Review of Sensitive Areas in Northern Ireland under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 2008-2013 - 2015

Eutrophication is considered to be a key issue for water quality in Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to freshwaters. The Department of the Environment is committed to a cross-sectoral approach, taking action across all sectors contributing to the problem. There are three European Directives which deal with nutrient discharges to waters; the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) (91/271/EEC), the Nitrates Directive (ND) (91/676/EEC) and the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC).