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Debates
Tuesday, 12 December 2006 – Strasbourg
Protection of groundwater
Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE ).
Groundwater is a valuable natural asset and must be protected wherever
possible. It also is extremely awkward to treat for pollution, even when
the source of pollutants has been removed.
I
broadly support the intentions of the new directive, which would help
preserve Scotland’s reputation of having a clean, unspoiled environment.
There
must be a balance, however, so that any new directive that is passed is
not unnecessarily obstructive to farmers and agricultural business. For
example, in 2003, Scottish farmers faced groundwater charges when those in
England did not.
As
long as this proposal does not produce extra bureaucracy or impractical
demands for those who work around groundwater, then I think this directive
is a worthy one. |
