Repeal HB664, and restore numeric nutrient water quality standards

HB664 eliminated numeric nutrient water quality standards across the state. The primary nutrients of concern are nitrogen and phosphorous. When these components exist in high concentrations in rivers and lakes, they allow nuisance algal blooms that deplete oxygen and can cause fish kills. They can also allow harmful algal blooms that have toxic effects on humans and aquatic animals and birds (NOAA). Decades of science tells us that we can prevent algal blooms by measuring and controlling the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous in waterways. Eliminating numeric standards goes against the well-established science.

Although the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed “narrative nutrient water quality criteria,” this type of regulation will be subjective and will not be effective at preventing water quality degradation until it is too late. Regulating nitrogen and phosphorous levels prevents the overgrowth of algae, but narrative nutrient standards will likely result in not detecting the problem until the rivers are overgrown with algae.

Montana needs to re-establish numeric nutrient water quality standards that are attainable with modern technology and will keep Montana’s rivers and lakes in pristine condition.