This week EPA Office of Water released an updated nutrient management framework for helping states develop strategies for reducing nutrient loadings to the nation’s waterways. Click here for more information. The guidance provides the necessary flexibility for states to adopt 4R nutrient stewardship practices and other innovative approaches as opposed to adopting strict numeric nutrient criteria. The memorandum builds on a bi-partisan guidance that has been updated by several EPA administrations and focus on three major areas:

• Stregthen USDA/EPA collaborative partnerships and expand engagement with agriculture and municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
• Increase support for states to reduce nutrient loads with innovative financing, wastewater trading, and focus on small, and rural communities.
• Continue to embrace use of existing tools under CWA authority including numeric nutrient criteria, CWA assessment and listing process, TMDLs, and reductions from point sources.

IFCA was pleased the administration utilized many of the 4R practices that the industry is promoting.  If EPA releases more details on nutrient management framework, IFCA will keep our membership informed.