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New rules to strengthen protection for the water environment have been proposed by the Scottish Executive. Revisions to the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme are out for
consultation, affecting the four NVZs in Scotland. TELL ME MORE The consultation runs until 15 February 2007 and can be viewed here Proposed revisions The proposed revisions include revised
limits on the quantity of nitrogen fertiliser applied to all farm land in NVZs and changes to closed periods when the spreading of certain nitrogen fertilisers on land is prohibited. This
would include an extension to all soil types changes to the rules on storage capacity for livestock manures, including a minimum six months’ storage for intensive pig and poultry units.
Rural affairs minister Ross Finnie said: “We have already done a lot of work with the farming industry to protect our natural resources and minimise nitrate pollution. That will continue,
and I am clear that much of what we are proposing is already well established as good practice in the NVZs. I hope everyone with an interest will make their views known through the
consultation.”