Some of the hog and poultry farmers mistakenly listed as contaminated: RIVM

Factory farm pigs. Photo: Depositphotos.com

The public health institute RIVM made more mistakes in its list of the 100 biggest causes of ammonia pollution in the Netherlands, compiled to help the government determine strategies to tackle excess nitrogen. I acknowledged that

RIVM said several pig farms and poultry farms were incorrectly included in the rankings, although it was unclear as to the exact impact of the errors revealed through the Freedom of Information request.

Nitrogen Minister Christianne van der Wal issued a short statement, saying she “deeply regrets” that some companies have been labeled major polluters. We should be able to rely on information from independent scientific institutions,” she said. “In this case, trust was misplaced.”

Sjaak van der Tak, president of the farmers’ lobby group LTO, called the error “shameful and not without consequences”.

The LTO has opposed attempts to buy farmers against their will, which “again shows” the unreliability of model-based strategies. “Forcing farmers is legally, practically and morally unacceptable,” he said. “The minister should now clearly acknowledge that.”

What’s the fuss about nitrogen in the Netherlands?

The government said it must act to protect the protected area known as the Natura 2000 Zone, an obligation to limit emissions of nitrogen oxides and ammonia to comply with the National Council’s decision from 2019. there is.

court

Meanwhile, the country’s highest administrative court, the National Council, will decide later today whether the construction industry can continue construction as an exception to current rules to reduce nitrogen-based pollution.

If Congress decides that work must stop, it will be another big blow to the government’s strategy.