Overview: What is N-Balance?
N-balance is an initiative led by NH Coast that advances the development and use of nitrogen tools and offsets to improve the overall health of the Great Bay Estuary.
Nitrogen, and its varying forms, has many uses and applications such as agricultural production, chemicals used in industry and households, and generating steel. Nitrogen exists naturally in the environment; however, human activities are significantly changing nitrogen cycles. Specifically, nitrogen levels have been increasing in our coastal waterways as a result of increases in development, improperly maintained septic systems, atmospheric fall-out, pet waste and agricultural runoff. These nitrogen cycle changes are a global issue that impact local environments and decision-making. Several recent scientific studies have shown declining measures of valued ecosystem attributes (or measures of “health”) in the Great Bay. A primary culprit is the chemical element nitrogen. Nitrogen, and its various chemical forms, is collecting in the Great Bay ecosystem at rates faster than Great Bay can efficiently process. In other words, there is a surplus of nitrogen in the Great Bay ecosystem. This surplus is growing steadily. Excess nitrogen can cause a wide range of detrimental impacts on Great Bay, such as rapid eutrophication (”death of a waterbody”), the lowering of dissolved oxygen levels, the promotion of harmful algal blooms, the decrease biodiversity, and be the cause of general ecosystem instability.
Declining Shellfish Populations
Since 1993, the Great Bay has seen declining numbers in the harvestable oyster population. In fact, there has been a 95% decline which is both astonishing and frightening. Great Bay’s harvestable oyster population is currently on the verge of collapse which could lead to a larger ecosystem breakdown and have long ranging economic impacts. In addition, the population of harvestable clams is down 31% from its average historical numbers. The oysters and clams play an integral role in the Bay’s nutrient cycle, water clarity and economic viability.
Why is this occurring?
While scientists are not entirely clear, it is a scientifically established fact that human nitrogen pollution has had a very serious detrimental impact on these populations, although its exact contribution to the decline is not entirely understood.
Factors Influencing Nitrogen Levels
Recent studies conducted by the EPA and the University of New Hampshire find that the following are significant factors contributing to the increases in the level of Nitrogen:
- Failing Septic Systems
- Fertilization of Lawns
- Energy Usage (from electricity, cars, lawn mowers, etc.)
- Impervious Surface Coverages (Paved and Other Surfaces that do not adequately filter or mitigate water during storm events)
- Household Cleaners
- Pet Waste Management
- Sewage Management
Strategic Plan to Reduce Nitrogen
NH Coast is developing a strategic plan to reduce human nitrogen inputs into the Great Bay with the ultimate goal of improving and sustaining this valuable ecosystem. To implement the first phase of the N-Balance program, NH Coast has created an individual offset program.
Individual Offset Program
This program allows individuals to offset a portion of their nitrogen input to the Great Bay by purchasing N-credits. Where does the N-credit revenue go? When a person purchases N-credits, the revenue derived from credits purchases is placed into the N-Balance grant fund. This grant fund is then used to fund projects that will have the most significant impact on reducing nitrogen levels in the Great Bay and ultimately saving our shellfish populations, including: Each year, the organization will publish a request for project proposals on its website and in the local newspapers.
- Public & Business Education & Outreach
- Nitrogen Reduction Activities
- Development of Online Nitrogen Footprint Calculator
- Development of Watershed Nitrogen Cap and Trade Platform
Help Offset Your Nitrogen Footprint by Purchasing N-Credits!
Average $25.00 = 10lbs of Nitrogen / Year/ Person
This is the average amount of nitrogen contributed to the environment. The recommended contribution level for an “average” individual nitrogen footprint is $25.00 (10 credits).
Elevated $30.00 = 12 lbs of Nitrogen / Year / Person
An individual has an elevated nitrogen footprint by using fertilizer on their lawn. The recommended contribution level for an individual with a nitrogen footprint that is “elevated is $30.00 (12 credits)
High $40.00 = 16 lbs of Nitrogen / Year / Person
An individual has a high nitrogen footprint if they use fertilizer on their lawn, drive a fuel inefficient vehicle or live in a home larger home (defined as 2,500 sq ft). The recommended contribution level to help offset this footprint is $40.00 (16 credits).
Also Receive Our Special N-Balance Sticker When Purchasing N-Credits
Those that purchase N-Credits receive our official N-Balance program sticker which can be proudly displayed on a car window or elsewhere and are listed prominently in our monthly newsletter- a true symbol of watershed stewardship. By supporting our offset program - you not only reduce nitrogen, but help to save our state’s shellfish population and restore the Great Bay.
How can you do to reduce your nitrogen footprint?
- Conserve Energy (cars and household)
- Service your septic system
- Promote N-reduction technology for city sewer and treatment systems v
- Use slow release nitrogen-based fertilizer or don’t fertilize at all!
- Use vegetated buffers to reduce run-off & eliminate impervious (paved) surfaces when possible
- Support NH Coast !!!
Nitrogen footprint calculator
As part of N-Balance, NH Coast is developing a suite of nitrogen tools. Our first tool available below is a simplified nitrogen footprint calculator. We are working with international and local experts to develop a more technical nitrogen tool with the long-term vision that these more advanced tools will serve as the foundation for a true nitrogen trading program in the future. This simplified tool is designed to give a person an estimate of their nitrogen footprint and teach each of us about the discretionary choices we make that influence our nitrogen footprint. For more information, please contact us at info@nhcoast.org
