NutrientSmart (NSmart)

EPA is seeking stakeholder input on a proposed new program called NSmart that would recognize partners in nutrient load reduction.

NSmart’s Goal 

The proposed program’s goal is to encourage and recognize the adoption of enhanced nutrient management practices by water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and their communities.  It may also acknowledge work that has been done to date and facilitate further efforts through peer to peer, information sharing to members, and watershed approaches.

NSmart Participants 

Participation in the program will be voluntary and will be piloted with WRRFs.  The program has two components.  The first component focuses on utility community engagement through outreach.  The second component focuses on nutrient reductions of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), or both (TN & TP).  The reduction of TN and/or TP may be based on influent and effluent measurements, or in the case of watershed approaches through plans and appropriate modeling, and may be used to determine the utility’s acceptance into the corresponding program tier (Silver, Gold, Platinum).  Additionally, NSmart would recognize those implementing innovative methods that achieve high levels of nutrient reductions with “NSmart Innovator” status.

NSmart Collaboration 

NSmart will complement the Secondary Treatment Survey, which is a tool used to gather information from WRRFs on best practices and technologies for secondary treatment.  The pilot NSmart program will recognize municipal water resource recovery facilities and their communities; however, the program is designed to be kept broad, so it may expand to incorporate other industries and entities in the future.

EPA plans to launch NSmart in 2019 if there is sufficient interest.  Please send questions and comments to Amina Pollard (pollard.amina@epa.gov).