Nitrate pollution prevention regulation

In order to protect low income rural communities from contaminated groundwater, The California State Water Resources Control Board recommends imposing tax on commercial fertilizer manufacturers. This revenue can then be distributed to those affected by the groundwater nitrate contamination.

Research indicates that almost 220,000 people have been exposed to nitrate which is linked to cancer, birth defects, and thyroid disease.

According to the University of California Davis, fertilizer nitrates are the main source of  contamination in Tulare Lake Basin and Salinas Valley. Allocating tax on fertilizer may be more practical and feasible than other costly alternatives. They are hopeful that farmers will adopt alternative means to adding nitrogen to their soil. By composting humus from deteriorated plant, and food waste, organic alternatives to commercial nitrate fertilizer can be produced.

The nitrate pollution prevention regulations have been amended recently, which will impact farm nitrogen limits. For more information please click here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1001/contents/made

Categorised in: EPA