Nutrient Limit Implementation: The Texas Experience

The EPA first published its national nutrient criteria strategy in June of 1998. The EPA expected that all States and Tribes would adopt and implement numerical nutrient criteria into their water quality standards within three years of guidance document publication, and subsequently complete the adoption of the specified nutrient criteria for all water bodies by no later than December 31, 2003. The first three of these guidance documents were published between 2000 and 2001; however, it is now 2010 and the implementation process is still in progress. The intent of this publication is to examine the steps and missteps taken in the endeavor to implement numerical nutrient limits. In particular, the process and experiences in Texas will be highlighted, with a focus on the state's first attempt at establishing numerical limits in the North Bosque River, the lessons learned, the legislative response to the process, and the current strategy for implementation.