Nutrient Scientific Technical Exchange Partnership & Support (N-STEPS) Online

A Resource for Developing Nutrient Criteria

N-STEPS Online is a four phase framework the EPA applies when developing Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC). Learn more about how to develop NNC for your jurisdiction.
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About N-STEPS Online

N-STEPS Online provides a framework to assess the risks of nutrient pollution to people and the environment.

Overview

Understand the problem of nutrient pollution and why developing NNC will help protect water body uses like drinking, fishing and swimming.

Overview
Planning

Planning allows for efficiency and ensures key stakeholders are incorporated into the criteria development process.

Planning
Problem Formulation

Problem formulation is a process for generating and evaluating preliminary hypotheses about potential ecological and human health effects as the result of nutrient pollution.

Problem Formulation
Analysis

Appropriate analysis and data interpretation determines the scientific defensibility and effectiveness of criteria.

Analysis
Criteria Derivation

Consider key elements and technical considerations associated with estimating nutrient conditions and water quality indicators that will protect designated uses.

Criteria Derivation
Resource Library

The EPA has compiled a list of resources for state and Tribal water managers to reference when developing nutrient criteria.

Resource Library