chemical safety, nutrient reduction initiatives - US Environmental ...

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EPA realizes that states need room to innovate and to respond to large-scale water quality issues and that a one-size-fits-all solution to nutrient pollution is neither desirable nor necessary. Nevertheless, the agency’s experience has shown that essentially all nutrient reduction programs should contain certain key elements. In particular, watersheds in each state should be prioritized with respect to nutrient reduction efforts, load-reduction goals should be established for high priority watersheds based on available water quality information, and nutrient loads in such watersheds should be reduced through a combination of permit limits for point-sources and best management practices for nonpoint sources. In Missouri, the DNR is charged with protecting and managing the state’s water resources. The department currently is developing a formal strategy for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus loadings to the state’s streams, lakes and aquifers and to downstream waters such as the Gulf of Mexico. To date, a total of 122 individuals representing 45 organizations and agencies have participated in a series of nutrient-related committee meetings, workgroup meetings, and other associated activities. Agriculture organizations participating in this process have included the Missouri Pork Association, Environmental Resources Coalition, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau and, of course, MO-AG. 8
The willing involvement of these and other stakeholders has given the MDNR access to an enormous range of outside expertise and should ensure that Missouri’s final nutrient reduction strategy is appropriately tailored to the needs of the state. The strategy is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2015, and MDNR has indicated that it will test the strategy’s assumptions and recommendations in a few pilot watersheds and make any needed adjustments before applying them in a more widespread manner. Additionally, with financial assistance from EPA, Missouri has hired temporary staff and an outside consulting firm to (1) compile and evaluate appropriate background articles and reference documents bearing on the effectiveness and affordability of individual BMPs and (2) develop a nutrient loading potential database needed for identifying watersheds in the state with the highest loading potential. MDNR also has developed a new nutrient reduction website in an effort to further inform the public and to enhance the overall transparency of the nutrient strategy development process. EPA Region 7 continues to work closely with MDNR, other agencies, and interested stakeholders on the development of the state’s nutrient reduction strategy. My staff and I look forward to the finalization of the strategy and to the water quality improvements ultimately stemming from this important initiative. 9
Page 1 and 2: Missouri Agribusiness Association A
Page 3 and 4: As you know, 15 people died and 160
Page 5 and 6: Recently, EPA joined MO-AG, the Mis
Page 7: Nutrient pollution is one of Americ

chemical safety, nutrient reduction initiatives - US Environmental ...

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