This analysis was commissioned by API to provide member companies and the public with a better understanding of the water quality problems associated with nutrient discharges to the nation's surface waters, the current federal and state regulatory responses to nutrient-related water quality problems, the scientific and implementation challenges of nutrient controls, and the petroleum refining industry's relative contribution to nationwide nutrient discharges to surface waters.

This study is based on using available published data on nutrient enrichment of U.S. surface waters; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state nutrient control guidance, policy, and water quality standards; prior analysis performed for API by a third-party consultant; petroleum refinery effluent quality data from the EPA Integrated Compliance Information System/National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (ICIS-NPDES); and permit data collected from the files of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).