Estonian position on the adoption of the  Chapter 22, "Environment" 

Vulnerable zones of Estonia

Based on the conclusions of the screening of the above mentioned chapter, Estonia is prepared to adopt and implement the acquis with respect to the environment in full on the date of accession, with the exception of following directives where transitional periods are requested:

3. Directive on Nitrate Pollution from Agricultural Sources (91/676/EEC): Estonia is ready to withdraw the transitional period and will establish an Action Programme by the date of accession, provided that there is the mutual understanding and confirmation of the EU that the implementation of the Programme will have to be completed in 2008;

Controlling of non-point pollution originating from the agricultural sector; Nitrate Directive 91/676/EEC

The requirements of Nitrate Directive 91/676/EEC are partly incorporated in the Water Act Amendment Act and partly in the Governmental Regulations establishing the fertilisation rules and the rules for manure and silage storage taking into account environmental requirements. The fertilisation rules focus on water protection against nitrate pollution originating from agricultural sources and on meeting the requirements set out in Annex III (approved in March 1998) to the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Region (HELCOM). For purposes of explaining environmental requirements to the producers in the agricultural sector, the code of good agricultural practice have been elaborated and it will be submitted to the Government for approval in the first half of 2001, after completion of the relevant consultations with the agricultural sector. For purposes of controlling the pollution originating from the agricultural sector, water protection requirements for manure storages will be established by the Regulation of the Minister of Environment in 2001. In the central part of Estonia, mainly on the territory of Pandivere National Water Protection Area, a nitrate-sensitive area will be designated where more stringent requirements for fertilising and livestock farming will be established than on the rest of the territory of Estonia. Another such area will be designated in Adavere region. Protection rules and action plans for imposing restrictions and including relevant monitoring requirements will be drawn up for both Pandivere and Adavere nitrate-sensitive areas.

For purposes of better monitoring of the use of fertilisers and plant preservatives, the procedure for keeping the so-called field books will be established in 2001 (second half) by the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and this procedure will enter into force in 2002.

National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis 2001 (PDF 712KB)

    1 - Pandivere National Water Protection Area;

    2 - Adavere Nitrate-Sensitive Area