Abstract

Increase in ammonia emissions; entire time series adjusted upwards
At 132.4 Gg in 2017, ammonia emissions increased by 3.9 Gg compared with 2016 and are 4.4 Gg above the maximum set by the European Union and the UNECE under the Gothenburg Protocol (both 128 Gg).

The increase in ammonia emissions in 2017 compared with 2016 is mainly due to the increased N excretion per dairy cow caused by a higher manure production (higher milk production and higher average weight) per animal and higher nitrogen content in the grass fed. The increase was also partly due to the addition of emission sources Residential combustion in woodstoves and fireplaces, Bonfires, Accidental building fires and Manure treatment. The entire time series for ammonia was adjusted upwards to allow for the added emission sources.

Increase in non-methane volatile organic compounds; the entire time series adjusted significantly upwards
Mainly as a result of the addition of new emission sources, emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds increased to 254 Gg in 2017 - 69 Gg above the maximum set by the European Union (185 Gg) and 63 Gg above the UNECE maximum under the Gothenburg Protocol (191 Gg).

The entire time series for non-methane volatile organic compounds was significantly adjusted upwards to allow for the new sources. Under the source sector 3B Manure management, the emissions coming from the use of silage was added. Furthermore, under the source sector 3D Emissions from soils, the new emission sources Animal manure applied to soils, Farm-level agricultural operations including storage, handling and transport of agricultural products and Cultivated crops were added. Additionally, the emission factor from the use of cleaning products by consumers is significantly higher.

Applying for adjustments
The emissions ceilings of both the European Union and the UNECE were set on the basis of knowledge at the time. To promote the implementation of new scientific knowledge in the inventories of individual member states, a mechanism is adopted whereby emissions can be adjusted for compliance. For instance, where a member state exceeds the emission ceiling as result of the implementation of new emission sources, it can apply for an adjustment of the emissions used for checking compliance. For both ammonia and non-methane volatile organic compounds the Netherlands requests adjustments of the emissions for compliance with the ceilings set by the European Union and the UNECE under the Gothenburg Protocol.

The Informative Inventory Report 2019 was drawn up by the RIVM and partner institutes, which collaborate to analyse and report emission data each year - an obligatory procedure for Member States. The analyses are used to support Dutch policy.