NRC Study Says EPA Underestimated Water Rules Cost in Florida

A National Research Council study says a federal agency underestimated the cost of a proposed federal water quality rule in Florida.

Scientists say Florida's waterways have become choked with weeds and algae. They say nitrogen and phosphorus from a variety of sources are to blame.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency created an uproar in August 2009 when it signed a court agreement with environmental groups to set nitrogen and phosphorus limits that industry groups said are expensive and difficult to meet.

The federal EPA in 2010 estimated the cost of complying with it at $135 million to $206 million. But the Cardno Entrix consulting firm, hired by utilities and industry groups, estimated the maximum costs as ranging from $3.4 billion to $4.7 billion.

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