Alfalfa is a preferred plant to remove nitrogen as it can convert large amounts of nitrogen to protein, which can later be harvested to feed livestock.

The request was made in order for the city to comply with the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Waste Discharge Requirements Order Number R5-2014-0163, which requires them to reduce nitrogen concentrations in its effluent from the waste water treatment plant.

A final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act,