Solutions

Finding solutions for mitigating eutrophication

Given the diversity of pathways, sources, and drivers of nutrient pollution, policies to address eutrophication cannot be limited to traditional command-and-control approaches such as regulatory standards, nor can they be focused exclusively on a single sector such as wastewater treatment. Policymakers should look more broadly at agricultural, energy, land use, and public health policies and design these policies to mitigate nutrient pollution.

Types of policies to consider in a comprehensive nutrient reduction framework include:

• education and outreach;
• research, monitoring, and evaluation;
• regulations;
• fiscal and economic incentives;
• ecosystem preservation and restoration;
• exploiting synergies with other environmental goals.

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