4. The controller of a holding shall not cause or permit, directly or indirectly—
(a)the entry of fertiliser into any waterway; or
(b)the entry or risk of entry of fertiliser into water contained in any underground strata.
5. In complying with a duty under these Regulations, the controller of a holding shall have regard to any guidance which may be issued from time to time by the Department or Departments for the purposes of these Regulations and, in accordance with Article 4 of the Directive, the Code of Good Agricultural Practice as may be amended from time to time.
6.—(1) The Department may exempt from the requirements of these Regulations—
(a)research activities of the Departments, and institutes or agencies authorised by the Department, for the purpose of—
(i)protecting or improving water quality; or
(ii)increasing nutrient efficiency in agricultural systems; and
(b)activities carried out by the Departments, and institutes or agencies authorised by the Department, so as to address emergency situations where there is a risk of—
(i)impact on human health;
(ii)widespread impact on animal health; or
(iii)impact on the quality of the environment as a whole.
(2) The Department shall record all exemptions under this Regulation.