Watchdogs to petition DEQ for nutrient pollution plan – Missoula Current

Report on Montana Water Quality Standards and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

A recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve revised water quality standards in Montana has raised significant concerns regarding the state’s commitment to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Regulatory Changes and Implications for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The core issue stems from the transition from quantitative, numeric limits for nutrient pollution to a qualitative, narrative-based approach. This policy shift directly impacts the state’s ability to meet SDG Target 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution.

From Numeric to Narrative Standards

• Previous Standard: Prior to October 3, Montana utilized numeric limits for nitrogen and phosphorus, providing clear, measurable thresholds for pollution that aligned with data-driven environmental protection.
• New Standard: Following legislation in 2021 and 2025, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) adopted narrative standards. These standards define impairment based on observable effects, which may occur only after significant ecological damage, potentially undermining proactive water quality management.
• EPA Approval: The EPA approved the narrative standard, reversing a previous trend of encouraging states to adopt more precise numeric criteria.

Nutrient Pollution: A Direct Threat to Water Ecosystems

Nutrient pollution, primarily from nitrogen and phosphorus found in waste and fertilizers, poses a direct threat to freshwater ecosystems. The consequences challenge the objectives of SDG 6.6 (protect and restore water-related ecosystems).

• Ecological Impact: Excess nutrients lead to eutrophication, causing harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen, degrade habitats, and can release toxins.
• Current Status in Montana: Evidence indicates a worsening problem, with a notable increase in reported algae blooms. According to the DEQ’s 2020 Integrated Report, 35% of the state’s assessed waterways are already impaired by nutrient pollution.

Stakeholder Response and Concerns for Biodiversity Goals (SDG 14 & SDG 15)

The regulatory change has prompted a coalition of environmental organizations to advocate for a more cautious and science-based implementation, citing risks to aquatic and terrestrial life, which are protected under SDG 14 and SDG 15.

Civil Society Advocacy for Scientific Integrity

A coalition of nine environmental groups, led by the Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, has initiated a public petition to address the regulatory gap.

1. Primary Demand: The petition calls on the DEQ to halt the issuance of new wastewater discharge permits until a scientifically robust implementation plan for the narrative standard is developed and approved.
2. Rationale: Proponents argue that issuing permits without a clear framework amounts to unregulated pollution, creating a high risk of further degrading water quality and harming the biodiversity central to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
3. Supporting Organizations: The effort is supported by groups including the Clark Fork Coalition, Flathead Lakers, and the Montana Environmental Information Center.

Challenges in Policy Implementation

The development of a functional framework for narrative standards has proven difficult, highlighting a critical governance challenge.

• A DEQ-assigned working group tasked with defining rules for the narrative standard was unable to reach a consensus and dissolved after three years.
• This failure underscores the ambiguity of the new rule and the significant doubts among stakeholders about its effectiveness in preventing harm to waterways.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire text revolves around the quality of water in Montana’s rivers and lakes, the regulation of pollution (specifically nutrient pollution from wastewater), and the management of water resources.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: Although primarily focused on marine environments, this goal’s principles apply. The article discusses the harmful effects of nutrient pollution on aquatic ecosystems, such as promoting algae growth that harms fish. It explicitly mentions threats to “trout streams” and “dead salmon observed,” which directly relates to protecting aquatic life.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: This goal includes the protection and restoration of inland freshwater ecosystems. The article’s focus on the health of Montana’s rivers, streams, and reservoirs is a core component of this SDG, as these water bodies are integral parts of the terrestrial environment.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article touches upon the role of municipalities in water pollution. It mentions “small towns with limited wastewater budgets” and the “Montana League of Cities and Towns” as stakeholders in the debate over wastewater discharge permits, linking urban management to environmental quality.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article illustrates the complex interactions between various stakeholders, including government agencies (DEQ, EPA), civil society organizations (Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and eight other environmental groups), and industry/municipal bodies. The conflict and advocacy described highlight the challenges and importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving environmental protection.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Explanation: The article’s central theme is the fight against “nutrient pollution” from sources like “human and animal waste” (wastewater). The debate over issuing “pollution discharge permits” and the call for a “science-based plan to assess nutrient pollution” are direct efforts related to improving water quality by reducing pollution.
2. Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Explanation: The article specifically focuses on reducing “nutrient pollution” (nitrogen and phosphorus) originating from land-based activities, which is the primary cause of the “excessive algae growth” discussed. While the context is freshwater, the type of pollution and its source are identical to those addressed in this target.
3. Target 15.1: By 2030, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services…
   • Explanation: The efforts by environmental groups to protect Montana’s “once-legendary trout streams” and prevent the degradation of rivers and reservoirs from pollution are actions aimed at the conservation of inland freshwater ecosystems. The article notes that “35% of assessed Montana waterways are already impaired,” underscoring the need for restoration and conservation.
4. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, paying special attention to… municipal and other waste management.
   • Explanation: The article identifies wastewater from towns as a key source of pollution. The mention of “small towns with limited wastewater budgets” opposing stricter regulations points directly to the challenges of municipal waste management and its impact on the environment.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality (Implied for Target 6.3): The article provides a direct measurement of this by stating, “According to DEQ’s 2020 Integrated Report, 35% of assessed Montana waterways are already impaired by nutrient pollution.” Tracking this percentage over time would serve as a key indicator of progress.
• Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies (Implied for Target 6.3): The article discusses the shift away from “numeric water quality limits for nitrogen and phosphorus.” These numeric limits are a direct indicator used to measure nutrient pollution levels and determine if a water body is impaired.
• Frequency and extent of harmful algal blooms (Mentioned for Target 14.1/15.1): The article provides specific data that can be used as an indicator: “This August, DEQ had 31 reports of algae blooms across the state, compared to 18 last August.” This year-over-year comparison is a clear metric for tracking the worsening impact of nutrient pollution.
• Health of aquatic life (Implied for Target 14.1/15.1): The article mentions “dead salmon observed at the Duck Creek Recreation Area” and the degradation of “trout streams.” The health and mortality rates of key fish populations serve as a biological indicator of the overall health of the freshwater ecosystem.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: missoulacurrent.com