Seminar on Environment Nitrates Pollution TAIEX RTP 24608 Control Activities under Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC)

Bucharest

18-19 July 2007

Dr Maria Zachariou-Dodou Water Development Department mzachariou@wdd.moa.gov.cy zacharioum@gmail.cy

Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources and Environment
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CONTENTS
European Legislation to control N pollution and Measures under Nitrates Directive
Control Activities and Action Programs Cyprus Code of Good Agricultural Practice Measures to control Nitrogen Pollution from Point Sources Monitoring Conclusions

Conclusions
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EUROPEAN LEGISLATION FOR CONTROL OF NITROGEN POLLUTION

Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC (Action Programs) Urban Wastewater Directive 91/271/EEC (Discharges limits) Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EEC(RBMPs Measures, Quality standards) Groundwater Directive 2006/18/EC (Quality standards, threshold values) IPPC 96/61/EC List of pollutants include nitrates Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC (not to impair quality of surface and ground waters)
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NITRATES DIRECTIVE 91/676/EEC

Objectives of the Directive
To reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources To prevent further such pollution

Main requirements
Identification of vulnerable zones to nitrogen (NVZ) Drawn up actions programs which contain mandatory measures concerning agricultural practices including stipulation of max amounts of manure that can be applied on land every year (max level 170Kg N/ha /year) Establish a Code of good agricultural practice which is implemented on a mandatory bases inside the vulnerable zones and voluntary outside Monitoring of nitrates concentration of water to asses the impacts of measures put in place
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Protection against pollution by nitrates Pollution means the discharges, directly or indirectly, of nitrogen compounds from agricultural sources into aquatic environment which result to: Hazards to human health Eutrophication (accelerated growth of algal and higher form of plant life, produce undesirable disturbance to organisms and to the quality of the water (surface waters) Harm of living resources and to the aquatic ecosystem Damage amenities Interference with legitimate uses of water Measures Nitrogen pollution under to Limit Nitrates Directive Vulnerable zones to nitrogen (NVZ) areas of land which drain directly or indirectly into waters, which are affected, or could be affected by pollution (surface and ground waters
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DETERMINATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES

MS are required to assess the quality of all waters (surface and ground waters) Identification of polluted waters (Eutrophication,
N-pollution)

Fresh waters, particular those used for abstraction of drinking water contain or could contain more than 50 mg/l of nitrates Groundwater containing or could containing more than 50 mg/l nitrates Fresh water bodies, lakes, estuaries coastal and marine waters found or likely to become eutrophic
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 Identification of all water bodies being at risk to nitrogen pollution Identify activities and sources of nitrogen pollution (natural or due to human activities)

Assess nitrogen pollution from agriculture activities to surface waters and associated groundwater bodies, ecosystems, coastal and marine waters Identification of the Land drain to the polluted waters (directly or indirectly)
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Designation of NVZ Ground Water Protection Area directly over the aquifer which contribute to pollution of N Recharge area of aquifer Designation of NVZ Surface waters protection Areas drain to the surface waters polluted or at risk (rivers, lakes, estuaries or coastal waters)
NVZ under Nitrates Directive should also be consider as SA (catchement) under UWWTD and Less than Good Status under WFD

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Classification of SA in relevant Directives

Comments UWWTD Directive WFD Directive Nitrates Directive

Not fulfilling objectives Require measures Areas/ Measures

Sensitive area (SA) (=sensitive water body) Catchment area of SA water body

Water bodies Polluted at less than water bodies good status by N

River basin or sub basin

Vulnerable zones (NVZ)

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 Nitrates concentration of coastal waters in Cyprus was found to be in general is less than 0.01 mg/L Nevertheless episodic eutrophication events of macroalgal cladophora has been observed in several years causing problem to the shore. The outbreaks was associated with excess nitrates deriving from several sources including agriculture activities on land (groundwater seepage and runoff and also aquaculture)
For this reason areas drain to these coastal waters was designated as NVZ
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Map 2. Map of the land uses in Cyprus Modified from the Department of Forests (DoF)

Map 2. Map of the land uses in Cyprus Modified from the Department of Forests (DoF)

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Map 4. Characterization status of the groundwater bodies of Cyprus. Groundwater bodies identified as Further are considered to be at risk or are of great importance for drinking water abstraction and therefore further characterisation is required. Mod ified mainly from The map of Aquifers of Cyprus. (Assessment of Groundwater Resources WDD/FAO A.Georgiou 2002 and from G.S.D. data)

Further

1Characterization of groundwater bodies

Further initial initial Characterization of groundwater

bodies

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Map of the vulnerability degree (low, medium, high) of the groundwater bodies of Cyprus (WDD, G.S.D.)

Vulnerability of groundwater bodies

high Medium to high medium Low to medium low

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CONTROL ACTIVITIES ACTION PROGRAMS

Establish action programs within two years of the original designation or within one year of each additional Action programs for NVZ should take into account nitrogen contribution from agriculture and other sources Different action programs maybe establish for different NVZ Action programs should include the provision of a Code of Agricultural Practice (prevention of water pollution from runoff and seepage) No need to designate NVZ if apply action programs throughout the territory (Monitoring all waters for nitrates) Impacts of Action Programs should be evaluated in time, as there is a considerable time lap to achieve respond in quality of the water body, especially for groundwaters
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 Action Programs should target to:

1. Control of diffuses N pollution, by putting in place Best Environmental practices set out in relevant community legislation
2. Control and limit N pollution at point source through setting emission limits values, using BAT, BEP. 3. Met environmental quality standards 4. Restoration and reversal upwards trends of N concentration of polluted waters

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MEASURES TO LIMIT NITROGEN POLLUTION Nitrates Directive Actions to control nitrates pollution from agriculture activities (defuse source) Enforcement of Codes of Good Agriculture Practices

Educational measures Administrative measures (monitor, evaluate, corrective action)

Change of farming practices Infrastructure for treatment facilities (livestock wastes) Legal measures

Such measures have to be applied on a large scale compare with those of a point source
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Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EEC

WFD also provides a List of Measures to be included within the Program of Measures in the RBMPs Measures required by related Directives (Drinking water 98/93/EC, EIA 85/337/EEC, sewage sludge 86/278/EC urban wastewater 91/271/EC, Nitrates 91/676/EC, IPPC 96/61/EC, etc) Supplementary Measures (Legislative, Administrative, Economic, Emission controls, code of practices, abstraction controls, educational, construction of projects etc Measures refer to surface waters, may also result in the indirect input of pollution to the ground waters
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CY CODE OF IRRIGATION PRACTICE

General Controls Protection Measures for groundwater Measures for use of fertilizer Measures for use of manure Measures for storage and transportation of fertilizers and manure Precautions for application of Manure in Liquid from Use of treated wastewaters for irrigation Use of sewage sludge for agriculture
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CY CODE OF GOOD AGRICURTURAL PRACTICE

Standard for nitrogen application (170kg N/ha/y)
Minimum storage capacity of livestock manure (six months) (to cover the periods where manure application is prohibited or impossible to use as a result of climatic conditions)
ERM 2001 studies suggest minimum 4 months Mediterranean and 9-11 months in northern countries

Balance fertilization to limit Nitrogen input both from manure and chemical fertilizers to crop requirements, taking into account soil content of N
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 Restricted Periods of fertilization

Establishment of Protection Zones (min distance from fertilizer application) Prohibition for application of fertilizers to steepy slopes at periods of heavy rains which results to surface flows Prohibition of fertilizer application when soil conditions are unsuitable (Water saturated, snow covered, etc)

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Protective measures - groundwaters

Measures for protection of recharge area of aquifer -> establishment of three protection zones for groundwaters used for water supply Zone I: No activity (10-50m) Zone II: Control activities include the prohibition of livestock and use of manure Use of fertilizers may be allowed in accordance with the Code of Good Agriculture practice, and the restrictions and measures valid for NVZ The extend of the area depends on the hydrological conditions Zone III: No agricultural or livestock development which may endanger the quality of the groundwater. Use of fertilizers is allowed in accordance with the Code of Good Agriculture practice
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Measures for the use of fertilizers The quantities, type and timing of fertilization should take into consideration:

Crop nutrients demand (kind of crop, age,

stage of plantation)

Season of cultivation Soil Conditions (structure, type, chemical

composition)

Irrigation water quality

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 Climatic Conditions (rainfall, evaporation,

snow)

Methods of Irrigation Methods of fertilization Timing of fertilization (Differ for different

crops)

Quantities and timing of fertilization based on the principle to supply the crops when they need it (5 categories of
crops).

Methods of fertilization (combined with

irrigation, mixed with soil, surface).
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Measures for Storage of Manure and Transportation of Fertilizers

Both suppliers and users of fertilizers and manure in the NVZ should ensure:
All precautions to avoid accidental spills Storage facilities should be at a distance of at least 50m of any surface waters (river, dams, lakes, etc) Storage capacity (manure) at lease 6 months (water tied structures, protection from flooding) Fertilizers are properly packed

Appropriate measures to avoid leakages from storage facilities (slope, protection walls, drainage etc).
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Measures for the Use of Manure

Storage transportation and use of manure should ensure minimization of potential risk to the environment and particularly to the surface and groundwaters The application of manure on soil should be part of an integrated management plan, which includes The areas where under no circumstances can be applied (e.g. protection zones, near water bodies, etc) Digested manure may be used for grain crops, trees, vegetables, few days before plantation
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 Manure digested period 90-180 days Non Digested manure may be used three months before planting or sowing

Estimation of the extend of the area to be applied in relation to the crop requirements for N (no more than 17kg /1000m2 /year Risk Assessment for polluting surface of groundwaters. Where high risk -> precautions -> restricted periods of application, small quantities for more times Manure may be applied in liquid or solid form
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Precautions for application of Manure in liquid form

Prohibition for application in steepy grounds. Application should ensure no runoff and should not be practiced in one doze Prohibition of application during raining periods Prohibition of application within 300m from WS boreholes, in relation to the requirements for the protection zones and 50m from other surface waters
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 Application is allowed only for grain crops (e.g. corn) after cutting period or before sowing Should be mixed with soil to avoid nuisance and ammonia emissions (use special equipment) Essential to apply mechanical separation of solids liquids Liquid should be appropriately treated and may be used for irrigation
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Monitoring Measures Essential to keep records (quantities of fertilizers and manure, periods of application and techniques used Produce evidence (receipts etc) Chemical analyses (leaves and soil. once per year) Period of analyses (soil-before sowing, shed leaves trees: June-July citrus: JulySept)

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Use of treated wastewaters for irrigation

Treated waste waters maybe used for irrigation after permitting
CY Quality standards , Code of Irrigation Practice crops, methods of irrigation, precautions

Discharge Standards ( N, P UWWTD)

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Use of sewage sludge for agriculture

Specify application rates depending on the quality of sludge, soil, crops and application periods Use of sludge should be avoided when surface and ground waters are likely to be polluted Monitoring and analysis of sludge and soil Prohibition of the sludge use aims to the protection of public health Use of sludge after permitting and after informing the appropriate authorities CY Code Practice in lined with Sludge Directive
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Additional measures to safeguard water quality for the production of drinking water from diffuse sources Protection zones (no activity or controlled
activities)

Restriction of the Development

Use of land for low risk activities

Surveillance and Monitoring

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MEASURES TO CONTROL NITROGEN POLLUTION FROMPOINT SOURCES INCLUDE:

Authorization and licensing to ensure technical precautions are in place Discharge standards Treatment requirements General conditions discharge points, quantities, emergency measures Surveillance and Monitoring Prohibition (impact assessment show high risk) Establishment of rules and codes of practices Review o presence licenses/permits/authorization issued under related directives
(to ensure that all prevent or limit measures of WFD shall comply by Dec 2012 and also by Dec 2013 by the new GWD)

Enforcement of relevant community legislation

(IPPC;UWWTD; Landfill Directives)
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Additional measures to safeguard water quality for the production of drinking water from point sources

Set quality standards for discharges/receptor

Prohibition of direct discharges into surface or ground waters

Surveillance and Monitoring

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MONITORING REQUIRMENTS of Nitrates Directive

Implementation appropriate monitoring program throughout the territory (surface and ground waters) to give a good overview and trends Monitor Nitrates concentrations in
Freshwaters over a year (representative sampling
stations, at least monthly, more frequent during floods)

Groundwaters (provision of 80/778/EEC 2000/60/EE)

(regular intervals)

Monitor the Eutrophic state of fresh waters

estuaries and coastal waters (WFD)

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Review eutrophic state of fresh surface waters, estuarial and coastal waters every four years Repeat monitoring every four years for fresh waters with Nitrates conc. >25 mg/l and every eight years for the rest

Specific Network in NVZ to assess status and trends

Incorporate monitoring into RBMD(WFD)

Reporting on GIS data Format using harmonize codes (EU Guidelines)

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 Monitoring frequencies in NVZ

12-24 times per year: surface 1-12 times per year: ground waters

Sampling density:EU 15 12.5 points/1000sqm

Take into account the hydrogeology of the area the physical and chemical characteristics of the water body including flow conditions, recharge rates, percolation time etc. Provide information necessary to ensure upward trend and distinguish from natural variations Enable upward trends to be identified in sufficient time to allow for measures

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CONCLUSIONS
Some 30-40% of rivers and lakes in EU show eutrophication symptoms or contribute to high nitrogen fluxes to coastal waters and sea. The agriculture accounts to 56-86% of the total N inputs to EU waters. Urban Wastewaters and Nitrates Directives are the main legislative instruments of EU for control Nitrogen pollution (discharges) from urban and agricultural activities Nitrates Directive require designation of NVZ and establishment of actions programs
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 NVZ are subject to revision or addition based on scientific evidence and taking into account charges and unforeseen factors No need to designate NVZ if apply action programs throughout the territory Although all new MS have now transposed the Nitrates directive and designated, at least primarily, their vulnerable zones, the impacts of action programs and the significant effects of the improvement will be realized after some years, as a result a considerable time lap to achieve respond in the quality of the water bodies
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 Besides financial support to encourage preventing measures and implementation of action programs to control Nitrogen pollution, a more environmental friendly agriculture it is necessary in order to implement fully the Directive. Investments dedicated to other Directives will be inefficient regarding nutrientscontrol, if a parallel effort is not devoted to an effective reduction of nitrates from agricultural activities, which are the main contributors.
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Thank you for your attention

zacharioum@gmail.com mzachariou@wdd.moa.gov.cy

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