Frequently-Asked Questions

Why do nutrient loadings to some rivers and streams need to be reduced?

As of 1996, about 40% of the nation's surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries were too polluted for basic uses like fishing and swimming. High concentrations of nutrients were one of the leading causes of water quality problems. The 2000 National Water Quality Inventory revealed that nutrients are the most widespread pollutants impacting surveyed estuaries; and nutrients and metals are the most widespread pollutants impacting surveyed lakes. Aquatic ecosystems require some nutrients in the water; but excessive amounts of nutrients can harm aquatic life and human health. For example:

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How can nutrient trading be used to reduce nutrient pollution?

Nutrient trading can be used to reduced nutrient pollution within the context of a mandatory cap on the total quantity of nutrients entering the water, or within the context of a voluntary, open program with a percentage reduction goal. In either context, the goal is to cost-effectively reduce the amount of nutrients that enter a waterway.

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How can trading benefit me and my watershed?

In addition to the environmental benefits associated with having lower levels of nutrients in the water, trading can generate these economic benefits:

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Where is nutrient trading being tried?

Nutrient trading is being considered or tested in several watersheds around the country. See the list of pilot trading programs and groups investigating trading to learn more about individual programs.

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Why is trading being considered now?

Over the past 25 years, most efforts to improve water quality in the United States have fallen into one of two categories:

Controls on point sources have become tighter over time, leading to ever higher control costs. These controls have produced significant improvements in water quality. Yet greater pollution reductions are needed on many waterways to meet the goals of the Clean Water Act, the main federal law protecting water quality. Waterways with persistent water quality problems are now subject to a more stringent approach under the Clean Water Act, known as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process. Trading--whether between point sources or among point and nonpoint sources--is seen as a promising way to meet water quality goals at lower cost, especially within the context of the TMDL process.

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What can I do with the tools in NutrientNet?

This web site is designed to help you explore watershed-based trading as a policy option for addressing water quality concerns. If you live in one of the watersheds with a pilot trading program (see the next section), you can use:

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Where is NutrientNet being used?

NutrientNet is being used in the following watersheds:

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Can NutrientNet be adapted for use in my watershed?

If you would like to use NutrientNet to explore trading as an option for your watershed, please contact Mindy Selman for more information.

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