A majority of entities responsible for wastewater and water treatment have come to realize that it is very important to take a proactive approach when new water quality regulations are being considered or promulgated by either the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The regulatory community staff is finite and cannot possibly be aware of all factual information. In many instances important underlying data is lacking or is insufficient for making well-informed decisions. The ATF offers an opportunity to coordinate water quality data collection, inventory sources of nitrogen, phosphorous and other constituents, and generate relevant information to comply with required monitoring under Regulation 85.
In addition to coordinating monitoring efforts, the ATF can assist in identifying sources of nitrogen and phosphorous loading. This can lead to better ways to define how water quality can be protected and improved with well thought out, cost-effective, optimal measures rather than the common “one size fits all” regulatory approach. Contributions from agricultural operations have not been measured or objectively quantified, and that is a key first step towards achieving solid recommendations for action. Without this effort, agriculture may be exposed to inefficient or unnecessary regulations, and be forced to accept abatement measures that are not thoroughly analyzed.
The ATF believes the combined experience and knowledge from water and wastewater professionals in conjunction with the agricultural community can measurably benefit agriculture and open opportunities for pooling resources.
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