Consultation on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England
21 August 2007
Dear Consultee,
Consultation on implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England
1. I am writing to invite views on:
- proposals for revised Action Programme measures to control pollution caused by nitrogen from agricultural sources.
- whether to apply these measures within discrete Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (as revised) or throughout the whole of England.
2. The following documents may be found on Defra’s website:
- The Protection of Waters Against Pollution from Agriculture – Consultation on implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England
- Papers in support of the review of the Action Programme, including:
- partial Regulatory Impact Assessment
- draft Regulations
- a series of evidence papers
- Draft guidance in support of the standard calculation processes
- Papers in support of the standard reference figures to be used in the calculations
- A number of other supporting papers
3. We welcome your views and comments on the proposals. If you wish to obtain a copy of this consultation or the supporting papers. Please contact 020 7238 5494 or email nitratesconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Responses
4. Please send responses to either:
Consultation on Nitrates Directive Action Programme
Water Quality Division, Defra
2nd Floor, Ergon House
Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2AL
Or e-mail: nitratesconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk
5. Responses should be received by Tuesday 13 December 2007.
6. In line with Defra´s policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses we receive will be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. The information they contain will also be published in a summary of responses.
7. If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. You should also be aware that there may be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.
8. The library will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hour notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.
9. If you have any comments or complaints about the consultation process, as opposed to the content in the consultation paper, please address them to Marjorie Addo Defra’s Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7B Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, or email consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
10. Thank you for your help in this matter. If you have any queries please contact us as above.
Yours sincerely
Simon Dawes
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Page published: 21 August 2007