MADISON, Wis. -- The state Natural Resources Board has approved public hearings on new phosphorus limits in Wisconsin waters.

Biologists believe phosphorus and other nutrients from fertilizer and manure contributes to algae blooms in lakes, rivers and streams. The blooms can kill fish and insects and pose health risks for humans.

The Department of Natural Resources already limits how much phosphorus wastewater facilities can discharge. But federal officials have been pushing for years for the states to adopt precise standards on the total amount of phosphorus allowed in water bodies.

Wastewater facilities and other industries say the new limits will force them to spend millions of dollars on new filtration systems that will be passed on to customers and the DNR should focus on run-off phosphorus from farm fields.

Some environmentalists have countered the limits will lead to cleaner Wisconsin water.