The Protection of Water Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996

Contents of action programmes

7.—(1) An action programme shall include—

(a)the provisions described in Schedule 3; and

(b)provisions embodying the measures contained in the code of good agricultural practice referred to in regulation 5, other than such provisions as have been superseded by the provisions described in Schedule 3.

(2) Action programmes shall also contain such additional requirements, restrictions and prohibitions as the Departments consider necessary if, at the outset or in the light of experience gained in implementing the programmes, it becomes apparent to them that the provisions referred to in paragraph (1) will not be sufficient for achieving the Objectives.

(3) In determining the provisions of an action programme, the Departments shall take into account—

(a)available scientific and technical data, mainly with reference to respective nitrogen contributions originating from agricultural and other sources;

(b)environmental conditions in the relevant regions.

(4) In selecting the additional provisions referred to in paragraph (2), the Departments shall take into account the effectiveness and cost of such provisions relative to other possible preventive provisions.