German Court Orders Stricter Action on Nitrate Pollution in Ems Region

The Federal Administrative Court ruled that Niedersachsen and Nordrhein-Westfalen must enhance groundwater protection measures to address excessive nitrate levels.

The Federal Administrative Court upheld a prior ruling requiring Niedersachsen and Nordrhein-Westfalen to improve measures against nitrate pollution in the Ems region.
The decision follows a successful lawsuit by the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), which argued that existing protections were insufficient.
Excessive nitrate levels in groundwater, primarily caused by agricultural practices like manure fertilization, pose health risks and threaten drinking water supplies.
The court emphasized that even a single groundwater monitoring station showing worsening conditions necessitates action under EU water protection laws.
A related question on the validity of extending nitrate threshold deadlines has been referred to the European Court of Justice for clarification.