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the upper altamaha initiative:
fall 2007
Managing Fertilizer for Lawn Use: Guidance for Local Governments in Watersheds where Nutrient Loading is an Issue, Katherine A. Sheehan, Fall 2007 Abstract It is estimated that approximately 60% of Georgia's waters are impaired, although only 20% of the State's water bodies have been monitored for pollutants. One of the most pressing issues is the prevalence of nutrient loading in Georgia lakes. In particular, phosphorus loading (the presence of excessive and harmful amounts of phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems) has become a major problem across the State. Phosphorus loading can lead to an over-abundance of algae, which masses in so-called "blooms," depriving water bodies of dissolved oxygen and often resulting in massive fish kills. Water bodies which experience frequent algae blooms are most often unsuitable for their designated uses, such as fishing, swimming, or use as drinking water. Recently, four of Georgia's lakes have been added to the State's § 305(d)/303(d) list for impaired waters due to phosphorus loading. Because these lakes are used as recreation for multitudes of Georgians and other visitors, their water quality is vital to property owners on the lakes and the citizens of Georgia in general. Local and statewide economies could be affected by the drop in property values and tourism dollars. One of the main culprits in phosphorus loading is fertilizer used for both agricultural and residential purposes. Many, if not most, fertilizers are phosphorus-rich. Phosphorus molecules attach to soil particles, so when stormwater runoff containing soil which has been fertilized with this nutrient makes its way into water bodies, a lot of phosphorus comes along for the ride. The first actions taken against phosphorus loading usually involved "Best Management Practices" (BMPs), which are generally physical management practices designed to reduce runoff. They are usually pretty successful with agricultural operations. However, when residential runoff is the issue, BMPs are harder to implement, as you have to convince a larger number of people to voluntarily do something with their property (with agriculture, the land being used is generally a much larger area and has a greater impact per property owner, so getting just a few landowners to change their practices can make a huge impact). Thus, some states and local governments have decided to attack this particular kind of phosphorus issue at the source - the fertilizer itself. A variety of ordinances and statutes have been implemented across the US, ranging from outright bans on sales of fertilizers with a certain phosphorus content, to restrictions of use of such fertilizers, to taxes on these fertilizers, the proceeds of which are used to fund water quality and watershed restoration programs. This project will examine the feasibility of such regulations in the State of Georgia and her local governments, assessing the political will of local communities, the economic and environmental advantages of such regulations, and will result in the production of guidance for communities and draft legislation and/or ordinances. |
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