Scotland NVZ changes

Scotland’s Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) area could be reduced by 24% if new proposals are approved.  Following a review by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) the Government has launched a consultation on the amendments.  Boundary changes have been proposed for the current NVZs; if agreed these will come into force in autumn 2014.  Regulations on the proposed new area on the edge of the existing Strathmore/Fife will not come into force until autumn 2015.  A further consultation will be required on the Stranraer Lowlands new NVZ area.  Designations in Scotland have not been changed since 2002.  If the new proposals go ahead the proportion of Scottish agricultural land in an NVZ would reduce from the current 14.2% to 10.63% (10.73% if Stranraer Lowlands are included).

The full consultation can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/04/4062, responses must be submitted by 4^th June 2014.