Washington-The National Research Council (NRC) is calling for swift government action to reduce fertilizer pollution, including a comprehensive and aggressive commitment to cleaning up the Mississippi River basin from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf Coast. Specifically, NRC scientists are advising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish a numeric limit for the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in the waters of the northern Gulf, which raises concerns in the fertilizer and agriculture communities. For one, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is very much opposed to the imposition of numeric nutrient criteria as is taking place in Florida, and will oppose such action should it be taken in other states. “Even the Environmental Protection Agency’s own Science Advisory Board on numeric criteria has criticized the approach being taken in Florida,” noted TFI spokeswoman Kathy Mathers. “We support the implementation of site specific nutrient stewardship practices based on the 4R system, which promotes the use of the right nutrient source at the right time, at the right rate, and in the right place.” The NRC approach is to develop a basin-wide action plan with partner federal agencies and the Mississippi River states to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution throughout the Mississippi River Basin and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. NRC says the plan should be rigorous and include clear performance measures, milestones, and deadlines. The Iowa Environmental Council describes the proposals as common sense that could mark a crucial first step in reclaiming the Mississippi River basin for future generations.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain