Agricultural diffuse pollution is one of the major reasons for not achieving Good Ecological and Chemical Status of water bodies in England under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Regulations 2017. The 3rd WFD River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) identified agricultural nutrient pollution as a major contributor to water quality failure, affecting 40% of water bodies. The Environment Act 2021 sets ambitious targets to reduce nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sediment inputs by 40% by 2038 to try and address the situation.
WSP was commissioned by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to conduct a scoping review of the effectiveness of agricultural diffuse pollution regulations in England. Through a literature review and engaging with experts, WSP gathered evidence on the effectiveness of implementation of the regulations in preventing agricultural diffuse pollution. The review considered the clarity and enforceability of the regulations, guidance, advice and practical implementation as well as how well land managers understand the requirements.
This project builds on our foundational work under the OEP’s water programme.
This report was compiled by WSP on behalf of the OEP. The views expressed in this report are those of WSP and not the OEP.