reducing nitrogen pollution

turn the tide

west falmouth harbor

new bedford harbor

reducing discharges into the bay

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Reducing Nitrogen Pollution

Nitrogen is a natural and essential part of all marine ecosystems. But too much nitrogen can cause an overgrowth of algae leading to low oxygen conditions and water quality decline known as eutrophication.

Nitrogen pollution is difficult to manage. Generally, the largest direct or “point sources” of nitrogen are Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). The Coalition’s advocacy program periodically reviews local WWTP discharge reports to insure that the facilities are in compliance with their EPA permits.

But the lion’s share of the nitrogen pouring into the Bay doesn’t stem from just a few discrete WWTPs. Ubiquitous nitrogen contamination, known as non point source pollution, originates primarily from septic systems, but also from stormwater runoff, lawn and agricultural fertilizers, and air pollution. Non point source pollution is the cumulative result of local land use and our everyday personal actions and it’s the greatest long-term threat the Bay has ever seen.