Phosphorus Reduction Strategy for Inland Non-Tidal Waters

In June 2009, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) proposed a strategy to address the need for a reduction in phosphorus loadings to non-tidal surface waters from municipal wastewater treatment plant discharges.  That strategy has been the topic of numerous discussions between DEEP, stakeholders, and U.S. EPA.  A strategy has been developed which will be revised as warranted, to address the concerns raised by those parties. 

Coordinating Committee

The Coordinating Committee has completed it's report to the Legislature which is available below:

• Recommendations for Phosphorus Strategy Pursuant to PA 12-155 Final Report including Appendices, February 16, 2017. (NOTE: Appendix I: CT WQS must be downloaded separately).
• Appendix I:  Water Quality Standards: Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Sections 22a-426 1 through 9 (CT WQS)  The CT WQS are reviewed and updated every three years.

Detailed information and reporting provided by the Coordinating Committee and it's three subcommittees: Nonpoint Source, Scientific Methods, and Municipal Implementation are available at the link above.  Additional background information is also provided.

Public Act 12-155, An Act Concerning Phosphorus Reductions in State Waters

PA 12-155, approved on June 15, 2012, mandated that DEEP work with municipalities to develop a state-wide strategy to reduce phosphorus loading in inland nontidal waters to comply with standards established by US EPA. Evaluation and recommendations included (1) a state-wide response to address phosphorus nonpoint source pollution, (2) approaches for municipalities to use in order to comply with standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for phosphorus, including guidance for treatment and potential plant upgrades, and (3) the proper scientific methods by which to measure current phosphorous levels in inland nontidal waters and to make future projections of phosphorous levels in such waters

Aquatic Life Impacts of Phosphorus: Research and Monitoring

This website provides information on the monitoring efforts, results and analysis conducted by the Monitoring Program.  These efforts include recommendations by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering report ‘Methods to Measure Phosphorus and Make Future Projections’ developed as part of Public Act 12-155, An Act Concerning Phosphorus Reductions in State Waters.

Content Last Updated on December 27, 2019