What is nutrient neutrality and how does it affect the environment?
Nutrient neutrality aims to prevent the harmful impacts of increased nutrient levels on the environment, particularly in vulnerable watercourses, by requiring that any increase be offset or neutralised through appropriate measures. This helps to maintain the ecological balance and protect water quality.
Excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphates, can lead to undesirable plant growth, which can harm the local wildlife and alter the ecosystem's natural balance. The primary sources of excess nutrients are wastewater treatment plants and agricultural runoff. This can result in reduced oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life and putting the site in an unfavourable condition.
What does this mean for your business?’
Tackling nutrient pollution in freshwater habitats and estuaries is becoming an increasing focus for the government. In 2022, Natural England more than doubled the number of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) it advises on nutrient neutrality to 74, covering 27 water catchments in unfavourable status. If any change in land use or new development goes through one of these LPAs in a protected catchment area, it’ll be scrutinised against the nutrient neutrality policy. There will be added costs and paperwork, and it could lead to delays in the development planning process. But there are solutions, whether it’s an investment in nutrient-reducing products, building nutrient interceptor zones into your development plans, or purchasing enough nutrient credits to balance out the expected nutrient load of your site. Our experts can navigate you through the complexities of nutrient neutrality and provide solutions to ensure that your development stays on track.