EPA APPROVES WISCONSIN’S PHOSPHORUS PROGRAM

Press release:

For Immediate Release           No. 12-OPA057

EPA APPROVES WISCONSIN’S PHOSPHORUS PROGRAM

Chicago (July 25, 2012) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved Wisconsin’s program to reduce phosphorus levels in the Great Lakes and Wisconsin's inland waters.      

"EPA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are working together to improve water quality by reducing phosphorus levels," said Regional Administrator/ Great Lakes National Program Manager Susan Hedman. "This will reduce harmful algal blooms and ensure oxygen levels support fish and other aquatic life."

Wisconsin's program allows permit holders to meet phosphorus discharge requirements through partnership arrangements with others who release phosphorus. Permit holders can make such arrangements to achieve phosphorus reductions more economically. This allows communities and other permit holders to save money while still ensuring overall phosphorus levels are reduced in the watershed.

More information is available on EPA’s Website:

www.epa.gov/region5/newsevents/

EPA Orders Racetrack to Stop Discharges

News Release from EPA Region 6:

EPA Orders Albuquerque Racetrack to Stop Discharges to Protect Rio Grande

(DALLAS – January 25, 2012)  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to halt discharges of animal waste, industrial run-off and other pollutants into the Rio Grande.  The action was taken against the Downs at Albuquerque Inc. and EXPO New Mexico, a 93-acre race track and casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that accommodates almost 1,400 horses during racing season.

“Companies must operate in a way that protects vital water resources,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz.  “When a facility fails to meet its responsibilities, the EPA will work closely with our state partner agencies to enforce the law.”

On November 15, 2011, the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) conducted an on-site inspection and found that the facility did not have a properly designed storm water runoff containment structure.  The facility also does not have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit which allows facilities to discharge to waters of the U.S.  

Pollutants commonly associated with animal waste or manure often include nitrogen and phosphorus, organic matter, bacteria and sediments.  These pollutants can clog rivers and streams with algae, kill fish by reducing oxygen in the water, transmit waterborne diseases and impair the enjoyment of waterways.

To comply with the order, the Downs and EXPO New Mexico must immediately take all necessary actions to prevent future discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters and notify the EPA of any discharges of pollutants from the facility into waters of the U.S.  

For more information about animal feeding operations, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/cafofinalrule.cfm
More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html
EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/jan2012.html