This week, U.S. EPA, as Co-Chair of the Mississippi River/Gulf of America Hypoxia Task Force, reported significant progress toward reducing nutrient pollution flowing from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River Basin into the Gulf. The report highlights the efforts of 12 participating states – Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin – which have implemented tailored nutrient reduction strategies to address local water quality challenges.
A key finding of the report is that state-led nutrient reduction strategies helped achieve and surpass the Task Force’s 2025 interim nitrogen reduction goal, with U.S. Geological Survey data showing a 28% reduction in nitrogen loads compared to baseline levels, exceeding the 20% target. While the nitrogen goal was exceeded, the interim phosphorus reduction target has not yet been met, with phosphorus loads remaining above baseline levels. EPA and Task Force partners note that phosphorus reductions can take years to appear in downstream monitoring data because of legacy phosphorus stored in soils, groundwater, and sediments.
The findings underscore the role of state-led science-based approaches and cross-jurisdictional collaboration in improving water quality while continuing progress toward the goal of reducing the size of the Gulf’s hypoxic zone by 2035. For more information, read the official Task Force announcement, or visit this website.
