Modeling Guidance for Developing Site-Specific Nutrient Goals

This research report presents guidance and tools for the use of models to set waterbody-specific nutrient goals, including Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC) and allowable nutrient loadings. The developed Nutrient Modeling Toolbox contains 30 models capable of quantifying the relationship between nutrient loads and their impacts in terms of water quality or ecological response indicators. As of October 2023, the Model Selection Decision Tool (MSDT) has been discontinued. The Toolbox formed the basis of the MSDT, and the relevant models are available for download below. Seven case studies demonstrate the application of the modeling concepts. Published in 2013 and updated in 2015 to include the seventh case study.

Originally funded as WERF project LINK1T11.