The nitrate pollution problem and the agri-environmental policy in the European Union
2002
Izcara Palacios, S.P. (Hokkaido Univ., Sapporo (Japan)) | Demura, K. | Yamamoto, Y.
In the European Union, during the 1980s the nitrate debate gained in public significance and political relevance. The spread of nitrate pollution is responsible for its growing political importance. However, the definitive factor making political action necessary was the enactment of the EC Drinking Water Directive in 1980. This Directive introduced a stringent new definition of nitrate pollution. Drinking water, which would have been previously defined as ""safe"", was to be redefined as ""polluted"". As a result, nitrate pollution control and regulation became part of the policy agendas of northern European countries in the latter half of the 1980s. Finally, in 1991, member states unanimously adopted the Nitrates Directive, aimed at reducing and preventing water pollution caused by nitrate runoff from agricultural sources. This article analyzes the issue of nitrate pollution in Europe, examines nitrate pollution policies, and finally reviews the shortcomings in the implementation of the 1991 Nitrates Directive.
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