Coastal Florida Limits Use of Fertilizers
Chemical Runoff is the Largest Contributor to Water Pollution
Jun 7, 2009
In 2007, Sarasota County became the first municipality in Florida to outlaw the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus or nitrogen from June to September, the state’s rainy season. In an attempt to curb water pollution caused by water runoff, counties on both of Florida’s coasts, from Tampa to the tip of the Everglades, are enacting laws similar to Sarasota’s.
Why Phosphorus and Nitrogen?
- Phosphorus is a nutrient that is essential in the development of plant life. The rate of plant growth is dependent upon the availability of phosphorus. More phosphorus, more growth.
- Nitrogen is also an essential nutrient in plant growth. Among its many purposes, it is used in photosynthesis and provides protein to the plants. So as phosphorus grows the plants, nitrogen provides food for them.
There are numerous environmental effects caused by the two chemicals. Phosphorus and Nitrogen nurture the development of toxic algae, such as the algae that causes Red Tide. The single-celled plankton produces a neurotoxin that kills marine plants and animals. In humans, the neurotoxin irritates the eyes, nose, and throats, causing respiratory problems for asthmatics and those with emphysema.
On October 8, 2005, New York Times writer Abby Goodnough wrote on the severity of that year's Red Tide. In her article, "Persistent Red Tide Takes Toll on Florida Sea Life and Tourism," she details the effects of the year-long algal bloom. The Red Tide of 2005 was the worst in decades as it stretched for 2,000 miles off the coast of St. Petersburg, killing 950 tons of marine animals. Normally hurricanes dilute the water and help end the dead zone. However, with a record 27 named storms that summer, even Katrina failed to provide an impact.
The loss of biological diversity caused by the dead zones also has a negative, financial impact on the economies that rely on clean water. This financial impact has caused businesses throughout the state to partner with environmental organizations to push for reform.
What is Being Done?
The Rivers Coalition is a representation of 54 organizations aimed at protecting the St. Lucie River Estuary. The nearly 800 miles of brackish fresh water creates one of the largest estuaries in North America. Lake Okeechobee feeds into this body of water. The Lake Okeechobee Water Quality Model (LOWQM) has a goal to limit the phosphorus load to 105 metric tons per year by 2015. Due to the runoff from fertilized industrial farms and manicured landscaping, estimation puts its recent holding at 190,000 metric tons. The excess discharges into the estuary, destroying ecosystems and economies. The Rivers Coalition, along with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, are petitioning the state government to intervene and set new regulations.
What is the Proposal?
- Promote the use of slow-release fertilizers year round.
- Prohibit the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen during the rainy season from June to September.
- Prohibit fertilizing within 10 feet of a water body.
- Require that lawn care companies be trained in the new requirements; the county would accept a company’s certification by other counties.
If the proposal is approved, 7 county governments and numerous city municipalities will serve as examples for green legislation. The success of the legislation will push the state to re-examine landscaping and farming practices. As a decision is waited upon, Governor Charley Christ has begun visits to the Everglades and several southern estuaries, areas that are deeply affected by water runoffs. His assessments of the waterways will not only determine if participating counties can further progress in their proactive measures, but also whether the state as a whole should implement the proposals.
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