The Star Tribune weighs-in on the state's new phosphorous pollution standards

Algae blooms like those on Lake Erie this summer have highlighted the importance of Minnesota's new phosphorus standard.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Last month, FMR reported on a major victory for the Mississippi River: new phosphorus pollution standards for Minnesota's rivers and streams. These standards were a priority for FMR, and are a huge step forward in managing water quality and river health for our state.

Shortly after our standards were approved, reports of phosphorus-driven toxic algae blooms in the Great Lakes region made national headlines.

Excess phosphorus pollution can harm aquatic life, recreation, and public health by reducing water clarity, depleting oxygen levels in the water and causing toxic algae blooms.

In response, the Star Tribune authored this recent editorial highlighting the importance of Minnesota's new standards, and calling for additional state action to protect and maintain our waters for both aquatic recreation, environmental health, and public safety.

The article summarizes the importance of our new standards and the urgent need for the state to grapple with unregulated agricultural runoff that is leading to impaired lakes and streams statewide.

FMR provided more background on Minnesota's new Phosphorus standards for rivers and streams earlier this year.