EPA OKs slower rollout of water rules for Wisconsin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a bid by Wisconsin officials to allow a slower rollout of rules limiting the discharge of a dominant pollutant into waterways.

The EPA notified the Department of Natural Resources on Monday that it will allow the state to phase in tougher regulations to limit the discharge of phosphorus from point sources such as sewage treatment plants and factories.

Phosphorus is a major ingredient that feeds algae that clog many Wisconsin lakes. In its latest assessment, the DNR in 2016 concluded that 41% of more than 7,700 waters in the state violated water standards for phosphorus.

The action has been in the works by the EPA for months and is not seen as being influenced by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has promised to cut back on environmental regulations.

Read more: http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/politics/2017/02/08/epa-oks-slower-roll-out-water-rules-wisconsin/97610050/