What are Nitrate Vulnerable Zones? 
The Scottish Government designates a number of pieces of land as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) based upon the Nitrate content of any surface or groundswater the land may drain in to. Any detected water that exceeds the levels set in the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC will mean that the land that drains in to it is declared an NVZ.
The designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) in Scotland in 2002 established 4 NVZ's in Scotland: Moray, Aberdeenshire, Banff & Buchan, Strathmore & Fife, Lothian & Borders and Lower Nithsdale
Why do we inspect Nitrate Vulnerable Zones?
All occupiers of land in these areas must comply with NVZ Action Programme. EU regulations state that RPID must carry out on site inspections of 5% of agricultural businesses in these areas each year.
What do we look for?
At an NVZ inspection the inspector will be inspecting your records detailing application rates and timings for nitrate fertilisers applied to land within the NVZ. A detailed inspection of the land will also be carried out.
Where can you find further information?
The NVZ section of the website has more information.