Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations further implement in Scotland the requirements of Council Directive 91/676/EEC (“the Directive”) concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. The objective of the Directive is to ensure that measures are taken to reduce and prevent nitrate pollution from agricultural sources. It provides a framework for action to reduce nitrate levels in the catchments of rivers and groundwater sources affected by such pollution, and to reduce eutrophication of freshwater bodies, estuaries, and coastal waters.
Regulation 3 designates a further nitrate vulnerable zone. Regulation 4 makes provision for maps of the nitrate vulnerable zone to be available for public inspection.