Quantitative Reduction Targets

Quantitative nutrient reduction targets are essential to the adaptive management process, because the targets make it possible to track progress over time. Ultimately, numeric nutrient criteria are expected to provide targets for nutrient reduction activities. However, states are in the process of developing their numeric nutrient criteria. Until these criteria are finalized and promulgated, numeric targets can be established based on TMDL target reductions, historic or current nutrient loads, or other methods.