Regulation No. 531 on the protection of waters and soil against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources.

The Regulation consists of 4 Chapters.This Regulation determines: 1) requirements for the protection of water and soil against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources; 2)vulnerable zones, subject to special requirements for water and soil protection against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, their boundaries, criteria for designation of such zones and their management practices; 3) requirements for establishment of an action programme designed to reduce or prevent water pollution by nitrates in vulnerable zones, and deadlines for it implementation. Pollution by nitrates means the discharge, directly or indirectly, of nitrogen compounds (any nitrogen containing chemical substances or chemical products, except for gaseous nitrogen) into the aquatic environment or soil, which causes or may cause hazards to human health, harms or may harm living resources, aquatic ecosystems, and biodiversity.