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MADISON - The state Natural
Resources Board has approved public hearings on new
phosphorus limits in Wisconsin waters.
Biologists believe phosphorus
and other nutrients from fertilizer and manure contributes
to algae blooms in lakes, rivers and streams. The blooms can
kill fish and insects and pose health risks for humans.
The Department of Natural
Resources already limits how much phosphorus wastewater
facilities can discharge. But federal officials have been
pushing for years for the states to adopt precise standards
on the total amount of phosphorus allowed in water bodies.
Wastewater facilities and
other industries say the new limits will force them to spend
millions of dollars on new filtration systems that will be
passed on to customers and the DNR should focus on run-off
phosphorus from farm fields. Environmentalists counter the
limits will lead to cleaner Wisconsin water.
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