Under the EU nitrates directive the State is facing daily fines unless it implements a comprehensive plan to protect water that is vulnerable to pollution from nitrates and phosphorus from the spreading of slurry and other fertilisers.
Both compounds can cause eutrophication in water, killing animal life and putting human health at risk in the most serious cases. Some 20 per cent of ground water has nitrate concentrations above EU directive levels, the EPA reports, while 27 per cent of rivers are affected by eutrophication (excessive richness of nutrients).
Last December, Minister for the Environment Dick Roche implemented such an action plan following years of discussion and consultations with farming bodies and scientific experts.
This plan limits the amounts of slurry that can be spread and the times it can be spread, which are different in certain parts of the country. The plan is already in force for nitrate levels but not for phosphorus. The Government has also sought a derogation, allowing higher nitrate levels on certain lands, which will allow farmers to spread more manure.
The Government is also required to introduce similar measures for phosphate levels, which will place further restrictions on slurry-spreading, especially for pig and poultry farms.
Last month Teagasc claimed the regulations introduced by Mr Roche did not reflect the best scientific advice it had given the Government, an issue disputed by the Department of the Environment.
Teagasc scientists have reviewed the current regulations and have recommended an easing of phosphorous and nitrate restrictions on certain lands.
The new proposals have yet to be submitted to Government, and if accepted, will then have to be approved by the European Commission.
Otherwise the commission can seek to have daily fines imposed until the State implements an acceptable plan.