On May 21, the EPA issued draft recommendations for addressing excess nutrients in surface water, which can fuel the growth of harmful algae, especially during the summer months.
The EPA is proposing updates to nearly 20-year-old recommendations (from 2000, 2001) for protecting lakes and reservoirs from algae blooms that shift from regional criteria to models that limit specific nutrients.
- The agency is taking public comment on the draft for 60 days (ending on July 21).
- The proposed criteria focus on the amount of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in a body of water, because controlling both nutrients simultaneously is the most effective way to limit unwanted algae blooms and other negative effects of nutrient pollution, the EPA said in its draft.
- The draft criteria provide a more flexible approach to excess nutrients by relying on models that can adapt to specific water bodies, rather than using regional criteria, which the EPA recommended nearly two decades ago. Once the recommendations are final, states may use them to build their own criteria for the amount of allowable nutrients in surface water.
- Algae blooms thrive in hotter temperatures and with exposure to phosphorus, which is used as a nutrient in farming. The algae in water can release toxins that sicken and kill humans and animals.
- The EPA used data in its analysis from its National Lakes Assessment, which sampled lakes in 2007 and 2012. The agency must revise ambient water quality criteria “from time to time” to reflect the latest scientific knowledge, the draft said.
- EPA is requesting scientific views on its draft ambient numeric nutrient water quality criteria recommendations for lakes and reservoirs. Scientific views can be submitted on gov(Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2019-0675).
In a press release (05/21/20) EPA Assistant Administrator for Water, David Ross stated, “Under the Trump Administration, we are working with states, tribes and farmers from across the country to develop a wide range of tools that will reduce excess nutrients in America’s water bodies. These draft criteria are the first update to EPA’s recommended nutrient criteria in almost 20 years. This flexible approach is based on the latest scientific information and will help States and Tribes protect lakes and reservoirs from harmful algal blooms.”
- Link to EPA’s full Press Release.
- More info on the draft criteria is posted on EPA’s website.
Info from Bloomberg BNA, 05/22/20 and EPA website
