A public consultation on EU rules on nitrates to protect water quality by the European Commission remains open for submissions until the end of next week.
The European Commission is to evaluate current EU rules on the protection of water quality from pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources.
While water quality has improved in the EU, pollution by nitrates can still be a “serious problem”, according to the European Commission.
EU public consultation
This evaluation, which will be informed by feedback received, will assess how well these rules have worked and whether they are still fit for purpose.
This is in light of the EU’s ambition on environmental and climate policy, and its goals to achieve a sustainable and resilient agriculture and food security.
Citizens and businesses can submit their feedback until Friday, March 8 at 11:00p.m Irish time. All feedback received will be published on the European Commission’s website.
Input provided will be taken into account by the European Commission as it further develops this evaluation which is planned to be adopted in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
Meanwhile, the European Commission is also seeking feedback as part of an evaluation of the National Emission Reduction Commitments Directive.
The directive sets national emissions reduction commitments for member states for nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, ammonia and fine particulate matter.
“These pollutants contribute to poor air quality, leading to significant negative impacts on human health and the environment,” the European Environment Agency (EEA) said.
The evaluation will assess if the legislation has been successful in achieving its objectives and if the objectives are still relevant in view of changing circumstances.
A “call for evidence” is currently open and feedback can be submitted until Thursday, March 14 at 11:00p.m Irish time. A public consultation is planned for Q3 2024.