Evaluating the role of point source discharges informs statewide nutrient control policy in Utah

• Published in: Water environment research Vol. 86; no. 6; p. 559
• Main Authors: Daigger, Glen T, Datta, Tania, Stensel, H David, Whitlock, Drury D, Mackey, John K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2014
• Subjects: Environmental Monitoring - economics; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Rivers - chemistry; Utah; Water Pollutants, Chemical - chemistry; Water Pollution - economics; Water Pollution - legislation & jurisprudence; Water Pollution - prevention & control; Water Supply; Utah
• ISSN: 1061-4303; 1554-7531
• DOI: 10.2175/106143014X13975035525069

An evaluation of costs, rate, and environmental impacts of upgrading publically owned treatment works (POTWs) in the State of Utah to four levels of nutrient control allowed a variety of nutrient control policies to be assessed. Upgrade costs and rate impacts indicated that costs would be within a defined range for many POTWs, especially with design capacities greater than 40,000 m3/day (-10 mgd). However, costs were significantly higher for some POTWs with lower design capacities, and nutrient upgrades to the most stringent levels would not be affordable for these communities, representing about 15 percent of the service population. The resulting equity issues can be addressed through hardship grants program and/or regulations based on a trading scheme. Analysis demonstrated that trading offers advantages, including cost efficiency and flexibility to accommodate further nutrient reductions and population growth, and greater ability to interface with urban and rural nonpoint nutrient control. Currently, the State of Utah is establishing technology-based nutrient limits that can be affordably implemented at all POTWs in phases. Additionally, a multi-faceted approach is being evaluated that will consider prioritized watershed-scale strategies, point and nonpoint sources of pollution, ecological and socioeconomic implications, and stakeholder participation in nutrient reduction programs.