Schouten gives precipitation nitrogen a fixed limit

Minister of Agriculture Carola Schouten has set a fixed distance limit of 25 kilometers for the calculation of nitrogen precipitation, which is necessary for applying for a nature permit. At first sight, this measure seems to have a minor effect on agriculture, insiders expect, but it will take a while to see how it will be applied in practice.

So far, infrastructural projects have taken into account nitrogen precipitation up to 5 kilometers from the road. For example, there are currently no distance limits for housing, agriculture and industry. This led to frowning among many farmers' organizations because - in short - it is easier to obtain the necessary permits for highways in this way than for a stable. Schouten now wants to put an end to this discrepancy by setting the same distance of 25 kilometers for all projects that have to undergo a permit process. 

In a letter to the House of Representatives Schouten writes that "RIVM and TNO studies show that the choice for this calculation distance is possible and justifiable." Ecological research or restrictive nitrogen measures outside this 25-kilometre zone, often involving low emissions from a great distance, are then no longer necessary. Schouten announces that the cabinet will shortly come up with additional (source) measures for the effect of projects on the total national nitrogen precipitation outside 25 kilometres.

All companies within 25 kilometers
The calculation tool Aerius Calculator, which is used to calculate nitrogen precipitation, is being adapted to ensure that nitrogen precipitation from a source up to a maximum of 25 kilometers is calculated. This is expected to be ready at the end of 2021 or early 2022, Schouten reports. 

The measure could lead to a reduction in the total nitrogen deposition of agriculture. To what extent this is beneficial for the sector or agricultural companies, it is worth checking out because many measures are assessed regionally. There does not seem to be any perspective for individual livestock farms or PAS reporters for the time being, because the vast majority of farms are well within 25 kilometers of a Natura2000 area. At most, it could be beneficial for a PAS reporter in Groningen.

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