Submission re: proposed nutrient targets for the Red River
Posted:
The International Joint Commission (IJC) works to investigate, prevent and resolve transboundary water disputes, and recommend solutions to the federal governments of Canada and the United States. The IJC solicited feedback on proposed nutrient loading targets and concentration objectives for the Red River, which has implications for water quality in Lake Winnipeg. Our submission supports the proposed phosphorus objectives for the Red River, based on a robust body of research demonstrating that phosphorus drives the growth of harmful algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems. We do not support proposed nitrogen objectives, since reducing nitrogen loading will have no impact in reducing algal blooms in Lake Winnipeg.