Evaluating the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in Denmark and England using an actor-orientated approach

✍ Scribed by Smith, Rebecca J. Nimmo ;Glegg, Gillian A. ;Parkinson, Rob ;Richards, Jo P.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2007
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 314 KB
• Volume: 17
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0961-0405
• DOI: 10.1002/eet.440

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) was adopted to address the issue of water pollution caused by nitrate derived from agricultural practices across the European Union (EU). This study evaluates the implementation of the Nitrates Directive by considering the perspectives of respondents from significant actor groups involved in the policy implementation process in Denmark and England. Structured field interviews were conducted and discovered that Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) designation in England was a lengthy and inefficient process compared with that in Denmark. Generally, respondents from both countries considered that whole country designation was a more effective policy instrument than designation of discrete zones. Denmark's Action Programme measures reflected the severity of its water quality problems and go beyond the demands of the Nitrates Directive. The respondents recognized that Denmark's strict measures have led to a reduction in nitrate leaching and a decline in nitrate concentrations in streams from cultivated catchments. England's current Action Programme measures do not demand any substantial changes to farming practice and so have limited potential to reduce nitrate losses. This study concludes that a number of vague and ill prepared guidelines within the Nitrates Directive undermine its ability to protect water quality adequately, and hence current implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is an opportunity to re‐shape water policy in relation to nitrate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.