New Orleans federal court gives EPA six months to address pollution in Mississippi River basin

(http://www.upi.com) The federal court in New Orleans has given the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency six months to consider new pollution limits in the Mississippi River basin.

The Natural Resources Defense Council filed suit against the EPA more than a year ago on behalf of conservation groups concerned about nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Mississippi River basin. Increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels can cause rapid algae growth, depriving the water of oxygen and creating "dead zones." The suit challenges the EPA's decision to deny a petition to determine what, if any, action is necessary to address nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.

"They have acknowledged the problem for years, but could not muster the gumption to address it," Ann Alexander, a senior attorney for the NRDC, said about the EPA. "The court is telling the agency that it is time to stop hiding from the issue and make a decision already."