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Nutrient Sensor Challenge aims to combat nutrient pollution

Teams need to submit action plans by Sept. 20, 2017.

July 27, 2017

2 Min Read
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Teams are invited to submit action plans for a Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge. 

The Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge builds upon the 2014 Nutrient Sensor Challenge, which helped facilitate the development of affordable, high-performing, continuous nutrient sensors and analyzers. The Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge calls for demonstrations showing the effective use of low-cost sensors, innovative partnerships to pilot the sensors and data management, and demonstrations of how collected data and information can be part of state and local decision-making.

In Stage 1 of the Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge, which closes Sept. 20, 2017, teams will submit action plans. These plans will explain how teams intend to deploy and use sensors and how they will meet Challenge goals. Judges will review the submissions and select up to 10 winning applications. Top entries will receive cash prizes totaling $50,000 and invitations to participate in Stage 2 of the Challenge. In Stage 2, teams will deploy the sensors and collect data as they compete for a share in $100,000 in prizes.

An informational webinar for the Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge will take place Aug. 2, 2017 at 2 p.m. ET: https://www.epa.gov/research/nutrient-sensor-action-challenge-informational-webinar 

Nutrient pollution is one of America's most widespread, costliest, and most challenging environmental problems. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in water causes algae to grow faster than ecosystems can handle. This results in major environmental damage and serious health problems in people and animals. Nutrient pollution and algal blooms also take a toll on the economy, hurting industries and sectors that depend on clean water. Federal, state and local governments spend billions of dollars every year to combat nutrient pollution or prevent its effects. 

The Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge is a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), USDA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-led U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (U.S. IOOS®). Joining the federal collaboration is the Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) which is a partnership organization of research institutions, resource managers, and private sector companies dedicated to fostering the development and adoption of effective and reliable sensors and platforms.

For more information on the Nutrient Sensor Action Challenge: http://www.challenge.gov/nutrient-sensor-action-challenge/ 

Source: EPA

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