MPCA - MPCA Phosphorus Strategy MPCA Phosphorus Strategy Controlling phosphorus is an important part of protecting Minnesota's water resources. Phosphorus is the primary pollutant associated with the eutrophication of our surface waters. Excess phosphorus causes nuisance algae blooms and reduced water transparency, making waters unsuitable for swimming or other activities. Phosphorus comes from both point and nonpoint sources.
Point Sources consist mainly of municipal and industrial wastewater discharges.
Nonpoint sources include runoff from agricultural fields, feedlots, urban areas, and on-site sewage treatement systems. Because of the importance of Minnesota's water resources to the state's environment and economy, the MPCA has been working to control phosphorus for many years. In 1996, MPCA developed a comprehensive phosphorus strategy with seven action steps for phosphorus reduction and control. These action steps apply to both point and nonpoint sources of phosphorus and are in various stages of implementation. MPCA staff held several consultation sessions with stakeholders on this issue, considered the comments and input received, and adjusted the draft strategy to reflect comments, as appropriate.