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2. THE STRATEGY CONSULTATION PAPER
The consultation paper, Diffuse Water Pollution from Rural Land Use (December 2005), explained that controlling diffuse pollution was a major challenge in setting out to meet the water quality targets under the Water Framework Directive. It discussed the issues relating to diffuse pollution from rural land use, presenting evidence on the nature and the scale of the problem. The consultation paper outlined the existing regulatory framework for controlling impacts resulting from rural land use, noted the scope for good practice to minimise pollution, and discussed the incentives for preventive action.
The paper proposed a system of General Binding Rules ( GBRs) in line with the CAR to apply across Scotland. This was recommended as a basic programme of measures that would bring about improvements. Even so, the indications were that there would still be problems associated with certain pollutants in some catchments. For these areas it was envisaged that the national Rules would be supplemented by a set of targeted GBRs to apply to particular land use activities. Where such activities are conducted by land users other than agriculture or forestry, for example golf courses and other recreational activities, any package of measures would also apply to them.
Overall, the strategy was well received with 38 responses to the consultation from various interested parties. These included organisations directly involved with cultivation of the land, environment/biodiversity organisations, recreational activity organisations, and private individuals. There was support for the introduction of "light touch" General Binding Rules ( GBRs) based on well-established voluntary advice, such as the Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity ( PEPFAA) Code. There was also support for the development of guidance, extension of advisory services, Land Management Contract measures and the promotion of voluntary action.
A summary and copy of all responses can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/12/12152505/25059.
The Executive now proposes a set of national GBRs to reduce diffuse water pollution resulting from agriculture and other rural land use activities. This consultation also sets out a framework for further controls, which would be related to instances where national GBRs prove insufficient, for discussion in 2007. At the same time, through Land Management Contracts, the Executive will be making available incentives to promote good practice aimed at environmental goals. The Executive also proposes to facilitate the use of constructed farm wetlands for the treatment of lightly contaminated farmyard water.
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