100 

250 

470 
140 

3 

-

•

-

:_ 

15 

m 
&4iêî 

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 
the  regular  environmental  monitoring 
simulation  model  is  based  on  results  from 
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 

2 00  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 

Office  for Official  Publications of the European Communities 

L-2985 Luxembourg 

3S