WATER QUALITY TRADING DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM

MISSION STATEMENT:

To implement one of more voluntary demonstration water quality trades between point and nonpoint sources (NPS) which will produce surplus, quantifiable reductions in existing phosphorous loads within selected reaches of the Kalamazoo River Watershed.

GOALS:

  • To identify the environmental, economic and institutional benefits and/or barriers of a voluntary, watershed-based trading approach through one or more demonstration trading projects within a selected reach of the Kalamazoo River.
  • To form unique stakeholder partnerships to implement techniques that will bring about net reductions in phosphorous loading not otherwise obtainable through current command and control practices.
  • To provide careful documentation and monitoring of the demonstration trades.
  • To compile reliable and credible technical data.
  • To have these demonstrations serve as a model to promote water quality trading program development and community-driven watershed planning in this and other watersheds.
  • To share the results of this project through community outreach, educational and professional activities intended to reach ALL stakeholders (i.e., industry, regulatory, agriculture, municipal, environmental, citizen and any other).

Related Links:

Visit the official Water Quality Trading web page of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to find additional information. The site includes draft state rules which define a proposed legal framework from which to implement a trading program in the State of Michigan.

  
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